Thought I would start today’s message with a professional picture of me thinking I was in a really good Yoga pose. It is amazing what you think you see in your mind and what it really looks like. But I digress because it really doesn’t matter. What does matter is doing something good for you no matter what it really looks like. You get better with practice and time.

So let’s talk about Yoga. There are different types of yoga and it is such a good thing to try as many styles as you can to find one that you like the most. I personally love hot yoga (there is a great place that I occasionally go to here in Manchester Humble Warrior). I also love power yoga, restorative yoga,Vinyasa, and Hatha. Each one is a different flow, time holding a posture. It always depends on my mood. This is a great website the explains each one. Yoga Medicine.

So why do yoga? The benefits of yoga are great for everyone and even better for those of us with our ostomies. Here is why:

1. It reduces stress

2. Improves flexibility

3. Improves posture

4. Builds muscle

5. Helps lower blood sugar

6. Boosts metabolism

7. Increases self esteem

8. It may boost immunity

Now why wouldn’t we want those benefits? Also, yoga helps the digestive system. When you are in some of the poses it can reduce stress, increase circulation AND promote gut mobility! That’s right is helps move things along!

Another great benefits of yoga is it helps with your core strength. Because of the poses and the length of time in those poses, you will use your ab muscles to hold them. This is a really great, gentle way to strengthen those muscles. And we with ostomies know that that is the one area we need to focus on seeing that our ab muscles are usually sacrificed with our surgeries.

So why not give yoga a try? Always check with your Dr. before attempting any workout or exercise routine.

Let me know what you think when you do a practice!

xo