That’s Why I Have Backaches
I picked up this tidbit of info during yoga class. Tight hamstrings lead to back problems. So that’s why I have constant backaches. I always thought it’s because I’m a slacker and always sit with a very bad posture.
Here’s a very simple exercise to help loosen your hamstrings.
Sit with a bolster between your legs and try to bend until your upper body is resting on the bolster. Then relax for about 15 minutes. Some people do this as part of their meditation. Of course, if your hamstrings are as tight as mine, you can bend your legs a little or, get a bigger bolster :p
I’m really glad that I have been attending the Intro Yoga classes. The classes focus a lot of technique and you really become aware of what you are doing and where you should be feeling the strains in each position.
When I go for the more advanced classes, most of the time, I do my best to follow instructions and peek at the mirror occassionally to make sure that my poses look somewhat like everyone else’s. Other than that, I really don’t know what I’m doing.
I know some people find yoga too slow and boring, but know what? I come out of those classes with worse aches and pains than when I go for Body Pump. At times, those aches and pains are at places that Body Pump don’t work on.
Here’s something else I learned that is good for relieving headaches. What a coincidence that I happened to have a mild headache that day.
- Lie on your stomach with your arms crossed in front of your chest. Both arms should be stretched as far out in the opposite direction as possible and the pinkie of both hands must lie on the floor.
- Try to touch your forehead to the floor. If you can’t do that then it means that your arms are not close enough to your chest.
It may seem ackward at first but it’s actually very relaxing. If can feel all my tension slowly drain away into the ground.
I really enjoy going to Wendy’s class. She’s so funny. Plus all the people who go to that class a regulars, so it’s nice to see familiar faces.
