Yoga
- Thread starter tygra
- Start date
I love yoga - it gives you great flexibility, teaches breathing techniques, lengthens and leans out the muscles and really helps relieve stress -
I have always found it VERY difficult to incorporate yoga/weights/cardio/circuits/pilates
Right now I go by rule of thumb - do cardio 5X a week in any form, but I am mainly jogging right now, and yoga 6X per week
I am taking a break from traditional strength training to see what a difference it really makes in my body. I miss lifting weights though - tonight I am trying Iron Man Yoga for the first time - its a dvd that incorporates light weights held in the static postures of yoga - should be a unique twist - I find that power yoga really really really gives my muscles a run for their money - some of the dvds I cannot complete all the pushups and it exhausts my muslces, so I know it works.......
I recommend - Bryan Kest - he is FABULOUS! Tone/Energize/and Sweat - its a three part series - TERRIFIC!
Also Total Yoga and Total Yoga Fire
Excellent!
I have always found it VERY difficult to incorporate yoga/weights/cardio/circuits/pilates
Right now I go by rule of thumb - do cardio 5X a week in any form, but I am mainly jogging right now, and yoga 6X per week
I am taking a break from traditional strength training to see what a difference it really makes in my body. I miss lifting weights though - tonight I am trying Iron Man Yoga for the first time - its a dvd that incorporates light weights held in the static postures of yoga - should be a unique twist - I find that power yoga really really really gives my muscles a run for their money - some of the dvds I cannot complete all the pushups and it exhausts my muslces, so I know it works.......
I recommend - Bryan Kest - he is FABULOUS! Tone/Energize/and Sweat - its a three part series - TERRIFIC!
Also Total Yoga and Total Yoga Fire
Excellent!
kathryn
Cathlete
I've found that even yoga once a week is beneficial, though more would be better, I'm sure.
I like Eion Finn's "Power Yoga For Happiness": it has several options for workouts (I especially like "Magically Hips"), and each one shows different levels you can do (and once in a while, his little dog appears, doing some pose of his own!).
More approachable for beginners might be Sara Ivanhoe. She's done several yoga workouts with Crunch.
For a shorter workout, there is QUick Fix power yoga, which has 3, 10-minute sections.
I like Eion Finn's "Power Yoga For Happiness": it has several options for workouts (I especially like "Magically Hips"), and each one shows different levels you can do (and once in a while, his little dog appears, doing some pose of his own!).
More approachable for beginners might be Sara Ivanhoe. She's done several yoga workouts with Crunch.
For a shorter workout, there is QUick Fix power yoga, which has 3, 10-minute sections.
kathryn
Cathlete
>I am trying Iron Man Yoga for the
>first time - its a dvd that incorporates light weights held in
>the static postures of yoga - should be a unique twist -
Do you mean "Iron Yoga"? Or is this another workout?
Let me know how you like it (if it's "Iron Yoga.") I have it, but haven't tried it yet.
>first time - its a dvd that incorporates light weights held in
>the static postures of yoga - should be a unique twist -
Do you mean "Iron Yoga"? Or is this another workout?
Let me know how you like it (if it's "Iron Yoga.") I have it, but haven't tried it yet.
jennifermaria
Cathlete
I've found that the only way I can incorporate yoga with my cardio and weights is to se a shorter tape (~20 min) that I can tack onto a shorter workout. I got Rodney Yee's Power Yoga for Stamina, which is 20 minutes, and I love it! Being a type A personality, I've always found it difficult to "be still" long enough to get through a longer yoga workout, so this was perfect for me . It's probably a little too easy for experienced yoga folks, but for me it was ideal, both in length and level of difficulty.
Jennifer
. It's probably a little too easy for experienced yoga folks, but for me it was ideal, both in length and level of difficulty.Jennifer
>I recommend - Bryan Kest - he is FABULOUS! Tone/Energize/and
>Sweat - its a three part series - TERRIFIC!
I just ordered this workout with Brian Kest, he is fabulous and I love that the workouts are shorter and very effective! I love his whole attituide, plus he talks just enough not too much. Plus he is very nice to look at as well..lo!
I think it would be nice if you could hear him a little better, esp since it is kinda hard to look at the TV during the poses..LOL!
>Sweat - its a three part series - TERRIFIC!
I just ordered this workout with Brian Kest, he is fabulous and I love that the workouts are shorter and very effective! I love his whole attituide, plus he talks just enough not too much. Plus he is very nice to look at as well..lo!
I think it would be nice if you could hear him a little better, esp since it is kinda hard to look at the TV during the poses..LOL!
