Anyone here practice yoga?

It's not at all an "easy fix" - it's easy for YOU as a trainer (without serious balance issues) to talk about an suggest exercises, but for the people who are actually effected by significant balance issues it's anything BUT "easy".

It's not a matter of core body strength (unlike hearing people with lousy balance), in which doing various exercises strengthen the core and limbs making balance easier.

For those of us with inner ear issues which cause balance problems (typically with vertigo) - it's a physical malfunction of the primary balance system which is extremely difficult to over-ride even with years of balance specific PT, and visual exercises.

There is NOTHING about overcoming inner ear balance and vertigo issues which is "easy" - and you are doing your clients (and anyone reading this) a terrible dis-service by stating that is it.

It is something that can often be improved with YEARS of specific work, but calling it "an easy fix" is terribly ignorant.


P.S. - as you might have guessed, I have inner ear balance issues which I DO work on daily,and have for my entire life.
Over the years I've danced, done gymnastics, yoga etc and I will tell you that even with 35years worth of constant work on my balance (with the help of professionals) I STILL have issues because part of the body's balance and space perception system is autonomic and simply not "overide-able" even with extensive training.

We are debating/arguing about the facts and we are not even on same page. Let me be honest with you, it is easy fix for me but it takes a lot of time and work... I have programs that I combine for each individual. Again, do I need to remind you what I have said in earlier post? I think not since you are showing me your intelligence and experience. You still didn't understand my point of being capable to prove these professionals wrong. I have had DEAF clients and friends who have the similar situation. Again... every physical therapists, doctors and other professionals have their own methods, so do I. You are right that I didn't experience it but I can relate and my training has not failed a client, friend or a family.... yet because I believe. 35 years or not. I still know there is an opportunity that you can override that problem. As a trainer, I was required to study medical like nurses and some doctors did... I have to understand how body works before I become a trainer. I have proven several medical professionals wrong.. several people realized I was right even did better job then higher degree professionals. I did this by heart and mind not just because I "think". Again, I married a woman who have half of that problem... I told her what you said and she disagreed because she has achieved, so did other people in your position in my area did achieve. That is why I said, "I believe in you", and I know you can. And if you continue to think or believe I am wrong... be my guest. This is my last post since I wasn't here for a argument but to help in what I believe and what/how I believe in every individual.
 
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It's not at all an "easy fix" - it's easy for YOU as a trainer (without serious balance issues) to talk about an suggest exercises, but for the people who are actually effected by significant balance issues it's anything BUT "easy".

It's not a matter of core body strength (unlike hearing people with lousy balance), in which doing various exercises strengthen the core and limbs making balance easier.

For those of us with inner ear issues which cause balance problems (typically with vertigo) - it's a physical malfunction of the primary balance system which is extremely difficult to over-ride even with years of balance specific PT, and visual exercises.

There is NOTHING about overcoming inner ear balance and vertigo issues which is "easy" - and you are doing your clients (and anyone reading this) a terrible dis-service by stating that is it.

It is something that can often be improved with YEARS of specific work, but calling it "an easy fix" is terribly ignorant.


P.S. - as you might have guessed, I have inner ear balance issues which I DO work on daily,and have for my entire life.
Over the years I've danced, done gymnastics, yoga etc and I will tell you that even with 35years worth of constant work on my balance (with the help of professionals) I STILL have issues because part of the body's balance and space perception system is autonomic and simply not "overide-able" even with extensive training.
Ahhhh!! someone I can run some things by :D Some days I seem to have a harder time than others, not sure why. Some routines I've done they have you go on tippy toes, which for some reason is really hard for me, which I think is a little odd because the stances where you're on one leg but upright i don't have toooo hard a time with. Tree stance and leg extensions for instance. if it's a stance on one leg but you have to lean over, forget about it. Warrior 3, Standing Splits?? I think that's what it's called, the Half moon and reverse half moon, oh lordy I can't do them with out cheating. Something about moving my head into a different axis or something really throws me off. Crane I can do without any more problems than your average probably.
 
