Yoga *IS* strength training.
Replies
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Pretty sure yoga was invented for calming meditation benefits, not for getting THICK, SOLID, TIGHT, HUGE, JACKED!
Woosah
and you two, be quiet! Read the profile of the original poster. Bite!0 -
I consider yoga a full body strength training exercise. Pushups (chaturanga's), planks, planks with leg lifts, side planks, bridges, head stands, hand stands, warrior three and many more difficult and advance poses. As with any exercise you get what you put into it. I see people just going through the motions and putting much effort into it. But if you challenge yourself are will get stronger.0
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I think that would depend on the person.It is debateable as to whether that would strictly be considered strength training or conditioning
Pushups are not really strength training for most guys, but new exercisers and many women even in decent shape probably can't do more than sets of 5 full range of motion pushups. Same for one-legged squats and holding your body weight on one arm.
Right after my husband got out of the Marine Corps, we took a series of yoga classes together. About halfway through the first class, in the middle of holding a high plank, he turns to me and says "I had forgotten how much static holds suck!" So yeah, the things you do in yoga are easy for all men, and probably even for fit women. *eye roll*0 -
How different is this from the "what is heavy" threads?
I don't want to lump all move/positions into one sweeping generalization, so can you look at a given position as strength training if it requires near maximal effort over a relatively short time?
For someone who can only do 5 reps with 5lb dumbbells... that's strength training. If someone can do 50 reps, it isn't. Same with yoga... if it takes everything you've got to hold a position for 5-10 seconds, that's strength training. If it's not maximal effort, or if you can hold it for 30-45 seconds, it isn't.
And just like with weights, once a given weight/position becomes too easy, it's no longer strength training. The difference is that with weights you can add more plates to keep progressing. With yoga you can't, so the ceiling is much lower.0 -
I guess you're right. All of those weight lifters, power lifters and body builders out there should just stick to doing yoga only for the purposes of getting bigger and stronger.
Not everyone wants to get bigger, I know I sure as hell don't, yet I still incorporate a combination of lifting and yoga into my regime. I'm a woman though, so getting bigger isn't really something I can do without the 'roids anyway.
Yoga sure as hell challenges me strength wise! Especially the crazy push ups my instructor has us do. I thought I was going to fall on my face the other night in class, arms were shaking, sweat dripping off my face---maybe I'm a lil weakling, but that was no soothing walk in the park. I know plenty of women who do yoga as their only form of strength training who have improved strength that way. I am challenged every single time in yoga class, because there are always variations on poses that can take you to another level. I had a class Monday night and I'm still sore today!
Not everyone's goals are the same. Personally, I don't care what it's logged as, cardio or strength, I actually prefer logging it as cardio so I can get the calorie burn benefit, but that's just me. All I know is most yogis aren't heavy lifters, and I've yet to see one that's flabby in any way.
I so agree with you!0 -
Obviously, by the comments, a very touchy subject. I do think that yoga is a great workout. I've tried yoga and it is very difficult. My problem with calling it strength training is that the resistance is not being increased. Most people will either remain the same weight or lose weight. You may have better muscle endurance, but you're not really getting that much stronger. It should be listed as cardio.0
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I guess you're right. All of those weight lifters, power lifters and body builders out there should just stick to doing yoga only for the purposes of getting bigger and stronger.
Not everyone wants to get bigger, I know I sure as hell don't, yet I still incorporate a combination of lifting and yoga into my regime. I'm a woman though, so getting bigger isn't really something I can do without the 'roids anyway.
Yoga sure as hell challenges me strength wise! Especially the crazy push ups my instructor has us do. I thought I was going to fall on my face the other night in class, arms were shaking, sweat dripping off my face---maybe I'm a lil weakling, but that was no soothing walk in the park. I know plenty of women who do yoga as their only form of strength training who have improved strength that way. I am challenged every single time in yoga class, because there are always variations on poses that can take you to another level. I had a class Monday night and I'm still sore today!
