Here's a brief history of yoga in my life: I have never enjoyed it. EXCEPT for one class taught at my old gym by a guy named Daryl. I loved the class. Loved it. Never missed it. He was a great teacher,most of the participants were not really the gymrat type and I always came away feeling like I had been on vacation for 45 minutes - not in a sweaty gym aerobics room. But alas, sinced we've moved it's about a twenty minute drive and since it's a night class just doesn't work with my life right now.
So I've searched. I've looked on my tv's On-Demand, at the gym,...ok...so I haven't looked THAT hard...I just haven't found a class that I like. Scratch that, a teacher I like. Daryl always had these profound change-your-life things to say at the most random times. We'd be in warrior pose and he'd break out some real-life tribulation analogy. Yes, it was cheesy, and I ate up every minute of it. I've tried two different teachers at my gym: the first one was an older guy: very zen, very cool, kinda old. He made me really uncomfortable because he'd walk around the class noticing specific things about our positions. "Ok everyone! Look back here at Shana...Her spine is perfectly aligned and her breathing is spot on! Look. Look now!" And Shana would be red-faced and frozen in because hello. All 40 of us were staring at her. Anyway, it was weird, there was this competitive thing going on like "who could get the teacher to come give me a gold star" vibe. Of course he never pointed me out, I think I caught him even rolling his eyes at me once...I suppose it could've been my imagination...
Anyway, the other teacher was just very boring. And I bet if you've been doing yoga for a really long time, you want it quiet, you want to hear your muscles contracting or something. Not me. Not only do I want someone to tell me exactly where I'm supposed to put my foot, I also want to know what it represents, "What? Tree pose? rooted. focused. balance...check."
Well tonight I think we may have stumbled onto a fantastic yoga instructor through the YOGAmazing podcasts. (And by we I actually mean AARON AND I. Yes that's right people, my husband joined in and did some yoga tonight. I suspect it had more to do with the fact that this new instructor looks slightly like Steve Carrell, but whatever.)
Meet Chaz:
We both liked him. He is so friendly, really easy to understand, and has just the perfect amount of spiritual energy. It really did help us, we've both been pretty worn out (that little stunt the toddler pulled didn't exactly help). Here's a link to his podcast on iTunes (It's free!):
So, anyone want to convince me yoga is the perfect thing for me right now? Want to tell me why you love it? Or have you (like me) had some not-so-fantastic experiences with the whole thing? I'm curious about the general yoga consensus among our readers...
February 19, 2008
What's Up With Yoga, Anyway?
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42 comments:
Well, I'm of the firm belief that yoga at a gym pretty much defeats the purpose. The harsh lighting, people looking in on you, interruptions from the child care people or folks coming in for equipment. Before I moved, I took a class from a fab instructor and we met at night in an office park. There were no distractions, the light level was low, it was perfect. I think environment is super important when it comes to yoga practice. I really need to get back with it.
I have only taken a couple of yoga classes. They were at a yoga studio and it was the "hot" yoga. It was incredible. I only went a couple of times because it was $13 per class, and I just couldn't afford it.
There is a yoga studio at my gym (they have an actual studio, they don't have the class in the aerobics studio.) But the class times conflict with the kids' naps, so I haven't gone. I am worried that when I go, it won't be as awesome as the hot yoga. The heat really loosens your muscles. It also makes you want to puke a little...but in a good way.
I love yoga. I took it for a semester and had it three days a week for 4 months, not only did my balance get better, but so did my breathing (which helped my asthma and when I ran), it helped me to rock a half marathon and if you do it long enough you get taller. All I've ever wanted to be in life is 5'7 so I was on my way. So just think, do yoga=elongating your spine=being and looking taller=more you can weigh and look skinnier.
I'm not huge into yoga although I always get on a kick when I want to be flexible. Anyhoo, I've never taken a class but I have digital cable and in our package we have a channel called fitTV which is exercise and health shows 24/7. They have a yoga show called Namaste Yoga and I really enjoy it (when I'm in the mood for yoga). I like to do it preferably early in the morning or at night after the wee one is in bed with the lights off. It's very soothing and I think it's hatha yoga. One pose leads to the next in a continuous flow but It's not too hard because I am definitely beginner. Here's a video link of the show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7drLSbrHft0
I've never taken a class but I have a friend who's on the journey to become an instructor and she recommended Shiva Rea videos to me. HTH
scrumpy, environment (or the ability to block it out) does seem really important. I think one of the reasons I liked Daryl so much is he would encourage people to bring candles (which I also thought was funny, considering yoga sometimes induces flatulence...) but then he'd turn off all the lights and it really didn't feel like the gym room.
robin. WHAT is "hot" yoga?? (and I'm trying a class at areal studio on Saturday courtesy of a friend who goes- i'm kind of excited...)
chels, All I've ever wanted to be in life is 5'7.
that's hilarious! (but it makes sense, the whole be taller, elongate the spine, look thinner thing...)
and I love that it helped you with running!
