Boat Yoga!

[dacap06]

My new doctor has been urging me to do yoga. Ugh. Frankly, I've never been a big believer in isometric exercises. The thought of positioning my body in these odd, contorted poses and staying that way for a while is completely unappealing. I imagine something or other will go thoroughly to sleep and I will be unable to leave the position without help.

And then I had this thought ... ding! It is exactly what I have been doing these last few weeks -- boat yoga! Getting into and holding uncomfortable positions for long periods of time to accomplish my maintenance.

We've all been there. I am always struck anew by how much poor accessibility impedes our progress whenever I do maintenance. Turning a wrench or screwdriver at the end our reach is difficult because we barely position it and can only turn it by twisting the wrist, not applying leverage using our major muscles close to our bodies. A job that would take 5 minutes in the open takes 30 minutes instead, all the time holding ourselves in awkward, contorted positions and requiring a lot more turning effort from minor muscle groups.

Misery loves company, so spill it! When doing your maintenance, what is your least favorite and most necessary boat yoga position? Be specific and descriptive, and should you exaggerate a little I'll never tell!

[PaulfromNWOnt]

While not on a boat, getting at the top bolt on the tranny of an older Western Star requires some serious contortions, and someone to extract you when the procedure is over. You have to block up the cab, then pull yourself in from the rear using your finger tips. You have to use an open end wrench because there's no room for a socket, and a box end will get locked in when you back off the bolt. When finished, your "accomplice" has to tug you out by your feet.

I find whistling the theme from Mission Impossible is helpful.

[Jeff_H]

I have done Boatga for many years. I started doing yoga in my late 40's some 12-13 years ago. I started because my back was bothering me. It was a great way to tone up and it has really helped with strength and balance. I started out thinking, "How hard could this be?" I found out it could be a lot harder than I ever would have guessed.

I would suggest that you start in a class somewhere. It makes it a little more interesting and you are less likely to hurt yourself by doing something wrong.

Yo'- Namaste ya'all,
Jeff