Ahhhh!! someone I can run some things by :D Some days I seem to have a harder time than others, not sure why. Some routines I've done they have you go on tippy toes, which for some reason is really hard for me, which I think is a little odd because the stances where you're on one leg but upright i don't have toooo hard a time with. Tree stance and leg extensions for instance. if it's a stance on one leg but you have to lean over, forget about it. Warrior 3, Standing Splits?? I think that's what it's called, the Half moon and reverse half moon, oh lordy I can't do them with out cheating. Something about moving my head into a different axis or something really throws me off. Crane I can do without any more problems than your average probably.


I'm in an interesting position - because I have inner ear related balance issues (from being hoh/Deaf) as well as more "typical" balance issues from muscle weakness from a car accident. They are VERY different and I can actaully tell immediately which "source" is causing the problem in different situations.

For example - "Half Moon" (Ardha Chandrasana) and I can do without much trouble, if my head is neutral/facing forward (not turned to the ceiling). The same is true with Warrior 3, as long as my head is "neutral" I'm fine, if my head is anything else, I start to fall (and typically can't "correct" without totally/mostly resetting the pose).

This (for me) is an inner ear issue, not a "muscle" issue. One of my balance exercises is to find and "stick" a pose with a neutral head position and then once very stable, very very very slowly move my head towards where it "should" be. Most times I don't get far at all before my inner ear rebels, but hey, I try.

On the other hand, I have some balance issues with Eagle (Garudasana) and "Extended hand to foot" (Utthita Hasta Padangustasana) which feel very different, because they are core strength balance issues (which have improved a lot with building my core strength). With these, while I get unbalanced, I typically can do a lot of "correcting" to catch myself - because it's a muscle issue, not a "malfunctioning biological gyroscope" issue.

Building up good solid core stabilizing muscles can help - because most of use with inner ear issues also may have weak (or at least "not strong") core muscles ... so improving core muscles can help reduce/eliminate "muscle related balance issues".

With the standing on tip toes - that's largely because many people have weak ankles and so it becomes a weak balance point. Doing specific exercises to strengthen the ankles and feet are a huge help (I'm in the process of working on these now, for exactly the same reason.)

Oh - and for me my inner ear balance issues fluctuate a lot - depending on air/barometric pressures, illness, congestion, not getting enough proper fluids (make sure you hydrate well 2hours before classes!) and being tired. They are all also the same things that impact my tinnitus and my fluctuating hearing loss - which is also a sign that I can't just "work" the inner ear issue away if I really wanted to. (which is kind of like telling someone with a neurological muscle condition they COULD walk, if they REALLY wanted to)

Hope that helps :)
 
It does thanks! The ankle thing makes a lot of sense too! I was really confused about that one, being on two feet and completely upright balance shouldn't be a big problem for me there. Crescent pose for me is hard as well, with that back foot not flat to the floor but bearing your weight on your toes. I have teeny tiny ankles, and jogging can make them very sore. next time I do the p90x video I'll try doing more of the one leg stances and just try to keep my head face front, not looking where they want you to look (or back at the tv to see if they've moved lol)
 

LOL, not going anywhere. I am just not posting any more argument/debate with you two because we are not agreeing. Plus I have just recent read your profiles and see what the problem is and I STILL believe you both can achieve override these troubles. (Anij and Laura).


It does thanks! The ankle thing makes a lot of sense too! I was really confused about that one, being on two feet and completely upright balance shouldn't be a big problem for me there. Crescent pose for me is hard as well, with that back foot not flat to the floor but bearing your weight on your toes. I have teeny tiny ankles, and jogging can make them very sore. next time I do the p90x video I'll try doing more of the one leg stances and just try to keep my head face front, not looking where they want you to look (or back at the tv to see if they've moved lol)

Ambrosia: have you tried training your ankles? Gaining strength in all the muscles in your foot and calves can increase some strength around your ankles. Are you able to touch your nose with your fingers, eyes closed without cheating?
 
Plus I have just recent read your profiles and see what the problem is.

I'm sure you think you know what the "problem is".