If you really want yoga (as in the real stuff), try Shiva Rea's Yoga Shakti. It is amazing! Over 3 hours of yoga with a yoga matrix (similar to Cathe's workout blender). The 2 discs come with a little booklet giving info about each segment, suggested mixes, etc. Depending on which segments you choose, you'll have more of a power yoga style workout or even a relaxation/destress workout. She is the best. I recommend Yoga Shakti over her Sun Salutation or Lunar Flow, etc, as these other workouts are basically on Yoga Shakti. Enjoy!
-Becky
-Becky
janiejoey
Cathlete
I like to suggest "Yoga Shakti". I do Yoga at least 3 times a week but it can be done every other day. The less intense yoga could be done everyday.
This DVD is a vinyass yoga practice with Shiva Rea. You can build a customized home practice using the interactive yoga matrix. It is so easy to do. Just highlight what you want to do, and then push a button to lock it in, and you can start it at any time You can make your practice easy, intermediate, or advance. However you want. Shive Rea teaches vinyasa flow worldwide. Her extensive studies are very impressive.
Enjoy,
Janie
"If you can't say anything nice about someone, then don't say anything at all."
-My mother, Mary Cooper-
This DVD is a vinyass yoga practice with Shiva Rea. You can build a customized home practice using the interactive yoga matrix. It is so easy to do. Just highlight what you want to do, and then push a button to lock it in, and you can start it at any time You can make your practice easy, intermediate, or advance. However you want. Shive Rea teaches vinyasa flow worldwide. Her extensive studies are very impressive.
Enjoy,
Janie
"If you can't say anything nice about someone, then don't say anything at all."
-My mother, Mary Cooper-
I usually try to do a midweek session and I do yoga on Saturdays and Sundays cuz I have extra time. I don't like to take away from my weights/cardio, etc. either, but yoga leaves me feeling SO GOOD and it stretches me out like no stretch tape can.
I particulary recommend Eion Finn's Power Yoga for Happines (Amazon.com) that Kathryn mentions. The Magically Hips Premix is a must have for anyone who does a lot of aerobics. I also love Shiva Rea and Yoga Shakti. Mark Blanchard is the other instructor I really like. He's not for average person.......however, I know you're not cuz you're here!! His yoga sessions are pretty advanced (but also doable for beginners -- just do what you can mentality). Most of his DVDs are 90 minutes but he has a new Sedona Series that has 2 that are 90 minutes, 2 that are 60 min and 1 40 min. one. www.progressivepoweryoga.com
Another way to incorporate yoga is by using it during a Recovery Week like they do in P90 X. You can also add 1 session a week in during your regular weeks to keep you more flexible.
I particulary recommend Eion Finn's Power Yoga for Happines (Amazon.com) that Kathryn mentions. The Magically Hips Premix is a must have for anyone who does a lot of aerobics. I also love Shiva Rea and Yoga Shakti. Mark Blanchard is the other instructor I really like. He's not for average person.......however, I know you're not cuz you're here!! His yoga sessions are pretty advanced (but also doable for beginners -- just do what you can mentality). Most of his DVDs are 90 minutes but he has a new Sedona Series that has 2 that are 90 minutes, 2 that are 60 min and 1 40 min. one. www.progressivepoweryoga.com
Another way to incorporate yoga is by using it during a Recovery Week like they do in P90 X. You can also add 1 session a week in during your regular weeks to keep you more flexible.
M
moni_stout
Guest
I also use "Yoga Shakti". It is my favorite yoga DVD. There are four flows on the DVD and you can mix and match to create your own workout as well. Her voice is so soothing and the music is great. It is quite challenging, although she usualy shows options to work towards going fully into a pose.
My second favorite yoga DVD is "Yoga Zone: Power Yoga for Strength & Endurance". It is one hour in length and really gets a good burn in my legs. I sweat a lot with this one.
Monica
My second favorite yoga DVD is "Yoga Zone: Power Yoga for Strength & Endurance". It is one hour in length and really gets a good burn in my legs. I sweat a lot with this one.
Monica
Yoga has lots of great benefits, but the main benefit for me is flexibility. I've been doing it for about 4 years, and my flexibility has increased by leaps and bounds!.
It's hard to fit yoga into a weight/cardio-focused routine. In all my rotations, I try to lift weights for 2 body parts per week and do cardio 3 times; I've found several ways of fitting it in:
- Doing total body instead of split weight routines. This only takes up 2 days, so you can do cardio (30 min followed by 30 min of yoga - see below) and fit in one long power yoga session each week
- Subbing the stretch of a Cathe workout with a 15-20 yoga segment (seated and lying poses)
- Reducing cardio sessions to 30 min and doing 30 min of yoga afterward
- Stretching a 7-day "week" to 9 days in order to fit in a couple "full" (i.e. about an hour or more) power yoga sessions.
