Dealing with a Tight Psoas

I have heavy calcification in one of my heels.  It's there because I have always had foot issues, not the least of which is a Haglund's Deformity.  Stiff feet, years of soccer, and that little bit of extra bone means that my achilles is now pretty thickened, stiff and sore much of the time.  So I went to a physiatrist to get it sorted out.  I'm way too young to stop moving!  She prescribed custom orthotics to limit the movement in the foot and the amount of friction from the Haglund's Deformity on the achilles tendon.

The orthotics feel GREAT on my feet, but they've created a new issue.  As my body adjusts to the support on my feet, my psoas muscle is tight, tight, tight.  So I thought this article was quite timely.

Releasing Tension in the Psoas

Yoga. A strength exercise?

I haven't, in the past, been much of a yoga enthusiast.  I prefer full contact, full out team sports.  The kind where you limp home and nurse your body back to health so you can punish it again the next day.  Soccer and basketball have been my lifelong favorites - after rowing, of course!

But I can't play those sports any more - because of the injuries.  Mainly my feet and knees are done.  So I have been actively seeking other ways to extend my body to stay fit and strong.  My daughter convinced me to try yoga.

I have quite a few friends who only practice yoga for fitness, so I was really interested when this article presented itself.  What does the research show?  Yoga doesn't make you stronger or fitter.  There is some minor gain in leg strength, but that's it.  That doesn't mean yoga isn't great for all kinds of other reasons - like flexibility and relaxation - but it simply isn't a fitness activity.

So, if you're in your chair, have a read on this research supported article.  Then GET OUT OF YOUR CHAIR and do something for fitness.  Muscle and cardiovascular health will take you well into old age.


Does Yoga Build Strength?

Yin Yoga - My Favourite So Far!

A friend suggested we meet for yoga yesterday.  I needed it.  I was completely fatigued from intense rowing training and feel quite stiff.  It turns out the class was a Yin Restorative class.  We spent a great deal of the class with our feet up the wall and held the poses for long periods of time.

The room at the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga was warmed by the wood stove in the corner.  The room was peaceful and bright.  The class was just what I needed.

Here's a peek at what Yin Yoga is like.  I highly recommend it!