I've tried yoga and found it to be very relaxing and somewhat helpful when it comes to managing pain. I usually do a 45 minute routine with some very slow and gentle stretching and breathing. There are some days when I'm in too much pain to do anything but lounge, sometimes that's the best medicine.

I encourage everyone to give some yoga a try! There are many different types of yoga but you've got to explore and find out which is the best method for you. :)

All the best!

~Stephanie~

Loved it! Did it for 15 years.
The trick, however, is to start slow and easy! I did home workouts so I could do 5 minutes, come back next day if I didn't flare, do the next 5 minutes of the 30 minute tape, etc.... I worked my way up to 30 minutes daily for over 10 years. It was really good for toning and balance, just loved it.

I did traditional yoga, not the "power" or "steam" or "fat burner" crap that's really just disguised aerobics. The breathing techniques that I learned from the traditional yoga were really helpful with stress.

Biggest thing? It's not about "beating" or "matching" someone---focus on form. If you get form right, you can worry about how long you keep a pose, etc., later---the form is the key. Form and breath.

There's a lot of great YouTube videos you can explore for free.

My FM is not why I stopped yoga, btw, I had a spinal-pelvic injury that left some damage behind. That said, I still use Yoga breathing techniques and the upper body part of poses.

I started doing yoga a few months ago, and really like it. The gentle stretching seems to help a lot. I go to the YMCA, 1 or 2 days a week. I should do it at home too.

Hi,

I love yoga and pilates. They really help me stretch and relieve stress. I would recommend it to anyone. Some days I can do a more advanced level of yoga, but I would recommend a slower pace if you haven't tried it before. Good luck!!


Melissa

Start with very gentle yoga - yoga from a chair, if you can find it. The key is finding a good teacher, preferably one who has a RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) credential because he/she will have had training in anatomy and working with students' limitations. You may have to shop around but it will be worth it. A good teacher won't force you into doing any posture that hurts and will respect your pain issues. Breathing techniques you'll learn in class can stay with you forever.

Namaste.

Lynn

I haven't done enough yoga myself to personally comment. I have read that it helps those of us with fibro. Go on Amazon and look for yoga dvd's by Peggy Cappy. She teaches yoga for people with pain conditions. It has been a while yet I know that at least one gal with fibro was using her dvd's with success. Skim through the different reviews. Good luck!

Hi, Thank you all for your input... Blessings all !