will yoga help my training?

Crescent_Meadows · March 2014

I don't Yoga though. I'm not into things I can't learn at home.

Why can't you learn it at home?

It wasn't a serious comment, but rather a sarcastic jab at the insistence that even basic Yoga reacquires an instructor.

I'm actually familiar with the DoYogaWithMe site and have been using their strength stretches after my strength workout for the past two weeks. At home. Unsupervised.

This is why I sometimes find myself lumping yoga in with Chiropractic and holistic medicine. When it's stretching and a bit of fitness, I'm completely on board, but when its adherents turn it into some mystical thing that can only be properly handed down yogi to student, I have to chuckle.

I don't think anyone is arguing that yoga should be done at a studio because it is "mystical." The main assertion is that doing yoga in a studio or class helps prevent injuries because the instructor can look out for bad form or give more detailed explanations of how the poses should safely be done.

My own opinion on this is that you definetely get something more out doing yoga with a instructor (whether it is tips, alignment adjustments, or just encouragement). However, basic yoga poses are safe from home as long as you've looked over some instructional material (such as a DVD or book on poses). There are some poses that really should atleast be learned from an instructor before practiced at home though, such as headstands, to prevent injury.

I also run and lift and love yoga for rounding-out my physical fitness. It helps me stretch, has taught me to concentrate on and control my breathing, and brings me peace of mind

likitisplit · March 2014

I don't Yoga though. I'm not into things I can't learn at home.

Why can't you learn it at home?

It wasn't a serious comment, but rather a sarcastic jab at the insistence that even basic Yoga reacquires an instructor.

I'm actually familiar with the DoYogaWithMe site and have been using their strength stretches after my strength workout for the past two weeks. At home. Unsupervised.

Ah, sarcasm....

they really need to invent that font...

Arial works for me.

SuperSarah12345 · March 2014

Not only will yoga help with your training - it will help with your LIFE!

NAMASTE!

celtbell3 · March 2014

Yoga will complete your workout goals - it is a balance to all others and will definitely help you. I have been practicing for many years and truthfully, when life gets hard there is only so much cardio that my body can take but with yoga, it is something I can do all the time.

littlekitty3 · March 2014

I would look into you for injury prevention and core stability. I personally find that regular yoga makes me run horribly, I don't know about the rest of the world but that's what happens!

SunofaBeach14 · March 2014

I don't Yoga though. I'm not into things I can't learn at home.

Why can't you learn it at home?

It wasn't a serious comment, but rather a sarcastic jab at the insistence that even basic Yoga reacquires an instructor.

I'm actually familiar with the DoYogaWithMe site and have been using their strength stretches after my strength workout for the past two weeks. At home. Unsupervised.

This is why I sometimes find myself lumping yoga in with Chiropractic and holistic medicine. When it's stretching and a bit of fitness, I'm completely on board, but when its adherents turn it into some mystical thing that can only be properly handed down yogi to student, I have to chuckle.

I don't think anyone is arguing that yoga should be done at a studio because it is "mystical." The main assertion is that doing yoga in a studio or class helps prevent injuries because the instructor can look out for bad form or give more detailed explanations of how the poses should safely be done.

My own opinion on this is that you definetely get something more out doing yoga with a instructor (whether it is tips, alignment adjustments, or just encouragement). However, basic yoga poses are safe from home as long as you've looked over some instructional material (such as a DVD or book on poses). There are some poses that really should atleast be learned from an instructor before practiced at home though, such as headstands, to prevent injury.

I also run and lift and love yoga for rounding-out my physical fitness. It helps me stretch, has taught me to concentrate on and control my breathing, and brings me peace of mind

When you added that bolded language, you clarified that we have no disagreement. Okay, maybe the peace of mind bit, but running and lifting bring me "peace of mind" so maybe it's still all good. lol

Galatea_Stone · March 2014

Yoga will definitely help with your training. I did yoga videos for years. If you can't do an intermediate or advanced move, don't worry about it. It doesn't mean you get no benefit from trying it imperfectly. Eventually, your chakras will align.

The best part about yoga is your form doesn't have to be exact on basic moves, and you eventually work into better form as you stretch. The whole purpose of yoga is to gain flexibility and basic strength.

Heck, lifting will improve your yoga and cardio exercises; yoga will improve your lifting and cardio exercises; and cardio will improve your yoga and lifting. I say it is all good.

likitisplit · March 2014

I would look into you for injury prevention and core stability. I personally find that regular yoga makes me run horribly, I don't know about the rest of the world but that's what happens!

Have you tried Pilates?

PikaKnight · March 2014

Yes, yoga will help your training -- whatever your training is. It's actually known for that.

However, DO NOT try to learn yoga any way but from a qaulified instructor in a class. Once you've been doing it a while and you know what you're doing, it's OK to do on your own. But it's a lot more complicated and difficult than it looks and you can injure yourself or simply not get the benefits if you don't learn it properly with guidance.

I'm relatively certain that yoga isn't that complicated and scary. Let's not manufacture more barriers to entry than are needed

Then I'm relatively certain you aren't doing it correctly.

I'm relatively certain that you're correct. But also relatively certain that I got huge benefits from it, especially since my main reason to take it up was to increase flexibility. If I wanted something far beyond that, or wanted to try the cool *kitten* complex balancing positions, sure it would help to have an instructor.

But most beginners aren't looking for something that advanced. The OP certainly didn't indicate it. Many people don't have time or money or confidence to start a basic practice in a class setting. Telling them that NO WAY NO HOW should they start a simple routine is borderline criminal, imo. Fitness is for everyone of every budget and capability, and there's usually a low barrier to entry.

^Agreed. Any exercise (whether yoga, lifting, or even running) could benefit from having an experienced person present giving you tips. But not everyone has that option and many have proven that with the basics, it isn't necessary. Yeah, it takes some trial and error and due diligence on the person's part, but it is possible. If it wasn't, then why are so many people able to do the basics without reporting to the ER if they try out some beginner DVD/routine?

cafeaulait7 · March 2014

I suggest Iyengar yoga or other types where the poses are held longer than vinyasa (flowing) or power yoga if someone is learning by DVD. The instruction will be better if it's called Iyengar (they are big on form and talking about it), and so it's harder to injure yourself. The fast kinds are not a good way to learn because it's hard to get the form down and move so fast.

Some DVD instructors don't explain form enough, but videos like those from yogajournal.com are better than many of my old beginner YMCA instructors, lol.

TheEffort · March 2014

I found yoga helpful.

will yoga help my training?

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