Yoga versus lifting for strength training?

darrensurrey

I dunno, though....this is more what my teacher looks like:

http://www.yogacentercarmel.org/instructors/katie.jpg

Rawr...I'd be okay with these results.

She's an ex-gymnast... her body has been well-conditioned and yoga is just keeping it in good condition. Plus she probably runs classes all day. Are you prepared to do 8 hours of yoga a day?

But it is interesting. Once I've achieved my first goal, I was planning on going back to bodyweight exercises and training like a gymnast to see what can be achieved.

That's not my actual instructor. It's a picture from the internet to show what she looks like.

Man, that guy has some serious washboard action going!

I'd place a large bet that he hits the weights as well as trains in gymnastics. It's all about balance and to be the best you have to be well rounded.

Yup, strength training will be part of his regimen.

Apparently, not!

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_interviews/all_muscle_no_iron;jsessionid=337151DB585D801E1ABB5CEAA34F5A91-mcd01.hydra

(Hope that link works.)

Buttercupmcgee

That's not my actual instructor. It's a picture from the internet to show what she looks like.

Man, that guy has some serious washboard action going!

My apologies. I suspect your instructor still practices a lot more than you'd expect. My students (kung fu) often ask why I move more fluidly than them. Practice!

As for that guy, well, at least his abs distract you from his unusually sculpted peepee. :bigsmile:

Oh god, I hadn't noticed that until you pointed it out! My eyes!

You're definitely right, she's a yoga instructor, after all, and I'm a desk jockey. Cue me furiously googling how to become a zumba instructor in 3,2,1....

Buttercupmcgee

I have seen the most transformation in my body from barre3 (combination of yoga, pilates and ballet barre - probably any of the barre based workouts are quite similar, but that is the only one I have experienced). I'm not looking for the strength gains that everyone on here raves about though. I like the long, lean muscle tone that I get from barre3 and have zero interest in anything like crossfit or other heavy lifting programs. It's a total body workout in each class and my body has absolutely never looked better (well, maybe when I was about 19, but certainly not since). I'm sure it just depends on your ultimate goals, but (and I know I'm likely to get criticized for saying this) I greatly prefer body weight exercise like yoga or pilates and/or light weight circuit training and I have experienced results that I'm thrilled with. Again, it's all about what you want though.

We have similar body type goals. I prefer a more willowy look on myself.

I wish I could get into yoga, my brain just gets so restless. (All the more reason to take it, right?) Argh.

I have a friend who does barre and looks amazing, like a model but with delicate musculature. I'm onto her now!

Thanks for the tip.

ArroganceInStep

I hear what you're saying and certainly will not say you're incorrect. I know a lot of women who look amazing from doing many different forms of exercise, some lifting heavy, some not. However my (female) cousin is a crossfit instructor and, trust me, she has built bulk. A lot of it (at 5'6, she's about 165lbs and VERY low body fat %). And, while that works for her and she loves the strength in her body, it is not a goal I share. I won't say it's unattractive because of course that is all relative, but I definitely don't want my body to look like hers. And, admittedly, she does far more heavy lifting than any other person I know, not just females.

That bulk likely had more to do with diet than with heavy lifting. Women can bulk up, but to do so it would require a caloric surplus (in addition to the lifting routine).

kirstyrae81

I have seen the most transformation in my body from barre3 (combination of yoga, pilates and ballet barre - probably any of the barre based workouts are quite similar, but that is the only one I have experienced). I'm not looking for the strength gains that everyone on here raves about though. I like the long, lean muscle tone that I get from barre3 and have zero interest in anything like crossfit or other heavy lifting programs. It's a total body workout in each class and my body has absolutely never looked better (well, maybe when I was about 19, but certainly not since). I'm sure it just depends on your ultimate goals, but (and I know I'm likely to get criticized for saying this) I greatly prefer body weight exercise like yoga or pilates and/or light weight circuit training and I have experienced results that I'm thrilled with. Again, it's all about what you want though.

We have similar body type goals. I prefer a more willowy look on myself.