Amber, are you doing any pregs yoga? I agree, I think It'd be really hard to do it with kids around (to get any sort of relaxation benefits anyway, my boys love trying the poses...)
I'll check out your link, thanks!
Sigh. The very existence of yoga makes me feel very guilty.
I don't dislike it, but don't love it either. I know it would be really good for me mentally, given I'm often a stress case, but...
How are you supposed to fit in yoga with everything else? That's the part I don't get. Because yoga doesn't feel quite cardio-y enough or weight-lifty enough to substitute for either of those activities--and I can't really figure out how to add one more thing. I can fit in 10 minutes of stretching here and there, but for some reason I can't make myself schedule a yoga class or even a dvd.
Glad you found a great one though. If I ever give up my resistance and cross into the mellow zone I really appreciate the recommendation.
A church near my house does free yoga classes TThS at 5:30am and I LOVE it! I did it at school, but haven't done it since, and this instructor is fabulous. Okay, 5:30 is a little early, but its definitely worth it! I am definitely a yoga-ite
ps. fyi, I did yoga until I was 8 1/2 months pregnant last babe, and I'm 21 weeks along now. I've never had a problem!
I think that finding the right instructor and the right type of yoga makes all the difference in the world. Once you get that stuff right, and it's different from person to person, then you can absolutely fall in love with yoga.
My best experience so far was at a gym. The instructor was awesome, he was so enthusiastic and the atmosphere was all about learning. He would lower the lights and put on some music, so you didn't feel like you were in a gym. And we worked hard. Like sore-muscles-the-next-day, who-needs-weights hard. I could see my arms and legs changing as I built muscle. And yet, at the end of the class I always felt energized.
Unfortunately I'm not a member at that gym anymore, and I miss those classes!
Thanks for the link to the podcast, I will check it out.
Crabby, I SO know what you mean about the time thing. I think if it were just me, I wouldn't be so ambitious with it, but Aaron doing it with me- that's a whole new ball game. All of a sudden it feels like quality time together (which is a lot easier for me to make time for, it doesn't even seem like it's included in my fitness schedule)
janae, ok, I can get up at 5:30 for some things, but I somehow don't think yoga is one of them! ;)
I've heard from a couple of people that pregnancy yoga is great and with how crazy I get- it might be a good emotional health investment.
javachick, you are SO right about the right type of yoga and the right instructor. And it is sooo personal. I couldn't believe the difference in classes I tried at my gym, it didn't even feel like the same activity. Which makes me wonder about people trying it for the very first time...if they think it's not for them just because they didn't like a class. I think I just lucked out with Daryl. (who sounds a lot like the instructor you liked, he dimmed the lights and was always a tough workout...but also always included modifications so everyone could participate...)
I LOVE yoga. Really, really love it. It's like you said -- it's like a 45-minute vacation. I love the way I feel afterwards: calm, centered. Although I wanted more of a workout from my yoga, so a zillion years ago I found out about Bryan Kest, who you can find at poweryoga.com. He's *amazing* and mp3 downloads (though I don't think they're free). I started with his 1-2-3 video series, and was in great shape when I did it 3-4 times a week, plus tons of superfast walking.
I went to prenatal yoga and practically hugged the teacher afterwards. It was exactly what I was looking for, and it's worth the $20 per class (not kidding on that price).
I have a ton of DVDs to recommend, if you're interested. Seane Corn is great, Byron Baptiste is pretty good. But Bryan Kest is my fave. I even went to his studio in LA to do actual yoga with him. He rules.
PS Check out yogajournal.com. I'm considering re-upping my subscription to the magazine because it has such insightful articles about how to maintain a sane life.
What IS up with yoga? Honestly, it sounds like such a great idea -- relaxing, stretching, strengthening -- that I want to love it, but the few times I've tried it have left me really cold. I'm not the world's most flexible person, so to begin with, it's a physical struggle. Then, one class I took involved some semi-freaky chanting that left me feeling so self-conscious, I couldn't possibly get into it.
Maybe a podcast at home, alone, is the way to give it a try.
Finding the right yoga class is kind of like buying jeans. You'll probably try a bunch of different ones until you find the perfect fit.
(My gym also has a yoga studio, with dimmers on the lights. I tried a bunch of different classes and found one I love.)
There are a lot of great yoga dvds, and so many different styles. You might check out iyogalife.com, as well as the Yoga Journal website. It has videos and definitions of the different types of yoga.
