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Sat Dec 16, 2006 6:21 am |
I am considering starting to take a beginners yoga class in the spring. My weight is within normal range, but I do not exercise. So I am not very flexible physically. Just wondering if anyone else has started out from "being out of shape" and taken yoga, and if you were able to stick with it and like it. |
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Sat Dec 16, 2006 6:42 am |
That's so wonderful on yoga that everybody, in every shape and age can start exercising.
Which type of yoga do you consider to try ?
By the way, recently we had a thread about yoga already so if you make a search you can find lots of good ideas and hints about. |
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Sat Dec 16, 2006 7:07 am |
Hi there!
I used to kickbox but sustained an injury to my sacroiliac joint. Needless to say, the kickboxing was over...I started practising yoga as a form of meditation to keep myself from getting depressed (I was very used to lots of activity and had trouble coping with the fact that I couldn't engage in sport the way I used to.) Anyhooo, I started out doing hatha yoga and found that it wasn't intense enough for me....so I moved on to Ashtanga yoga (very intense, strength-oriented). It is the best workout I've ever had. I went from a size 9/11 Gap pant to a size 6 in no time at all - and that was without any diet change at all. Yoga is an incredible form of exercise! Since you've never tried it, I'd try a yoga class first - just so that you have someone around to check your form. Dedication to a yoga practice takes discipline - if you get into it, I hope you'll find (as I did) your body shape changing very quickly (and dramatically)...I am quite muscular and went from a bit of a bulky musculature to a very long, lean look - very muscular still - but not bulky--- and not "wiry" either - just balanced, symmetrical in a muscular sense and very, very strong. Bikram yoga is another practice style that you might want to look into (also known as hot yoga) where the room in heated up to facilitate muscle relaxation and enhanced posturing.
Happy Yoga-ing!
Pudoodles |
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Sat Dec 16, 2006 7:53 am |
lin23 wrote: |
Which type of yoga do you consider to try ? |
That's part of my puzzlement -- not even at beginner level yet, so I don't know anything about the different "types" of yoga that would be best to look into, starting from nothing/no experience. |
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Sat Dec 16, 2006 8:08 am |
You might want to give Iyengar yoga a shot. It is excellent for beginners - you use props like bricks and pillows to assist the less flexible/beginners. Yoga is pretty popular right now so you can do a very basic web search and you'll come up with a mountain of advice/style recs. Best advice though, is to begin with an experienced teacher to ensure proper posturing
Pudoodles |
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Sat Dec 16, 2006 8:26 am |
Thanks, Pudoodles. I will look into Iyengar first. I am going to go to a nice studio that opened near my house before I sign up for anything. Maybe they will let me observe a beginners and/or Iyengar class before I actually participate.
Also, since I will just be starting out, I don't want to invest a lot in a mat and/or special clothes. Do many facilities have mats that they lend for classes, and can I just wear loose fitting-comfy clothes to start with? |
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Sat Dec 16, 2006 9:23 am |
marci65 wrote: |
not even at beginner level yet, so I don't know anything about the different "types" of yoga that would be best to look into, starting from nothing/no experience. |
Yes, Iyengar yoga is a good one, it's a strict and exact way of learning the positions. A nice and realxed way is Hatha yoga, an "orthodox" yoga-style. And as Pudoodle's mentioned, you definitely need a teacher (otherwise you could hurt yourself or cause more harm than good). |
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Sat Dec 16, 2006 11:11 am |
Most yoga studios will rent mats to you, but if you're going to start taking classes you'll want to buy one of your own pretty quickly b/c the price adds up.
If you are in the market for a mat, you can usually find good priced ones at discount stores like Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx if you're in the US. Probably also Walmart and Target. Overseas, I don't know what the equivalents are.
Also, some studios have intro specials--like a special price for your first class, or your first week. I would encourage you to go take a class-not just watch. Yoga can look both deceptively easy and hard. Don't worry about getting through the whole class, or not being able to do all the moves--just get out on the floor and see where your body takes you.
The most important thing to remember is that you're not competing with anyone. Everyone's body and flexibility are sooooo different. Some people are naturally very flexible, or have been doing things that make them flexible before they ever start yoga. Other people, who are very very fit, have almost no flexibility b/c the exercises they do have not lengthened the muscles. And often while some poses seem to come naturally, others will be so difficult you'll feel like you'll never get them... but after a few months or even longer your body will eventually come around.
Take it slow... only do as much of a posture as your body can do comfortably at first. Listen to the teacher, watch other people, stop and rest whenever you need to, and just pick up with the next posture.
