Help me get started again. I've seized up!

[rageagainstbing]

As the title says really!

I used to be fairly flexible and could do most basic poses to a decent degree (apart from hamstrings which have always been too tight). My 3yo has started really enjoying cosmic yoga and is encouraging me to join her which is great as I've been meaning to start doing it again for the first time in years. Plus I'm glad she's enjoying it so much as she could use some chill in her life.

I can't do a cobra! 3 years of pregnancy and carrying around a very large and attached 2yo has meant that I think my back has been overcompensating and my back no longer bends that way. It doesn't hurt much, just achy but I can't get my arms straight let alone look up at the ceiling like I used to.

Does anyone have any recommendations on what I could do to improve this? I don't want to go in all guns blazing and injure myself. Should I just keep trying bit by bit? I want to get back to classes but not in this state!

I don't think you should worry about making improvements before you go to a class.
Choose a gentle one and speak to the teacher about your concerns and restrictions: good teachers always ask students new to the class whether they have any issues or injuries to be taken into account, and they offer variations on poses as needed, so that you can find " what's available to you".
Is there a local studio which offers various classes: you could contact them for advice on which class to choose.
So, don't wait: just go and do it!

I would also add a gentle daily practice in. Cat/cow, sitting upright focused on breath and downward dog will all help you regain the flexibility gently.

Try yoga with Kassandra who does 20/30 min beginners videos on YouTube

I'm the same, seized up and always had tight hamstrings too. I stopped yoga over lockdown as I need to be with other people to be motivated. I've just started back and taking it easy. There are always options to accommodate different abilities (I am currently doing sphinx instead of cobra for example). Just speak with your yoga teacher and ask them to show you adapted poses until you ease back in.

I'm currently using the kids bath time to do a few movements 😂.

Thanks for the advice both. I'll message the lady that runs the class and also have a look at some gentle YouTube videos. I used to like more dynamic yoga but I imagine that wouldn't be the best idea right now!