Yoga, Tai Chi or Feldenkrais?

[bmccasland]

My knees didn't like TaiChi, and that was BEFORE I had the bike wreck last year. My doc suggested I stop - and this was a doc that wanted his patients to exercise.

[EmilyDarlington]

I have been doing yoga for about eight years, have done a bit of tai chi, and have been studying Feldenkrais quite regularily for the past two years. And I have to tell the world that Feldenkrais is the most amazing concept EVER. Not only has it improved my physical body, but it has also completely changed my mental and emotional lives for the better. I can easily deal with stress (and I used to be medicated for anxiety), I am now more patient and understanding, I am more emotionally available and able to connect to others, I can easily change habits....I could go on and on. It would certainly help you stay calm in the face of anything. And it informs your yoga as well as tai chi, or any other physical movement activity you partake in. It will also teach you how to use your body most effectively without pushing yourself to the point of pain (which our society believes is the only way to improve, but believe you me, there are much gentler, more enjoyable ways to make your body, mind and soul stronger.) So while I think all three practices are a great addition to your biking experience, Feldenkrais will change your life.

[KnottedYet]

If you have someone near you who does Alexander technique, that could be useful as well.

Yoga would be my vote for a calming and get-a-grip-on-yourself practice, as long as you're doing the more meditative kind.