Good luck!
ps--I haven't tried Iyengar but I've heard that's a good one to try first. I've done Hatha (too slow), but basically jumped in and became addicted to Bikram for about a year. So if you try one class and really don't like it... try another! |
_________________ 29--oily somewhat acneic skin, hazel eyes, long dark brown hair |
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Sat Dec 16, 2006 11:15 am |
okay, girls, since yoga has been brought up, i have to ask you all a question.... how doable is yoga with one arm that is still not quite right? think of me as a puppy with a bum paw (it's the elbow, but you get the idea). i've been going mad not doing anything and think i may be able to start again, but i want honest opinions. will i be doing more harm than good to my body if i can't put full weight on one arm for say downward dog???
i just can't be objective any more.... |
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Sat Dec 16, 2006 11:57 am |
One of my yoga teachers were partly paralized when she started with yoga (now i wouldn't notice it when i didn't know), so obviously it must be possible with a handicapped elbow as well. Talk to the teacher before the first class, a good teacher should know what's benefitting for you and what you're not allowed to do. In your case i'd definitely try with Hatha yoga (i found it the most "therapeutic" - for both, body and soul). |
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Sat Dec 16, 2006 12:30 pm |
I love Yoga! I finally started up my practice once again a couple of weeks ago after a half year hiatus and it was amzing how out of shape I felt after my first class. (Long story short I could not afford Yoga classes and never felt motivated enough to do it by myself. I like the class environment because it challenges me. I know excuses, excuses. LOL) Our muscles are like elastic bands so the more we work on them, the more they will stretch and the easier it will be to practice postures etc. It's great that you're starting yoga as I have always found that it helped me not only in my strength and fitness factor but in my daily energy levels, sleep patterns and overall health. It's really a great form of exercise. I just need to be less lazy sometimes and do it more often (giggles and rolls her eyes as she once again finds herself on her lazy a$$ at the computer. LOL) But seriously, it really is great for you. Just don't worry about what you look like in class. I'm sure all of us have felt totally out of shape and extremely awkward at some point (I know I have countless times ) but the great thing about Yoga is that you are focusing on yourself and your own strengths and weaknesses and any good Yoga teacher will help you work thorugh your insecurities. So go forth and stretch! Namaste |
_________________ Global Butterfly & Certified Aromatherapist/Holisitc Therapist with a passion for travel and natural health. |
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Sat Dec 16, 2006 5:39 pm |
Hi Marci65 - I'm basically in the same boat as yourself (but probably more out of shape than you are ). I'm not certain what it is you are hoping to achieve by practicing Yoga, but assessing that first might help direct you towards the style that's best for you. I have very specific reasons why I want to start Yoga so this helped me a great deal in my quest to find the right studio. I really want to lose weight, strengthen my muscles, and improve my body tone (and I want to jump-start the results at the same time), so it was suggested I start taking Bikram classes. Bikram yoga is actually Hatha yoga. The difference is Bikram yoga focuses on a series of 26 specific postures that are practiced in a heated studio (the room is set as hot as a sauna). The purpose of the heat is to relax your muscles so you can acheive the poses without damaging any tendons, etc.
I have recently found a Bikram studio in my area and they have kindly given me a free pass for my first class to see if I like it. If I were you, I'd phone the studio(s) you are most interested in and ask if they will grant you a free first class too! Most of them do (at least that has been my experience here in Toronto). In case I end up a big sore mess, I don't want to try my free class until January 2nd. I'm hoping that I will really, really like it too, as a friend of mine who loves it has the most amazing body and swears it's all due to this particular yoga series!
I took this info off the website of the studio I will be attending next month. Hope it helps to answer any additional questions you may have.
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FAQ about Bikram Yoga
Why The Heat?
A· Warms the muscles and makes them more elastic and easier to stretch reducing the risk of injury (or re-injury).
A· Increases blood circulation.
A· Makes you sweat which detoxifies your entire body.
A· Raises your heart rate making the class a cardiovascular experience.
A· Stimulates the immune system.
A· It is the combined benefits of the heat that separates Bikram's Yoga from all other types of yoga.
Do I Have To Be Flexible To Take A Class?
A· NO! Bikram Yoga combines strength, balance, concentration and breath; the flexibility comes with time. As long as you are feeling the stretch, no matter how inflexible, you are receiving the intended benefit of the posture (just ask our instructors!).
Is Bikram Yoga an Aerobic workout?
A· YES, absolutely! Bikram's Yoga System is as good or better than any other aerobic workout you will find! It raises your heart rate for 90 minutes, moving fresh, oxygenated blood to every cell in your body.
Can I Practice Bikram Yoga If I Have High Blood Pressure?
A· YES! Bikram Yoga reduces high blood pressure and balances your metabolism.
Can I Do Bikram's series of 26 Postures and 2 Breathing Exercises If I've Never Done Yoga Before?
A· YES! Bikram Method Yoga is designed for beginners. It is simple but challenging.
