I tried some beginners yoga at home and there were simply too many positions
that my body refuses to do.:(

A better alternative for me is Pilates and other core exercises.

I don't know what Hiawatha yoga is, but I hope it works for you.

Kelly C.

What's that?

... it's good for the instructor ...

Exercise (free) would be my recommendation .. see local physio ..

Stuart

By any chance, do you mean Hatha Yoga?

You could look at Yogabasics.com for a little explanation.

I have taken a class that mixes pilates and yoga and always need adaptations
(like extra pillows or support bricks). If its a good instructor, you will
get help figuring adaptations for your limitations. It did help my
flexibility some. But I never stuck with it long enough.

Adelle

I don't really know about hips or knees.   I have a oga tape I did for a
while.  I wish I could do it again as it was a good workout that was gentle
on most of my joints, but my costochondritis makes many of the moves too
painful now.

From what I hear, Tai Chi is a better bet for folks with arthritis.  I wish
there were a class in my part of the world.

The Arthritis Foundation here has exercise classes (yoga included) which are
taught by instructors who understand the limits arthritis puts on us.

Frankly, the only yoga course I attended, the teacher worked one arm
forever and then one leg forever before moving on and I suffered
repetitive motion stuff which happens easily to me. I hate yoga because
I find it boring and that relaxation stuff just annoys me. But that is
me. I went to yoga to keep my hubby company who was suppose to go for
his nerves. Did I mention I hate yoga. When I finally told him I would
not go back, he didn't go either. I knew it but it was killing me.
If you do decide to go, do not over do. I think about 6 repetitions per
joint is plenty. Just turn over and do the other side. 25 or so was just
asking for trouble and the teacher I was going to was suppose to
understand handicap issues. Well maybe but not arthritis.
I have found on the other hand that I love pilates. I used to be able to
do mat classes [and trust me slowly at first] but since my knee
replacement I do the reformer only [not on my knees]. It moves along,
builds slowly 5-6 reps in the beginning to maybe 10 or 12. Teachers are
always checking to be sure you are not hurting yourself.- at least good
teachers. My first teacher was Stout trained.
Anyway, that is my own personal opinion and means practically nothing.
lol Forgive me if I have insulted all those of you who love yoga. My
last dance teacher practiced yoga every day. I am guessing he like it.
Duckie

The American Pain foundation has a printable chair yoga program..... perfect
for those in pain.
http://www.painfoundation.org/page.asp?file=Publications/Index.htm