Safety and Education Committee Report
Take your body to its limits
In order to get somewhere, you can ask someone who is already there how they got there. “We are of the nature to grow old; there is no way to escape growing old.” Some people do this more slowly than others. The ones with healthy bodies in their later years have all been physically active and lived simple lives. The common truth they shared was, “Take your body to its limits or where you take it becomes its limits”.
Jack LaLanne has maintained his physical strength throughout his life. In 1959 I saw him on TV doing the things with his body that I wanted to be able to do with mine. When he was 85 he offered $100k to anyone that could keep up with him during his daily three hour workout and he kept the money. I saw him on TV last week doing an ad for Target. I’m not sure if I can do what he can do now and he’s 93.
One of the modern world’s most revered yogi’s, Krishnamacharya, taught until his death at 101. BKS Iyengar, 89, was in Boston last year and is still teaching. You might find something of value in yoga even if you do not aspire to do some of the more advanced postures or live an ascetic lifestyle. “The more you learn about yoga; the more you realize you’ve been doing it all your life.”
Range of motion (flexibility) is crucial to physical fitness but is often neglected. The yoga asanas (postures) were developed to stretch and strengthen every muscle in the body. One should stretch each muscle to its full length and utilize its full power on a regular basis. This should be done daily but two or three times a week will keep the muscles from atrophying and shortening. Any stretching routine incorporates some of these postures or modifications to accommodate the limitations of the individual. The Ashtanga practice works best for me but it really doesn’t matter what you call your routine or who you choose to follow. To avoid injury, stretching must be done properly; muscles should be warmed up and then gently taken to their limit of motion. Holding this position (surrendering into the posture) for several breaths allows each muscle cell to relax and lengthen. If you cannot hold a posture for five full breaths you are probably going too far. Each posture should be followed by its counter posture to maintain proper joint alignment. In the first posture the adductors are stretched and the flexors are strengthened. In its counter posture the opposite occurs. To maintain balance any posture for the right side is followed by the same posture for the left. Misalignment, moving too fast, and overstretching are all common causes of injury so listen to your body and respect its limitations. Stretching can be self-taught, but to avoid mistakes and speed progress, seeking knowledgeable guidance is a good idea. “If it hurts; you’re doing it wrong”.
Many people practicing yoga live long healthy lives and seem happy with the path they have chosen. You can also find some of the strangest ducks in the pond doing what they think is yoga.
“If you follow other people’s advice you end up making their mistakes”; so choose your role models carefully.
Bill Fisk - Safety and Education
Safety and Education Coordinator
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