Anyone here do yoga? (mini-rant included)

FitFabFlirty92
FitFabFlirty92 Posts: 384 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I've done yoga on and off since I started college (I'm a junior now), and my strength and flexibility always get better when I do it. I believe more advanced practitioners could easily use it as their sole form of strength training. But a lot of people here are just into lifting heavy and think everything else is wrong. I've seen people create entire topics dissing yoga and talking about how "easy" it is and how it does nothing. The advanced poses are nowhere NEAR easy. If you don't like yoga, that's fine, but to minimize the experience by saying its easy or stupid is insulting.

Anyway, I wonder if anyone on here besides me actually likes yoga and makes it a part of their routine? I plan on doing it all week to get back into the swing of things with exercise, and it'd be great to have friends on here who are into it, too.
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Replies

  • Tamstar1985
    Tamstar1985 Posts: 334 Member
    i do yoga!

    i used to do it as my primary form of exercise, and now that i've been bitten by the strength training bug, i use yoga to round out my routine :) i realized a few months ago that i was losing flexibility in my shoulders and hips, so started doing about 2 hours of yoga per week. it's helped a lot!

    yoga is by no means easy... sure, it may not get your heart rate up, but that doesn't mean its a walk in the park. even in those "easy" poses, you can go deeper or further and end up working really hard!!
  • naticksdonna
    naticksdonna Posts: 189 Member
    Good for you! Take whatever comments you can use and toss the rest aside. Check out the groups for those doing yoga. I don't do it myself right now as I have limitations with my legs but I do have a dvd for those who need to do it "bedside" and I have tried it and will incorporate it into my life. I was an Xray Tech and one of my favorite patients was a 75 year old woman who was incredibly toned and flexible - she was wonderful. I have great admiration for those who can master the poses!!
  • denezy
    denezy Posts: 573 Member
    I try to do yoga at least once a week. It keeps me flexible and prevents injury in sports. I also lift and compete in sports. :)
  • orangelobster
    orangelobster Posts: 151
    I want to...does that count? I just need to find the right program etc. I'm a little intimidated by the whole thing.
    My workouts are 1/2 and 1/2 cardio and weights hard core at this point and I *really* need some stretching and flexibility.

    I posted earlier today (but got no response) if anyone can recommend any good yoga sessions on DVD or you tube. I'd like to go to classes but I'm already really struggling with time constraints.
  • BigRich822
    BigRich822 Posts: 681
    I get at least one hour or two secession in once a week. I love it
  • slboston
    slboston Posts: 15
    I also do yoga! I love it. I can literally feel myself gaining strength day by day.
  • FitFabFlirty92
    FitFabFlirty92 Posts: 384 Member
    I want to...does that count? I just need to find the right program etc. I'm a little intimidated by the whole thing.
    My workouts are 1/2 and 1/2 cardio and weights hard core at this point and I *really* need some stretching and flexibility.

    I posted earlier today (but got no response) if anyone knows any good yoga sessions to be found on you tube.

    I wish I could help. :( I don't know any YouTube videos, but Rainbeau Mars and Rodney Yee both make good DVDs you can get for cheap on Amazon and other websites. :)
  • koolmum
    koolmum Posts: 39
    I love yoga! I do it once or twice a week as a compliment to heavy lifting and running. I find I can get a deeper squat and just feel generally "lighter" since practicing yoga.
  • gingerveg
    gingerveg Posts: 748 Member
    Me I love yoga! I've been doing it for about 15 years. I'm convinced that the only time in my life I gained weight (and why I started here) was when I took a small break from a regular yoga practice. I've never heard anyone (who actually has any experience with yoga) call it easy. It kicks my butt and I love it. I also think yoga bodies (and minds) are absolutely gorgeous. :)
  • healthylife56
    healthylife56 Posts: 32
    I love yoga. Yoga gives me mental peace. It helps me clear my head in this stressful and crazy world.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    If you're using the words "yoga" and "rant" in the same sentence, methinks you're doing it wrong. I spend a ginormous amount of time trolling.....errrr, I mean contributing to the F&E forums, and I don't recall seeing anyone saying yoga is easy or yoga is worthless. Yoga isn't lifting, sure. But doesn't have benefits? No one says that anywhere.
  • 007bondage
    007bondage Posts: 631 Member
    I've just started Bikram (hot) Yoga. Early days yet, as far as results go, but I totally love it :)
  • timanda2
    timanda2 Posts: 149
    I do it and yes it is hard! I totally get my sweat on too. It's an exercise that makes my back pain not so intense.
  • timanda2
    timanda2 Posts: 149
    I want to...does that count? I just need to find the right program etc. I'm a little intimidated by the whole thing.
    My workouts are 1/2 and 1/2 cardio and weights hard core at this point and I *really* need some stretching and flexibility.

