Fibromyalgia and Yoga

Many people have a certain perception of yoga – that it’s only for twenty-something year old women who are uber-fit and who regularly wrap themselves in pretzel-like moves that, if you tried it, would snap your spine like a twig. The problem with such a misconception is that thousands of people with health conditions like fibromyalgia who might benefit from yoga, never give it a chance.

In general, yoga can be described as a stretching exercise that is a series of slow stretches combined with a meditation that creates a peaceful, calming and relaxing exercise.

While there are yoga classes that are designed for those who are in the best shape of their lives and may require moves that you can only dream of, there are plenty of yoga for beginner classes that may be perfect for you.

To find a yoga class that is right for you, call your local YMCA, fitness center, or natural foods store to get the names and phone numbers of some instructors. You should be able to sit in a class for free or at a low cost without making a commitment. Ask the instructor if they have experience working with participants who may have limited flexibility or who have fibromyalgia.

To read more, look for the book, Yoga for Fibromyalgia: Move, Breathe, and Relax to Improve Your Quality of Life, published by Rodmell Press Yoga Shorts. It has a full range of information related to appropriate movements, breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as the latest in research related to yoga and fibromyalgia, arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome.