Yoga at Home

When I was officially diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis and had to eventually stop playing certain higher impact sports like volleyball and softball, I took to yoga.
Yoga offered a new way to stay active without risking as much damage or increase in inflammation.
I was surprised at first to realize how great of a workout this practice actually was!
Like many people, I initially believed yoga to be barely an activity; mostly meditation and light stretching. It did not seem like anything I would be interested in.
Yeah, I was absolutely wrong.

Of course, with any rollercoaster ride chronic illness, no activity can be constant. My practice severely diminished after only a couple of years, and although I kept up with a few basic poses and stretches, I stopped going to classes and began only practicing every once in a while.
Now, after a relatively successful session of SI Joint Cortisone Injections, I have taken up my practice again.
I still do not attend any classes, but my practice at home has flourished.

Classes, for me, were lovely by all means, but I found myself becoming competitive. I knew I had the flexibility and the muscle tone, so I would push too far and cause flare-ups in my joints. I was less inclined to listen to my body and would wind up increasing inflammation and being laid-up in bed for days or weeks after a class.
Although I have gotten much better at simply resorting to Child's Pose and just editing myself during classes, trying to practice yoga for more than 10 minutes at a time is still not feasible, so I practice at home instead.

At home I am more in tune with what my body is telling me. At home I tend to take much-needed breaks, take my time, meditate in between poses, and consume adequate water. Plus, I also do not have to deal with driving home after a session - I simply walk a few feet and lie down.

I loved going to studio classes. The atmosphere, the scents, the general feel of a studio is addicting. But those attractive features helped me get lost within the atmosphere, and I would ignore my own limitations.
For now I will stick to home practice.
I am, however, beyond excited for my 30-Day free trial with Alo Moves online. I am looking forward to following a class from home, even for a short while.
Then, if I feel strong enough to attend a class once in a while - especially a restorative class - then I will do so.