Walk/Yoga for Scoliosis

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

Well, my mysterious treadmill is working again - no problems at all today - maybe I really just *did* need to dust it. I'm going to see if DH can move it later so I can vaccuum under it. Anyway, I'm happy it is working again. I go in spurts with using it - sometimes I don't use it for weeks on end, but when my back is acting up, it is the best exercise for me (well, the best is really outdoor walking, but i can't do that at 4:30 a.m.).

So, today I did an easy 2 miles on the TM. My back was stressed out - I did too much yesterday and by last night it was really killing me. Sleep helped it, it is still super tight but at least isn't spasming anymore. The easier pace was good today.

Then, I did two sections from Yoga for Scoliosis which I borrowed from the library. I like this one much better than Peggy Cappy's back care yoga. It isn't a fast paced program, but at least there is music and it just has a nicer vibe. The DVD has 3 segments - lengthening, back strengthening, and stretching/relaxation. I did lenghtening and stretching. Back strenghtening I'm sure will be good for me (although honestly, my back is really not all that weak - I can do all the back strengthening exercises that I have seen presented in videos, etc. - my back is really a mystery - even my chiro tends to be baffled by it sometimes). The lengthening segment was very nice and included a lot of what I have seen before - downward dog - but done with an emphasis on good posture, standing lengthening poses done at a wall, child's pose, cat/cow, etc. The focus on form and modifications was great. I am

really thinking I messed up my back a lot by doing Tony's power yoga moves without proper form/alignment. The stretch segment was also good - started w/ some backbends using either a ball, bolster or rolled up blankets as props, then some seated twists and finally some hamstring/leg stretches. I don't have scoliosis so a lot of her cues pertaining to the type of spinal curvature didn't apply to me but I would definately recommend this practice for someone looking for a gentle/restorative type practice. My back did feel better after doing it.

Not sure what is up for tomorrow! Ironically, the TM is boring me - there are only so many infomercials to watch at 4:30. I watched Brazilan Butt Lift, Hip Hop Abs and Meaningful Beauty by Crawford this morning, in between the news. I may have to switch to music tomorrow.

I hope to be able to maybe try some Pilates tomorrow. I think my back is loose enough now to do a roll-up.

Take care!Donna