Not everyone's goals are the same. Personally, I don't care what it's logged as, cardio or strength, I actually prefer logging it as cardio so I can get the calorie burn benefit, but that's just me. All I know is most yogis aren't heavy lifters, and I've yet to see one that's flabby in any way.
Yoga doesn't develop any kind of significant strength. You can do a push up, great. But all you are ever pushing is your own body weight, which in fact is probably becoming lighter over time. You are building muscle endurance, not strength. Being sore also is not evidence of strength training. I can go run 9 miles, which is NOT strength training in case you were also confused about that, and be sore for a week. I don't think anyone is questioning the legitmacy of yoga as a fitness activity, so don't get all offended but it's not strength training. ALSO big LOLS to thinking you have to be on drugs to get bigger. I was 93lbs last August, 113lbs now, hoping to be 120lbs/125lbs by the end of the year and I'm still lean enough to have abs so I'm not just putting on fat. No "roids", no prohormones, ALL NATURAL.0 -
Obviously, by the comments, a very touchy subject. I do think that yoga is a great workout. I've tried yoga and it is very difficult. My problem with calling it strength training is that the resistance is not being increased. Most people will either remain the same weight or lose weight. You may have better muscle endurance, but you're not really getting that much stronger. It should be listed as cardio.
BOOM! this times ten.0 -
I'm sorry you find me sexist and annoying. Ouch.I don't consider myself to be in that great of shape and I could do 5 full motion pushups if I had to. I just don't understand why this woman put that on here. New excercisers, sure. Decently in shape women? Sexist and annoying.
I think maybe my definition of full range of motion is different than some. I'm talking about FULL RANGE - chest touches the floor on the bottom portion, arms extend to fully straight on the top, butt tucked in and core tight.
I find these very challenging. I can do up to about 8 right now before I need to take a break. When I first started lifting weights 2 years ago, I couldn't even do one - I had to use a resistance band rigged up to the pullup bar to support some of my body weight. Maybe I'm wrong but I think full range ones like would be hard to do for the average woman in decent cardiovascular shape but new to weight training / yoga.
I see a lot of people doing what I'd consider a half-range pushup - fully extending the arms, but then going only halfway down.
My friends who do tons of yoga and take it seriously can do the full range pushups very well, because they do those moves in class. They can also do pullups better than me, so I have not been un-impressed with yoga as a strength training technique, up to a point.0 -
I think that would depend on the person.
Pushups are not really strength training for most guys, but new exercisers and many women even in decent shape probably can't do more than sets of 5 full range of motion pushups. Same for one-legged squats and holding your body weight on one arm.
Seriously??? A woman that is decently in shape can't do more than sets of 5 full range pushups???? Are you kidding me????
I'll admit it. I'm in decent shape (not great) and I can't do 5 full motion pushups.
I don't consider myself to be in that great of shape and I could do 5 full motion pushups if I had to. I just don't understand why this woman put that on here. New excercisers, sure. Decently in shape women? Sexist and annoying.
She didn't say all women. She said many. I'm one of the many.
Is your arguement that if I can't do 5 pushups I can't possible be in decent shape?
I'm not arguing anything except that I don't like the way that person phrased that. Chill.0 -
So is typing, so is walking, so is talking... whats's your point?0
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But you can increase resistance by changing the pose. Many people start out in yoga unable to do the actual poses, and make modifications. As their strength improves, they can get closer to the pose as it's intended to be done. They can also move to one-armed and one-legged poses, which take lot of strength. And they can do things to change the leverage, for example, if balancing on their arms, they can change their leg position to move their center of gravity to make it harder.Obviously, by the comments, a very touchy subject. I do think that yoga is a great workout. I've tried yoga and it is very difficult. My problem with calling it strength training is that the resistance is not being increased. Most people will either remain the same weight or lose weight. You may have better muscle endurance, but you're not really getting that much stronger. It should be listed as cardio.
Very similar to gymnastics. You can get pretty strong with just your body weight for resistance, with the right program.
