What made you start?

[DavidM]

Hey,

just interested in knowing why/how people started their Yoga. I started last year just as a way to chill out, I didn't keep it up but intend on going back this month. I still do stretches now and then when my back feels tense. Are there good programs/videos specifically for back pain/relief?

I could prob find a couple on Amazon but would like some recommendations.

Regards,
Dave
Ireland

[steamtown]

Hello David

I just joined today and saw what you had posted.

(1st] I became interested in yoga 13 years ago when I started
running in local races. It seemed to help my back! I eventually
ran a few marathons and I credit yoga with helping me.

(2nd) There are many types of yoga out there. e.g.Raja,bikram
ashtanga,etc,etc. I think what you are looking for is Vini Yoga
This is a good form of yoga for people with back problems or for
people who tense up easy (like myself) I actually do yoga at my
own house. I started out with a book by Howard Kent --Yoga made easy
but I'm not sure wher to a get a copy now.

I have set up a website that you can look at and get some tips.
The url is in my signature at the bottom.

Good luck
Drew
another Irishman from Pennsylvania

[tom]

Hello David
I took up Yoga in 1986 after an operation to remove a ruptured disc,I have practiced Shotokan karate since 1968 so I had good flexibility untill the operation! I bought some books ayear after the operation and have practiced since then though never in a formal class. The one book that stood out from all the rest was Mr Iyengars "Light on Yoga" which I still refer to to this day, I was fairly flexible before my operation but through the yoga practice I would consider myself flexible to the extreme! I also find Yoga deeply relaxing and has helped me in in my teaching of karate.

[Lars Rimböck]

Hello David

I started out long time ago to get rid of my sine pain.
Very soon after starting out I discovered that this was the beginning.
Now I`m far more intrested in the spiritual aspects and that phliosophie which realy changed my life.
If I don`t practise one day something is lacking.
Greetings
Lars

[InnerAthlete]

If you must use a video then try out the one by Gary Kraftsow.

[CherryRed]

I started with my mother when I was about 10. She's gone to yoga classes for almost as long as I can remember. I've always danced. We moved to a new town when I was young and I had a hard time finding a dance studio I liked there. I eventually did find one, but before that my mother suggested that I try yoga. I went to a class with her once and loved it instantly. I did it occasionally for about 3 years after that, then got more serious about it. Began taking Bikram classes as well. She and I still take classes together, but I've also taken several independently since I left for school. I love it! Yoga is something I'll do for the rest of my life.

On a related note, my boyfriend is beginning to express interest. He's noticed differences in the way I look and behave after a class. Says I "glow." He also has been having back pain lately and we've both agreed that yoga might help him through that.

[justwannabe]

at the time I had three choices,
loony bin
medication, Tried once for less then a month, did not like side effect.
or try something different
I choose the last and must say I have not felt the need to try option 1 or 2 since then I became more dilligent.

I have always had a hard time calming the mind but now it is much better. WHen you understand the darkness, you can appreciate the light.

[xela]

I was an avid runner, but I had been interested in yoga for a while and when I hurt my knee I used it as an opportunity to try it. Well...I never looked back and yoga is my life!