For those with arthritis or other chronic pain issues, yoga can provide a great starting point. Oftentimes pain can limit one's ability to participate in regular exercise. A gentle yoga program that incorporates basic postures with calming breathing can help to stretch tight areas and gently strengthen muscles, both of which can help to reduce joint pain. Certain forms of yoga introduce gentler movements then those performed in typical exercise programs. In a gentle yoga class, the movements are done more slowly and with an emphasis on only working to a level that is comfortable. Participants of yoga learn to be aware of how the movement feels in their body and any sensations that are occurring as a result of the movement. The participant then decides whether or not the movement is good for them to do, one they should avoid, or if adjustments need to be made such as performing the movement with less range of motion. The goal of yoga is to teach the participant to be aware of sensations occurring and then try various approaches until the right variation of the posture is found for that session. This approach starts anew with each yoga session. Since each day with arthritis can be different, this means each exercise session will be as well. Some days you may be able to do more and other days you may need to do less. By approaching each session with awareness and an open mind, there is less tendency to overdo, making exercise more enjoyable and safer. By utilizing techniques taught in yoga one can begin to learn to move the body in a way that does not exacerbate symptoms and can oftentimes lead to the ability to participate in more challenging exercises. This is in contrast to the way many approach their exercise session, which is oftentimes to work out harder and/or longer then appropriate. This often leads to fatigue and sore muscles, and ultimately abandoning the exercise program altogether.

Yoga also emphasizes meditation or relaxation skills. The regular practice of relaxation techniques may help to manage stress and chronic pain. It is common when experiencing pain to reduce one's movements and activities in order to protect the area. Pain can also bring up feelings of panic, loss of control, and helplessness. The regular practice of relaxation or meditation techniques can help to manage these feelings. Taking a few deep breaths and focusing on a calming word or sensation can help to relax tight muscles and reduce stress. Here again, to start it is best to learn the relaxation technique while siting or lying still, when the pain is not severe. Then as one becomes more comfortable using these techniques, they can be used during daily life and exercise sessions. While it is not recommended to exercise if you are experiencing an exacerbation of symptoms, it is helpful to learn to keep the body relaxed before and during exercise. If while exercising one senses the body becoming tight or joints becoming painful, sometimes a few minutes of deep breathing and intentionally relaxing the muscles can help the participant to continue and complete the exercise session.

When searching for a yoga class it is important to try several classes and instructors. There are many different forms of yoga. Some emphasize more challenging postures, and some emphasize gentler postures with a focus on deep breathing. Also what is considered gentle by one person may be challenging for another. Remember, yoga is not about the ability to do a specific posture. Rather it is about honoring your body's needs. If the instructions you are given, or the posture you are doing doesn't feel right, listen to your body and your intuition. It always knows best.