At a certain point, yes, the strength training benefit will plateau. But it could be a long while for most people.0 -
what?So is typing, so is walking, so is talking... whats's your point?0 -
Maybe she wants to track her progress. Maybe she can only get through 2 sets now and has a goal to get to 10.So while yes, yoga is indeed a practice that will increase your muscular strength I'm confused by why you'd want to track sets and reps of asanas.
Maybe she is modifying some of the poses now and has a goal to do the standard poses.
Same reason I track my weightlifting workouts.0 -
I'm sorry you find me sexist and annoying. Ouch.I don't consider myself to be in that great of shape and I could do 5 full motion pushups if I had to. I just don't understand why this woman put that on here. New excercisers, sure. Decently in shape women? Sexist and annoying.
I think maybe my definition of full range of motion is different than some. I'm talking about FULL RANGE - chest touches the floor on the bottom portion, arms extend to fully straight on the top, butt tucked in and core tight.
I find these very challenging. I can do up to about 8 right now before I need to take a break. When I first started lifting weights 2 years ago, I couldn't even do one - I had to use a resistance band rigged up to the pullup bar to support some of my body weight. Maybe I'm wrong but I think full range ones like would be hard to do for the average woman in decent cardiovascular shape but new to weight training / yoga.
I see a lot of people doing what I'd consider a half-range pushup - fully extending the arms, but then going only halfway down.
My friends who do tons of yoga and take it seriously can do the full range pushups very well, because they do those moves in class. They can also do pullups better than me, so I have not been un-impressed with yoga as a strength training technique, up to a point.
We could go round about all day about what your definition of "average woman in decent cardiovascular shape but new to weight training/yoga" is. I mean, earlier you said a women in decent shape. Not decent cardio shape but new to weight lifting. Obviously someone NEW to weight lifting is not going to be able to do this type of move yet unless they are strong from something other than weight lifting, their job, perhaps. Not sure that being in decent cardio shape is as important as having muscular strength and endurance for what you're talking about.0 -
But you can increase resistance by changing the pose. Many people start out in yoga unable to do the actual poses, and make modifications. As their strength improves, they can get closer to the pose as it's intended to be done. They can also move to one-armed and one-legged poses, which take lot of strength. And they can do things to change the leverage, for example, if balancing on their arms, they can change their leg position to move their center of gravity to make it harder.Obviously, by the comments, a very touchy subject. I do think that yoga is a great workout. I've tried yoga and it is very difficult. My problem with calling it strength training is that the resistance is not being increased. Most people will either remain the same weight or lose weight. You may have better muscle endurance, but you're not really getting that much stronger. It should be listed as cardio.
Very similar to gymnastics. You can get pretty strong with just your body weight for resistance, with the right program.
At a certain point, yes, the strength training benefit will plateau. But it could be a long while for most people.
Very similar to gymnastics?! A SERIOUS STRETCH! People whose main physical activity is gymnastics and those whose main physical activity is yoga could not have less similar physiques.0 -
what?So is typing, so is walking, so is talking... whats's your point?
This guy just likes to get on threads and make *kitten* up to cause drama. Ignore him.0 -
I think that would depend on the person.
Pushups are not really strength training for most guys, but new exercisers and many women even in decent shape probably can't do more than sets of 5 full range of motion pushups. Same for one-legged squats and holding your body weight on one arm.
Seriously??? A woman that is decently in shape can't do more than sets of 5 full range pushups???? Are you kidding me????
Yeah, that has me miffed as well...
I'm not 'in shape' by any means, and I can eek out 5 good form push ups... a woman in shape can do many more I would assume...0 -
But you can increase resistance by changing the pose. Many people start out in yoga unable to do the actual poses, and make modifications. As their strength improves, they can get closer to the pose as it's intended to be done. They can also move to one-armed and one-legged poses, which take lot of strength. And they can do things to change the leverage, for example, if balancing on their arms, they can change their leg position to move their center of gravity to make it harder.Obviously, by the comments, a very touchy subject. I do think that yoga is a great workout. I've tried yoga and it is very difficult. My problem with calling it strength training is that the resistance is not being increased. Most people will either remain the same weight or lose weight. You may have better muscle endurance, but you're not really getting that much stronger. It should be listed as cardio.
