A new study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, recommends regular, moderately intense exercise such as walking, strength training, and yoga to alleviate pain caused by fibromyalgia and arthritis. The study had 135 women exercisin three times a a week for four months, initially for 30 minutes and increasing to 60 minutes. Pain was reduced by 45 percent after 16 weeks. (posted to Yoga Buzz blog by Jeanne Ricci).
Just this week, I've had a few people inquire about my Saturday morning yoga class, and if it was truly gentle. Yes, folks, this is GENTLE Kripalu Yoga, which has more movement than a restorative yoga class, but includes elements you find in restorative yoga (props like blocks, blankets, and straps). We move slowly, we pace our breaths, we don't force anything to happen, and we take a proper shavasana at the end of class (rest pose).
It seems to me that many people know how to exercise in an aerobic, moderate to vigorous way, and there are plenty of sports and activities that can help you make that happen. What I don't find too often are truly gentle yoga classes that take the time to slow things down, work with your challenges and "ouchies" (low back pain, hunched shoulders, sore necks, aching joints). I've made a commitment to keep Saturday morning class truly Gentle, with the option for some individuals to add more challenge either at home or for brief moments during class.
For more information about Gentle Kripalu Yoga, go to Amazon.com and look up the DVD "Gentle Kripalu Yoga". Separated into two 20 minute sequences that can be done alone or in combination (skipping the shavasana until the end), this DVD gives you an excellent example of practice that you can repeat at home to help stretch, destress, cleanse the organs, and renew your energy level.
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