Yoga and First Aid Tapes

Body: 

My commen is to Reborn with a question to Christine. I have been using the First Aid tape since the end of June, and I just started using the new Yoga Second wheel. What I have found by using the First Aid Tape almost every day for three months, is that my whole body (age 72) has improved. I was in good shape before I started, but lost some strenth after I stopped exercising when the cystocele appeared in June. With the First Aid tape, my legs (thighs & calves especially) have gotten so strong. The muscles in my thighs make me look like I have been a body builder. My overall body inside and out has improved. My bowel movements are every day and as perfect as never before. The tape does so much more than just improve the POP symptoms. My question to Christine is what can we do to improve upper body strength, and fit in some aerobic exercises that with not make the POP symptoms get worse. Thanks, Jerseygal

Jerseygal

Hi Jerseygal,

Holding the baton overhead while doing many of these exercises strengthens the muscles of the upper and lower back, chest, shoulders and biceps. I add arms during the Whole Woman Workout, which is very toning, but didn’t include instructions for those in the book. Maybe I should add more arms to WWY3??

I don’t know if I can describe it well, but I would love to teach you Christine’s Fairy Dance for a great aerobic workout! It is simply skipping, but up on your toes. Begin in first position up on the balls of your feet. Take a step on the right and close the left foot in back in third position (refer to the book if need be). Step out again on the right and this time draw the left foot through to the front as you hop on the right. Keep alternating in this way around as big a circle as space allows. It is the same galloping-horsey step we all did as kids, except up on toes, closing each time in third, and pulled up strongly into WWposture. The knees are always kept straight.

Once you have that down, on the hop-pull-through turn toward the back. Then step-together-turn-to-the-front. When the turning is mastered you can add whatever graceful arm movements you want. It’s just skipping on your toes around in a circle, but controlled turning makes it into a real dance that is quite beautiful.

If you asked me what I would want to teach more than anything I’d say this dance early in the morning. I’ve never actually tried to advertise it because it sounds a little goofy - but there must be other fairy dancers out there who would love to form a circle!

:) Christine

Thank you again for such a quick reply to my question. I printed your Fairy Dance instructions and I will try it out tomorrow. Referring to the step as the galloping-horsey step really helped. Today, when I did the First Aid Prolapse DVD, I did the dance section twice, which gave me a longer aerobic workout. I grew up in an Irish neighborhood, and that section reminds me of the Irish step-dancing. You are amazing. Of course, I wish I didn't have a POP, but your DVDs, book, information, etc. has made it almost worthwhile. When I played the Yoga Second Wheel today, I thoroughly enjoyed the First Part with all the information from all the participants. This DVD, is worth every penny, and your daughter looks beautiful with the exercises. Thanks again, Jerseygal

Sounds wonderful - I like the idea of us all fairy dancing our way to health!
wholewomanuk

Hi Christine

I think more arms in the next workout is a great idea, or find ways to strengthen our arms, shoulders and upper body, which normally seems to be done by pumping iron.

I am getting a bit sick of seeing young uber-fit women with a straight lumbar spine, no butt, and wide, square shoulders, like an Olylmpic swimmer. I fear for their future pelvic integrity.

I would like to suggest fairy veils. For classical Egyptian bellydance we use veils made either from 3 metres of lightweight polyester (for ease of washing) chiffon or silk chiffon, but start of with 2.5m until you get the hang of it. You can often pick up shorter pieces in odd colours, as sale specials to get yourself started, or metres of lightweight terylene curtains from an op shop for just a couple of dollars. It really doesn't matter for a start if you have to sew two short lengths together.

Using a light polyester crepe gives it a bit more weight, and a great upper body workout. Silk has wonderful loft and feels so lovely when it passes the body, but is quite expensive to buy and needs better care. It rides the air, but still provides quite a bit of air resistance. Silk does not behave itself if you are outdoors and there is any wind at all. It wants to play in the wind!

Pick a fabric which has no texture, other than the weave, because any little sequins, or sparkly bits will catch on each other and mess up the flow of the fabric in the air. Also, don't wear clothing or hair clips that can catch it.

You will have a lot of fun with your veil and it will make your upper body and arms stronger and more flexible over the space of a few months, and you will not even think it is happening. Check out this lovely video, which is a veil improvisation dance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7F-sAkiuvw .

Enjoy.

Louise

Oh Christine! I laughed so hard about your "goofy" comment! Please never, never change! You have made such a difference in my life. I can't wait to try the fairy dance.
The other day I was on my knees and elbows doing the firebreathing , rotating the old hips and had stripped down to my undies because it was hot when suddenly a utility man knocked on the door (he could see right in) and I had to wonder WHAT he thought!!! Talk about feeling goofy.
I have not checked in lately because my daughter has been suffering with postpartum blues the past two weeks and I have been with her as much as I can(she is getting better every day and our new grandson is adorable!) but when I read the fairy dance, I just had to reply. Thanks for all you do!!
Blessings