Yoga experts please help

[idream]

I've just "discovered" yoga.

How many times per week should yoga be done?
Is it possible to lose weight/tone up by doing yoga? If the answer is yes to this which yoga DVDS would you recommend for the sole purpose of burning tonnes of calories and toning/weight loss.

Thanks in advance

Andrea

 

[LaughingWater]

I'm no expert, but I've enjoyed yoga for about 8 years. I know we have a yoga instructor on this forum, and I'm sure she'll have some wisdom to share.

You can do yoga 7 days a week if you like. Though if you're doing a tough practice like Power or Ashtanga yoga, I'd recommend taking a day off. I used to practice 1 hour, 6 days a week. Now I add a 30 minute practice after my weight or cardio workouts.

Yes, you can lose weight and tone up with a yoga practice. I wouldn't compare it to running or weight training, but it's an excellent addition to an exercise program. I've gone for long periods with just my yoga practice as my exercise, and while I loved it, it didn't prevent me from gaining a few extra pounds. Then again, I'm 38, and my metabolism is changing. Since I started working with Cathe's DVDs, I've lost 6 pounds. Soooo...for me, I need a little more than yoga.

Bryan Kest is a great teacher. [a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bryan-Kest-Power-Complete-Collection/dp/B0001WTWYC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1211980236&sr=8-1"]This[/a] is what I started with.

 

[christosz]

One more vote for Bryan!

When I started out Yoga about 5 years ago he's the one I tried, and until today he hasn't bored me at all...

I remember when I started out I was doing his Power Yoga 1-Energize, 2 to 3 times a week for about 12 months before moving on to the second workout. I then alternated between the two. I still haven't been able to complete the 3rd one...:+ :+ :+

Chris.

 

[aschendell]

I think to lose weight you must add in some cardio as well as weight training...with that being said, I love yoga and it keeps me toned and flexible.

Perhaps a rotation for you could look like...

day 1 cardio + shoulders
day 2 legs + chest
day 3 yoga + tris
day 4 cardio + bis
day 5 yoga full hour session
day 6 cardio + back
day 7 off or short yoga session


Your cardio could run between 30-45 minutes with 10-15 minutes spent on whatever body part you are working on that day. 4DS and CTX are great for these types of workouts. You can always add in some sun salutations as a warm up or cool down from your cardio if you want some more yoga in your week.

As far as yoga dvds are concerned...my very favorite yogi is Eoin Finn....I also like Bryan Kest as he teaches a very athletic yoga. Rodney Yee is good for instructional yoga as well. Baron Baptiste is also very popular, although not one of my personal faves...but lots of folks like him. You should be able to find all of these on Amazon for not too much money.

Here are a couple of websites you might find useful....

http://www.eoinfinnyoga.com/
http://www.poweryoga.com/


Good luck and namaste!

Debra

http://www.picturetrail.com/aschendell

To be a part of this Dance even for a moment is an unfathomably huge gift---Eoin Finn

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[LaughingWater]

I have Eoin's "Power Yoga for Happiness." Love it! I also cast my vote for Baron's DVDs.