Yoga

[ckgirlbr]

I've been doing yoga for almost three years and there are some positions I can't do, while some people can in their very first class

 

[Katie Bee]

^ Everyone's body is different. Some people are naturally more flexible and strong in certain areas of their bodies. It's natural. I hate when i see people really struggling and pushing themselves because 1) That doesn't seem to be what yoga is about and 2) They can really injure themselves but they think that since its "just yoga" that they won't.

 

[ckgirlbr]

^I know, my teacher says exactly the same But it's still a bit frustrating to me

Is Ashtanga yoga too hard? I'd like to try someday.

 

[shoegal2183]

Is anyone here a yoga instructor? If so, could you share how you became one?!

 

[ediewho]

i would like to try... i always says the same but I'm such so difficult to calm down and concentrate on breath properly... when i know any kind of those thing as yoga or meditation would help me lots... but i have not enough discipline and such a lack of concentration if im not pushed..my mind goes faster than i do...

I kind of envy people who can practice this as they can get some mind/body balance in such a natural way...

 

[statonscarlet]

I have wanted to do bikram "hot" yoga forever. But there is no place that offers it near where I live. Has anyone tried it? And what is it like?

 

[Party_Vixen]

I'm thinking about taking up yoga this year at my university gym. I've been meaning to try it for awhile but things always seem to come up . I actually did yoga one year in high school and found it very relaxing.

Silly question but what does one wear? Is it suitable to wear a tank and sweats?

 

[shoegal2183]

I'm thinking about taking up yoga this year at my university gym. I've been meaning to try it for awhile but things always seem to come up . I actually did yoga one year in high school and found it very relaxing.

Silly question but what does one wear? Is it suitable to wear a tank and sweats?

That is typically what I wear! Slim sweats or capri work out pants and a tank

 

[classicalbang]

I'm thinking about taking up yoga this year at my university gym. I've been meaning to try it for awhile but things always seem to come up . I actually did yoga one year in high school and found it very relaxing.

Silly question but what does one wear? Is it suitable to wear a tank and sweats?

A tank and sweats would be fine. Just make sure your clothes are loose-fitting, so you are able to move freely and pose properly.

 

[Party_Vixen]

Thanks shoegal and cb . I just didn't want to show up to my first class dressed inappropriately for the workout.

 

[Serenity*Now]

Is Ashtanga yoga too hard? I'd like to try someday.

Define "hard"?
I guess I'd have to say YES and that's why I do it.

As far as teaching, Yoga Alliance sets the standards here in the US but they're changing, I hear. Of course there are different teacher certifications in most every discipline and some don't require 100's of hrs. Just depends what you want to do & where you want to teach.

Clothes-I could never wear sweat pants b/c the bulky fleece material would restrict me (& I love bulky, big things). I basically wear aerobic or hip hop type pants and a long (stomach covering) bra top. Tanks and some T's are hard to wear on top b/c when you do inversions...they don't stay in place and you risk a wardrobe malfunction.

I do yoga, on avg, for 2 1/2hrs, 5-6 days a week. But it was many years of searching til I found a style I liked & that actually was good for ME.

 

[chanelnumber5]

I've just started yoga lessons again. I'm doing Dru yoga and really enjoying it. I've only had two lessons so far after stopping a year ago. My hamstring muscles are so tight, and my who left hand side is really unflexible - does anyone else find that the shoulder/arm/side of the hand they write with tends to be alot less flexible/more tense?

As for clothes, I normally wear leggings on the bottom and on the top I have to layer (tanks, tees, light long sleeved tops) alot as I get cold really easily - maybe I should try bikram yoga, no danger of getting cold then!

 

[Serenity*Now]

^ Hmm...No, I think my inflexibility issues have to do more with past injuries and/or compensation of one side [or one joint] for another over time.

 

[ckgirlbr]

Define "hard"?
I guess I'd have to say YES and that's why I do it.

I mean tiring I do power yoga and I heard Ashtanga is even harder...

 

[Serenity*Now]

Yes/no b/c you could still do a morning class and do what you need to do during the day or weekend. But you definately don't feel later on that you *didn't* work out...if that make sense.
To me it's harder than power yoga b/c you hold the poses longer plus there's that element of trying not to injure/************* with all the inversions, arm balances, handstands... so your muscles really do kick in, full force.
1st series in Ashtanga is designed to be more of a detoxifying practice where as when you move on to 2nd series, it's more exhausting b/c it's designed a "tonic" for the nerves. A lot of people have emotional releases (aka crying episodes), at some point when they start and you do feel physically tired afterwards...
B)

 

[LoveLiLi]

I've been practicing yoga for about 7 years and I love it. It's very relaxing and when I do deep stretches I feel so calm and I have such a restful, peaceful sleep (great for an insomniac like me ).

Also, there are times when I do yoga for about an hour and I feel such a sense of clarity and tranquility - nothing upsets me and it feels like a natural high (I know that sounds cliche, but it's true).

Of course, yoga improves my posture, it keeps me toned and my waist to hip ratio is enhanced when I practice yoga at least 3 times a week.

 

[funkyhepburn]

Can anybody suggest any Yoga work out DVDs that are worth buying?

 

[Serenity*Now]

Can anybody suggest any Yoga work out DVDs that are worth buying?

Depends on what style you like, IMO.
If you are brand spanking new I would highly recommend trying some classes in person first to see, before striking it out on your own.

Play around on youtube and see videos of different styles and teachers. I could recommend some teachers with videos but I totally think that it's an individual taste thing.
The YogaToday website has different videos for days of the week. If you try one you like, you can download it to your computer for something 3 bucks.

 

[michyed]

What age are most people that attend yoga classes? I really want to go but I don't want to be the only teenager there...

Has yoga helped with fat burn, anyone?

 

[Serenity*Now]

In my classes it ranges from 12yo-66yo.
As far as fat burning, depends on the style of yoga. It it's a more flow-y, relaxing one probably not. But some of the 'hotter' more strenuous types, yes b/c it not only gets your heart rate up but you are doing exercises that are full bodyweight exercises; like I can do a handstand, headstand or an some kind of arm balance but would never be able to shoulder press or do a free weight exercise that would duplicate that kind of weight or all the other muscles that are working to stabilize me.
Muscle is more metabolically active, hence, you can say it "burns fat".