Yoga?

[adamak]

I have signed up for my first ever yoga lesson next week. Very excited, but doubtful. So, what should I expect, and I'm still not convinced that I can tone my body with it.

Anyone?

 

[lil mermaid]

I have been doing astanga yoga for about the past year and a half. If you are consistent with your practice, you can tone your body and really gain quite a bit of strength. There are many different kinds of yoga - some are better than others for muscle toning. Do you know what type of yoga it is? I have obtained so many benefits from it - one of the best benefits is that I have learned to be more patient with myself, and more accepting of my body.

The weird thing is, I HATED it at first. I felt so good afterward though, so I kept going back. I am glad I did! So I would encourage you to stick with it.

Feel free to IM me if you have any questions - I LOVE to talk about yoga.

 

[adamak]

Thanks! I dont' know what kind it is. All it says it's beginning. Probably really simple postures. I think I'll know more, and ask more questions as I continue (hopefully).

 

[jamsmom]

Besides toning, can it help one to lose weight? I HATE to excerise, but yoga isn't all sweaty. Right?

 

[MomE@Home]

I have been doing Kundalini Yoga for nine years - I love it ! Kundalini Yoga consists of the basic poses and breathing combined with chanting & mediation. Go with an open mind & give it a chance !

 

[lil mermaid]

Originally posted by jamsmom
Besides toning, can it help one to lose weight? I HATE to excerise, but yoga isn't all sweaty. Right?

ummm...actually, not that isn't right at all. There are many different types of yoga, ashtanga is more vigorous than most (that is the type that I practice) and it is not unusual to come out of class drenched. I have tried other types, where I have sweated too...sorry!

 

[Kermit]

You can lose weight by doing yoga, but the easiest way to lose weight is by doing something with a cardio element, which will cause you to get at least a little sweaty. I don't get as sweaty doing yoga as I do when I do step aerobics, but I like to shower afterward. The best kind of yoga for weight-burning will be one where you move fluidly and somewhat quickly through various postures, sort of like dancing. It's sometimes called "power yoga," which generally means that it's an exercise routine based on yoga principles but that it doesn't strictly adhere to one form of yoga. But there are some forms of yoga that involve more movement and thus more weight burning than others.

 

[ChiTownZee]

and I'm still not convinced that I can tone my body with it.

UNBELIEVER!!! Actually, I think yoga rules when it comes to toning, I've never noticed results faster than when I do yoga/pilates.
As far as sweaty, well I always get sweaty, sometimes dripping, but I like the move vigorous yoga routines, and they really get my heart rate up too. I do love that you don't wear shoes though! And there's nothing better (well there are probably better things, but not that I do) for toning your stomach in particular (especially pilates) It's all about your "core" muscles.

 

[mtemm]

If you really hate to get sweaty, I would suggest swimming...you won't notice the sweat as much.

My mom is 63 and not in the best of shape. She has hated exercise and avoided it her whole life. Well, she just started yoga...granted, a very easy yoga, recently and loves it!

Many yoga studios keep their temps up because they want you to be warm and to sweat. The warmth will help your muscles be more flexible and avoid injury.

Good luck!

 

[MickeysMommy]

I just ordered a "Crunch" Yoga tape and I like it....Let me preface that with I HATE to workout. HATE HATE HATE to workout. I do not like it. Nothing about working out makes me want to do it. So, I decided to order this tape so I wouldn't look like a freak if I decided to go to a Yoga studio....I actually liked it - After I figured out how to get my body in those positions. The day after I first did the tape my stomach was hurting and I got to thinking - hey those are muscles I never knew I had
I think this is one "workout" I might be able to stick too....Good Luck. It's really fun once you get the hang of it.

 

[adamak]

This is very encouraging. First time in my life, I actually look forward to an exercise class.

And I think if I like it, I'll buy a yoga mat. Any recommendation / tips? I heard that the thickness makes a big difference. But I have to be able to lug it around in the subway though....

Hmmm. Am imagining myself looking like Gynweth and Madonna carrying a mat around town, with water bottle looking chic.

 

[MomE@Home]

adamak, I get my yoga stuff through Gaiam,their website is www.gaiam.com . I've also seen the same brand (Living Arts) at Target and the Discovery Channel Store. I have two mats, one is the thicker sticky mat and a padded cotton mat for the relaxing yoga. I like the thicker mat as I have hardwood floors but a thinner one would be fine if it will be used on carpet. You can also get a special backpack that holds a yoga mat from the Gaiam site. Good Luck !