New to yoga! Okay to take class every day?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I started yoga classes about 3 weeks ago and chose an unlimited access plan at my local studio. I’m 52 with no gym or athletic history and had been pretty sedentary for several years … so I went in very stiff and with little strength. I’ve been taking a class every [U]other[/U] day (or so) and making two of my classes each week restorative yoga. The other classes I’ve taken have names like “Kind & Gentle” or “Light & Easy” or “Essentials” (a level 1 class).

Naturally, I’ve experienced some soreness and (pleasant) fatigue, but I’m feeling softer, stronger and more fluid as time passes. I’ve heard that a period of recuperation is beneficial when practicing a physical regimen, but I think that might be something that bodybuilders do to encourage maximum development? I’m clearly not in this for big muscles… so is there any harm in a beginner taking class every day?

TIA for your input!

#2

While only YOU know what is right for you, your body, and your living, based on what you’ve shared it is perfectly fine to attend those sorts of classes on a daily basis. In fact, your level of commitment to yourself is quite admirable.

gordon

#3

Hi Nina,
Some recovery time is important to undertake when needed, in order for your body to heal, build strength, and to adapt to your practice (even from the good stretch, etc). It does sound like the types of classes you have undertaken are fine for a regular practice, and even every day if it feels comfortable and good to you.
But if you start to notice your body feeling anything other than “comfortable” fatigue, such as feelings of restlessness, irritability, inflammation with soreness, or a sense of being overtired, as opposed to relaxed and rejuvenated, it would be a good idea to take a day or so off, or to go for a light walk instead that day, etc.
Let your intuition guide you…Sometimes less is more.
However, it sounds like you’re in a great place in your new practice, Nina, and I am so pleased that you are giving yourself such a wonderful gift!

Yours in health,

Joy Jackson
Lifestyle & Fitness Coach
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
www.joyjackson.net
www.monkeybunk.net

P.S. working one on one with a good yoga instructor in your area if you can, at least once in a while, can be a great resource. Especially when your first getting started…
I have been practicing for several years, and I definitely find what one on one time I can spend with an instructor to be priceless. It’s a journey for sure!

#4

Thanks to the both of you for your responses.

A few of the classes have left me with an “I overdid it” feeling… almost flu-like. I guess that would be inflammation. That’s when I take a day off and then do a restorative class the next day. In fact, the only consecutive days I do are after a restorative class. There seems to be a fine line between doing what I think I’m supposed to do allow things to open up and going too far (only evident the next day), but I am definitely the one mostly like to be found in child’s pose while others are serenely moving along!

For all my awkwardness, I found that I’m able to smoothly jackknife up into a stable, steady headstand (wow!).

Even though I find yoga really challenging, I still feel a sense of good fortune and gratitude when I’m doing it.

#5

It is not all that uncommon for new practitioners to have headaches or nausea or a myriad of other things from the practice. It’s not likely to be from overdoing, based on the type of classes you are mentioning.

However it’s important to point out that physical overdoing and energetic overdoing are not identical. If you are working muscles to hypertrophy or complete fatigue then it is very wise to give them 48+ hours to repair. Muscles that are not worked to fatigue do not require the same latitude. In other words, the recovery is proportional to the degree of muscle fatigue (stemming from use).

If you are feeling like you’ve over done it then of course it is possible and I would defer to you as the best knower of you.

#6

Re: energetic vs.physical: Yes, yes, yes… I think that really helps me understand what I’m feeling. My muscles don’t hurt and burn as if they’ve been abused… it really is just the other side of comfortable. But there is definitely some big energy expenditure. I don’t mean to belabor on the issue (especially if it’s totally normal) - I’ve just been amazed at the impact 90 minutes of ‘easy’ yoga has had on my… being. I was thinking that either I was extremely weak, or that the sessions were much more intense than they felt in the moment. That’s what prompted me to ask whether it was harmful or not.

I understand that it’s impossible to determine what’s right for a person just from a forum message, too, and I really appreciate your thoughtful responses.

#7

I would say be careful not to overdo it. I have seen so many folks start something, Yoga, Pilates anything and get totally obsessed. After a couple of months they lose interest because they can’t keep up that level of commitment. Better to go a few times a week, absolutely love it, and go for the next 10 years, than to get everyday for the next two months and never go to practice again.

Just my thoughts!!

Avi
Activewear USA.com