- Doing yoga only (or yoga and Pilates) during a recovery week between rotations
- Doing yoga only (or yoga and Pilates) while on vacation (no equipment necessary!)
My current favorite DVD's are:
- EOIN FINN'S PY4H (Several premixes, various levels shown, challenging poses, a joy to do)
- EOIN FINN'S POWER YOGA (75 or 45 (I think) minutes. Haven't done it in a while, but every time I do I wonder why I don't do it more.)
- BRYAN KEST'S 1995 SERIES (Fairly challenging, holds the poses a long time, under 60 min)
- P90X YOGA X (Challenging and thorough, but long. I often do the second half on a cardio day)
- BARON BAPTISTE'S SOUL OF STRENGTH (Not quite as challenging as the above, but thorough and worth doing)
- SONIC YOGA TURBO FLOW (I only ever do the "Dissolve" section as a stretch sub. The rest is WAY too fast.)
- DAVID SWENSON'S SHORT FORMS (Excellent instruction, 15, 30 and 45 min workouts. I wish he'd hold the poses longer, though)
Right now, I'm doing total body workouts for my weight work, intense shorter cardio followed by 1/2 Yoga X and a full power yoga session each week. Next week I'm going to my parents' house and will do nothing but yoga and Pilates.
It's hard to fit yoga into a weight/cardio-focused routine. In all my rotations, I try to lift weights for 2 body parts per week and do cardio 3 times; I've found several ways of fitting it in:
- Doing total body instead of split weight routines. This only takes up 2 days, so you can do cardio (30 min followed by 30 min of yoga - see below) and fit in one long power yoga session each week
- Subbing the stretch of a Cathe workout with a 15-20 yoga segment (seated and lying poses)
- Reducing cardio sessions to 30 min and doing 30 min of yoga afterward
- Stretching a 7-day "week" to 9 days in order to fit in a couple "full" (i.e. about an hour or more) power yoga sessions.
- Doing yoga only (or yoga and Pilates) during a recovery week between rotations
- Doing yoga only (or yoga and Pilates) while on vacation (no equipment necessary!)
My current favorite DVD's are:
- EOIN FINN'S PY4H (Several premixes, various levels shown, challenging poses, a joy to do)
- EOIN FINN'S POWER YOGA (75 or 45 (I think) minutes. Haven't done it in a while, but every time I do I wonder why I don't do it more.)
- BRYAN KEST'S 1995 SERIES (Fairly challenging, holds the poses a long time, under 60 min)
- P90X YOGA X (Challenging and thorough, but long. I often do the second half on a cardio day)
- BARON BAPTISTE'S SOUL OF STRENGTH (Not quite as challenging as the above, but thorough and worth doing)
- SONIC YOGA TURBO FLOW (I only ever do the "Dissolve" section as a stretch sub. The rest is WAY too fast.)
- DAVID SWENSON'S SHORT FORMS (Excellent instruction, 15, 30 and 45 min workouts. I wish he'd hold the poses longer, though)
Right now, I'm doing total body workouts for my weight work, intense shorter cardio followed by 1/2 Yoga X and a full power yoga session each week. Next week I'm going to my parents' house and will do nothing but yoga and Pilates.
mspina
Cathlete
I just read this in "Tony's Mailbag" over on the BB site, and thought of you. He's a HUGE proponent of Yoga and flexibility training. Personally, I'm finding that doing a hard core (90 minute) yoga workout once per week, religiously, is doing WONDERS for my flexibiliy and with my otherwise extremely tight hamstrings that often cause me tweaky leg & back pain. Ideally, I should do an extra heavy duty stretch session per week as well, but I rarely get that in right now. I like Bryan Kest, Baron Baptiste and the P90X YogaX workouts - VERY difficult/athletic - these are definitely tough, real, workouts - don't think of this as a "wasted" day, that's for sure!
m.
===================
3. Dear Tony,
I read on your blog about your 10th Rule of Fitness, Flexibility. I am currently committed to doing Slim in 6 six days a week (gonna redo Power 90 later this year). There is about 6 minutes of stretching at the end. I know I need more than that. How much stretching/yoga is best? Is doing X Stretch or Yoga X one day a week enough? Submitted by "alfasunshine"
Tony's Answer:
Alfasunshine,
My short answer is: it depends. Now for my long answer. My dear friend Scott Fifer from our P90X test group and Chest & Back fame was the human 2 X 4 when I met him. He wasn't aware that flexibility was an issue before the test group. He wasn't doing the kind of things that taxed his body enough where flexibility mattered. Now his workouts are more intense than ever and his newfound focus on flexibility is the reason why. If your focus is to lose weight, then you might decide to move enough to burn calories and decrease calorie intake. You don't have to touch your toes to do that. When your routines become more varied and dynamic, then flexibility becomes crucial.
