In Focus

I have long wished to attend a local yoga class, but my schedule didn’t allow it at the time. By the time I was free, I was deep into holiday activities, leaving me little time for much else. Finally, I was able to participate, and I forgot how challenging it could be.

I used to practice yoga regularly over 10 years ago. As I became busier, yoga was unfortunately pushed to the wayside. This was not a smart choice for me, as I started experiencing more issues with my body. The bone spurs in my upper back became so severe that I had to be constantly medicated and receive physical therapy. My knees worsened, leading me back to physical therapy again.

My Crohn’s Disease presented a whole different set of challenges, including chronic fatigue, gut pain, brain fog, and a limited ability to eat. Managing that became my priority, all while feeling too physically exhausted to engage in any type of exercise.

I do not want to be someone who relies on prescription medications just to function. I want to avoid back surgery, knee replacements, or bowel resections. I also want to steer clear of needing a pacemaker or defibrillator. My family history includes a long list of heart disease, thyroid issues, diabetes, and various cancers; unfortunately, some of these issues may be unavoidable. However, I believe that many can be managed, and the better I take care of myself, the better off I will be.

I was very happy that my schedule allowed me to attend the yoga classes most weeks.

For one hour a week, I get to work on myself with a group of friends, including the instructor, who is a long-time friend. There’s no shame, no competition—just the challenge of trying not to fall over while balancing on one foot.

After the first class, my knees were screaming from lack of padding. I purchased some thick, squishy pads online, and those have helped immensely. Doubling up on yoga mats also provided additional comfort. I realize that discomfort can keep some people away, but certain aches are just part of the process.

A lot of what we practice in class are the same exercises I had to do during physical therapy for my back, neck, and knees. It’s also recommended that people with Crohn’s Disease focus on core-strengthening exercises to help manage their symptoms, which is incorporated into these sessions.

Ironically, I sometimes get in trouble with my physical therapist because I can hyperextend my knees backward, which is generally not advisable. Tightening and building the muscles around the knee will help with that.

Given my back issues, lifting weights can be difficult, but yoga doesn’t require weights.

Yoga offers a unique set of benefits compared to many traditional forms of exercise. It combines strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility into a single workout while placing minimal stress on the joints. Unlike high-impact or weight-based training, yoga emphasizes controlled movement and proper breathing, which helps improve body awareness and overall movement efficiency.

In addition to physical benefits, yoga supports mental focus and stress management. This is huge for me due to my hectic job. While I may be accustomed to running around and working odd hours, my body struggles to relax. Ironically, while it may seem that yoga is strenuous, it actually helps my fatigued body relax.

The emphasis on breathing and concentration reduces tension and my anxiety and improves relaxation, benefits that extend beyond the workout itself. Yoga is also highly adaptable, making it accessible to people of all fitness levels.

I’m honestly surprised there aren’t more people taking advantage of type of workout. Sure, your schedules can be a barrier, but even practicing at home can be immensely beneficial.