yoga instead of weight training?

sdgirl22

If I'm going to start running for a 10k... I should be getting two or three days of weight training. Does anybody have an ideas about whether or not yoga is a good substitute for weigh machines or like Ripped in 30?

The flexibility part should count... the classes that are (fortunately) closest have a lot of planks and that crazy yoga pushup So it's not chill yoga, it's definitely muscularly (sp?? idk) intense.

pkarim

Nothing beats weight training for building lean muscles. I use yoga as a substitute for days in between really hard strength training workouts.

jsteinberger423

When I ran my 10k I still lifted weight and also incorporated yoga for my "off days" or maybe the day after my long run. I don't think it replaces weight but is a great compliment to your workouts.

stephanie_88

The class that I go is similar to what you are describing. I have muscles in my arms that weren't there before and I've only been doing it since May. I count it as strength training.

CaffeineGenie

Yoga is great for flexibility training. Nothing replaces strength training with free weights! Exercises like squats and lunges and core work will build strength and help you as a runner.

bonkers5975

Me too. Yoga or pilates either one will give you abs like no crunch EVER will! And I would think for a runner, flexibility will really help you avoid injury.

christinathompson1

no. i don't think yoga would give you all the benefits weight training would.. now PILATES might be more beneficial, but i think weight training would still be the best

sdgirl22

hmm... I'll probably do both for flexibility (def. agree about injury prevention!) and weights. I really like a long workout on weight machines :happy:

thanks!!

Inlet

Yoga is AWESOME but not a substitute.
Strength training and running would really benefit from your doing yoga. It's a matter of injury prevention. Flexibility will help so, so much. And it really does work muscles that somehow don't get worked as much in typical weight training and running workouts.

torie079

As everyone has said, yoga is amazing for flexibility and stress relief but adding weights builds lean muscle a lot faster and more efficiently:-) lean muscle also burns more calories the fat!!! So weight training is dah bomb:-) at least twice a week is best:-) good luck on your 10 K