I wish I could get into yoga, my brain just gets so restless. (All the more reason to take it, right?) Argh.

I have a friend who does barre and looks amazing, like a model but with delicate musculature. I'm onto her now!

Thanks for the tip.

I hope you get a chance to try it! I'm not sure what you have available where you live, but if you go to mybarre3.com, you can get unlimited online access for $15 a month. It's not as fun as going to the studios, but it's way cheaper and you really can do it anywhere. I use it when I travel (which is often) and am able to stick to my routine (sort of anyway) without having to lug around bulky athletic shoes in my bag.

kirstyrae81

I hear what you're saying and certainly will not say you're incorrect. I know a lot of women who look amazing from doing many different forms of exercise, some lifting heavy, some not. However my (female) cousin is a crossfit instructor and, trust me, she has built bulk. A lot of it (at 5'6, she's about 165lbs and VERY low body fat %). And, while that works for her and she loves the strength in her body, it is not a goal I share. I won't say it's unattractive because of course that is all relative, but I definitely don't want my body to look like hers. And, admittedly, she does far more heavy lifting than any other person I know, not just females.

That bulk likely had more to do with diet than with heavy lifting. Women can bulk up, but to do so it would require a caloric surplus (in addition to the lifting routine).

That's very possible. I'm sure you know more about it than I do. She sticks to the paleo diet. I don't know how much of it she eats though. I just know I want to avoid whatever it is she does.

ArroganceInStep

That's very possible. I'm sure you know more about it than I do. She sticks to the paleo diet. I don't know how much of it she eats though. I just know I want to avoid whatever it is she does.

Understandable, stick with whatever is working for you and you enjoy (yoga would do wonders for me; it would improve my lifting and go a long way at improving my skill in the martial arts I practice...but my fat *kitten* isn't going to sit in sweat box trying to turn into a pretzel while old ladies laugh at me =P). I just felt it important to mention that body composition has a lot to do with both diet and exercise, and that you can't have one without the other. Men aren't going to massively increase their 'bulkyness' without eating for it AND working out for it, women even more so for genetic reasons.

d2footballJRC

That's very possible. I'm sure you know more about it than I do. She sticks to the paleo diet. I don't know how much of it she eats though. I just know I want to avoid whatever it is she does.

Understandable, stick with whatever is working for you and you enjoy (yoga would do wonders for me; it would improve my lifting and go a long way at improving my skill in the martial arts I practice...but my fat *kitten* isn't going to sit in sweat box trying to turn into a pretzel while old ladies laugh at me =P). I just felt it important to mention that body composition has a lot to do with both diet and exercise, and that you can't have one without the other. Men aren't going to massively increase their 'bulkyness' without eating for it AND working out for it, women even more so for genetic reasons.

Correct! She might also be supplementing some to help her bulk, as women have an even harder time than men when it comes to bulking.

Spanaval

If I had access to a gym, I would be doing weight lifting in addition to what I'm doing, which is strength training, circuits, pilates and yoga. They all do different things. Although, I will say that if I can get to be even half as good and toned as these pretzel people that are on my yoga DVDs, I'll be thrilled.

True story from back in the days when I used to go to a gym. One of the personal trainers got dragged into our yoga class by his girlfriend. He couldn't do half the things that our very unassuming looking (toned and fit, but not popping muscles all over the place) instructor could. She had better balance, coordination, flexibility and strength that combined all of the other three than he did. I'm sure she can't bench or deadlift what he could, but if I had to pick one to model myself after, I'd choose the yoga instructor.

d2footballJRC

If I had access to a gym, I would be doing weight lifting in addition to what I'm doing, which is strength training, circuits, pilates and yoga. They all do different things. Although, I will say that if I can get to be even half as good and toned as these pretzel people that are on my yoga DVDs, I'll be thrilled.

True story from back in the days when I used to go to a gym. One of the personal trainers got dragged into our yoga class by his girlfriend. He couldn't do half the things that our very unassuming looking (toned and fit, but not popping muscles all over the place) instructor could. She had better balance, coordination, flexibility and strength that combined all of the other three than he did. I'm sure she can't bench or deadlift what he could, but if I had to pick one to model myself after, I'd choose the yoga instructor.

