Do it at home Yoga for the uneducated single guy....

I'm looking into Yoga for myself for a few reasons, I have terrible back problems and I feel it'll be a great low impact way to strengthen my back and I have the worse flexibility. I was wondering if anyone had some positions I could try as well as pictures illustrating these positions! Thanks!

 

Since Yoga on my own isn't probably going to work out, what about some general stretching to get my body loosened?

 

I don't doubt that an instructor will help, but don't be afraid to go it alone. Especially if it's the difference between doing it and not doing it.

If you get cable there may also be free yoga programs 'on demand'. You'll find them under exercise. Also, I got The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Yoga for my wife as a stocking-stuffer one year and, while she was already experienced, it has proven itself to be a handy book.

 

If you have a Wii, there are actually some good games that have yoga instructions. I know several people that started doing yoga that way.

 

This.
I had some really bad back problems last spring. Went and had 2 sessions with a Physical Therapist. We did some massage but the most important part was realizing how poor my flexibility and core muscle strength were and the PT designing a stretching and strengthening routine for me. . It was interesting because I am a pretty fit guy in general and did not realize the shape I was in, in terms of my core muscles and tight hamstrings.
I do my exercises every single day without fail. I am 90% better with my back and very happy with how I've been helped.

 

will you be investing in a pair of yoga pants?

 

I would almost need yoga pants.... Yoga would be a viable option if I was at home, I'm 10 hours north of my normal house, although I could go to drop in classes when I am in town.

 

I'm sorry to hear you are in pain, streak_56.
I understand that a class and the library are not feasible when you are away from home.
My main concern goes to your back problems and the age-old advise about consulting with 'someone' before you begin (twisting your body into a pretzel). I'm kidding about the pretzel part. I've beeen taking yoga classes on and off and adapting postures for decades though I am by no means as expert. Yoga does relieve my back pain and and contributes to an overall feeling of wellness.

I have to second everyone when they say have someone teach you the basics first.
I have found classes to be very reasonably priced through community colleges and rec centers. I also took a expensive semi-private class. The differences were in instructor style--their preferred asanas (poses). I think my favourite resource so far has been through the community, the most recent being through the 'adult learning' catalog. It was held at a high school in the evening.

Once you take a yoga class you'll have the basics--then maybe consider the many suggestions here for 'at-home' learning to continue.
P.S. I practically live in yoga pants--they are so comfortable. The minute I'm home behind a closed door, off come the jeans and on go the yoga pants so I'm comfy and ready to do a set at any time.

 

the P90x yoga portion is the only experience i've ever had with yoga. it was a surprising workout and the only tough part was maintaining balance for some of the poses

 

For my sciatica I do some yoga type stretching, like cobras, and some hip stretches. It helps a lot and takes just minutes. I'm thinking of incorporating some of the Wii fit yoga stuff into my daily routine.

 

Depending on what sort of back problem you have ("terrible" gives me pause), even yoga, if not done correctly, could cause you more damage. Take a herniated disc for example. Any position which has you bent at the waist then twists the torso is an absolute no-no. Have you had your back looked at by a doctor or a chiropractor? I might do that first and see what they recommend. Of course, some doctors and chiros are notorious for discouraging yoga or any remedy other than their own expensive options.

 

Just about any severe back pain is going to require an x-ray, then possibly an MRI (though sometimes they just go straight to the MRI) and that will hold true whether you choose an MD or DO. Only after diagnostics can you can you really know what course you should take.

More than likely you'll be prescribed a physical therapy regiment. My moderate back problem went this route and the PT really did eliminate the problem ( all the symptoms of the problem, anyway). Your mileage may vary.

 

I've gone to a Chiropractor, registered massage therapist and Osteopath.... my back is completely fine, its just tight as a result of no stretching whatsoever throughout my childhood, teenage years and adulthood, I stretch before I work for about 30 minutes because its such a release of energy. It use to be serious until I sought medical help and I can function really well, I'm just looking for increased strength, mobility and flexibility. I'll definitely be going to a Yoga studio in town when I'm back, but right now, I'll just keep to me stretching and if it gets too tight, I'll have to cut down the workouts and increase the stretching...