    I posted earlier today (but got no response) if anyone can recommend any good yoga sessions on DVD or you tube. I'd like to go to classes but I'm already really struggling with time constraints.
    I do Jillian Michels yoga melt down. It has an easy workout and an advanced workout. To be honest the easy one is still tough, but I really like it.
  • DontStopB_Leakin
    DontStopB_Leakin Posts: 3,863 Member
    If you're using the words "yoga" and "rant" in the same sentence, methinks you're doing it wrong. I spend a ginormous amount of time trolling.....errrr, I mean contributing to the F&E forums, and I don't recall seeing anyone saying yoga is easy or yoga is worthless. Yoga isn't lifting, sure. But doesn't have benefits? No one says that anywhere.
    ^This.

    It isn't lifting. However, I've done both lifting and yoga, and I'd venture to say advanced yoga is a heckuva lot harder.


    That being said, I prefer the results I see from lifting. That's not to say the same results can't be achieved from yoga, I just enjoy lifting more. But I'd never venture to say yoga is "worthless".


    Oh, and I think you and I don't visit the same forums. Cardio is the name of the game here in MFP land.
  • timmemin
    timmemin Posts: 72 Member
    Yoga is one of my main forms of exercise. It has made me stronger, leaner, and sane. Not only that, I continue to lose weight week after week. I think the best part of it is that it makes you want to change your whole lifestyle. I have found it easier to lose weight while doing yoga because I want to nurture my body and I can only do that by feeding it well, sleeping well, and exercising.
  • Lalouse
    Lalouse Posts: 221 Member
    I don't do yoga regularly, but part of the reason is that I find it incredibly challenging!! I do like it when I do, but I'm not advanced. I think strength training i.e. lifting weights and what not is a lot easier.
  • FitFabFlirty92
    FitFabFlirty92 Posts: 384 Member
    If you're using the words "yoga" and "rant" in the same sentence, methinks you're doing it wrong. I spend a ginormous amount of time trolling.....errrr, I mean contributing to the F&E forums, and I don't recall seeing anyone saying yoga is easy or yoga is worthless. Yoga isn't lifting, sure. But doesn't have benefits? No one says that anywhere.

    I wish I could link you to the thread I saw, but it was a week ago and it's too far gone. But there was a girl on here who started a thread about how she hated yoga and thought it was pointless. And a bunch of other MFPers chimed in and said yoga was useless in terms of exercise. Just because you didn't see it doesn't mean the thread wasn't there.
  • NaughtyForties
    NaughtyForties Posts: 69
    I lift weights, play squash, treadmill and use the cross trainer every week, so by the weekend my muscles are taut to say the least. This weekend I added yoga to my routine to stretch and loosen my body.

    Yes I'll gain some strength from yoga but for me it's not one is better than the other but how they compliment each other that counts. They are routed in two different camps, so the way I see it, both have a purpose but as with most things everyone has an opinion therefore each to their own.

    I guess it all depends on your goals and what works for you.
  • Nacho12
    Nacho12 Posts: 155 Member
    I do Yoga once or twice a week and have done it for about 12 years. I also do spinning three or four times a week and
    weight training 3 to 4 times a week. A year ago I decided to quit Yoga for a while and do more weight training rather than
    do them both. When I went back to Yoga I could tell how tight my muscles were from not doing it. It is definitely a hard
    workout but I feel it rounds out all the other things that I do.
  • FitFabFlirty92
    FitFabFlirty92 Posts: 384 Member
    Oh, and I think you and I don't visit the same forums. Cardio is the name of the game here in MFP land.

    Not from what I've seen, lol. Seems like most people lift heavy and think you're wrong if you do anything different. But everyone has a different perspective on what's on the boards based on what they read and their own personal biases.
  • loricolwill
    loricolwill Posts: 189 Member
    I want to...does that count? I just need to find the right program etc. I'm a little intimidated by the whole thing.
    My workouts are 1/2 and 1/2 cardio and weights hard core at this point and I *really* need some stretching and flexibility.

