Questions about Yoga.

[Jester]

Do not despair, do not fear. The universe is not out of whack, nor is this a sign of the Apocalypse.

But yes, Jester is asking about yoga. :D

Now, in recent years, I have been thinking about getting into this, and last summer, actually picked up a book on it on my road trip.

To be completely correct, I should say that I BOUGHT a book on it last summer....just picked it up for the first time a few days ago.

My mind, as might be obvious, is rather hyper. And I have been thinking over the last few years that yoga might be a good way to calm myself down and get some focus. And it wouldn't hurt to have something else physical I could do when I don't get out bicycling as much as I would like.

My questions are rather simple. To anyone who practices or has practiced yoga, is it really that beneficial, both physically and (more importantly to me) mentally? Is a book really the best way to learn about it? (All the yoga classes in my area seem to be early in the morning. I don't DO early in the morning!)

Any and all advice in this area, be it here publicly or privately in my PM box, would be most appreciated. And I promise not to mock anyone in this thread for anything that I might mock you for elsewhere.

Except, of course, RW, Kusanagi and Rapscallion. You three are ALWAYS targets! :lol:

[BookstoreEscapee]

Personally I think a video might be easier than a book (though if the book lies flat that might make it easier)...no turning pages while you're trying to hold a pose.

Taking a beginner class or two is not a bad idea, though, so you have someone experienced to make sure you use proper form and all that, to avoid hurting yourself.

Aside from that I don't know a whole lot. I have been interested but never actually got around to doing it (I have a book too!) :D

[RecoveringKinkoid]

I don't regularly do yoga. When I have, yes, I've noticed a positive difference.

A friend, who could barely move or even get comfy due to repetitive motion injury and sciatica now helps TEACH bellydancing. She's gotten her life back due to yoga.

I personally know a 60 year old grandmother who hosted a yoga program on public television for years (I know her because I was a camerman on that show) who can tie herself into a knot and stand on her head while she's doing it. I wish I could say I hope to look that good when I get to be her age, but I don't look that good now.

So yeah, I'd say it would be well worth your time. I used to think it was hooey. I do not think that anymore, given the tidal wave of evidence I've seen over the years to the contrary.

[ArenaBoy]

As much as you don't want to take a morning class, you won't benefit as much as if you studied off a book completely. A class offers you numerous things that book can't. It may not be your time of day but sometimes you need to make a sacrifice. If you're serious about it go for the morning class otherwise keep looking.

As for benefits, don't get me started. It helps me greatly, my friends (All of us runners) suggested it to me. I always feel more relaxed when I finish a session.

[lordlundar]

Personally I think a video might be easier than a book (though if the book lies flat that might make it easier)...no turning pages while you're trying to hold a pose.

Yup, that way when you turn yourself into an inescapable pretzel, you'll know if you're supposed to or not.:lol:

[ThePhoneGoddess]

All right, let's see. The most basic type of yoga is Hatha Yoga. It is the foundation of all other yoga styles. It is the most common type of yoga done in the states. It is done with slow controlled movements, making it popular with people trying to de-stress. It's very simple and recommended for beginners.

Ashtanga Yoga is a physically demanding style of yoga that takes practice to become proficient at. Power yoga is the Americanized version of Ashtanga, it's even more hardcore, almost like military calisthenics.

Bikram Yoga is done in a room that's heated to about 95 degrees, it's done to detox and purify the body.

Iyengar Yoga is done using blocks, straps and cushions, and it focuses on getting precisely perfect asanas (poses). It's often recommended for the sick, elderly, and people recovering from injuries because it's slow, very gentle, and it focuses on properly aligning the body.

These are the most popular forms of yoga you might run across.

For you I recommend a Hatha Yoga class. Also, in your particular case learning solely from a book will be no help to you at all. This is because in a proper yoga class you are taught specific forms of breathing, and you are taught to concentrate your mind on your breathing while holding the asanas. This attention to your breath is what is so mentally calming; it helps your mind release stress and anxiety. I assume this is what you are after, the mental calm that yoga gives. Yes, it does work, if it is done properly. The trick is to find a teacher that understands and emphasizes the mental/breathing parts of it as well as the physical parts of it. Some teachers don't.

There has got to be yoga classes at other times of the day. At least, in most urban areas there are, because a lot of people like to do yoga after working hard all day. Try calling whatever places offer yoga and asking them point blank if they offer any afternoon or evening classes. Also, speak to the teachers, explain to them what you're looking to get out a yoga class, and they should be able to advise you.

You should always leave a yoga practice feeling energized, not tired. If you feel tired after yoga, it means you spent the time “fighting” yourself, trying to force yourself into asanas. In yoga, you “surrender” to the pose by letting go of the tension. This is the key to yoga that many people miss.

I am a practitioner of Bikram Yoga. I started out doing basic yoga (hatha yoga) for the same reason---my mind is hyper active and never shuts down. I found it helps a lot.

I hope this helps. If you have any more questions I'd be happy to help.

[PuckishOne]

Disclaimer the Firste: I ain't no athlete. I run only when chased.

Disclaimer the Seconde: I am in the sort of shape you'd expect of a 37-year-old woman who prefers doing just about anything to going to the gym.

That aside, I've done the occasional yoga (both in classes and at home) and I'm with RK in noticing a difference afterwards. My posture is better, and I feel calmer, more focused and stronger. I am fairly certain that if I practiced regularly I'd see continued benefits.

As far as when and how to do it, I have to say do whatever works for you and will keep you coming back. If you prefer evening classes, great; if you'd rather work at home with a DVD until you feel like sharing your contortions in public, that's fine, too. The Oxygen channel (cable) does a daily 6am yoga show that's really accessible to all levels, with a great grey-ponytail instructor who plays hip music and isn't hard-core at all. I've purchased a great book called Yoga for Wimps, which is very tongue-in-cheek but still walks you through what you need to know (and is pretty funny in doing so).

Good luck! :)

[MystyGlyttyr]

I use Diamond Dallas Page's Yoga for Regular Guys. (Mysty hocking a wrestling product, who saw that coming?) But it's really effective and pretty easy, considering I've talked to guys who walk with canes who swear by it, and it works muscles and cardio at the same time.

I'd offer to let you borrow my DVD, but Page gave it to me personally so I'm somewhat attached to it :lol:

[Jester]

There has got to be yoga classes at other times of the day. At least, in most urban areas there are, because a lot of people like to do yoga after working hard all day.

Ah, but therein lies the rub....Key West is not like most urban areas. But I will look further into this. Thanks.

The Oxygen channel (cable) does a daily 6am yoga show that's really accessible to all levels, with a great grey-ponytail instructor who plays hip music and isn't hard-core at all.

Me. 6am. NOT happening. The whole point of yoga is to relax and be comfortable, right? I don't do early mornings. Never have. 6am comes around in my life only if I am still partying from the night before! :drink:

That being said, thanks everyone for your comments and advice. Appreciate it! :yourock:

[Jester]

Sorry, forgot I had comments on two things, and they got mixed up. Edited it, and now it says all I wanted it to say, with quotes correctly attributed. :lol:

[PuckishOne]

Me. 6am. NOT happening.

And this is why TiVo is your friend. Or VHS if you're a bit of a Luddite. :)