I bet if you ask a lot of your instructors they combine some form of strength training in as well. Most instructors know that being balance is key.

Ge0rgiana

Do both. I've been lifting heavy for about 2.5 months now. I'm throwing yoga back in for increased flexibility and such. Honestly, though, I have never seen strength gains from anything like I have the last couple months of heavy lifting.

jamiesadler

Yoga is great fro flexibility and fat burning but to build muscle you need to be able to increase the weight you are lifting and if you are losing weight doing yoga then you are doing the opposite. Both have their benefits. I would say do them both.

gracielee1

i'd say both. and you need variety because you want to keep "challenging" your muscles. I personally do just yoga because I've found that strength training got me REAL bulky, and yoga gives me lean muscle.

SirZee

Just lift your yoga instructor

malins2

I wouldn't pick one over the other, go for both!

AlsDonkBoxSquat

Thanks everyone--interesting to learn about the strength vs. lean muscle differentiation.

I am just *so* sore after this class, I figured it was the same as lifting weights.

I may do zumba and weights instead now, since I pretty much hate yoga, yet it's the only thing that makes me that sore.

If you hate yoga, don't do it! You can achieve your goals without it.

I agree with this, there are a million options out there to be active, so whatever you do should be something you enjoy. Also, all the yoga instructors that I personally know do more than strictly yoga. They all also teach various cardio and strength training classes.

WilliamsPeggy

Yoga instructor:



strength trainer:



Yoga has it's great benefits but strength training isn't it's strong suit. Yoga will get you fit and greatly help with flexibility but your strength training is going to taper off fast and early on vs lifting if you are looking for strength gains.

Hahaha!

_kimberly

I have seen the most transformation in my body from barre3 (combination of yoga, pilates and ballet barre - probably any of the barre based workouts are quite similar, but that is the only one I have experienced). I'm not looking for the strength gains that everyone on here raves about though. I like the long, lean muscle tone that I get from barre3 and have zero interest in anything like crossfit or other heavy lifting programs. It's a total body workout in each class and my body has absolutely never looked better (well, maybe when I was about 19, but certainly not since). I'm sure it just depends on your ultimate goals, but (and I know I'm likely to get criticized for saying this) I greatly prefer body weight exercise like yoga or pilates and/or light weight circuit training and I have experienced results that I'm thrilled with. Again, it's all about what you want though.

Thanks for the tip about barre3
http://www.mybarre3.com/
Much appreciated!! (:

saverys_gal

Who says you can't do both? There are benefits to each and if you enjoy each of them individually, keep at it and get the best of both worlds! :flowerforyou:

Doreen_Murray

I see and feel the benefits of both. When I started lifting an instructor noticed that I was holding my breath a lot. As I continue to progress with yoga my breathing is so much better, making lifting easier. When I first started lifting I started losing my flexibility, now I have it back after doing yoga. I've noticed some really strong yoga instructors who will never lift a weight, but they have been practicing for hours a day for years! I've also seen some weight lifters who should try yoga because they can't bend over and touch their toes! I guess it's all about finding the best mix for you. For me, both is best.

honeysprinkles

I have seen the most transformation in my body from barre3 (combination of yoga, pilates and ballet barre - probably any of the barre based workouts are quite similar, but that is the only one I have experienced). I'm not looking for the strength gains that everyone on here raves about though. I like the long, lean muscle tone that I get from barre3 and have zero interest in anything like crossfit or other heavy lifting programs. It's a total body workout in each class and my body has absolutely never looked better (well, maybe when I was about 19, but certainly not since). I'm sure it just depends on your ultimate goals, but (and I know I'm likely to get criticized for saying this) I greatly prefer body weight exercise like yoga or pilates and/or light weight circuit training and I have experienced results that I'm thrilled with. Again, it's all about what you want though.

