Yoga for the guys?
- Thread starter jasondon
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I bought a yoga DVD many years ago and put it in the DVD player one night and gave it a whirl and great God in heaven, it was the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life. I was exhausted by the time it was over and practically a cripple the next day. I've run up to 40 miles in one week, I've been able to do 300 push ups in a row at one point, bench 300 lbs at another point, but nothing I've ever done, fitness wise, was more exhausting than that DVD. I don't think I ever did it again, but I acquired a great deal of respect for the 5'2 women carrying around their yoga mats, because my 6'3 butt was destroyed by it.
Honestly, I think it's probably great. A class would probably be a great way to meet people, as well. I'm sure you build up a tolerance/endurance to it/for it.
Honestly, I think it's probably great. A class would probably be a great way to meet people, as well. I'm sure you build up a tolerance/endurance to it/for it.
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Why would guys not be able to benefit from yoga? Its all about core and flexibility, the two things most guys overlook.
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- #4
Several years ago I took yoga for about a year. I did it to help with flexibility, and found that it did indeed help. Life however got in the way of living, and I just got away from it. I would like to take it up again though. So to answer your question, I say go for it, but give it some time. You'll see the benefits.
Find a Hatha yoga practitioner in your area who is a member of the Yoga Alliance.
I've been doing it semi-regularly for a number of years. Went to a class this afternoon. Good for the body, good for the mind.
My only advice would be to listen to your body. It's a delicate balance, but try to move a little bit outside of your comfort zone,
but not too much. Never mind the person turning themselves into a pretzel beside you.
There was a New York Times article in the past year or so which discussed how yoga can be dangerous for people who let their ego get the best of them and end up with injuries. Don't let this spook you, just stay aware of your body. As one of my teachers often says, 'the toughest part of yoga is showing up'.
My only advice would be to listen to your body. It's a delicate balance, but try to move a little bit outside of your comfort zone,
but not too much. Never mind the person turning themselves into a pretzel beside you.
There was a New York Times article in the past year or so which discussed how yoga can be dangerous for people who let their ego get the best of them and end up with injuries. Don't let this spook you, just stay aware of your body. As one of my teachers often says, 'the toughest part of yoga is showing up'.
Yoga's great. Not sure about the hot versions though. I've been doing it for about 18 months, and it's certainly helped my general strength and flexibility. Hard work though - I've ended sessions with sweat pouring off me, and I'm relatively fit. A good teacher helps though - I've tried a handful of different classes. Some were great, others less so - either too intense, or just nowhere near intense enough (or too much pseudoscience...)
Yoga is great for all the above mentioned reasons. My wife happens to be a hot yoga instructor.
Yoga is one of the most beneficial daily practices you can have. I'm not too keen on Bikram (hot yoga), but see if there are any studios in your area that teach the Iyengar method. Their instructors are all required to go through a rigorous training and certification process before they can teach. Many poses require very precise alignment, and a poorly trained teacher can leave you sore or even injured.
Not a yoga practitioner, but I benefitted a lot from the breathing exercises that were yoga based for my trumpet playing.
Give it a go!
Give it a go!
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- #12
Nice work! Sorry, couldnt resist.
Thank you for all of the replies, definitely think I will give it a try. I am wanting to improve my general strength (including core) and trying to improve my overall health/fitness level. It is within walking distance, so I dont really have any excuses.
Kyle, there is a Iyengar studio that isnt too far, I checked out their website and it sounds exactly like you described; highly trained & experienced instructors. Thanks for the tip.
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I suspect there are similarities between yoga and some bodyweight/your-body-is-your-gym type exercises, like planks and side planks.
I'm sure yoga could be more mainstream if it wasn't founded in mysticism.
I'm sure yoga could be more mainstream if it wasn't founded in mysticism.
I think of yoga more as being beneficial to recovery or to avoid impact exercises or something you do to meet people, not necessarily something to improve mind and body in and of itself.
