So, I've been doing Yoga lately...

[Akasa]

I do a cross between yoga and pilates. A lot of the exercises can be either.
I've even fallen asleep in child's pose.
I took yoga in college for one of my electives. The teacher didn't believe I was a complete clutz till we did Tree pose and I caused a 5 person domino effect. After that our matts got staggered.

[AdminAssistant]

Absolutely, BugLady.

And if you do sign up, Lupo, you can ask to speak to an instructor ahead of time about all of your concerns. I don't have problems doing yoga in public (although I do have major issues with other kinds of exercise in public). It's all about you and relaxation and your chakras.

Namaste!

[Buglady]

Try a yoga studio instead of a gym. A little pricier, but the atmosphere is completely different. The relaxation part pretty much starts at the door, classes are small, the studios are usually smallish and have low light levels (or natural light) instead of the glare-y gym lights, and there aren't as many mirrors. Nobody cares if you aren't doing the pose perfectly - you cannot "win" yoga, after all! - and the teachers are usually excellent at suggesting modified poses for those with injuries or who are starting with a low flexibility level.

I'm the poster child for self-conscious, klutzy, non-flexible, turning the wrong way and otherwise messing up... and I love the studio classes because they're just zen about the whole thing.That lets me laugh at myself a little and keep going, instead of getting more flustered and klutzy and awkward.

[lupo pazzesco]

AdminAssistant: Yes, I graduated, but I'm working on a 2nd degree.

I already meditate (or technically, I know how to meditate, it's just a matter of actually taking the time to do it.)

But yes, definitely want to take a class, but there's also the whole self-conscious bits. I'm a big girl, and not very flexible. Contorting myself in public doesn't seem all that appealing. And then there's trying to fit the classes into my schedule...

[AdminAssistant]

Lupo, you should definitely go to a class first. The instructor(s) can make sure you do all your movements safely, don't push yourself too hard, etc. You go to college, right? Sometimes the rec centers/gyms have classes. (Oh, wait...did you graduate? You graduated, hm.) The other useful thing is that the instructor will talk you through the meditation portions and can teach you lots of helpful techniques. I find that if I don't give myself some mental exercise, I'll just start making a grocery list instead of relaxing. (Something simple, like, imagining colorful rain or picturing yourself in a hot air balloon).

I have two DVD's I really like - Yoga for Beginners and AM/PM Yoga for Beginners. Both are put out by element and feature Elena Brower - she's really great.

[lupo pazzesco]

I've been doing pilates myself. I like them. Effective workout, but extremely low impact.

I want to get into Yoga, but I haven't found a class that works for me. I'm a little iffy on getting a DVD, just because I'm concerned I might do a move wrong without someone there to correct me, and may end up hurting myself.

I do enjoy pilates, though. I feel more energized afterwards.

[Gravekeeper]

I have a yoga "game" for DS and we have the Wii Fit. I don't do it regularly but I do feel more relaxed after.

Let's Yoga~ ( Kind of a neat game, actually )

Yeah, I meant to get into it myself but the inclination came whilst I was grovelling from having torn a ligament in my back. So while the will was there, the ability as not. -.-

[BethB]

I have a yoga "game" for DS and we have the Wii Fit. I don't do it regularly but I do feel more relaxed after.

[Jester]

I have, for some time now, been meaning to get into yoga, going so far as to buy a book on a recent vacation and even talking to a girl I know about classes she takes.....but that is as far as it's gotten. Which is rather embarrassing, actually.

[Peppergirl]

I just started a yoga/pilates DVD that has exercise bands too.

I've noticed how much better I feel already, physically at least.

I haven't reached the point where I'm mentally calm and balanced here at work.

[friendofjimmyk]

...and Pilates as well. I have been thoroughly enjoying these workouts.

Today, I find myself EXTREMELY busy at work (but still have time to check in here occasionally )

So, among the craziness at work...I can hear in my head the calm, soothing music that is played during Yoga and I envision myself in the final relaxation poses. It's very nice, let me tell you. So, I guess in addition to getting fit, I have an added bonus of recalling the relaxing sounds and movements!

Anyone else do Yoga?