Exactly but at the same time, women especially need to realize that you aren't going to get big and bulky by lifting heavy at the same time. That is such a myth.

Of course you won't get big and bulky in the sense that you'd develop muscles like a man...but I've seen women with results that I personally would not want at all, especially in the shoulders/back area. I think those might be the type of results people refer to.

As for the actual question of the OP- I don't have an answer. But I'm curious so that's why I'm reading all the replies!

jeffazi

More yoga instructors:

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/celeb-male-yoga-teachers-why-we-love-yoga

yoginimary

Or check out one of my teachers:
http://christinasell.blogspot.com/

You have to scroll down a bit to see pictures. I've never asked her, but I does much of anything but yoga.

Keep in mind though, these fit teachers do yoga for 3 hours a day.

rml_16

Exactly but at the same time, women especially need to realize that you aren't going to get big and bulky by lifting heavy at the same time. That is such a myth.

Of course you won't get big and bulky in the sense that you'd develop muscles like a man...but I've seen women with results that I personally would not want at all, especially in the shoulders/back area. I think those might be the type of results people refer to.

I've been reading the New Rules of Lifting for Women and the one thing that does concern me is it talks about how if I follow the program, I should expect my shoulders to get bigger and I definitely don't want that! I have pretty broad shoulders already and I want to be able to wear tops and have them fit my figure without feeling constricted. And with large breasts, it's tough enough to find button-downs that don't stretch open. Larger shoulders would make it worse.

I also noticed a woman in the gym a few weeks ago who was teeny tiny and in great shape, but her arms were massive, almost manly. I don't want that to happen to me, either!

Bottom line is that women can post all the after photos of heavy lifting that they want and they may all be happy with the results, but all our bodies are different and will react differently to these exercises. There's no way to know your own results until you try it yourself. It's frustrating.

honeysprinkles

Exactly but at the same time, women especially need to realize that you aren't going to get big and bulky by lifting heavy at the same time. That is such a myth.

Of course you won't get big and bulky in the sense that you'd develop muscles like a man...but I've seen women with results that I personally would not want at all, especially in the shoulders/back area. I think those might be the type of results people refer to.

I've been reading the New Rules of Lifting for Women and the one thing that does concern me is it talks about how if I follow the program, I should expect my shoulders to get bigger and I definitely don't want that! I have pretty broad shoulders already and I want to be able to wear tops and have them fit my figure without feeling constricted. And with large breasts, it's tough enough to find button-downs that don't stretch open. Larger shoulders would make it worse.

I also noticed a woman in the gym a few weeks ago who was teeny tiny and in great shape, but her arms were massive, almost manly. I don't want that to happen to me, either!

Bottom line is that women can post all the after photos of heavy lifting that they want and they may all be happy with the results, but all our bodies are different and will react differently to these exercises. There's no way to know your own results until you try it yourself. It's frustrating.

Very true!

kirstyrae81

I have seen the most transformation in my body from barre3 (combination of yoga, pilates and ballet barre - probably any of the barre based workouts are quite similar, but that is the only one I have experienced). I'm not looking for the strength gains that everyone on here raves about though. I like the long, lean muscle tone that I get from barre3 and have zero interest in anything like crossfit or other heavy lifting programs. It's a total body workout in each class and my body has absolutely never looked better (well, maybe when I was about 19, but certainly not since). I'm sure it just depends on your ultimate goals, but (and I know I'm likely to get criticized for saying this) I greatly prefer body weight exercise like yoga or pilates and/or light weight circuit training and I have experienced results that I'm thrilled with. Again, it's all about what you want though.

Thanks for the tip about barre3
http://www.mybarre3.com/
Much appreciated!! (:

I'm glad you included the website. I wasn't sure if I was allowed to do that (I don't do much posting on here and haven't read the rules). But, yes, mybarre3.com is an amazing tool. I am fortunate enough to live close to a studio so I can go to classes, but the online workouts are available anywhere, anytime and they're cheap! And, they're adding more all the time. They've been filming new ones in the studio I go to this week in fact, so look forward to a few more options soon!