I also know that based on what I've specifically elected to put in and leave out of my profile, you'd be incorrect.

I'm surprised you're not working in the neuro dept at Mayo, being that you are such an amazing expert and pioneer in inner ear and balance disorders which confound so many current specialist. You'd think they'd offer you a nice practice there - heck even for Meniere's alone, you could change the world!
 
I'm sure you think you know what the "problem is".

I also know that based on what I've specifically elected to put in and leave out of my profile, you'd be incorrect.

I'm surprised you're not working in the neuro dept at Mayo, being that you are such an amazing expert and pioneer in inner ear and balance disorders which confound so many current specialist. You'd think they'd offer you a nice practice there - heck even for Meniere's alone, you could change the world!

LOL. You are just being funny. I ain't an idiot that you thought I'd be. :ty:
 
It does thanks! The ankle thing makes a lot of sense too! I was really confused about that one, being on two feet and completely upright balance shouldn't be a big problem for me there. Crescent pose for me is hard as well, with that back foot not flat to the floor but bearing your weight on your toes. I have teeny tiny ankles, and jogging can make them very sore. next time I do the p90x video I'll try doing more of the one leg stances and just try to keep my head face front, not looking where they want you to look (or back at the tv to see if they've moved lol)

Since you have brought up using P90X.. what stage are you on? I forgot to ask you this in other post. I know Tony Horton and Steve Holmsen (Steve is one of co-creator of P90X programs, he used some of our ideas and shared it with other trainers including Tony for 10 minutes DVDs).
 
LOL. You are just being funny. I ain't an idiot that you thought I'd be. :ty:

Nope - not being funny at all.

I didn't say you were an idiot (though "arrogant" does come to mind)


My profile contents a tiny amount of information, and excludes a number of key points that you'd actually need to make any sort of Dx.


I'm completely serious - If you can cure inner ear and balance disorders, you should be working at Mayo since it's something that no one else has been able to successfully cure. There are thousands if not millions of people struggling with Meniere's alone, not to mention millions more with other inner ear and neurological conditions you state you can cure (where all others have failed).
 
Nope - not being funny at all.

I didn't say you were an idiot (though "arrogant" does come to mind)


My profile contents a tiny amount of information, and excludes a number of key points that you'd actually need to make any sort of Dx.


I'm completely serious - If you can cure inner ear and balance disorders, you should be working at Mayo since it's something that no one else has been able to successfully cure. There are thousands if not millions of people struggling with Meniere's alone, not to mention millions more with other inner ear and neurological conditions you state you can cure (where all others have failed).

I know you are serious, it just that you made it sound little umm let's say sacarasm.. to work with Mayo Clinic, for specific department for someone like me, I will have to study for other 4 to 6 more years to get to physical therapist degree. I may one day but not right away. I have had two years of study, wanting to take up nutrition and sports medicine next. I already studied for NSCA/ACE (NSCA -National Strength and Conditioning Assicoation, ACE- American Council on Exercise)... which the answer is yes other 4 - 6 more years to become qualifed for the job or any access to their medical program(s). Again, I may some day but I may end up focusing on national deaf community.
 
Since you have brought up using P90X.. what stage are you on? I forgot to ask you this in other post. I know Tony Horton and Steve Holmsen (Steve is one of co-creator of P90X programs, he used some of our ideas and shared it with other trainers including Tony for 10 minutes DVDs).

I did the first two phases in the spring, but then my sister came and stayed with me for the summer, kind of threw me off my game. But I did start jogging with her. I've been super lazy about doing anything lately, but I will do the yoga and ab ripper on occasion. New Years ;) I'll get my game back on lol
 
I did the first two phases in the spring, but then my sister came and stayed with me for the summer, kind of threw me off my game. But I did start jogging with her. I've been super lazy about doing anything lately, but I will do the yoga and ab ripper on occasion. New Years ;) I'll get my game back on lol

Lack of motivation, is that what you are having? any relapse? I hope not.... you shouldn't let visitors or anyone stop you from doing your daily goals. Keep on going. Why wait until after New Year's? Me say... naw, lets go, lets do it!.. :D
 