Very similar to gymnastics. You can get pretty strong with just your body weight for resistance, with the right program.
At a certain point, yes, the strength training benefit will plateau. But it could be a long while for most people.
Becoming stronger is a neurological response to increased resistance. If that is happening, then the person would become stronger. However, a lot of people will be losing weight as they do yoga. So, you are correct in saying that the plateau will eventually happen.
I've done yoga workouts. Knowing the difference in lifting heavy weights and a yoga workout, going back to the OP, it isn't that odd that yoga would be considered more cardio than strength training.
ETA: Gymnasts lift weights.0 -
yeah..but yoga let's me be a playground superstar! ;D
doesn't require some strength? Okay, for the guys, yeah...they're not huge, but look what they can do with their bodies.
http://youtu.be/KSJ0da0G_eI
http://youtu.be/evQl_Xhf_6I 0 -
But you can increase resistance by changing the pose. Many people start out in yoga unable to do the actual poses, and make modifications. As their strength improves, they can get closer to the pose as it's intended to be done. They can also move to one-armed and one-legged poses, which take lot of strength. And they can do things to change the leverage, for example, if balancing on their arms, they can change their leg position to move their center of gravity to make it harder.Obviously, by the comments, a very touchy subject. I do think that yoga is a great workout. I've tried yoga and it is very difficult. My problem with calling it strength training is that the resistance is not being increased. Most people will either remain the same weight or lose weight. You may have better muscle endurance, but you're not really getting that much stronger. It should be listed as cardio.
Very similar to gymnastics. You can get pretty strong with just your body weight for resistance, with the right program.
At a certain point, yes, the strength training benefit will plateau. But it could be a long while for most people.
This was the point I was trying to make (aside from the gymnastics part, I wouldn't really compare the two). I've been practicing yoga for over a year and I'm still challenged all the way through my practice. You can also incorporate a block or strap into certain poses to increase or decrease the difficulty. It's not all tree poses and meditating, y'all
And the bulking/roids thing---I didn't mean put on weight. Obviously, a woman can put on muscle. I mean like getting big and jacked---literally getting larger like a man. Not gonna happen without help. Now, shush because you're gonna scare all the noob female lifters into thinking they're gonna get "bulky"!! lol0 -
10/10 i got trolledSo is typing, so is walking, so is talking... whats's your point?0 -
Heck, most men can't do a proper pull-up either. The amount of people at the gym that actually touch the pull-up bar is practically zero, where it's the first thing I touch. And lots of them, if not most, are in WAY better shape than me. I just like pull-ups.
Saying "many women can't" is very different than "no woman can". He wrote one, but it seems like you're reading it as the other.0 -
"new exercisers and many women even in decent shape " is what I said. I didn't say an experienced weight lifter. I just meant someone who is not sedentary or morbidly obese. That is all.
We could go round about all day about what your definition of "average woman in decent cardiovascular shape but new to weight training/yoga" is. I mean, earlier you said a women in decent shape. Not decent cardio shape but new to weight lifting. Obviously someone NEW to weight lifting is not going to be able to do this type of move yet unless they are strong from something other than weight lifting, their job, perhaps. Not sure that being in decent cardio shape is as important as having muscular strength and endurance for what you're talking about.
And I'd like to repeat for everyone saying they can easily do dozens of pushups, I am talking about full range, good form, chest to floor. Try it if it's not something you do in your regular workouts and tell me if you think it's super easy.0 -
<<<From Hot Power Yoga 2-3x per week (no lifting for me)
I like the long, lean look I have achieved.0 -
If you are in any kind of shape at all you should be able to do at LEAST one solid push up, unless you are extremely heavy and have really long arms or something odd like that. I've never NOT been able to do a push up. I can't do a ton now in one set, but push ups are typically including in general physical fitness tests. There's a reason for that, if you are fit, you should be able to do push-ups.
