Anyone into yoga?

Hey... I’m not entirely sure if this is the right corner of the internet for this kind of thing, but I’m looking into starting yoga to deal with some neck muscle issues. The problem is, I just don't buy into any of that nonsense about "energy," and I have zero interest in religious or spiritual nonsense. I’m strictly interested in the stretching aspect of it. So, if anyone knows an instructor who won't try to preach at me, I’d really appreciate it if you could let me know who they are and where they teach (I'm based in Chicago)

thanks

Elizabeth Nelson23 said:Hi everyone! I'm not sure if this is the right spot for this, but I really need to start doing yoga to help with some neck tension. My only issue is that I'm just not into any of that "energy" stuff or religious/spiritual preaching. I'm purely interested in the stretching part! If anyone knows a great instructor who keeps things strictly physical without the sermonizing, please let me know where they are located (I'm based in Chicago)

thanks!

http://www.medical-yoga.com/
They didn't preach at all last year!
I think they're a totally solid choice

Elizabeth Nelson23 said:Hey... not sure if this is the right spot for this, but I'm looking to start yoga to help with some neck tension. Problem is, I don't buy into any of that energy crap, and I have zero interest in religious or spiritual nonsense. I just want the stretching part. If anyone knows an instructor who won't try to preach to me, let me know where they are (I'm in Chicago)

thanks

Look, I love football, but I don't believe in the "magic" of kicking a ball into a net.
With an attitude like that, you aren't going to get much out of it, regardless of who’s leading the class. Anyone teaching yoga without the spiritual side usually doesn't actually know what they're doing.
Just watch out so those spiritual types don't bite...

Good luck!

Hold on... what part of this don't you get??? I have a sore neck, plain and simple, and my doctor actually recommended stretching... specifically yoga, which I suppose is fine, but I'm not interested in anything other than the actual stretching exercises!!!

Climbing is actually incredible for improving your flexibility; I've found it provides a much more functional range of motion than standard yoga exercises might. Is that something you find more appealing than a typical yoga session?

Elizabeth Nelson23 said:Hold on... what part of this don't you get? My neck is killing me and my doctor actually recommended stretching... specifically yoga. It’s a fine way to move, but I’m not interested in anything besides the physical stretching part!!!

1) I honestly don't see how you're going to find a yoga class without running into all that "woo-woo" stuff and "energy" nonsense you claim not to believe in.
How do you even strip the spirituality out of yoga?
2) What happens when you show up to a class and accidentally hear someone mention something spiritual?
With an attitude like that, you might actually end up more tense than when you started.

Look, I'm just saying if you actually gave that "spiritual" yoga you're so allergic to a shot, maybe you'd find some relief beyond just your neck.

And don't take this the wrong way, I genuinely want you to feel better.
I've been practicing yoga for a while now and it’s been a lifesaver for my lower back, knees, and migraines—stuff I used to struggle with constantly. But seriously, try keeping a slightly more open mind.

That's all I got. Good luck! 👍

I picked up a Peloton set from The New York Post and I’ve been enjoying my home workouts. 😍 There are actually many different facets to yoga. You probably started with the basics yourself. Simple stretches for the neck and such are essentially beginner yoga. As for all the "nonsense" you hear about yoga sessions—it’s usually just instructions on breathing techniques for specific poses, or tips on which muscle group you're hitting, like how a certain movement aids digestion... And the "pretentious" version of yoga is the kind you aren't even looking for; that's the type where you don't actually work out. Good luck with your neck, and drop the prejudices. They aren't helping you.