Also, Yogafit (yogafit.com) is great if you're just looking for a good yoga practice without any chanting. "Om Yoga" is also great for explaining the postures, but does include a short meditation and some "Ohms."
Hot yoga, or Bikram yoga, is a set of specific poses done in a room that's heated to 90-100 degrees. It can make you a little sick at first, lol, but the heat really does loosen up your muscles.
Hope that helps!
As if you got your hubby to do yoga!! That is awesome.
I've taken yga with three different instructors and it makes ALL the difference. The teacher I have now is amazing, very calm very soothing and she'll make you forget that you are just there on your lunch hour and you have to rush back to work to get a bazillion things done!
G;ad you found someone you like! (My hubby secretly likes it to and comes with me often...although he wouldn't tell any of his friends that! Silly boys)
sometimes i find yoga boring when the instructor goes through the same poses over and over. but some of the stretches are really valuable, like the downward dog, and i've incorporated them into my regular stretching routine. great for stretching hamstrings - which is what I need. and bob harper on BL said that yoga is like the fountain of youth. ;)
I have a tape I do at home sometimes called total yoga.I have to do it after the kiddos are in bed and in a quiet room,but man I feel great when I can fit it in.It is a little goofy at points "this pose opens your lymphatic system blah blah blah..." but if I have the 60 min to do it I think all the rhythmic breathing and stretching really release stress.I finally got the Mary Hunt book and have just started reading it, so far so good ;) Sorry you had to do the ER trip with the kiddo, but really glad He's OK.
Hey! I am a lurker of this blog... I've never commented on it before but this topic was tough to pass up!
I have tried yoga and as much as I have wanted to make myself like it, I just don't! However, I totally LOVE pilates! It is almost like yoga, but without so much holding tough positions and stuff. It really does tone your muscles and is such a great way to start the day!
Hey Katie,
Man, sorry about the deleted posts. I can't get the darn code right.
It is Bikram Yoga, and the room temperature is actually a minimum of 105 degrees!!
You can check it out at www.bikramyoga.com.
I took my classes through one of the studios that you find through that website. It kind of sucks while you are doing it (the first couple of times,) but you feel incredible afterward.
PS - they have studios in Utah! (i have no idea where in Utah you live, so that might not be useful info.)
I LOVE yoga but mainly Bikram aka HOT yoga. I've done some yoga videos at home and a few classes at the gym EONS ago but haven't stuck to anything like Bikram. Not like I go as often as I should but I have been going to the same studio off and on for the past 7 years.
Now since it is a studio that teaches all day long 7 days a week they have many instructors. Some I love, some I tolerate and some I hate. I try and pick a class with a teacher that I like or love. It is quiet though although they talk you through the poses and will assist when needed but the focus is on yourself and they encourage you to NOT look around and emphasise that it is NOT a competition. They also tell you what each pose is supposed to do. I highly recommend it to anyone who is willing to endure 100-112 degree heat and 80% humidity for 90 minutes. You really do feel revitalized afterwards. If only I could get the bug again I'd be there 4x a week. But alas life gets in the way and I'm trying for twice a month.
i used to do yoga all the time (when i wasn't working) but found that i enjoy pilates a lot more... though it may not feel as relaxing, you certainly feel stretched-out and more toned... i so *heart* the DVD series "10-minute solutions"... :o)
I'm with Jodi: I can really relate to Pilates. But so many people have urged me to try Yoga again, and they all rave about how wonderful it is. Maybe I haven't found the right instructor/setup yet.
(Though the idea of combining candles with an exercise that promotes flatulence does worry me a bit! :)
I really didn't care for yoga--I was a Pilates girl. However, I recently purchased MTV Yoga and I LOVED it! I hated the MTV Pilates btw. I think yoga is great if you can find one you're into!
Sorry to have been away!! Crazy week at work. I am so glad that your little one is ok. As far as yoga goes, this sounds great. I have never tried yoga, although I did take one Pilates class and came out of thinking that 6'1" women built like linebackers aren't really meant to spend an hour balanced on their tailbones....i had a huge bruise. I kind of wrote off yoga after that, too, but if you are recommending, then I may give it a try!!
I've tried yoga once and it worked for about 10 minutes. I prefer pilates, I feel like I am actually doing something with my body, not just getting into goofy positions.
I'm glad to hear your little one is okay.
I REALLY LIKE YOGA, BUT I AGREE THAT IT HAS TO BE THE RIGHT"VIBE". I HAVE A COUPLE OF YODA DVD'S AND ONLY LIKE ONE. I LIKE THE DAILY YOGA SHOW "INHALE" ON THE QXYGEN NETWORK. IT HAS REALLY GREAT MUSIC AND THE POSES ARE DOABLE. AND I HAD MY HUSBAND AND KIDS JOIN IN. WE ALL LIKED IT. GIVE IT A SHOT. I ALWAYS SLEEP SO MUCH BETTER IF I CAN GET IN EVEN 30 MIN. BEFORE BED.
