Even Yogis Get Back Pain

You know those days when you feel invincible? Strong, powerful, fluid and free?

Well, that’s exactly how I was feeling last Thursday, when I decided to pump out four sets of 25 pushups, with a down dog stretch in between each set.

I’d been out of the water for a few days (combination of lack of swell and too-cold water) and I was itching to move, move!

Even though the last couple of sets were a challenge, I did them — with straight legs, no less! (No “girl pushups” for me!)

Well, all was fine and good, until I helped my sister move some furniture.

Oh, did I mention I’ve been sitting longer than usual, as I’m finishing up my manuscript for my Quit Fighting with Food book?

That, and my lack of doing yoga for a couple of days, sent my back into a spasm like I’ve never felt before! (In fact, I’ve never been one to suffer from low back pain — my stress usually shows up in the form of a stiff neck!)

But now I can totally relate and sympathize with those who suffer from back pain.

Wow! It can be completely debilitating!

Here’s what I’ve been doing to heal:

1. First, I’ve been taking things easy. I didn’t leap out of bed, but instead I drew my knees into my chest one at a time and just hugged them there, letting the weight of my thighs gently stretch my low back. I took a few slow, deep breaths and visualized the spasm easing.

2. Next, I drank a big glass of pure water to help lubricate my joints and muscles.

3. Then, I laid flat on my back with my legs draped over the side of my bed. After a several breaths like that, I crossed one knee over the other and did a tiny little rocking movement side to side. Then I switched legs.

4. Next, I did child’s pose with a pillow under my torso so the stretch wasn’t too intense. I had my husband gently press into my low back to massage the lumbar spine. (You could also reach around and do this yourself.)

5. I took two tablespoons of liquid magnesium to help calm down the spasm.

6. I took 500 mg of Naproxen (anti-inflammatory) with my breakfast smoothie made of blueberries (nature’s aspirin).

7. Then I soaked in a hot bath with a cup of Epsom salts (also full of magnesium to soothe sore muscles)

8. Now I’m heading to the sauna for about 10 minutes.

9. Finally, I’m finishing off with a visit to the chiropractor for some ultrasound treatment.

10. I won’t be doing any vigorous yoga, but I will keep moving to avoid stiffness.

And of course, I’m letting go of any negative self-talk (“How I could I be so stupid to overdo it like that?”  “I should have known better!” “Oh, I’m feeling so old”) and focusing instead of “I’m healing…I’m healing.”

Just thought you might be interested to know that even Yogis get back pain!

For more of my tips on how to heal faster, claim your free “Heal Faster”CD as a bonus gift with your Yoga for Surfers 4-pack order!

UPDATE: Feeling much better now! I’ll probably finish off with some ice treatment — the special way I describe in my CD!

What’s the difference between yoga and stretching?

Hello! It’s Peggy here, with a question I get asked quite a bit (especially by those who are new to yoga)…

“What’s the difference between yoga and stretching?”

At first glance, it may seem that yoga is simply a form of stretching, and in fact, a lot of yoga poses do stretch the body in various ways.

But just as surfing is more than mere exercise, yoga is more than just stretching.

You see, yoga is not just about flexibility.

Yes, you definitely WILL become more flexible when you do yoga, but it’s almost like a side-benefit.

Just like surfing, yoga is a way of living, a way of being. Yoga becomes a part of you — sometimes developing slowly; other times happening dramatically — and you learn to draw on your yoga reserves right when you need them.

You might find that you start to focus on your breath during a stressful situation, or you might surprise yourself by staying calm and centered instead of being overrun by your emotions.

You might notice that you’re sleeping better, experiencing more energy and better moods.

You might more naturally and effortlessly begin to eat more healthfully and take better care of yourself, and feel good about doing so.

And of course, you likely will experience greater energy and endurance on the waves and more pure stoke in your everyday life!

That’s because when you practice Yoga for Surfers, you learn to breathe consciously and stay aware of what you’re feeling in each pose.

You learn to remain open to what you’re feeling, without opinion or judgment — and instead, to embrace the experience at hand.

And then you translate that sense of calm energy and focused awareness to your everyday life so that each moment comes into razor-sharp view.

That means no more sleep-walking through life!

Instead, no matter what comes up — from the rides to the wipe-outs — you learn to stay balanced and centered, open and free.

If you haven’t done so already, I invite you begin to live in that state of yoga, which is a sense of oneness, of wholeness, of well-being.

And I will be honored to be your guide!

The Benefits of Taking a Surfing Holiday

This post comes courtesy of  SurfHolidays.com! Check ‘em out when you’re ready to get away for a surf vacation!

How much do you look forward to holidays when they come around?  You know the feeling that you get when you finally make that booking and know that in a year, a month, or a week you’ll be going somewhere new or somewhere special!

Now is a great time to just step back from it all and enjoy doing something a little different. So with this in mind why not explore your love for peace, harmony and inner strength with a surfing holiday?

There is something so freeing and soul restoring about being out in the water, feeling the power of the waves, and daring to push yourself into that first wave.  The combination of getting to know your body better through yoga and the energy of the ocean’s waves is something very special.

We all know how great yoga is for surfing, but there is nothing like the feeling of trying it out for yourself.  Yoga prepares not just your body, but your mind for the surfing experience.  Controlling your breathing, knowing that your body can stretch, bend and relax, gives you great confidence to enjoy each wave as it comes- whether you ride the wave or simply enjoy being out in the ocean.

While on your surf holiday you can explore new places, make new like-minded friends and have the time to soak up the waves, the sunshine and a different pace of life.  Just think of places like Portugal, Spain or France where there are plenty of waves and it’s customary to take a siesta in the afternoon.  There really is nothing like the feeling of having spent the day playing in sunny waves with friends, telling stories over a fresh seafood dinner and then hitting the pillow and falling asleep almost instantly.

Taking a break and enjoying your body through surfing helps you to work out your mind, body and soul.

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Visit www.SurfHolidays.com for more info!