Hey, i really want to get into yoga, but i cant even get into the easy pose without hunching and then crunching my belly. I can sit on a chair and stretch my belly for awhile, but the spine begins to hurt and i have to stop. Are there any poses or exercises that will help spine endure the stress of stretching out?
Any help is much appreciated.
Hi there. Every situation is unique and it is always recommended to work with a professional when it comes to pain and injuries. I can, however, tell you a few things I have found from teaching Tibetan Yoga, but it is best to work with someone. In Kum Nye, Tibetan Yoga there are gentle postures, preformed in a chair to work with the spine. One is called Clear Light (#29), the other is called Body of Knowledge (#28 ). These postures can be found in the Kum Nye books by Tarthang Tulku.
Seated cats and cows from Indian yoga is something that might help too.
In Kum Nye it is better to sit straight and still for 5 minutes than to fight for an hour to sit straight. The consistency of practice will yield more sustainable benefits.