Yoga certainly is for real in the sense that you do get an okay workout and it does target the core more effectively than most other exercises. We once had a coach who would have us do yoga the morning of and after rugby games when we knew we would have another game within a few days. It makes a lot of sense in a big open field at dawn under the tutelage of a trained instructor with a specific goal in mind. But, it’s just not my idea of enjoyment or making the best of my time when it comes to general exercise.
As far as exercise is concerned, there are far more effective ways of getting some physical exertion in without having to follow along in the same pace as some instructor. As far as improving the mind, huddling up in amongst a group of sweaty people in a stale room doesn't actually do anything positive to my mental health.
Just my thoughts on it. That being said, plenty of people enjoy it, so there is something to it. You may as well give it a shot to see for yourself.
Yoga certainly is for real in the sense that you do get an okay workout and it does target the core more effectively than most other exercises. We once had a coach who would have us do yoga the morning of and after rugby games when we knew we would have another game within a few days. It makes a lot of sense in a big open field at dawn under the tutelage of a trained instructor with a specific goal in mind. But, it’s just not my idea of enjoyment or making the best of my time when it comes to general exercise.
As far as exercise is concerned, there are far more effective ways of getting some physical exertion in without having to follow along in the same pace as some instructor. As far as improving the mind, huddling up in amongst a group of sweaty people in a stale room doesn't actually do anything positive to my mental health.
Just my thoughts on it. That being said, plenty of people enjoy it, so there is something to it. You may as well give it a shot to see for yourself.
Yoga has the potential to leave you in a puddle of your own sweat, sore and aching for days. It call also be relaxing and zen, there's enormous variety of styles and classes.
I bought this Yoga program by the wrestler DDP. It is endorsed by some good athletes. Ill eventually start it up.
The first time I did Ashtanga yoga I was shocked at how much strength, endurance, balance and flexibility it required. After thirty minutes I was drenched in sweat. Among other benefits (mood) it reduces sports/exercise related injuries.
If you are over forty or lift heavy or run, I strongly recommend doing yoga at least once a week.
If you are over forty or lift heavy or run, I strongly recommend doing yoga at least once a week.
Try subbing 'people' with 'young women, in lycra, who can put their feet behind their head'
Improves my mental state. And reminds me to hold my stomach in.
I'm a trained yoga instructor. Got into yoga many years ago after herniating two lumbar disks. More than anything else, it was a yoga instructor who was able to get me back on my feet. Liked it so much that I took every level they offered, and when I mastered them, the only thing left to do was take the teacher training. Talk about exhausting. I rarely ever lift weights any more. My yoga practice is all I need.
Recommend you stay away from Bikram yoga until you've become proficient in some of the basics. And don't start with a "one size fits all" DVD. You need someone who can not only show you the moves, but give you subtle suggestions to make sure you're doing them right...or you can seriously hurt yourself. Find a reputable studio near you that teaches Hatha yoga, an that has certified teachers, and take their beginners course. Just like everything else, start slow and master the basics before trying to move up.
Your body will thank you!
Recommend you stay away from Bikram yoga until you've become proficient in some of the basics. And don't start with a "one size fits all" DVD. You need someone who can not only show you the moves, but give you subtle suggestions to make sure you're doing them right...or you can seriously hurt yourself. Find a reputable studio near you that teaches Hatha yoga, an that has certified teachers, and take their beginners course. Just like everything else, start slow and master the basics before trying to move up.
Your body will thank you!
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- #20
Ha ha, good one.
I am 31, and have been running 2-4 times a week. I am very close to committing to a sprint triathlon in September, and figured Yoga would help. I have never done a Tri and swimming is a challenge, so I have to overcome that obstacle. Biking/running isnt near as hard for me, however running can get hard on my back which I assumed yoga could also assist with. Funny how I could run or ride till I collapse (hours), but trying to get 25M in at the pool without stopping for air just about kills me. I have a lesson booked for tomorrow
Thank you for all the input & what your experience has been, greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Jason
