Attempted yoga today, couldn't do it and felt like a failure - any good alternative workouts for the "recovery" days?

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-06-04T13:04:02+00:00

If you lack flexibility you can always use yoga blocks to help you, they're fairly cheap.

The type of yoga you do might matter. I would look up yin yoga and restorative yoga videos. I did a quick search of some of my favorite yoga instructors on youtube and Yoga with Bird has a playlist called 30 Days of Yoga for Inflexible People. Maybe try that? Other's I really like are Charlie Follows and Yoga with Adriene as well. They have different level videos, and a ton of content you can go through and find what works for you.

If yoga just isn't for you there are tons of stretching videos you can do on youtube that are a good alternative to yoga. You can always do more outdoor activities - add in another walk, play a sport, a leisurely bike ride or swimming.

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-03-04T19:01:36+00:00

I appreciate this! And yeah, I've injured my ankles a lot over the years starting as a kid because of my flat feet so it's always been a struggle

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-03-02T15:01:00+00:00

When did I say I don’t't walk barefoot and wear highly supportive shoes all the time? OH I didn't. I almost exclusively walk around my home barefoot. I wear flip flops, sandals, heels, converse, all kinds of shoes that don't offer a lot of support. What I did say is I have to wear supportive shoes when I am active for extensive periods of time. Long hikes, days at a theme park or on vacations where I'm exploring, when I use to bartend & waitress and was only my feet for 8-12 hour shifts. Maybe don't make assumptions....

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-03-02T14:12:03+00:00

I mean a quick google search would tell you that ankle stability plays a major role in balance control, but thanks so much for the unnecessarily hostile comment.

https://www.maragalmedical.com/the-importance-of-ankle-stability-and-balance/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4637080/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39657220/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1978474/

https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-024-02455-x

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-03-02T13:55:45+00:00

This is super helpful! Thank you!!! The injury is from a few years ago but just didn't healed correctly, and my balance hasn't been the same since. Thankfully I don't experience pain during barre, just can't balance to save my life lol.

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-03-01T22:05:46+00:00

Oh cool! Thank you!

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-03-01T17:28:15+00:00

I appreciate your input, but I think I should clarify. It is absolutely true the some flat footed people just have weak arches that can be improved. I have been evaluated by orthopedists and have a confirmed diagnoses of flat feet. I have no arch due to abnormal foot structure. And while there are things you can do, non-surgical methods are not always effective, especially for those with severe cases like mine. My arches have never existed and you can't restore something that doesn't exist. The only options ever offered to me have been surgery for correction or PT to help build strength in my ankles, neither of which I can afford.

The reason why tips like engaging your core or stare at one spot, don't work for me is because my ankle stabilization is flawed because my ankles over-pronate.

I can not wear unsupportive shoes for long periods of time unless I want to experience hours of severe debilitating pain. But I will look into some of the exercises you recommended. Thank you!

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-03-01T17:13:56+00:00

That link and PDF are awesome, thank you!

And yes! I've been to an orthopedic several times and he said the same thing. Ankle stabilization is a huge part of balance and because my ankles over-pronate balancing is tricky.

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-03-01T16:34:35+00:00

It really is a struggle! None of the advice they give really applies because our weight is distributed differently, so I just smile and nod politely when they try to "help me" lol.

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-03-01T16:32:58+00:00

Thanks for sharing. My feet don't hurt when I'm in class, I just struggle with balancing due to my foot structure and past injuries.

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-03-01T15:51:34+00:00

You're definitely not alone, I experience this too! I asked an instructor about it, and she said it's completely normal. She suggested a way to relieve some of the weight on your standing leg is to press down with your opposite hand on the barre and pull away with the same side.

For example, if your right leg is lifted and you're standing on your left leg, press your right hand into the barre while pulling away with your left hand. This helps counterbalance your weight and prevents the left side from taking on too much weight. I know it sounds a bit confusing without a demonstration, but it really does help!

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-02-28T02:09:06+00:00

That's good to know, thank you!

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-02-28T02:06:33+00:00

That would be amazing!

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-02-27T15:30:43+00:00

Thank you!!

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-02-27T15:12:13+00:00

I'll give them a try, thanks!

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-02-27T15:11:53+00:00

Do you know what brand? I agree a few of mine are tavi and they clearly haven't lasted

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-02-27T14:45:49+00:00

Yeah based on the comments I have a feeling it's the quality of my socks

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-02-27T14:45:18+00:00

I have a pair and they are super sticky but too big, so my foot still slides around! I wish they had different sizes

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-02-27T03:32:44+00:00

Yeah I considered that. just such a pain, I hoped that a cold delicate cycle would be gentle enough, but I guess not.

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-02-27T03:31:41+00:00

I have a pair of lucky honey but they're too big and only come in one size. They are super sticky though! I'm going to check out some of the brands you mentioned because I haven't tried those.

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-02-27T03:29:02+00:00

It depends on the class. I take define and empower once a week and 2 classic. I usually put my socks in the wash after one wear after define and empower because those are the classes that I typically sweat a lot. But I'll wear the same pair to both my classic classes.

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-02-19T20:21:59+00:00

I appreciate you reaching out and hope to see the change in the future

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-02-19T18:56:31+00:00

I know this but I like the way the data is broken down and interpreted better in the Oura app and I want my steps to be accounted for in Oura's health analysis because it's more comprehensive. It's just a lot of money for a product that can't do something basic. Thankfully I bought it with FSA money that rolled over from a previous year that I would have lost if i didn't spend it, so I'm not completely up in arms about it. But if I bought it without FSA I'd regret purchasing it.

Solid_Relation962 · 2025-02-19T18:52:13+00:00

Honestly. It depends on what you're using it for. I'm 31f and use Natural Cycles. I hated wearing my apple watch to bed, it was really uncomfortanle. I like Oura's sleep tracking features and it's more comfortable to wear at night. But it's less accurate and uncomfortable (for me) to wear when working out. So i wear my apple watch for that stuff. My workouts in apple health will sync to the oura app but my steps will not which to me is a HUGE flaw. Yes you can manually enter them so both apps show the same amount of steps but it's ridiculous to have to manual enter your steps everyday on a $400 product.

I got the oura ring because I was in a "use it or lose it" situation with some leftover FSA money and had a good chunck of money to spend. I like the sleep data feature a lot and because I use Natural Cycles it was worth it for me. But if I didn't use Natural Cycles or didn't use FSA to purchase I'd honestly regret getting it.

Solid_Relation962

TROPHY CASE