I have a GREAT recommendation based on my personal experience. I retired last August, and my…read moreyoungest son surprised me with a VERY special retirement gift -- private one-on-one YOGA lessons at DOWNTOWN YOGA in Hammond, LA, His goal was to assist me in gaining balance, confidence and "winding me down mentally" (meditation) following extensive back surgery for lumbar scoliosis at Vanderbilt, and a slip which required a second surgery at Baylor in Houston. I no longer knew how or had the confidence to get myself off the ground if I wanted to play floor games (jacks/puzzles/pick-up-sticks, etc) with my grandchildren; or even perform yard work afraid I would lose my balance while working in flower beds. It was downright embarrassing to be down and have to crawl to a couch or chair and the agony of getting myself up. I went to Cate Square and brought a picnic lunch, and realized I could not sit on the blanket to eat with my 4-year-old grandson, as I would not be able to get back up without crawling to a bench to pull myself up.
With this surprise, my son personally drove in from Houston and brought me to meet Dr. Brenna Barzenick at DOWNTOWN YOGA. He had researched the area and then researched Dr. Barzenick's background. He was so amazed at her expertise, that he personally called her to explain my back issues to assure yoga could help me.
Brenna provided me with an in-depth assessment/evaluation which included reviewing my X-rays which indicated where all the rods and screws were located -- my back is a mess (I lost 5" in height prior to having the 12-hour surgery, and endured the pain as long as I could. I was 64 when I had the surgery, - I did not have the normal curvature or even know I had lumbar scoliosis, until carrying a heavy bag in the airport 4 years prior to surgery and the pain just came out of the blue. I thought I had just pinched a nerve, but the pain was relentless. After seeing 5 neurosurgeons in New Orleans, none specializing in scoliosis surgery, I found one in Baton Rouge who focused on scoliosis. Unfortunately, he suggested I endure the pain, as the surgery was tough, and he just felt I looked too good at that time, explaining this surgery would "age me." I later realized that it does limit one's flexibility and ability to partake in the sports that you love, whether it be snow skiing, basketball, or just running around chasing and playing with your kiddos. I have now focused on the Elliptical, swimming, and best of all -- YOGA!
Breanna assured me that she has the perfect teacher I needed for 1:1 classes (which I preferred, and my son insisted upon - Jo Ziller- a true life changer. I was nervous, had little confidence, and was very fearful of falling. I attended classes an hour each week for 9 months. I am still amazed at the difference I have made in becoming confident after gaining strength in my legs and arms, and actually seeing differences week to week. I am now able to more easily get into the positions necessary to get down on the ground and then lift myself up through correct yoga positioning! It's not an "overnight" fix, but Jo encouraged me, praised me, and I began to feel better and gain balance. Unfortunately, I needed two cataract surgeries and then retina surgery, thus had to sit out until released. My son just questioned why I had not started back yet, and said "Merry Christmas, as I am going to give you a Christmas present of 1:1 weekly lessons with Jo as I know you will continue to progress and keep you will feel younger, Mom!"
NOW that is showing love -- he wants me around and to feel younger! If I can make a recommendation to anyone who is pondering what to give a parent, I suggest the same surprise -- yoga classes or one-on-one classes if needed like I did.-My son made it happen - I never would have thought I could take yoga classes.
TREAT yourself to YOGA classes. I treated my sister to a group session (I had the confidence to attend with her) and was amazed at the number of people in the class who said they, too, had scoliosis. Many had not had surgery yet had improved their pain through commitment and dedication.
Regardless, I am a believer - my doctors have confirmed that YOGA is one of the best exercises I could perform (one advising that he loved YOGA and took classes himself). to have the quality of yoga instructors here in Hammond USA, is phenomenal. Writing this missive was important to me, as if I can help just ONE person to improve with Yoga classes in Hammond, then I have given a gift of encouragement. Please know that this Senior Citizen is feeling so much more balanced and younger -- mentally and physically -- due to the wonderful team of instructors of Downtown Yoga. Happy Holidays to all - Charlotte W. Dupre' -- just one true believer that Yoga can and will make a positive difference in your life!