Ok, so I went to Bryan Kest's website just to check to see if he had any prenatal podcasts (answer: no). And I I saw this and thought you might like it (quote from him):
The old fitness mentality is over! We are way past tearing ourselves to shreds simply to be more aesthetically pleasing. Power yoga is about working hard sensitively. It's about feeling good, not just looking good. The tone and shape you achieve from this work is a byproduct. The focus here is balance and healing.
This is why I love this man. Seriously.
You people are awesome.
First of all,
Heather. Bryan Kest = my new bff. LOVE that quote.
To those of you who like pilates better, I know what you mean, I just think it depends on why you do it in the first place. Yoga to me is, at this point, more about the inside stuff than the actual workout (although I'm not one to turn down any slimming aspects!)
oh, and Cara, here's the thing. For yoga to work for me, I kind of have to suspend my disbelief...hard to explain...that's why I need a good teacher...by itself doesn't really do much for me. (sorry, I don't think that made ANY sense...it's late).
Merry, (the flatulance on fire was quite an entertaining thought during some slow spots...)
Swiz and Robin and azusmom, the hot yoga? THanks for the enlightenment... I had never even heard of that! 105 degrees? I'm so intrigued...in an "afar" kind of way...
(ahhh! can't. stop. responding to comment...must. go. to bed.)
one more!
emmy,
thanks, I'm glad he's ok too, and I totally know how hard it can be to do it after the kids go to bed...cause you don't have anything ELSE to do then, right? lol!
ok, ONE more.
lifeofadancer312, THANKS for delurking!
and eurydice, you KNOW all you need to do is mention Bob Harper and I'm sold. That's it. Yoga everyday.
thanks everyone for your comments. I love hearing why you love (and don't love) yoga. I'll let you know if we stay with Chaz.
I have never tried yoga. It quite honestly scares me. I guess I should give it a shot in the privacy of my family room so in case I fall over, no one will care right? Glad to hear your little one is doing good.
Hey Katie, this is not at all related to your blog, but I have a HUGE favor. I'm cutting my hair really, really soon. And its gonna be S.H.O.R.T. So I'm wondering if you would email me a pic of the shortest your hair has ever been and how many inches you think it was on top. I'm thinking of going 1" ... have you done that before? What does it look like? What did you think?!
i completely agree. i like yoga okay. but most instructors are too boring or too "centered" for me. i haven't had a good yoga session in 7 years. after 3 different attempts, i give up. lucky you.
I love yoga. I don't really do it for the physical benefits, but for the mental (the nice bonus being that regardless of WHY you're doing it, the physical benefits are there). Yoga chills me out, centers me, gets me out of my own way, makes me more in touch with my body, and in an over-programmed, multi-tasking life, forces me to just step away and turn off the crackberry and unwind.
I wholeheartedly agree with Scrumpy's Baker, who said that "yoga at the gym defeats the purpose." I only do yoga at my studio... can't stand doing it in front of mirrors or bad lighting, without the soft chanting or music in the background. I really need a good teacher who not only knows the physicality but the spirtuality and yogic theory behind the practice...
~jessica
janae, I'll email you tonight!
I've been training to be a pilates teacher, and I find that I can do a lot more in yoga because my core is so much stronger. They really complement each other.
Also, I forgot to mention that Kathy Smith and Karen Voight both have good yoga dvds, without any of the spiritual stuff.
i am a yoga freak. i've been doing it for about 5 years now. i love the way it makes my back feel healthy (no back pain!). i love the way it makes my waist trimmer. i love the way it keeps me flexible now that i can't take a dance classes everyday like i did in college. i love that it kept me in shape through both my pregnancies... i just love it. yoga rocks. :)
I was of the opinion that only serious dieting and good old exercise only can make one lose weight...did both..(well...I think one week of both once a while is a good job ;)), dint work though. And so on and so forth i'd go swinging between both until a friend forced ( yes, forced..gunpoint or not..she's scary!!) me to take up yoga. I signed up with this course by Franz Andrini. I was skeptical at first, but as I continued it,(yes, same friend, same method of force), I noticed that I was actually beginning to fell better, my body felt more toned , I felt lighter and I had actually lost weight, about 4 pounds in 45 days of yoga.wonders!!!....I was...still am thrilled...I started to enjoy doing yoga, I also feel that I look better (opinion poll ;))
So Sister Skinny are you still downloading the YOGAmazing Video Podast? I hope so... Chaz
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