Yoga?

[michellekw23]

Hi everyone,
I'm thinking of beginning a yoga class that's offered at our community college. I have been trying to either walk or do the elliptical machine at least 4 days a week and feel like I'm doing ok getting my cardio in. But lately I've been getting annoyed or angry easily, and have lost my temper twice in the last week admittedly for no good reason. Once was with my boss, and the other time was with my husband--the two men in my life that I really don't want to p*** off... I'm wondering if I need to be putting some time into something more calming like yoga. My problem is that I have a really hard time getting up early in the morning, so whatever I do needs to happen after work.

Does anyone have an opinion about whether yoga is enough exercise to do while on atkins, or should I try to get the same amount of cardio in, in addition to the yoga? Also, there is a yogalaties (sp?) class offered. Has anyone had any experience with this?

Thanks for any advice you may have...
Michelle

[michellekw23]

Re: Yoga?

Ha! I answered my own question. I went to Yoga class for the first time yesterday, and loved it! I think it will do great things for my flexibility, and will tone my muscles, but don't think my heart rate is high enough to really burn calories like I do when I walk or do the elliptical machine. (Although, I sure did sweat and breathe hard trying to do the Plank for the first time...) So, Yoga class is twice a week, and I'll keep shooting for 4 days of cardio in addition to it.

Michelle

[liv]

Re: Yoga?

That sounds like a great plan. It is best to combine the cardio with the strength/flexibility training of yoga. They will compliment each other nicely.
So the plank - that is like the Dolphin yes? Hovering over the floor with the elbows bent?

[chinadoll]

Re: Yoga?

Yep yoga is soothing and stretching and builds strength (so will yogilates) and is a nice addition to the cardio.

[michellekw23]

Re: Yoga?


The EVIL Plank!Very difficult to keep a straight, flat back when your abs and back muscles are not very developed yet...My butt keeps wanting to move skyward...
Michelle

[liv]

Re: Yoga?

Yes there it is. I do a crunch video home - a mix of pilates and yoga and that is part of it. I have gotten better at it.

[valcan]

Re: Yoga?

Hi,

I go to a fitness class and the trainer makes us do plank with hip dips! You dip your hip to the side until it almost touches the floor and then dip to the other side. Today she made us do 3 sets of 30 to each side. Once you get good at plank, try the hip dips, they are a great exercise.

Val

[Lyssie]

Re: Yoga?

Dolphin is an intro into headstand, like a combo between plank (you do it on your forearms) and downward dog (butt in the air and straight legs).

I love yoga. My new fave workout is Budokon that combines yoga with martial arts for cardio and chill together.

[carbless_in_seattle]

Re: Yoga?

dolphin sounds hard. if i understand correctly from lyssie it's feet off the floor.

[liv]

Re: Yoga?

I see - it is definitely the plank that I deal with. Plank with hip dip sounds extra evil. But I like yoga too. Probably should see if I could learn a few more positions. A class sounds like a good idea.

[Lyssie]

Re: Yoga?

Dolphin has feet on the floor - it's supposed to strengthen shoulders to prepare for it...

[michellekw23]

Re: Yoga?

So, my first Yoga class was on Monday, and tonight's class #2...I am VERY sore in muscles I didn't even know I had, so I can already see that it's gonna help me focus on areas I don't normally use.

Come see me in a couple months, and we'll talk then about plank dips (30 on each side? That's crazy!). Until then, I'll be the girl with the shaky muscles trying to keep her butt and back parallel to the floor!

Have an awesome day!
Michelle

[Lyssie]

Re: Yoga?

Well... in all fairness, the dips are done from side plank (at least that's the only way I've ever done them) which is a little easier.