    I posted earlier today (but got no response) if anyone can recommend any good yoga sessions on DVD or you tube. I'd like to go to classes but I'm already really struggling with time constraints.

    Try looking for Tara Stiles on you tube. I really like her videos. Though I'm definitely a beginner when it comes to yoga.
  • Ely82010
    Ely82010 Posts: 1,998 Member
    I do Yoga once a week, Power Pilates twice a week, and strength training with free weights also twice a week. I love this combination/routine because Yoga and Pilates keep me very flexible, loose and balanced, which are very important as we get older.

    No, I don't find Yoga poses very easy, specially if I have been on vacation for few weeks. Ouch, it is hard to get back in tip form.
  • DontStopB_Leakin
    DontStopB_Leakin Posts: 3,863 Member
    If you're using the words "yoga" and "rant" in the same sentence, methinks you're doing it wrong. I spend a ginormous amount of time trolling.....errrr, I mean contributing to the F&E forums, and I don't recall seeing anyone saying yoga is easy or yoga is worthless. Yoga isn't lifting, sure. But doesn't have benefits? No one says that anywhere.

    I wish I could link you to the thread I saw, but it was a week ago and it's too far gone. But there was a girl on here who started a thread about how she hated yoga and thought it was pointless. And a bunch of other MFPers chimed in and said yoga was useless in terms of exercise. Just because you didn't see it doesn't mean the thread wasn't there.
    Methinks you're seeking out these mystical, yoga bashing threads.
  • _namaste_
    _namaste_ Posts: 246
    I practice hot yoga (primarily vinyasa flow) at least 5 times per week and have been practicing for just over 2 years. I love how it makes me feel inside and out. I love the strength, flexibility, full body workout. But I also love the breath it provides me not only in the yoga studio but also in day to day life. I won't ever stop doing yoga, it's just too amazing for me. :)
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    Some yoga IS easy though. Yoga for relaxation involves a lot of deep breathing and laying still. Soooo.......

    Some yoga is hard.

    If you know your yoga is hard, who cares what anybody else thinks? In the end, your fitness and your results are going to be determined by your efforts. That's all that really matter,. not what anyone else thinks.
  • underwater77
    underwater77 Posts: 331 Member
    i think yoga is the hardest workout that i do. it challenges me in a new way every time i do it. which is why i love it. but i think it is also intimidating to people unfamiliar; perhaps that is why it gets a bad rap (though i haven't noticed that it has).
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    If you're using the words "yoga" and "rant" in the same sentence, methinks you're doing it wrong. I spend a ginormous amount of time trolling.....errrr, I mean contributing to the F&E forums, and I don't recall seeing anyone saying yoga is easy or yoga is worthless. Yoga isn't lifting, sure. But doesn't have benefits? No one says that anywhere.

    I wish I could link you to the thread I saw, but it was a week ago and it's too far gone. But there was a girl on here who started a thread about how she hated yoga and thought it was pointless. And a bunch of other MFPers chimed in and said yoga was useless in terms of exercise. Just because you didn't see it doesn't mean the thread wasn't there.
    Methinks you're seeking out these mystical, yoga bashing threads.

    Yeah, I remember a yoga dislike rant about 2 months ago..but nothing really recent. And if you saw one...well..you should see how many weight training bashing threads there are (especially when it comes to women and weight training).

    And to note, I've not talked to anyone really into weight training that would bash yoga. In fact, a lot of them incorporate yoga now and again in their workouts. I think that a good mixture of exercises are really beneficial..not just one.
  • WandaWoman41
    WandaWoman41 Posts: 153 Member
    I will say that I'm fairly new to yoga. I tried a class in my 20's and didn't take it seriously. I was full of gas and was a novice compared to the rest of the class (quite a scene). I recently purchased a yoga dvd to increase flexibility and patience. I'm learning to appreciate it.
  • lioness0806
    lioness0806 Posts: 115 Member
    I was introduced to yoga through Bob Harper's video "weight loss yoga" and I loved it. Unfortunately, due to space constraints in my living room I'm no longer using the video (but still have it in a closet for someday).
    I started, recently, trolling youtube for ballet workouts. Same principle, strength/toning without heavy weights. At the end of my videos I' m drenched in sweat. And, even though I've only done it a few times, I found I have more flexibility.
    There's no right or wrong way to exercise. Everyone has to do what works for them.

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