Yoga - is it worth it?

codysmom · September 6th, 2007, 12:40 PM

I'm new to the site but love it already. Have a question for anyone who has taken or is taking a yoga class.

I've been a runner for years (13 yrs) and it's taking a toll on my body. Recently signed up for yoga and seem to like it but can't help but feeling I'm wasting my time a bit (I don't leave the session soaked with sweat like I do after going for a long run).

So my question is , is it worth it? Will I see results?

**mooshue** · September 6th, 2007, 01:08 PM

i too saw yoga as a complete waste of time, the art of streatching seemed pointless. However, after attending a few classes with the girlfriend, i gotta say i notice some great changes. My balance increases significantly when im attending classes. Squats, front and back, single leg extensions, lunges, etc.. exercises where you require balance became much easier for me as opposed to when im not attending class. From arnolds Encyclopedia, he keeps emphasizing the need for stretching and flexing the muscles as often as possible to keep them long and full.
As for running, i have no idea how it would help you. Yoga is supposed to be relaxing, almost meditation, not meant to make you sweat.

jorcaryvan · September 6th, 2007, 02:01 PM

Hi there codysmom. In my opinion you are seeing this thing in sort of a wrong way. I'm going to get a little bit theoretical on this but here it goes. To call yourself trully fit you have to develop this three aspects:

- Cardiorespiratory endurance which refers to the ability of your heart to carry oxygen to your body's cells. You accomplish this by doing aerobic exercises like cycling, RUNNING, swimming, etc.

- Muscular strength and endurance which refers to the ability of your body to make repeated muscle contractions in quick succesion and with a good amount of force. You accomplish this by doing weight lifting, anaerobic exercises like sprinting, etc.

- Flexibility which refers to the ability of the joints to move without discomfort through their full range of motion. This IS the aspect that in my opinion most people forget when they go about their workouts and is quite perplexing because the exercises you need to do are quite easy and not very demanding. You develop this aspect by doing calistenics, ballet, those exercises you see with a big rubber ball, YOGA, pilates, etc.

In conclusion when you go about doing yoga what you are really doing is fullfiling the flexibility quota of a good and complete workout. You are missing the weights and the cardio. You can say that you are fullfiling some of the muscular exercising quota but you got to do a whole lot of yoga to really be doing that.

So now to answer your questions. Is Yoga worth it? Absolutely, you'll gain greater flexibility, you'll be more relaxed and maybe gain some mental focus. Will you see results? In those aspects mentioned before.

P.D.: Now that is out there, like I said and according to sport sciences you CAN'T call yourself trully fit if you not develop your flexibilty eh? bodybuilders

**bigpurp** · September 6th, 2007, 02:06 PM

I don't attend regularly, but yoga is great for flexibility, relaxation, and hanging around generally decent looking girls in tight clothes. Just don't be put off if one of them squeaks out a fart every now and then.

Stretching and flexibility is a great way to reduce the chance of injury in sports and such as well.

**mooshue** · September 6th, 2007, 04:17 PM

jorcaryvan, you poke bodybuilders for not being flexible, obviously you have never seen someone the size of Tom Platz doing leg streatches. Makes scrawny runner types look like newbies.

**Italianangel** · September 6th, 2007, 05:09 PM

There are several benefits as mentioned above, some get better results phyiquewise, than others but it depends on the type, how long etc.
Look at Madonna...........did wonders for her..........but it has to also suit your style, your character. I did it, think its great, have done hatha, power and bikrham but ............only when I HAVE to for purposes of bettering my end goal otherwise I cannot stand sitting still and holding poses............I just am too into dynamic movement so I choose other modes of exercises - as an example of what I mean about it needing to be at your pace, your thing. If it motivates you and you do it, you will see results relative to the type you choose and you will enjoy the process because you chose something that interests you.
Linda

codysmom · September 11th, 2007, 12:39 PM

Thanks for all the great advice. I will continue the course for the duration and see how it goes. What have I got to lose?

**Hans_Rachid** · September 11th, 2007, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codysmom

Thanks for all the great advice. I will continue the course for the duration and see how it goes. What have I got to lose?

Your time

**varbo** · September 11th, 2007, 05:22 PM

I have some friends in it and they say that it depends on the type you do. Their instructor is a friend of my wife and she has a six-pack because of it (as obviously a good diet.) That being said, my wife tried and found it boring.

codysmom · October 9th, 2007, 12:41 PM

Well - I stuck with it and must say, I'm not impressed. I don't think I'll be back. Thx for all the advice.

TheFly · October 9th, 2007, 05:27 PM

Watched a yoga video...well part of one, seemed rather boring to me, but the instructors flexibility was amazing. I couldn't help but think how helpful it would be in jiu jitsu (I was going to put bjj, but my better judgment told me not to).

**tidalwave** · October 9th, 2007, 07:19 PM

codysmom: Out of curiosity, which style of yoga did you try?

codysmom · October 10th, 2007, 12:42 PM

Tidalwave,

I took a vinyasa (sp?) yoga class. I would have enjoyed hot yoga or ashtanga a bit more but it's just not available where i live.