Jason, I'm sure you don't mean any offence. But I've been in the martial arts my entire life where balance is critical for styles that use kicks. To kick well requires balance, which I don't have. Over the years, I think I've had only two teachers that understood this, and only one that really "got it." This is why I study Judo and Wing Chun - two arts that focus on unbalancing your opponent and using hands. Anything that requires "lots and lots of work" isn't easy so you contradict yourself there. Inner ear damage affects balance and those who have it, simply will not be able to do things requiring good balance as well as those who don't. That's not being lazy on our part - that's medical reality. Not to be disrespectful but a background as a physical trainer isn’t the same thing as having a medical degree.


Laura
 
Lack of motivation, is that what you are having? any relapse? I hope not.... you shouldn't let visitors or anyone stop you from doing your daily goals. Keep on going. Why wait until after New Year's? Me say... naw, lets go, lets do it!.. :D

I don't really have any daily goals, I think that's part of the problem actually with motivation. I don't need to lose any weight, I need to gain some. I'd really really like to start wight training and putting on some muscle, get cut ;) so for a little while maybe heavy weights to build it up and then lower weight more reps to really tone and define it. Kind of why I'm thinking after New Years, don't a lot of gyms have deals on memberships after the first of the year. I'd still want to get my yoga in though!! For the stretch/flexibilty factor. I could set goals for the strength training, but I'd probably need some help with that, not sure exactly what i should be reaching for. For instance I can do at least 4 full pull ups with out any cheats, and I'm pretty damn sure I can bench press my own body weight. In some areas I'm already past what goals are typically set, know what I mean?
 
Jason, I'm sure you don't mean any offence. But I've been in the martial arts my entire life where balance is critical for styles that use kicks. To kick well requires balance, which I don't have. Over the years, I think I've had only two teachers that understood this, and only one that really "got it." This is why I study Judo and Wing Chun - two arts that focus on unbalancing your opponent and using hands. Anything that requires "lots and lots of work" isn't easy so you contradict yourself there. Inner ear damage affects balance and those who have it, simply will not be able to do things requiring good balance as well as those who don't. That's not being lazy on our part - that's medical reality. Not to be disrespectful but a background as a physical trainer isn’t the same thing as having a medical degree. Laura

I have the same issue with balance. If this is the issue, would it not make sense to counter your own issue of balance rather than seeking that weakness in an opponent? Would it not make sense to practice Brazilian Jujutsu? It's totally disillusioned me that grappling fighters have been winning all the MMA titles. I have yet to see a pure hard or soft style fighter win when faced with hybrid fighters.

On topic: I would not let inner ear balance stop me for training in something. It is always worthy to gain more ability. However, while I would train to become a better skier, I don't run to the ski slopes because my lack of balance makes it not a fun time. In my view, there is a difference between training and doing something for fun. Once I have mastered something well enough, I can have fun with it at a later point in time.
 
Jason, I'm sure you don't mean any offence. But I've been in the martial arts my entire life where balance is critical for styles that use kicks. To kick well requires balance, which I don't have. Over the years, I think I've had only two teachers that understood this, and only one that really "got it." This is why I study Judo and Wing Chun - two arts that focus on unbalancing your opponent and using hands. Anything that requires "lots and lots of work" isn't easy so you contradict yourself there. Inner ear damage affects balance and those who have it, simply will not be able to do things requiring good balance as well as those who don't. That's not being lazy on our part - that's medical reality. Not to be disrespectful but a background as a physical trainer isn’t the same thing as having a medical degree.
Laura

