What exactly is it? I have briefly glanced at covers in the store, but never actually picked them up. To me it looks like really good stretching moves. Do you do yoga to just basically relax? Is it something you do after your workout (cardio,weights)? Also, I am wanting to get one that is basically for any level so I don't have to keep upgrading. Thanks in advance for your tips and help.
Yoga
- Thread starter dhcsim
- Start date
endorphin_junkie
Cathlete
Literally yoga means to 'yolk or unite'. It is an ancient science steeped in Hinduism and consists of 8 branches. Two of these branches are 'pranayama' or breath work and 'asana' which are the physical postures practised as a 'work out'. A 'work in' truly is a better description. Yoga cultivates physical, mental and spiritual awareness. While practising yoga this awareness is coupled with acknowledgement and respect of what your body is willing to give in that particular moment, not where you want to be tomorrow or where you were yesterday. Holding poses for 8 to 12 deep, slow breaths allows a sustained stretch on the muscle's tendons which communicate with the brain letting it know that it is safe to elongate. Breath and mental focus are the guides when practising. If you are deepening into a pose but your breath is jamming or your mind is distracted by physical discomfort that is beyond a comfortably challenging edge it's time to acknowledge and respect the body by easing off and letting the breath flow deeply and smoothly.
I am fascinated by the physiology of yoga. It was developed thousands of years ago but mirrors down to the cellular level how muscles, tendons and the parasympathetic nervous system work together to manage physical and mental stress while keeping the body strong and supple. It keeps joints supple and lubricated and moves synovial fluids around. Through training the participant to breath fully and deeply it gives us the gift of a window into the part of the nervous system that calms us and clears the mind of superflous chatter, judgement and the tendency to be over reactive.
That's as short of an answer as I can give, sorry it's so long. Can you tell that I love yoga
Take Care
Laurie
I am fascinated by the physiology of yoga. It was developed thousands of years ago but mirrors down to the cellular level how muscles, tendons and the parasympathetic nervous system work together to manage physical and mental stress while keeping the body strong and supple. It keeps joints supple and lubricated and moves synovial fluids around. Through training the participant to breath fully and deeply it gives us the gift of a window into the part of the nervous system that calms us and clears the mind of superflous chatter, judgement and the tendency to be over reactive.
That's as short of an answer as I can give, sorry it's so long. Can you tell that I love yoga
Take Care
Laurie
Hi Heather,
Laurie gave a nice summary. I **LOVE** yoga. If you're interested in Power Yoga (which is faster paced and fairly athletic), I'd recommend Bryan Kest. He does a very nice job queing, reminding you to focus on your breath, and encouraging you to only work to your "edge". I have his Power Yoga series, but he also has a beginning Power Yoga set as well. I believe Collage has clips of them online.
I also like Rodney Yee's "Yoga for Athletes". It's a terrific session for both stretching and relaxation. He has two students that show different modifications for the poses while does the unmodified versions. This is a good DVD will grow with you.
I absolutely love Eoin Finn, he has the warmest personality, but he may move a little fast if you're a total beginner. I think he's coming out with a new DVD soon that shows more modifications. Check him out at http://vancouveryoga.com/home.html.
Laurie gave a nice summary. I **LOVE** yoga. If you're interested in Power Yoga (which is faster paced and fairly athletic), I'd recommend Bryan Kest. He does a very nice job queing, reminding you to focus on your breath, and encouraging you to only work to your "edge". I have his Power Yoga series, but he also has a beginning Power Yoga set as well. I believe Collage has clips of them online.
I also like Rodney Yee's "Yoga for Athletes". It's a terrific session for both stretching and relaxation. He has two students that show different modifications for the poses while does the unmodified versions. This is a good DVD will grow with you.
I absolutely love Eoin Finn, he has the warmest personality, but he may move a little fast if you're a total beginner. I think he's coming out with a new DVD soon that shows more modifications. Check him out at http://vancouveryoga.com/home.html.