Somewhere along your journey you've probably heard, or maybe even thought, "I can't do yoga, I'm not flexible" or "I'm too old" or "I'm not skinny enough." But those who practice know these statements are false. Yoga is for every type of body. Just ask Chuck Knese.
After working in construction for 30+ years, Chuck was in pain. Over the years, he'd herniated three disks in his spine, worked through a torn rotator cuff, tore his biceps in both arms, and injured his shoulder. At its worst, Chuck was receiving cortisone shots every three months and was put on daily pain medication just to function. His range of motion was limited and he felt awful. "I could barely walk more than a few blocks without being in pain. I had put up with it for so long. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired."
About three years ago, Chuck read an article about a Vietnam Vet that started doing yoga and the overall impact it had on that mans life. Chuck thought "If he can do it, so can I." With the guidance of his daughter Lindsey, and a few other great teachers, Chuck started practicing and hasn't looked back.
"I've lost 35 pounds, gained flexibility, and increased my range of motion to a point that my doctors never thought possible. I haven't had any cortisone shots and rarely even consume aspirin." When he started practicing, he couldn't reach his knees, raise his arms above his head, or sit comfortably on his own. If you've seen Chuck in class doing planks, practicing tree pose or mastering his forward fold all pain free, you've seen the dedication of a true yoga practitioner.
"I give all credit to yoga. I practice about 6 hours a week to make sure and maintain my activity level. But I give 100% of my recovery and progress to yoga. Its changed my life and I tell everyone I can about it."
