Yoga

[XoChelsey03Xo]

I went to the gyn with my Mom today. My gyn talked to me about my IC and the problems I was having with it. She suggested I try yoga. She said that would help take my mind off of all my medical problems that I was having. Has anyone tried yoga and found success with it? I tried it one time before ever knowing about IC. I found it to be kind of hard. Chelsey

[kadi]

Yes! Love it! Yoga was my path back into exercising after a year of no exercise due to IC. I avoided "Hot yoga" classes--- several of my meds inhibit sweating & I can't drink enough water to keep it safe. I generally took "Hatha" level 1-2 classes or "Gentle Yoga". The local studio offers several classes with a meditation/guided imagery component--those are my favorites.

On my doctor's suggestion, I talked with each instructor before the first class & explained that emphasis on lower abdominal exercises & pelvic floor work can be problematic for people with IC. I told the instructors that I would do my best, but that if I stopped during class, I'd really love it if they could suggest an alternative exercise for me. Since I started with a local yoga studio with very small classes (2-10 students) this was not a problem. All the instructors were really supportive & quietly cheered my progress with me.

There is a yoga video on sale in the ICN store. I found it to be a little slow, but it's a good intro to different poses which are ok for us & it makes a good complement to taking classes.

Good luck, I hope it works out for you! Namaste.

[ICNJess]

I do yoga for my fibromyalgia. I feel a LOT better have I do the stretching...it feels good...but days I am flaring, forget it!

Gentle stretching,
Jess :)