Laura: you are mistaken and it is not physical trainer, it is either personal trainer or physical therapist, I took classes that is similar to my cousins, sis-in-law and brother's courses. If you have paid attention to my other posts. I have knowledge in medical all my life and I know what it is like. I love martial arts, wing chun and tae known do is my favorite but didn't have much time to take them but my brother and cousins did. I have big family and busy life but I will find time for them in my training courses... I have done lots of street martial arts and I know they require lots of balancing. Ear trouble or not, it doesn't matter, it is your ability. Read my other posts again... I have friends and a wife who has the same problem, has achieved. I can not believe it when people argue with me if I have never failed anyone with my training. I have achieved getting my father's health back up on top after spending over 20 thousand on doctor visits, tests, and many more to find what the problem was... all failed... two years for what.. my simple program was the solution. I have achieved lots of clients who lost average of 15 to 30 pounds every month to three. And more than 10 clients from potato couch to very aggressive person with muscle mass. More then 3 clients who are H.O.H./deaf who has inner ear problem related to balancing, even they can't see good in the dark has achieved 85% of the goal off my programs. Now back to the point, I am required to take same courses as the nurses, doctors and other medical professionals because if I end up having a client with medical history or strong and healthy as a horse, drop and blackout... I am required to know what the signs, symtoms, and several other things to determine best rescue steps to save this person before this person goes into coma, or death threating position. I also had to take First Aid, AED, and CPR for these cases too.. if I didn't, I won't be a trainer at all. That plus I have grew up playing all kinds of sports mainly soccer. If you guys want to continue to believe I won't achieve you, I can bring in the perspectives from other trainers, and deaf trainers I talk with in the United States. Trust me, I believe you all can achieve no matter what.

I don't really have any daily goals, I think that's part of the problem actually with motivation. I don't need to lose any weight, I need to gain some. I'd really really like to start wight training and putting on some muscle, get cut ;) so for a little while maybe heavy weights to build it up and then lower weight more reps to really tone and define it. Kind of why I'm thinking after New Years, don't a lot of gyms have deals on memberships after the first of the year. I'd still want to get my yoga in though!! For the stretch/flexibilty factor. I could set goals for the strength training, but I'd probably need some help with that, not sure exactly what i should be reaching for. For instance I can do at least 4 full pull ups with out any cheats, and I'm pretty damn sure I can bench press my own body weight. In some areas I'm already past what goals are typically set, know what I mean?

Ambrosia: that is what I thought because I see how thin you look in the picture unless that is really you. I can understand.. I lose weight and gain muscle mass. I like to get cut overall too. I am not 100% there yet either. Not having daily goals is similar to having lack of motivation but it is not that if you have a goal to train just every other day. When I work at few fitness centers,

Trainers: Nothing new
Me: ??? is it because members cancel when it gets around the holidays then make a big comeback for new year's start?
Trainers: Yes they do that every year but some sticks around because of binge eating over the holidays.
Me: Not surprising if I see that, they should continue but I can understand if it is finance situation when it comes to Christmas shopping.. but why let the winter, holidays stop you from achieving a goal.. why for new year to start fresh?
Trainers: agreed.

That is part of lack of motivation and time management. The deals that is being offered at gyms do not always happen when the New year starts but they usually does and even over the holidays, for example, if someone hires a trainer, two clients of price of one. New year start, 20% discount for a year long membership, etc.. that is what I see usually happens but not every gym, ya know they have their own way of competiting on sales.

Now, with gaining weigh, best solution is to eat plenty of all three kinds of protein (Soy, Whey, and Casein), fresh cut fruits and vegetables with plenty of meat... for muscle training, you need to have good amount of acids and proteins that you find out of red meat, it is okay to have them at least one or twice every week... carbs are the key too but not too much of both or either if you want the cut. Eat a lot, the better chance you get good muscle mass and good cut, it also depends on what your body manages on. I lost over 10 lbs of fat and gained approximately 20 of muscle. And yes I know what you mean on the heavy set/light set, numbers of sets and reps... if it does not work, you will have to change the plans until you find it.. best way to know for sure is to stick with one for approximately 4 to 6 weeks before changing the methods/reps/weights. If you achieve 3-4 sets of 12 reps, increase the weight.. (i.e.- 3 sets of 12 at 50 lbs, a success, increase to 60 lbs, but if you only did 12-12-10, it is not a success) If you do heavy workout, your body needs at least 48 hours of rest to grow and cut. If average heavy/light training, next day or next 2 days is fine. light training, do it every day to make the mass/cut a success. While you train with that kind of program, taking yoga is big bonus because of the muscles hidden from you will be found and wanting get the cut, yoga is also one of the best tool. It also is supposed to help you regain your balance depending on the methods the instructor uses... not much balancing and muscle toning along with relaxing medications, go find yourself different instructor.. almost every instructor has their own way unless they want to copy each other.. I learned a few from few different instructor and didnt find it interesting at all until I went to boot camp and learned from 3D Yoga instructor... awesome. So, I hope this helps... got to shut up. LOL.

