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I thought about trying yoga years ago but never did. I was really never one for stretching; I always believed in warming up before exercise, but never liked the static stretching that most runners do.
Then several years ago the research came out that static stretching was not helpful, perhaps even detrimental. Static stretching in effect sends a message to the muscle to relax, which is the opposite of what you want as a runner (or any athlete). Instead the experts advised "dynamic stretching," which basically amounts to warming up. Is not yoga essentially static stretching?
I practice yoga at least twice a day. In the morning, it energizes me; in the evening, it relaxes me.
I can't believe people still think yoga is just stretching. Yes, yoga builds flexibility, but there certainly is nothing static about it. Yoga also builds strength and endurance, promotes deep breathing and relaxation (which in turn lowers heart rate and blood pressure), and improves posture.
If you're so curious, OP, try it yourself, but with an open mind.
While Yoga and regular weight lifting (which is my regular form of exercise) essentially do same thing, I find yoga as a better stress reliever. There are many different forms of Yoga, i personally focus on mind and body connection as well as flexibility.
Since starting Yoga I feel as I lift weights with better form, more controlled and some injuries that were reoccurring have been non-existent
Yep
Everything is better when you do yoga - although I prefer to practice regularly
What you are learning in fitness classes isn't really yoga but a cheap knock-off consisting of stretching and concentration exercises.
This is totally true with many places that are NOT dedicated yoga studios, that offer some "yoga classes". Without the breathing and the mental and spiritual aspects of it, it IS just stretching and in no way should be called yoga.
Yoga is an absolutely great addition to any regular fitness routine. Learning of the asanas, ujaay breathing, postures, sun salutations, difference sequences, etc. and the history behind them, opening the chakras, etc. are all vitally important to a good and true yoga practice.
Its one of the few things that exist that is is truly a physical, mental and spiritual endeavor/exercise.
This is totally true with many places that are NOT dedicated yoga studios, that offer some "yoga classes". Without the breathing and the mental and spiritual aspects of it, it IS just stretching and in no way should be called yoga.
Yoga is an absolutely great addition to any regular fitness routine. Learning of the asanas, ujaay breathing, postures, sun salutations, difference sequences, etc. and the history behind them, opening the chakras, etc. are all vitally important to a good and true yoga practice.
Its one of the few things that exist that is is truly a physical, mental and spiritual endeavor/exercise.
I only recently started yoga as it is offered at my local Y where I go for strength training. I am fortunate in that the city I live in has a LOT of qualified yoga instructors, therefore the classes at the Y are good yoga classes. I don't want to have to pay for classes at a studio, this is good enough for me, plus now I am practicing yoga at home several days per week, and learning more on the web. I am finding that even though I have been doing strength training for quite a while now, I am actually feeling muscles I did not know I had - taking belly dance too (great core training!), and it's the same for that. I love doing a mix of things, the yoga is a great complement to the more active endeavors.
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Yes, yoga builds flexibility, but there certainly is nothing static about it. Yoga also builds strength and endurance, promotes deep breathing and relaxation (which in turn lowers heart rate and blood pressure), and improves posture.
