If you’ve ever been injured while exercising or as the result of an accident, you’re probably a bit apprehensive about returning to your former exercise routine. It can be intimidating to go back to the gym after an injury, and understandably so. Recovering from a serious injury can be both painful and frustrating, and the thought of reinjuring yourself will probably linger with you for the next few years. In today’s post, we’ll explain how yoga classes can help you stay strong, flexible, and active, even after an injury.
Wilmington Yoga proudly provides Wilmington and Leland with yoga classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. We also offer 200- and 300-hour teacher training programs that will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to teach yoga. We offer a variety of yoga classes, including low-impact stretching and breathing classes and hot yoga. Contact our yoga studio by phone or email for more information!
It’s important to note at the outset that you should always speak with your primary physician before beginning yoga after an injury. While many people find that yoga relieves pain and promotes a sense of wellbeing, your individual circumstances should be evaluated by a doctor before you begin practicing yoga. If your doctor has given you permission to begin taking yoga classes, the first thing you should do when before your first class is speak with the instructor about your injury. Your instructor should be aware of any mobility limitations you have, and knowing a bit about your body will help them create modified exercises that don’t irritate sensitive or tender areas.
How Can Yoga Help Me After an Injury?
Even if your injury was mild, it’s likely that you spent a few weeks or months without exercising regularly. Attending yoga classes will help you get back into the routine of exercising without jumping back into a routine that will leave you sore and fatigued for several days. Yoga practice engages the entire body, and you’ll find that even beginner yoga poses engage muscles that you probably haven’t worked in a while. If it’s been a while since your last visit to the gym, your muscles may have become weaker than they used to be. Yoga can help you strengthen your muscles and joints in a way that keeps your risk of injury low.
Yoga is so much more than a short-term solution to a physical injury. Studies have shown that people who suffer from physical injuries, even minor ones, are at a higher risk of depression than people without injuries. At Wilmington Yoga, we incorporate mindfulness and meditation training into our yoga classes, which have both been shown to reduce anxiety and depression and promote feelings of well-being. The meditation techniques we teach in our classes do not require you to engage in spiritual or religious practices—we focus on deep breathing, relaxation, and paying attention to the sensations that arise during practice. You’ll be surprised at how relaxed and calm your body and mind feel after your first yoga class!
If you’re thinking about taking up yoga after an injury, we’d love to discuss how yoga can help you recover and prevent future injuries. Each month we offer a free yoga class for beginners where you can experience an introductory yoga class without the obligation of signing a contract or paying a high daily rate. We’re also offering 30 days of unlimited yoga classes for only $30 if you’d like to try yoga classes for a longer period of time. Contact our Wilmington yoga studio today to learn more! We look forward to seeing you in the studio.
