Adding Yoga to the Mix

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by PAhippo

I tried yoga but preferred tai chi (sometimes spelled tai ji).


Just to add another option........

You have piqued my interest - why do you prefer tai chi? I might look into that. For some reason, I can't seem to get into going to the yoga class, even though I have thought about trying it for some time. I guess I don't really see myself as the yoga type, the constant tai chi movement might be more to my liking.

[PAhippo]

Tai chi makes me feel more graceful. (yea, may be dumb but this is ME I'm talking about. )

It's not just a physical exercise-the brain gets involved too. Sort of like patting your head and rubbing your stomach.

The movements are done standing, improving balance and posture. There's also a focus on breathing correctly, as in yoga.


Dare I post this?







https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5QhaNR8IKM






This is not a beginner's form-this woman must have taken classes for years.

[Chicago South Sider]

I haven't tried yoga but any exercise that increases flexibility and range of motion is a good for you.

[Kings Gambit]

Originally Posted by PAhippo

I tried yoga but preferred tai chi (sometimes spelled tai ji).


Just to add another option........

This is another good option. There are many similiarities between taiji and vinyasa yoga. Vinyasa is more flowing like taiji.

Yoga is usually more physically demanding than taiji, but if you can find a taiji instructor who teaches the form and external and internal chi gong (qigong) movements it can be just as physically challenging.

Good suggestion PAhippo. Hope the OP still comes here to check in on her thread to see this.


EDIT: I should add that I have more than 20 years experience teaching taiji/qigong. I do both yoga (vinyasa) and taiji (yang) and am a huge fan of both.

[Coinnle Corra]

I love yoga and I used to belong to a great studio in my area for $100/month. Yoga is great for you mentally and does wonders for toning arms (no other strength training exercise has given me as toned arms as yoga). However, I had to stop doing yoga on a regular basis because I have sciatica from a herniated disc. The forward back bends and deep twists can aggravate sciatica. I do pilates and I believe it is much safer than yoga for those have a pre-exisiting injury, especially relating to the spine. Some pilates postures are even used in physical therapy.

I also really enjoy barre and would recommend checking it out if you like yoga and pilates. It's a great workout for the core and legs.

[BATCAT]

Originally Posted by Meyerland

Which is better for beginners, hatha or vinyasa?

How suited to beginners any class is probably has much more to do with the individual teacher and sequence than whether or not it's Hatha or Vinyasa.

That said I think it's a really good idea to do some of both and I suggest trying a studio where you can switch between the two.

[Azmordean]

I am trying Yoga for the first time ever tomorrow. A relatively less intense Vinyasa class (per the instructor). I am currently working out (lifting or biking) 5 days a week. I figured doing some yoga on one of my rest days would be good for both recovery and flexibility -- so I'll be testing out that theory tomorrow!

I used to be a "yoga's not for me" kind of dude, but the more I've thought about it, the more I think it might have a great place in my training regime, especially now that the intensity of my other workouts has picked up. I really need something for flexibility/recovery!

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Azmordean

I am trying Yoga for the first time ever tomorrow. A relatively less intense Vinyasa class (per the instructor). I am currently working out (lifting or biking) 5 days a week. I figured doing some yoga on one of my rest days would be good for both recovery and flexibility -- so I'll be testing out that theory tomorrow!

I used to be a "yoga's not for me" kind of dude, but the more I've thought about it, the more I think it might have a great place in my training regime, especially now that the intensity of my other workouts has picked up. I really need something for flexibility/recovery!

Hey, me too! Only my class is on Wednesday. I have gone back and forth whether I want to do yoga or not, but figure I might as well give it a chance. I am planning on trying the tai chi also on Friday. I definitely need some flexibility with my strength training!

[artemis agrotera]

I feel at my best when doing yoga regularly.

Mostly I've done Iyengar Yoga which has a precise focus on body alignment and uses props like blocks and straps to assist those who are less flexible or injured.