Yoga (muscles, lifting weights, arms, workouts)

[anadyr21]

Anyone out there doing Yoga? I know a lot of people consider it slow, low impact, and a low calorie burner, but I've seen some wonderful changes in my body in the last 3 months. The few guys who do come, who look to be very strong, and some of which are triathaletes and competitive cyclists, can barely do some of the strength moves. It's actually quite amusing. I've noticed some lean muscle definition in my arms and abs and the flexibility increase has been amazing. I'm just wondering about other people's thoughts and experiences with yoga.

[LaoTzuMindFu]

I love yoga. I have actually added some yoga asanas as part of the taiji curriculum that I teach.

Vinyasa yoga is the one I prefer because of its flowing style (similar to taijiquan).

[SifuPhil]

Originally Posted by DaBeez

I love yoga. I have actually added some yoga asanas as part of the taiji curriculum that I teach.

Vinyasa yoga is the one I prefer because of its flowing style (similar to taijiquan).

Yep, same here. It helped to have a girlfriend that taught it...

[stoymonkey]

iYogaLife.com : Runners : Yoga on the Run: Knee Injury

great article (yes, im biased) about an athlete and yoga!

[OA 5599]

I've been considering it myself to help with flexibility, and to supplement my other workouts. I run and lift a lot, but I'm not very flexible. The only problem is that I already work out 6 days a week, so finding time to fit in a yoga class would be difficult at best because my schedule is absolutley packed. Can you get at least some benefits by only going 1 day a week?

[SifuPhil]

Originally Posted by OA 5599

I've been considering it myself to help with flexibility, and to supplement my other workouts. I run and lift a lot, but I'm not very flexible. The only problem is that I already work out 6 days a week, so finding time to fit in a yoga class would be difficult at best because my schedule is absolutley packed. Can you get at least some benefits by only going 1 day a week?

As with anything else, what you get out of it depends upon what you put in...you have to ask yourself how important flexibility, breathing and relaxation are to you, and schedule accordingly.

[Clay Lady]

Originally Posted by SifuPhil

...you have to ask yourself how important flexibility, breathing and relaxation are to you, and schedule accordingly.

Well that just about says it all!!

[OA 5599]

Originally Posted by SifuPhil

As with anything else, what you get out of it depends upon what you put in...you have to ask yourself how important flexibility, breathing and relaxation are to you, and schedule accordingly.

The flexibility would be nice, but I guess I really don't need it. Training for a marathon and adding more muscle mass are my main goals, but I may find out I love yoga...I'm going to try to go to a class in the next month or so.

[Ellise]

I took up yoga because my other workouts were killing me. I used to do step aerobics and my knees started hurting, and I actually suffered heat exhaustion during a workout on a hot, humid morning in my old, un-airconditioned house. I got so bored with lifting weights I couldn't stand it anymore.

So I've been practicing yoga (the flowing vinyasa or power yoga style) for over 6 years now and although it's basically the same moves over and over I never seem to tire of it. You feel so good when you're done and it calms and centers you. My posture improved greatly and my abs have never looked better.

I find that yoga and some gentle cardio, like walking occasionally is all I really need to stay in shape. You're probably not going to add muscle mass from practicing yoga but it does work your muscles.

[LaoTzuMindFu]

Originally Posted by OA 5599

The flexibility would be nice, but I guess I really don't need it. Training for a marathon and adding more muscle mass are my main goals, but I may find out I love yoga...I'm going to try to go to a class in the next month or so.

The text above in bold confuses me. Most marathoners do want to add muscle mass. What are your goals for working out? I think the yoga will definitely help you if you want to do marathons. You'll learn how to breathe. Most people only use their top 1/3 of the lungs when they breathe, yoga (and especially taiji) will teach you to use your full lung capacity when breathing which will help you with any physical activity (and increase the functioning of your internal organs).

Yoga is sooo much more than just flexibility. Try the classes for a few months and you'll see.