The vast majority of my routines stress core and synergistic-type exercises. I'm also a big fan of big range of motion and body weight moves. A lot of my stuff is based in sports-specific training. While these moves are awesome for reshaping the body and burning tons of calories, they can also stress out the joints, ligaments, and connective tissue. I try to ad as much warm-up and stretch time to all my routines as I can. For some folks it's too much, for others it's not enough. Scott F., for example, has learned that more is better. You're going to have to experiment a little. If you're too stiff and tight to maintain good form than more stretching will be better for you as well.
I know my body well enough at this stage of my fitness life that certain days require more stretching than others. It's intuitive for me. If I'm going for a short run and I'm feeling good, I'll skip stretching and just run slowly for the first mile. If I'm sore from a previous workout then I'll stretch like crazy before the run. This is how I measure how much I stretch before and after workouts. The stretch and warm-up you see prior to and after a Turbo Jam or P90X workout might not be enough for you some days. It's also a good idea to back off tough workouts when the body is tweaked and tight. All the stretching in the world won't repair sore muscles prior to exercise.
I am a huge believer that stretch-specific workouts are the key to an injury-free health and fitness lifestyle. Yoga, Pilates, and stretch-only classes/DVDs are the best ways to avoid injury from workouts. As you get older you have to find ways to become less vulnerable and more durable. I have discovered that yoga is my fountain of youth. Yoga combines strength, balance, range of motion, plus flexibility. It prevents my other workouts from taxing my joints, back, hamstrings, and spine. If you want to use exercise as a way to improve your life through fitness training, then flexibility is a must. If you want to lose weight to look nice in a dress in front of strangers, skip it.
7/23/06
m.
===================
3. Dear Tony,
I read on your blog about your 10th Rule of Fitness, Flexibility. I am currently committed to doing Slim in 6 six days a week (gonna redo Power 90 later this year). There is about 6 minutes of stretching at the end. I know I need more than that. How much stretching/yoga is best? Is doing X Stretch or Yoga X one day a week enough? Submitted by "alfasunshine"
Tony's Answer:
Alfasunshine,
My short answer is: it depends. Now for my long answer. My dear friend Scott Fifer from our P90X test group and Chest & Back fame was the human 2 X 4 when I met him. He wasn't aware that flexibility was an issue before the test group. He wasn't doing the kind of things that taxed his body enough where flexibility mattered. Now his workouts are more intense than ever and his newfound focus on flexibility is the reason why. If your focus is to lose weight, then you might decide to move enough to burn calories and decrease calorie intake. You don't have to touch your toes to do that. When your routines become more varied and dynamic, then flexibility becomes crucial.
The vast majority of my routines stress core and synergistic-type exercises. I'm also a big fan of big range of motion and body weight moves. A lot of my stuff is based in sports-specific training. While these moves are awesome for reshaping the body and burning tons of calories, they can also stress out the joints, ligaments, and connective tissue. I try to ad as much warm-up and stretch time to all my routines as I can. For some folks it's too much, for others it's not enough. Scott F., for example, has learned that more is better. You're going to have to experiment a little. If you're too stiff and tight to maintain good form than more stretching will be better for you as well.
I know my body well enough at this stage of my fitness life that certain days require more stretching than others. It's intuitive for me. If I'm going for a short run and I'm feeling good, I'll skip stretching and just run slowly for the first mile. If I'm sore from a previous workout then I'll stretch like crazy before the run. This is how I measure how much I stretch before and after workouts. The stretch and warm-up you see prior to and after a Turbo Jam or P90X workout might not be enough for you some days. It's also a good idea to back off tough workouts when the body is tweaked and tight. All the stretching in the world won't repair sore muscles prior to exercise.
I am a huge believer that stretch-specific workouts are the key to an injury-free health and fitness lifestyle. Yoga, Pilates, and stretch-only classes/DVDs are the best ways to avoid injury from workouts. As you get older you have to find ways to become less vulnerable and more durable. I have discovered that yoga is my fountain of youth. Yoga combines strength, balance, range of motion, plus flexibility. It prevents my other workouts from taxing my joints, back, hamstrings, and spine. If you want to use exercise as a way to improve your life through fitness training, then flexibility is a must. If you want to lose weight to look nice in a dress in front of strangers, skip it.
7/23/06
melodygirl
Cathlete
>Tony said a lot of good things, but I like this the best:
>
>> As you get older you have to find
>>ways to become less vulnerable and more durable.
>
>
Kathryn - I also like that statement. It's reminding me that I have been slacking on my yoga recently and my body is telling me so.
>
>> As you get older you have to find
>>ways to become less vulnerable and more durable.
>
>
Kathryn - I also like that statement. It's reminding me that I have been slacking on my yoga recently and my body is telling me so.