Stay Active Yoga
Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘union’. It originated in India where it has been practised for thousands of years. Yoga exercises are designed to increase flexiblity, promote relaxation, facilitate healing and stimulate awareness. They can relieve stress and boost energy levels.
There are various types of yoga. In the western world the type of yoga that is generally practised is Hatha Yoga, which is a combination of Asanas (physical exercises and postures), Pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation.
The British Wheel of Yoga is the largest yoga organisation in the country and is recognised as the national governing body for yoga in the UK. It has a nationwide network of over 3,000 qualified teachers.
As with all exercises, technique is very important and it is advisable for beginners to seek out a reputable teacher.
As with all exercises, technique is very important and it is advisable for beginners to seek out a reputable teacher.
Kathy was diagnosed with MS in 1990. She was put in touch with her local MS Therapy Centre where a yoga class was offered on a Friday evening. At the time, she was experiencing panic attacks and was using a stick to assist her walking. Her yoga teacher helped her with breathing exercises and taught her to relax using remedial Hatha Yoga. She found that the yoga classes helped her to feel stronger and maintain her muscle tone, whilst the breathing techniques helped to overcome feelings of panic.
Later, when she was off work, she took up the option of doing yoga during the day. Kathy says: “It really suited me and I found I had more energy, strength and co-ordination than I had had for a long time. I was improving but I also knew when to stop and rest which is very important.”
When the daytime teacher was off she took her place and led the group. She then trained at the Yoga for Health Foundation (now re-established as the Yoga for Health and Education Trust) where she took courses first in general yoga and then in remedial yoga, gaining her teaching certificate in both. That was eight years ago and she continued to teach three yoga sessions a week at the MS Therapy Centre in Letchworth, as well as working at the Yoga for Health Foundation in Bedfordshire.
“The sessions are mixed with fun and laughter. My life has certainly improved since taking up yoga. I now walk without my stick, I have more energy and I am more supple. I don’t actually like to say I’m teaching. It is more that I’m sharing with other people something that helped me and hopefully will help them in some way. I also do this voluntarily because caring people freely gave it to me.”
“The sessions are mixed with fun and laughter. My life has certainly improved since taking up yoga.”
Linda describes her experience of taking up yoga.
“After many years of high impact aerobics then a few years of nothing, I didn’t think I would enjoy yoga. It took a little while to find a class where I was comfortable, where no one minded when I fell over as long as I was OK, where I could lie down and rest if I got hot and tired. It is worth having a word with the instructor as if you find a pose difficult they often have adaptations they can make. Not everyone (MS or not) is flexible. I have been attending classes regularly now for four years and the difference in my strength and balance is amazing.”
Getting started
“I have been attending classes regularly now for four years and the difference in my strength and balance is amazing.”
The Yoga for Health and Education Trust runs residential courses for people with MS.
You may have an MS Therapy Centre near you running classes. If you have a physiotherapist it is worth asking if they know of a suitable local yoga class or you could try phoning your local sports centre as a starting point