I have the same issue with balance. If this is the issue, would it not make sense to counter your own issue of balance rather than seeking that weakness in an opponent? Would it not make sense to practice Brazilian Jujutsu? It's totally disillusioned me that grappling fighters have been winning all the MMA titles. I have yet to see a pure hard or soft style fighter win when faced with hybrid fighters.

On topic: I would not let inner ear balance stop me for training in something. It is always worthy to gain more ability. However, while I would train to become a better skier, I don't run to the ski slopes because my lack of balance makes it not a fun time. In my view, there is a difference between training and doing something for fun. Once I have mastered something well enough, I can have fun with it at a later point in time.

See this dude (vacationguy) refused to let the problem stop him.. lots of other people did the same... so you all shall do the same... if we can, you can too.. if you achieved, means we can too.. bah bah.. ya know. Unique or not... we all can. If you guys want to see the real change, I know several colleagues that I went to school with can help you but they don't know how to sign. If they have questions and wanting to communicate, they will talk to you and/or contact me. They said they will. So.. just let me know. Unless one of you live in Texas, there is a trainer down there that you can talk to.
 
Anij: Forgot to mention that I keep updates with MayoClinic through twitter and other communication methods. They had few results that I disagreed or saw a failure, I gave them the feedback so they can check into it before confirming it 100%. They did that four times. They are good at researching and confirming what will be a success because it is their profession but they are just like everyone else who majors in same area.
 
This is ONE of few keys to motivation and "CAN DO", no matter what.
 

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Anij: Forgot to mention that I keep updates with MayoClinic through twitter and other communication methods. They had few results that I disagreed or saw a failure, I gave them the feedback so they can check into it before confirming it 100%. They did that four times. They are good at researching and confirming what will be a success because it is their profession but they are just like everyone else who majors in same area.


I'm sure that Mayo was SOOOO excited that someone with a few years of personal training experience (and very limited if any medical/physiology knowledge) knows so much more than their teams of top-of-their-field specialists with decades worth of education and real world experience.

You say you take the same courses as Doctors and Nurses ... I find this VERY interesting because (having 4 personal trainers, who also happen to be Physical Therapists and Rehab Therapists, one of whom is also a nurse) anything more than a very basic "intro" to anatomy and physiology isn't part of a Personal Trainer course/certifications. Even a full year of full time university anatomy and physiology classes wouldn't give you an 1/8th (literally) the education of a doctor - or a 1/10th of an ENT.


Being a professional and specialist in my own field for 20 years now, I see this type of situation all too often.
People who take some courses and have worked in a field for a few years is they think they know everything. That they have these brilliant ideas and "fixes" for things. They think they know more than the people who've been working and studying in the field for decades. You don't. You're limited time in the field and very limited experience (if you've had less than 1000-2000 regular, ongoing clients, you're "new")

You say you've "cured" people of their inner ear disorders, but have you seen their full medical file, read their MRI and CT results? Do you actually KNOW what their complete (correctly Dx'd) inner ear issues are? Or are you basing your "success" on a few (less than 100people) where they're said they "have inner ear issues" and then you've suggest core strength and stability exercises to "cure" them... because if this is the case chances are while they might have some inner ear issues, their primary balance problems are actaully (the typical) core issues most people have.

Inner ear disorders have a VERY specific set of issues - which have to do with things that exercises can't fix because the don't have a neuro-muscular component.

Core strength and balance exercises will help basically anyone - and thus an improvement will be seen, however for those with TRUE inner ear balance disorders/diseases the underlying condition remains the same and thus that part of the balance remains affected.
 
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