Sun Salutations helped a thick Sista relieve my sciatica, get in shape and injury free

 

I find yoga incredibly difficult to do on a consistent basis but the benefits are so rewarding it brings me back to at the least doing a simple 15 minute daily practice. Initially, I began doing yoga when I had a back injury that caused sciatica and bad headaches due to being overworked and wearing heels all the time. 

 Learning about restorative practice was heaven sent because I felt improvements within the first couple of weeks. I also piggybacked that with having regular massage therapy and somewhere along the way after two years of suffering, I healed when I incorporated yoga. 

After years of being healed, I completely forgot about doing it until I was injured when surfing. 

I developed torn meniscus because I didn't stretch before I would get in the Ocean which taught me that with any workout no matter how fun it is , it's best to do some type of stretching beforehand. 

 I was sore all the time and realized how serious I needed get back into the practice. I was so stiff, sore and lost a little bit of my mobility because I was in the Ocean almost every single week for the first two years I started surfing. I had forgotten that I wasn't athletic person and that I probably needed more self care to prepare in addition to being in my mid 40's.

Completely forgot that I was not 25 anymore and growing up as a curvy, thick Sista who once weighed 285lbs, birthing 3 Children and a hairstylist who stood up on my feet for over 20 years as well as traveling with companies as an Educator, my body had been through a lot of change. 

Yoga flow and Sun Salutations got me together!  It increased my flexibility, circulatory health, balances my metabolism and even gives me a overall well being feeling. Now being in my 50's I am actually more flexible then I was in my 40's and it progressed my surfing. It's so awesome! 

For anyone who's a beginner, I would say a Sun Salutation practice is the most easiest flow to follow and remember. Sun Salutations are known as a prayer in motion which is one of the reasons I gravitate to doing this yoga sequence the most. 

• It will lengthen 
• tone your muscles
• improves your posture 
• body alignment 
• helps with feeling centered.
• helps minimize the risk of injuries

 Traditionally done in the mornings to salute the Sun, they can be done anytime just as long as you learn proper form and take your time. So to anyone who needs to restore their flexibility, improve your body, I would highly recommend doing yoga regularly. 

Here's a post of easy yoga stretches to get you started https://www.creativelycultured.com/2022/08/4-easy-stretches-for-surfers-over-50.html Namaste Day.