Your Doctor Suggested Yoga. Now What?

Don't be intimidated

If you can breath, you can do yoga

The practice of Yoga, Meditation, and Mindfulness has been proven helpful with the management of stress, chronic pain, and the care and prevention of injuries.
Many people are aware of how important it is to choose wisely when it comes to who they trust with their health and well being. Sadly, that awareness usually comes after a person has one or two unpleasant encounters with healthcare professionals who failed to address their needs.
By investing a little more time into researching who we trust with our mind/body wellness, than we invest in researching the purchase of a new tech gadget, we can save ourselves quite a few headaches.

How to Find the Yoga Class and Yoga Instructor that is Right for You

Choosing the appropriate class and finding an instructor who has the skills and experience to address your specific needs can be challenging. However, the time it takes to do a little investigation will be worth it.

How much time did you take to choose the last smart phone you purchased?

Did you go on line to  read reviews; to compare its reputation, features, pricing, and best places to buy it? Did you ask friends about their phones? Perhaps you asked how long they've had it, how did they choose it, and what are the things they like the most and least about it? I bet you may have discussed with your friend if they would even consider buying their current phone again if they had the opportunity to go back in time. Did you consider how your latest phone purchase felt in your hand, and if it was a convenient size, before you bought it? Did you consider accessories and attachments, adapters, and how long it takes to charge it and how long the battery lasts?
So now, after thinking about your phone and how much time you invested in it, it would be hard to argue with someone who suggested that you give as much consideration to searching for a yoga class and instructor, before entrusting your mind, body, and wellness to just anyone.

Choose Wisely

Ask around. If your health care professional suggested you take a Yoga class, ask them if they have any suggestions. If they hand you a list of studios and instructors, ask if they have taken classes at the studios, or have taken classes with the instructors they are suggesting. Ask them WHY they would recommend those particular studios, teachers, and classes.
Be prepared; they may not have any suggestions.
Be patient, and be kind; not all medical professionals have been brave enough to attend a yoga class themselves even though they are aware of research that supports the benefits Yoga may offer.
If they cannot give a concrete answer, it's time to do your own "consumer research."
Ask all the questions and do all the same research for your yoga class and instructor that you would do for your next smart phone purchase.
And just like with smart phones, consider all suggestions wisely. You you may love your friend, but you may not love their choice in smart phones.
In the end, after you've done all your research, trust your judgement.

You are Investing in You, Your Life, Your Health, Your Future

Take the time to choose wisely. The time you take is your best investment-.
Read the Bios of all the yoga instructors with whom you may consider taking classes or private instruction.

The best place to start is finding a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT)

A Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) with the International Association of Yoga Therapists is a Therapeutic Yoga Instructor  who has extensive education and experience that surpasses the requirements of the following
Certified Yoga Teachers (CYT)
Yoga Alliance Registered  Yoga Teachers (RYT)
Yoga Alliance Experienced Registered Yoga Teachers (E-RYT)
A Certified Yoga Therapist will focus on YOUR needs.
In addition to extensive training and experience, a Certified Yoga Therapist often has advanced education in anatomy, kinesiology, etc., as well as specialty certifications and continuing education in areas such as Chronic Pain and Stress Management; Working with Special Populations such as people with arthritis, cancer, autoimmune and neurological diseases; and experience working in collaboration with Eastern and Western Medical Professionals.

I invite You to Book a Therapeutic Yoga Session with me 
Or come and join one of my Therapeutic Inspired Gentle Yoga Classes every Monday from 9:45am - 11:00am at SunSpark Studio.
You may also want to check out the Yoga for Arthritis website to find a Yoga for Arthritis Instructor in you area.
If you need additional help finding an instructor in your area to help address your need, please feel free to leave a comment here, or contact me via messenger on Facebook.

"Right Yoga is a vine of pleasant fragrance.

Wrong Yoga is a sharp pointed arrow - avoid it."

- T Krishnamachary

The Holistic Approach to Mind/Body Health & Wellness

"How we tend to our garden should reflect how we'd approach the relationship with a most cherished loved one: Mindfully, with compassionate kindness, daily interest, loving respect, and patience. And the same should be said for how we approach our health and wellness." 

-Melissa Adylia Calasanz