Ashtanga Yoga

davyjose

I'm looking to start yoga of some sort. I'e been having niggles for the last two or so years which has been affecting my training, I've put on a fair bit of weight (not the good kind), and TBH I think I want to go in a different direction from just lifting (although I want to continue doing this). So I want to do some kind of exertive yoga - Ashtanga, or maybe Bikram.

Couple of questions (and I'm hoping Transform will pipe in here), namely: will this improve my flexibility? And what else can I expect to gain from it (i.e. in terms of lifting weights).
Also has anyone done this, amd where? And do you find it worthwhile.

Thanks in advance

D

YogaChick

I dont know what "niggles" is but I will give you my perspective on Ashtanga.

Yoga will definitely increase your flexibility and for opening other areas like the shoulder girdle. For flexibility Ashtanga initialy concentrates on hamstrings and hip flexibility.

Watching an Ashtanga you will notice the postures are not held for very long and between postures a vinyasa is performed. Basically this means you will be lifting your self up with your arms building arm strength, my arms/shoulders got a lot stronger practicing Ashtanga.

There is a lot of focus on the abdominopelvic region which builds up core strength and also a lot of focus on the breath.

How much benefit you get depends on how many times a week you practice.


YC

Diairist

cut to the chase: if any of Bikram's books are to be believed, a few lessons there should reduce niggles. P.S. I haven't defined 'few'.