Yoga worthwhile?

Léan

Ok, I know this has probably come up a lot and I did do a search but couldn't really find what i'm after, so sorry .

Basically, i'm 18, female, 5'7 and abit, and my weight is usually between 9 to 9 and a half stone.

I did my leaving last year and as a distraction I got well into my gymming for the year and found it great but found it very hard to motivate myself and I pretty much lost interest in it by the time I finished school.

Now a year later even though I have free membership to a gym with Uni i'm really not that interested to go back.

Yoga has always interested me and i've always wanted to start but I don't actually know that much about it. A know there are a few different types of yoga but don't really understand the positives/negatives etc..

I get very stressed and Yoga seems like a good outlet whilst combining exercise also. I'm looking not so much to lose weight (but it'd be a bonus ) but to tone, particularly my arms and maybe stomach too. Can yoga do this? Or am I barking up the wrong tree?

When searching the forum I found a lot of conflicting advise so it's just left me more confused.

Once again i'm really sorry if this comes up a lot, just looking for any advise.

Thanks :x.

StrawDub

I don't really know all that much about yoga, however pilates does exactly what you are looking for - toning/strengthening. It is also a great stress reliever definitely worth a go- your gym might do classes of it?

lubie76

Yoga is known as the union of body and mind. You try to achieve this through breathing exercises while performing postures (asanas). You push yourself to the point of discomfort but not pain.
Regular yoga (hatha) will not help you lose weight but some other forms of yoga (ashtanga) are more cardio based so may help you lose weight but are not as relaxing as the slower performed movements.
I have been practicing Hatha Yoga for a couple of years and the main benefits I gain from practice are relaxation, increased flexibility, de-stress and leaner arms and legs (Like you I am not overweight anyway). It helps you switch off from the outside world and can clear your mind and put things into perspective (in my opinion).
Try a beginners class as it should give you an indication of whether Yoga is for you.

Léan

Thanks for the replies!

StrawDub - Thanks! Hadn't really thought that much about pilates, will definitely look into it.

Lubie - Thankies much for the info . Ashtanga Yoga sounds like what i'm looking for.

If any one else has any other advice too it'd be appreciated. Thanks for all the help so far .

p to the e

I had the same kind of del where i had free Yoga classes with college. it was Ashtanga yoga and was really great for strength, flexibility and toning. at the end of our class there was some meditation which i wasn't fully used to but it really relaxed your body after a rigorous workout. if you stick with this you'll be popping your leg over your head in no time. couldn't recommend it more.

NatDonegal

Yes i think Ashtanga yoga sounds ideal for you... i found it great for my joints too.

I had an instructor who made us sing a hindu song at the start followed by a big "Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhmmm"... took me by surprise on the first day, but i laughed so much i felt great after :pac:

mise_me

Hi,
Could any one recommend places to do Hatha yoga on the weekends in Dublin city or the southside,please?

Thanks very much,

ivy tilsley

Hey OP

I do hatha yoga and I've always found it really good for all the stiffness running was causing me, there are standing poses that help my bad knee, and there are things about the practice that help my terrible concentration.

Most studios will have a 'drop in' option, so you'd pay 15-20 euro to join one class and see how you like it before committing to a term.

narommy

I started Ashtanga in last August. Once a week. But then I started doing it 2/3 times per week (6am in the morning)

It's brilliant, feel great afterwards, lost weight and getting stronger. My real aim is to get flexible & improve hamstrings (I have a real problem with this as I've never really been into a sport, exercise)

One big of the advantages (which I haven't benefited from yet) is that you should be able to do a practice on your own in addition to that classes. It can be expensive to pay class by class but there are various card/classes bunches that work out cheaper and there are student rates.

Guided classes are good for learning sequences and developing a speed/rhythm but with Mysore you develop better technique and have to remember sequence. Mysore is where everyone does their routine at their own pace and the teacher gives advice and adjustments as he/she sees fit.


Where I Practice (recommend if near Blackrock, Dublin
The following are good but you would still need to do classes

I Like This From YOUTUBE

Good Website especially THIS to learn sequences

Feel free to ask if any more questions