I'm 54 and becoming as stiff as a board. Diagnosed with Permanent AF nine years ago and taking Bisoprolol and Rivoraxaban. Fortunately I'm largely asymptomatic save for breathlessness when I bend down (tying shoe laces and such like). I tried yoga once but really struggled in the class due to the bending down when my head goes below my heart.
Any thoughts on different types of yoga or indeed any thoughts on how to do something similar without feeling the need to pass out. I know people might say don't do those particular stretches but I wonder if there are any other ideas.
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northernsoul1
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You might want to look into Chair Yoga, designed for seniors and people with limited range of motion and/or balance issues. You can find a bunch of free classes on line (Youtube, for example). Here's one you can check out:
Good for you! Yoga along with exercise and diet are keys to staying young.
Yoga is supposed to be laid back, non competitive and group supportive. If you go to a class you can explain your problem and ask the instructor to recommend an alternative move.
If there is a move I don't want to do in class like anything to do with a head stand I just don't do it. I just do something else.
There are a lot of different types of yoga. Ask google "What type of yoga is best for..."
There are definitely lots of classes on line.
Going to in-person classes are better because the instructor can help with body positions. I also found being the only male in a class was not that much of a hard ship.
Several yoga moves where your head and upper torso are hanging down could be done sitting on the floor. I have been doing 3 classes a week for 10 years with do it at home the last year. At 66 I am more flexible now than I was in my 30s.
Absolutely recommend yoga! Vinnie or Vinny Yoga us gentle but effective. Choose your class carefully - if the tutor doesn't make allowances for adaptation, then look elsewhere. For bending poses it's perfectly possible to do these with a chair in front or to the side of you - holding on to the back of it, or the seat, or bending forward and placing your hands on the chair, not the floor. If I'm having digestive problems I adapt like this and still get a lot out of my yoga.b
+1 for Tai Chi. As for any martial art though (and don't let the slow movement fool you, it is a martial art), it all depends on getting the right teacher. This is definitely NOT something you can learn online, or from any book. It's not just standing and waving your arms, it is whole body movement, and careful placement of your body weight. Try one or two classes (if you can find them) before committing to any teacher. Unfortunately though, most classes are shut down for the pandemic.
Hello northernsoul1,I take rivaroxaban and used to take Bisoprolol. After having a 24 hour tape fitted a couple of years ago my cardiologist told me to stop taking Bisoprolol because it was reducing my heart rate too much. I felt tired, dizzy and listless a lot of the time and felt much better once I stopped taking it. I would have a chat with your GP or cardio team, mention how you feel and ask for advice on exercise. Good luck.
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