Can I Still Do Other Exercise If I Practice Bikram Yoga?
A· YES, of course. Bikram Yoga is the perfect compliment to any exercise program. |
BTW: only instructors who are master trained and certified in Bikram Yoga can legally teach it. |
_________________ Fair with mild rosascea & combination skin (dry with oily t-zone) |
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Sat Dec 16, 2006 5:54 pm |
la vie en rose wrote: |
okay, girls, since yoga has been brought up, i have to ask you all a question.... how doable is yoga with one arm that is still not quite right? think of me as a puppy with a bum paw (it's the elbow, but you get the idea). i've been going mad not doing anything and think i may be able to start again, but i want honest opinions. will i be doing more harm than good to my body if i can't put full weight on one arm for say downward dog???
i just can't be objective any more.... |
Hey La Vie - I highly suggest you investigate Bikram Yoga...it is excellent for people recovering from injuries of all kinds or chronic health problems. My good friend who has the amazing body (thanks to Bikram), originally began practicing this particular yoga shortly after being diagnosed with a brain tumor (at age 33!). She had read that Bikram yoga is incredibly therapeutic and helps people overcome a lot of health concerns...including cancer. It must be doing something because her tumor has not altered in size in over 18 months and she feels and looks amazing.
I am terribly out of shape thanks to a number of things, including a shoulder injury. But feel confident that this yoga will not cause me any harm as you're in total control of the postures. Just go slowly and take lots of breaks on the mat until you feel stronger. This is what I intend to do! HTH! |
_________________ Fair with mild rosascea & combination skin (dry with oily t-zone) |
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Sat Dec 16, 2006 11:14 pm |
i am on a diet for some time and tried yoga 5months ago
its totally not my cup of tea..... |
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Sat Dec 16, 2006 11:40 pm |
la vie en rose wrote: |
okay, girls, since yoga has been brought up, i have to ask you all a question.... how doable is yoga with one arm that is still not quite right? think of me as a puppy with a bum paw (it's the elbow, but you get the idea). i've been going mad not doing anything and think i may be able to start again, but i want honest opinions. will i be doing more harm than good to my body if i can't put full weight on one arm for say downward dog???
i just can't be objective any more.... |
I won't do it if I were you. Lots of yoga postures need to lock your elbows or put weight on your palms. There are lots of pulling motion too. You might shift your weight to the unharm side and injure it. Give your elbow more time. |
_________________ 53, DermaQuest, NCN Products, PMD, Dermarolling |
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Sun Dec 17, 2006 2:11 am |
MACrisis wrote: |
I won't do it if I were you. Lots of yoga postures need to lock your elbows or put weight on your palms. There are lots of pulling motion too. You might shift your weight to the unharm side and injure it. Give your elbow more time. |
thank you for your voice of reason. i said i couldn't be objective anymore -- i'm just going a wee bit mad.... sigh, guess i'll just settle for a few more months of being a stiff dumpling |
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Sun Dec 17, 2006 2:27 am |
la vie en rose wrote: |
MACrisis wrote: |
I won't do it if I were you. Lots of yoga postures need to lock your elbows or put weight on your palms. There are lots of pulling motion too. You might shift your weight to the unharm side and injure it. Give your elbow more time. |
thank you for your voice of reason. i said i couldn't be objective anymore -- i'm just going a wee bit mad.... sigh, guess i'll just settle for a few more months of being a stiff dumpling :oops: |
Lavie, there are some postures you need your elbow 100% - and there are lots of postures you don't ! Don't loose your patience, check it out, go in a GOOD studio and talk to them. I started with yoga some 9-8 years ago and if i'd broke my elbow now i'd definitely do yoga with it - but i'd discusse it with a good yoga teacher first. As a beginner, i wouldn't go with bikram. |
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Sun Dec 17, 2006 2:41 am |
lin23 wrote: |
Lavie, there are some postures you need your elbow 100% - and there are lots of postures you don't ! Don't loose your patience, check it out, go in a GOOD studio and talk to them. I started with yoga some 9-8 years ago and if i'd broke my elbow now i'd definitely do yoga with it - but i'd discusse it with a good yoga teacher first. As a beginner, i wouldn't go with bikram. |
i'm not a beginner, so that's not a problem. been doing yoga on and off for even longer than you. *all* of my exercise (exept walking the few miles back and forth to therapie) has been curbed do to the agony of getting my blood pumping through the arm. now that i've got the pain more or less under control, i'm chomping at the bit to get back in shape! finding a good yoga teacher to trust here in paris is much harder than in the states. i'll be back there a few weeks in january, though, and see if i can find where one of my old teachers went -- she used to teach at my rockclimbing gym and always bitch me out and give me harder alternatives because i was more flexible than she was. no more! i am now officially a lump. |
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