sourceI wear my Nike yoga pants when I run around town, but really I’m a complete sham. I might be one of twelve people in the entire city of Los Angeles that hasn’t taken a formal yoga class…EVER. I know, I know. To be totally honest, living in a place where you feel like you are surrounded by yoga experts is damn intimidating!! Everyone all running around early on Saturday mornings with their yoga mats in one hand and travel mugs of chai tea in the other. What the h-e-double hockey sticks? Years ago, I bought a yoga DVD on sale at Border’s. Did it a few times, and now it gathers dust on a shelf somewhere. I also might’ve tried some poses in a college exercise class once. But I don’t count either of those as real attempts at yoga. I’ve always been intrigued by it. I have read so many health articles about the benefits of yoga: increased flexibility, stability, peace of mind and body, greater immunity, etc. But now, my non-yoga practicing guilt has hit a new level. My MOM has taken up yoga in the past few months, and is urging me to join her. MY MOM. Shit, am I really that out of it? Well, now I’m considering signing up for her beginner’s class. I’ll keep you posted.Any of you readers out there swear by yoga? How has it helped you? Anyone swear by other forms of exercise that nourish your mind, body, and soul?
Westside Wedding
ha ha I do the same thing – wear yoga pants (or leggings around town on my day off while doing errands. I took pilates and loved it, but havent gone in 2 years, I've taken a regular yoga class & they are just to slow for me and I took the Birkman yoga last winter & it kicked my you know what, I had to leave in the middle of class, puked & then came back & finished the class.
Mo
I took yoga in college. It was definitely the stretching/relaxing kind and not the kick your butt kind that Westside is describing.
It was in the middle of the day and I would often fall asleep during the calming period at the end. Great way to de-stress.
honey my heart
i would love to get into yoga, the furthest i've gone is recording a yoga fitness show on tv and attempt it in my living room. but an actual class would definitely be better 🙂 you can do it!
Leah
I love, love, love yoga. I'm definitely into the more restorative, relaxing, mind-body connection types of yoga, but have been known to throw down on my mat some days 😉
It's all about the teacher and his/her style, though. I found one instructor who was absolutely amazing and really helped me and my practice. Find an instructor who encourages you to make your practice your own (what feels best for you) and go for it!
thelessthandomesticgoddess
@Westside Wedding: Girl, you're a trooper!! I've heard interesting/frightening stories about Bikram yoga! I would probably pass out when they turned the heat up. L's cousin tried it with her husband, and they were cracking up…because everyone in the class kept farting. Oops! Hee hee. 🙂
@Mo: Thanks for the rec. I think I might give it a try!
@honey my heart: You sound like me! I think I might go for it. You should try too 🙂
@Leah: Thanks for the encouragement! The type of yoga you take sounds amazing! I'm looking to relax/de-stress. Fingers crossed I can find a teacher I like. Thanks!
violarulz/ducksandbooks
taking a yoga class is SO much different from doing the DVDs. Having a teacher come around and prod you into a more correct position is really helpful in getting the full benefit of each pose. I wish I could still afford classes. I feel like I'm getting worse by (not) doing the DVDs 'cause they make me loose my motivation. Ugh. I'll just go curl up in a ball with my tivo and popcorn *pout*. OK- whiney time over, sorry gals! YOGA CLASSES ROCK!
Krista
I just started a yoga class this fall. It's once a week, for 45 minutes. We start with a couple minutes of "relaxation" to focus. We end with about 5 minutes of guided relaxation. The middle is gentle yoga (although some poses are NOT gentle, most of it is). I feel invigorated and wonderful when I leave.
So, consider trying it. But remember – it is about the instructor! If you don't like a class, it might be the instructor.
Oh, and "h-e-double hockey sticks"? 🙂 Hehe!
Rose
I agree that taking a class is way better than a DVD. I have done Bikram's (hot) yoga, Hatha yoga in a college PE class, prenatal yoga, and DVDs. The best, for me, is the Bikrams. It is also the most expensive, unfortunately. When I did it consistently for a few months, I healthily lost 10 pounds and felt full of energy. That particular style though is a pretty big commitment because classes cost so much and are 90 minutes long, and to really make progress you need to go pretty often.
Anyway, yes, go for it!