Is yoga a good workout?

Phoenix_Rising

I'm really wanting to try Bikram yoga (hot yoga).

Can anyone provide any info on it? Your experiences?

Bikram is really challenging. I've recently become sort of an addict, though. . .so here's the story as impartially as I can muster. (warning: this might get long)

Bikram is controversial, both as a form and a guy. He's rich, and he got rich off of his yoga series. An excellent film if you can catch it is called "Yoga, Inc."

The series is strictly regimented. It's the same class every time, no matter where you go, right down to the "dialogue" which is a script that all teachers use. It's hot. Really hot, and this heat will kick you in the tenders the first time you go. After a while, though, at least for me, the heat is the most important factor. The series itself is challenging, but there are "stages" to the postures, so you work up to the most full version of the poses. There are lots of one-legged balancing postures, and it is a definite toning workout.

Let me know if you have other specific questions.:flowerforyou:

Thanks Viv! I think I just need to go try it!

lotusfromthemud

I'm really wanting to try Bikram yoga (hot yoga).

Can anyone provide any info on it? Your experiences?

Bikram is really challenging. I've recently become sort of an addict, though. . .so here's the story as impartially as I can muster. (warning: this might get long)

Bikram is controversial, both as a form and a guy. He's rich, and he got rich off of his yoga series. An excellent film if you can catch it is called "Yoga, Inc."

The series is strictly regimented. It's the same class every time, no matter where you go, right down to the "dialogue" which is a script that all teachers use. It's hot. Really hot, and this heat will kick you in the tenders the first time you go. After a while, though, at least for me, the heat is the most important factor. The series itself is challenging, but there are "stages" to the postures, so you work up to the most full version of the poses. There are lots of one-legged balancing postures, and it is a definite toning workout.

Let me know if you have other specific questions.:flowerforyou:

Thanks Viv! I think I just need to go try it!

My other advice is to give it at least "two tries". Your first one will probably make you never want to go back, so just try it a second time. That's all. Oh, and most studios won't let you leave the room, so be prepared for that. (I'm claustrophobic so that was not a good surprise for me. )

Phoenix_Rising

My other advice is to give it at least "two tries". Your first one will probably make you never want to go back, so just try it a second time. That's all. Oh, and most studios won't let you leave the room, so be prepared for that. (I'm claustrophobic so that was not a good surprise for me. )

Try it twice.
Cool.


And THANK YOU for the info about not being allowed to leave. That is definetely info I needed upfront so I can prepare myself and not panic.

kimber607

Hi

I have a fav new yoga DVD (MIGHT NOT BE for everyone...VERY different then anything I've done before)
The DVD is by Ravi Singh and Ana Bret....the one I have is called Fat free (lose weight and feel great)
I've only been doing it daily for 2 weeks but I see a HUGE difference in my body...arms. tummy and legs are stronger....
I got mine from ebay for $11 with shipping...

Kim

psyknife

Yoga is one of the BEST exercises you can do for yourself!
Why?
Because it:
A.) Increases flexibility
B.) Increases range of motion
C.) Building strength
D.) Has even been known to aid in digestion and circulation

Seriously, if you want to age gracefully, do yoga... you'll be creeking and cracking a LOT less later on in life.
Someone once asked fitness trainer Tony Horton (P90X) that if he had to choose just ONE form of exercise to do for the rest of his life, what would it be? He said... Yoga.
Yoga is like the fountain of youth.

Your body will thank you for it!

Try different classes, as each teach is different... and each style of yoga is different.

I prefer Vinyasa Flow (and that's what I teach) because it gets the heat in the body, gets the sweat going, and it challenges your strength and flexibility... it IMPROVES them. It's amazing.

psyknife

PS - I totally recommend taking Yoga classes, because having someone who can correct your form is KEY to getting the most out of it (and preventing possible injury if you are not in alignment).