Yoga?

gem_cat
gem_cat Posts: 62 Member
edited October 7 in Fitness and Exercise
i was thinking of trying out yoga as a new year resolution.

how effective is it in weight loss? any advice for a beginner?

Replies

  • michelec64
    michelec64 Posts: 120 Member
    I can't say how effective yoga is in weight loss as it's just one part of my workout (cardio is the main component). But it's great for increasing agility and balance, and it's an excellent way to de-stress. I always feel so much better afterwards.

    You didn't say if you were thinking of doing classes or DVDs but I would definitely say start out with the easy postures and work your way up. And don't worry about doing it perfectly because even the most advanced yoga practitioner doesn't get all the moves 100% right.

    Definitely give it a try.
  • Alanakrahenbil
    Alanakrahenbil Posts: 811 Member
    I agree with michelec64, start out easy! When I first tried yoga I moved my way up way to fast and ended up spraining my wrist(I have really bad wrists anyways so anything that puts weight on them isn't the best idea for me to start with)

    But it is super fun and really relaxing, especially after running around after 2 kids all day.
  • cnhanson
    cnhanson Posts: 26
    What kind of yoga are you thinking of doing? Ashtanga and Hot yoga can be good for weight loss as they are fast moving and you usually break a sweat. Hatha is more relaxing and calming. I would suggest at first that you try a studio as they can spot if you are doing something wrong and correct it. If you don't live near one try one of the beginner classes at yogatoday.com they have a free class every week and downloads are only 3.99
  • chameleon73
    chameleon73 Posts: 119 Member
    Has anyone found any of the Yoga poses in the available exercise list in the IPad app? My workout routine includes Yoga, and I don't want to leave it out of my exercises done for the day.
  • Hayesgang
    Hayesgang Posts: 624
    Yoga is my primary workout, if I don't have yoga - I may walk/jog on the treadmill after a hard day but usually only for 20 minutes.

    I do 2-3 Hot Power yoga classes per week (75 mins each) and 1 restorative class (90 minutes). I am lean and strong with muscle definition. There is a HUGE misconception that doing yoga won't build muscle and that is not true especially if you take the right class with a knowledgeable instructor.

    A lot of studios will offer a free class to new students - You should give it a try.
  • nyspotlight
    nyspotlight Posts: 124
    I would definitely start at a studio. You want to understand the poses so you do them correctly from the beginning. It is much harder to correct a pose when you already learned it wrong. :)

    Also, some studios specialize in one kind of yoga while others offer a variety of different classes. You may want to try the kind that offer a variety so you can try a beginners' class and then try some different kinds to see what you like. Many studios offer newbie deals where you pay $30 for 30 days or $20 two weeks, etc. They want you to try different classes and see what works for you.

    I like vinyasa yoga. This is the kind where you flow from one pose to another, sometimes holding poses for a few breaths, sometimes moving right through. A teacher will lead you. I do power yoga, though, which is like vinyasa on steroids. It can be fast, and the holds are intense, I won't tell you not to start with one of these. You coUld love it and get addicted and that could be awesome. But if that sounds like your personal version of he'll or your embarrassed then maybe start with a Hathaway class, which will be more relaxed. You should be able to find a beginner class in any variety if you do one research.

    Don't be afraid to call a studio and ask questions. Or stay after a class and ask the teacher things. I find most yoga teachers LOVE to talk about yoga. They love to answer questions. I'm serious, they love it. So feel free.

    Feel free to message me with questions, I love it.

    And if you wanna get a "workout," I just look for whatever style challenges you to rework at YOUR edge. You wanna be workin and striving. But never listen to an instructor that pushes you past what you know is safe for you. Yoga should work you, but never break you. Of course, you can also be surprised at just what your body is capable of.
  • dancingj2
    dancingj2 Posts: 4,572 Member
    I tried several DVDs from the library to find a workout I liked.

    I think yoga is great for the body but the routine I have doen not burn lots of calories.
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