Poor OG though prob doesn't give an eff about push-ups and now her thread is covered with posts about them.0 -
Obviously, by the comments, a very touchy subject. I do think that yoga is a great workout. I've tried yoga and it is very difficult. My problem with calling it strength training is that the resistance is not being increased. Most people will either remain the same weight or lose weight. You may have better muscle endurance, but you're not really getting that much stronger. It should be listed as cardio.
I have to respectfully disagree with this assessment of yoga. There are many forms of yoga and some of them focus specifically on strength and balance. Many poses have several variations designed for progression as one increases their strength. Being able to propel oneself into a free form hand stand or lift into a full wheel has little to due with muscle endurance or cardio fitness.
ETA: After reading your next post, I would assume that your experience with yoga is related to some form of vinyasa yoga which involves moving between poses and will be more carido based. There are other yoga disciplines that focus more on strength.0 -
But you can increase resistance by changing the pose. Many people start out in yoga unable to do the actual poses, and make modifications. As their strength improves, they can get closer to the pose as it's intended to be done. They can also move to one-armed and one-legged poses, which take lot of strength. And they can do things to change the leverage, for example, if balancing on their arms, they can change their leg position to move their center of gravity to make it harder.Obviously, by the comments, a very touchy subject. I do think that yoga is a great workout. I've tried yoga and it is very difficult. My problem with calling it strength training is that the resistance is not being increased. Most people will either remain the same weight or lose weight. You may have better muscle endurance, but you're not really getting that much stronger. It should be listed as cardio.
Very similar to gymnastics. You can get pretty strong with just your body weight for resistance, with the right program.
At a certain point, yes, the strength training benefit will plateau. But it could be a long while for most people.
This was the point I was trying to make (aside from the gymnastics part, I wouldn't really compare the two). I've been practicing yoga for over a year and I'm still challenged all the way through my practice. You can also incorporate a block or strap into certain poses to increase or decrease the difficulty. It's not all tree poses and meditating, y'all
And the bulking/roids thing---I didn't mean put on weight. Obviously, a woman can put on muscle. I mean like getting big and jacked---literally getting larger like a man. Not gonna happen without help. Now, shush because you're gonna scare all the noob female lifters into thinking they're gonna get "bulky"!! lol
If they get on my 2300+ calorie plan and lift like I do, then they might get bulky if they're lucky People are scared to death of calories though so I don't think I have to worry about noobs. Dear NOOBS, you won't get bulky unless you want to, and work, I mean freaking work at it 24/7! Promise! 0 -
SHE wrote. I'm a woman.
Saying "many women can't" is very different than "no woman can". He wrote one, but it seems like you're reading it as the other.
I am a woman who squats 145#, clean & jerks 85# for reps and runs 50 miles at a time. And who finds doing full range of motion pushups pretty hard still. The guys I see at the gym seem to be able to do 20 with no break; the women except for the very strongest seem to struggle to get to 10.
If I'm way off and most women can do tons of full range pushups, one legged squats, and poses where they balance their whole body weight on their arms, fine. I've been wrong before.0 -
Obviously, by the comments, a very touchy subject. I do think that yoga is a great workout. I've tried yoga and it is very difficult. My problem with calling it strength training is that the resistance is not being increased. Most people will either remain the same weight or lose weight. You may have better muscle endurance, but you're not really getting that much stronger. It should be listed as cardio.
I have to respectfully disagree with this assessment of yoga. There are many forms of yoga and some of them focus specifically on strength and balance. Many poses have several variations designed for progression as one increases their strength. Being able to propel oneself into a free form hand stand or lift into a full wheel has little to due with muscle endurance or cardio fitness.
Yes, that does take a tremendous amount of strength to accomplish. However, once a person is able to do these things, unless they are getting heavier or attaching weights to themselves, they aren't going to get stronger just by continually doing these movements with their current body weight.0
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