Yoga and general fitness questions

Tell me the benefits of yoga.

I'm really looking for some kind of thing that I can get INTO!

I've been trying to run but I honestly hate it. I don't enjoy the process at all, but man, I do feel great once it's done! I was trying to run 3 miles, 3-4 times/week but I haven't had the time lately plus I have been trying to run outside which is really hard for me.

For the month of July, I'll be working VERY minimally, August I'll be off work completely and starting in September I'll be off work early.

I want to find something that I really enjoy doing! I found a yoga place near me that offers different kinds of yoga, plus some cardio/sculpt classes as well. Do you think it would be good to start off with yoga for relaxation and stretching purposes, then as I get better I can try some of the more difficult classes an cardio classes? Will I lose weight that way and/or tone up?

I am about 10-15 or so lbs from where I want to be.

Re: Yoga and general fitness questions

there are different types of yoga

for all of them though, I believe they really benefit the mind and soul. Certain yoga will work to help you lose weight/inches and to help you tone (hot yoga the most).

The rest is good for increased flexibility, meditation, etc.

I'm like you -- I run, but I don't like it.

In all honesty, if you already run, you may find a lot of regular yoga classes boring. you may need more of a challenge...especially since you are already in shape.

Pilates works to really sculpt your body. Have you looked into that?

Re: Yoga and general fitness questions

Re: Yoga and general fitness questions

i SWEAR by yoga. hot yoga to be exact.

i've been practicing for 3 years, but consistently for the past 8 months. i've lost 12 lbs, toned the crap out of my body, and feel amazing. i no longer need heavy anxiety meds, sleeping meds, etc. i know many, many people who have had similar outcomes as myself.

hot yoga really teaches you to be mindful. be in the moment, breathe, then let it go and move on. i cannot tell you how that has impacted my life. it takes consistency, but it works.

www.yoga-oasis.com

the owner is out of this world. she's trained all over the world, and has created her own flow of hot yoga, (with a bit of bikram influence) and her teachers are outstanding. they have intro specials, where you can get one week of unlimited yoga for $20, then other membership specials. from my research, they are the most reasonable studio around. they have studios in dix hills and woodbury.

they also have a FREE intro to yoga class that is not heated every sunday at 4pm at the dix hills studio. try it!

i'm a bit obsessed lol..

Re: Yoga and general fitness questions

I'm also a hot yoga lover. I go to Hot Yoga Massapequa which is next to Ciao Baby on Sunrise Highway.

I absolutely love it and have been practicing since Feb. 2010.

I go on average 3x a week but am trying to go more.

The only thing that holds me back from going more is that it is a major time committment and sometimes DH does not get home in time for me to go. (i.e. the class is 90 minutes, sometimes runs over and I always like to get there at least 20-30 minutes early to get a decent spot in the studio).

I really, really hate the gym and pretty much any other form of exercise.

In fact, I hated hot yoga when I first started too, but that is pretty common. You need to really go for a couple of months to get yourself into a routine.

I feel like it is so much more than just "exercising". It helps you in so many ways.........mind, thought processes, etc.


I also have learned to love drinking water from my practice........something I used to hate doing as well. It has even made me cut back on the amount of caffiene I drink during the week.

I think you will absolutely lose weight and tone up, but diet is also key.

If you still have bad eating habits, you are not going to notice a huge weight loss.

There are awesome teachers at my studio and I know several of them teach at all the different HY studios here on LI.

I like this class too because it's always the same, so it's easy to learn, and no one ever makes you feel uncomfortable. I am definitely not a yoga rockstar and there are some poses I still struggle with, and probably always will.

No one cares though. You just do your best.

It's pretty cool to see women and men as well coming regularly who are not stick figures or 16 years old.



I think it is the perfect form of exercise and just "me time" for anyone, especially someone going through something stressful, those with children and those of us who work crazy jobs.

It becomes very meaningful and is just a wonderful hobby and community of people in general.

There are also some great hot yoga blogs out there if you do a search ;).

Message edited 6/11/2011 10:40:22 AM.

Re: Yoga and general fitness questions

I second bikram! My studio, bikram yoga rvc, has a good intro special plus an awesome summer sale. Good time to try!