Hello!
Donna-this is a great thread idea! I am a lover of alternative exercise...I pretty much loathe the idea of Jazzercise and perky aerobic classes!
So, my weekly exercise program consists of two days of total body strength training, one day of Pilates, two days of bellydancing, and two days of yoga! I would love to post with you about this wonderful exercise!
Suzanne suggested some tips for newbies-well, here goes!
EQUIPMENT:
YOGA STICKY MAT-it is very important that you have one-they can be purchased online, or at stores like Target in their exercise deprtment. They are different than a regular exercise mat, in that they have a special texture that keeps your hands and feet from slipping in certain poses. Your workout will be much more pleasureable and effective if you can concentrate on the stretch than on your foot sliding across the carpet!
You will also want one, even if you are going to take a class, as your bare hands and feet will be all over the mat-I wouldn't want to use anyone elses!
YOGA STRAP-also sold in sports stores, online, or in Target type stores. You can substitute a sturdy scarf or cloth type belt if until you get one. They are used for wrapping around the arch of the foot and pulling your leg into certain positions-while keeping your torso and back aligned.
YOGA BLOCKS-these are optional. They are basically pretty much for certain postions if you are really inflexible. For example-you are not flexible enough to bend over and touch your toes. You would put the blocks on the floor and rest your hands on them instead of the ground.
You always want to practice yoga with bare feet, with your hair pulled back, and in unrestrictive clothing-stretchy lycra type pants and a tank top are popular. (Pregnant women should not do regular yoga videos, only ones that are specially designed for them that do not include certain torso twisting and stretching moves.)
The important thing about yoga is that it really strengthens and stretches your entire body. I used to have lower back pain all of the time, especially in the morning-and the yoga has really strengthened my back, and stretched out the "ow" spots. I feel like my posture has greatly improved, and it is so peaceful. I feel like a new person when I am done with a session. I can't praise enough what it has done for my back pain and my mood in general.
If you want to start out with videos, I would recommend "Yoga for Dummies" or there is a set of two videos called "a.m. yoga" and "p.m. yoga" and both are available at some Meijer stores, and at
www.collagevideo.com. These are easier videos that teach you some basic yoga poses. There are also videos that are yoga inspired for specific purposes-such as one I have called "Back Care Yoga" that I purchased from the site above. It is stretches and yoga poses designed to help strengthen the back and abdominals.
Yoga is really a great workout. We are all so involved in using our weights to tone, and our aerobics to burn fat, that we forget how important it is to strengthen our spine, stretch our muscles and keep our flexibility, and have that 20-30 minutes of relaxation to release us from our hectic schedules. It is just as important, if not more so.
Thank you Donna for this wonderful thread start! I am looking forward to being "yogi's" together, and educating others on this wonderful exercise!
Aphil
Daily Yoga Thread?
So any lurkers out there, please join in!
i can't believe anyone liked my "feature pose" idea, but I'm not complaining. that will feel great after i walk home tonight!
