I tried out the yoga back class at work today, and I loved it. My lower back, hips, and legs feel more flexible and under less stress than normal. The meditation-like state (calming music and soft instructions from the instructor) had a great calming, peacful effect. I will definitly be a regular in Laura’s Tuesday and Thursday yoga back class.

My back, by the way, is looking very promising. Dottie (a physical therapist at work) recommended a while back that I do some spinal traction therapy in the pool, and it has worked wonders for my herniated discs. I attach anywhere from 8 to 14 lbs of ankle weights to my ankles, and stand in the deep end of the pool and use a  noodle to keep afloat. My spine gets a nice, delicate stretch.

I’ve also been doing the cobra pose stretch a lot, which adds a lot of relief. (I didn’t know it was called cobra pose until today.)

Anyway, my back is on the mend.