Shoulder/upper back pain

by Lisa
(Pittsburgh,pa)

I'm not new to yoga and four weeks ago I began practicing Yoga meltdown by Jillian Michaels. I did the workout with no problem. About a week ago i started having trouble with my workout. I can't do the poses properly I've lost flexibility and I am falling over. plus my shoulders and upper back hurt so bad they keep me awake at night. I feel as if I'm going backwards instead of making progress.
What am I doing wrong? Any advice?

Yogi Mir:
Dear Lisa,

As you already know, not every yoga style is for every body. Plus, our bodies change day to day, month to month.

It sounds like there are certain elements within this practice that are not in line with what you need at this time.

It's hard for me to know what these movements are exactly. I would have to see you perform the workout. My guess is that it has to do with alignment. Perhaps, there are certain poses, or the way they are demonstrated in Jillian's video, that do not work for the alignment of your shoulders and cause stress in the upper back. It may be beneficial to try a different, less intense maybe, style of yoga for the time being. Surya's Dynamic Hatha Yoga Dvd is a good option of course.

My advice for you is to seek an experienced yoga teacher in person. May I recommend Breathe Yoga on East Carson Street in Pittsburgh? Kristi Rogers, owner, is a great yoga teacher and has a wonderful team of other experienced teachers.

Love and Light!
~ Yogi Mir