ISO: Info from Yoga Queens

[SandyM]

I saw yoga instructor Rodney Yee on Oprah last Friday; boy, what a salesman! I ran out, bought one of his videos (would have bought more but that's all I could find) and a yoga mat. I think this is exactly what I've been looking for.

My question is this: Can I benefit by doing this alone, or is it better to be with a group (i.e., class)?

Also, when do I start seeing results? I'm not talking physically, because I'm not doing this solely to lose weight; I'm talking mentally and emotionally.

Some people in the audience gave testimonials, and it was awe inspiring. That's why I made the purchases.

Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[hlao23]

That's funny. I am planning on getting in on the next yoga class at work because of that show. Let me know how you like the tape.

[JulieM]

I'm planning to start a yoga routine at home this week so I would also like to know how you like the tape. I have an old Jane Fonda yoga video someone gave me that I never used so I'm going to give that a try.

[Sara Emily]

SandyM, I also saw a part of that show. If you want to purchase more of his videos, you can go to Collage.com OR to a Discovery Store of Knowledge if you have a really MAJOR mall near you. Collage is an excellent resource for exercise videos of all types, and carry about five of his, as well as some of the assessories. If you prefer not to order off the Internet, and want their snail mail address or phone #, let me know and I'll post it.

I, too, am starting the practice of yoga via videos, partly as a response to some of the posts on this BB. It will be interesting to see how it goes. Instead of beginning with his, I am using Kathy Smith and Suzanne Deason as my starting points and, if all goes well, hope to progress to other videos from there. It would be fun to compare notes as we go! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[KValley]

Hi Sandy,

I've been practicing yoga for about 2 years; Ashtanga (power yoga) is my preference, because I love the physicality and intensity of it, but I am currently taking a Bikram's class and another class that is a series of routines my instructor has put together.

I take a class two nights a week and do a tape at home one or two times a week. General wisdom is that 15-20 minutes a day is better than a couple of classes a week- the idea being that your body learns much more quickly and effectively from constant practice, but I am not that disciplined. I'm pretty darn happy with the results I've received from my 3x a week. How long it takes you to see results will also depend on how often you practice/how long the sessions are.

In answer to your question about a class vs. a tape at home alone, I think that is something for you to discover by trying a bit of each. I MUCH prefer a class- although yoga is a deeply personal experience, I feed off the energy in the class and I find the companionship very motivating. Yoga appealed to me because I am a very independent person, not a team sports type- but a class fills a social need. How very yin/yang of me! I am also a creature of routine. Having a class to attend just fits that need.

Tapes I save for a time when I feel the need for a good stretch= before running or hiking, when my pre-menstrual stomach and back just ache, when I need some personal quiet time.

There are many different forms of yoga and the benefit achieved depends in part on what you are looking to get out of it-because that is what you will put in (make any sense?). When I first began classes (ashtanga)I wasn't that interested in the meditation, or spiritual aspect, I wanted pretty immediate results in flexibility and strength.

After two years, I have achieved a posture that receives compliments, breathing techniques that have saved my sanity in controlling claustrophobia-related panic attacks and that I will use when I am in labor (not yet pregnant! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ), I have relied on my deepening calm and confidence while making the decision to give up a career, sell a home, move across the country. Has yoga changed my life...hmmmm...no, I think it's made me much more attuned to the person I already was, allowed me to listen more deeply to my instincts and to believe them. I've learned (goodness, still am learning) how good it feels to be quiet, to breathe. I also appreciate my body in a way I never have, the potential it has, the beauty of it, the fact that I now consider myself an athlete, powerful and capable. That I attribute to yoga.

And these are the benefits I wasn't looking for!

Without a doubt,it has changed me physically! I strength train 4 times a week, and yoga leaves me limber, stable, lithe. I NEVER thought I'd describe myself as lithe, but I am more flexible, agile, balanced at almost 32 then I was at 18. I injured my back about 2 1/2 years ago, during a move. Yoga has given me back my back!

Standing in Warrior II, feeling the strength of your body, an intense sensation that is just before the threshold of pain, when you feel completely alive and in control, or falling into a seated forward bend and feeling the soothing warmth of your back muscles releasing tension and your spine turn to butter...not much can compare!!

I hear others speak about pilates and tai chi in much the same way; I tried tai chi and I just didn't have the patience. Since I lift weights regularly, the resistance training aspect to pilates seemed redundant to me and did not meet my goal of wanting to build visible, hard muscle, but I really know nothing about it. My point is that there are other excellent options for flexibility, strength, meditation.

Sorry to go on and on- I didn't see the Oprah show, but I can believe in the passion that Rodney Yee displayed- I am dreaming of someday studying yoga formally so I can give back some of what I am gaining.

Namaste http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Julie




[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-08-2001).]

[SandyM]

Thanks Sara - I'll check out those sites.

Julie - WOW. What a great response. Thank you so much. I'm really excited about this new turn in my life, and I'm hoping it brings forth surprises and delights (a phrase we use in the auto industry - lol).

I hope to bring on more discussions of this topic so we can feed off each other. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I go along.

Thanks again everyone!

[SusanT]

I would use a tape as a supplement not a replacement for a class with a good instructor. The difference between doing a posture correctly or incorrectly is very subtle and a good instructor can help you with that. Make sure you have an instructor who is well trained and pays close attention to everyone in the class (versus an aerobics instructor who's had an afternoon of training in "yoga")

I've been going to a beginning class once a week and have really enjoyed it. I wouldn't say it's been the most life changing thing(Oprah specializes in hyperbole, doesn't she?) but I have definately benefitted from it.

Enjoy your practice!

[Leslie w]

Sandy, I've been studying yoga for about a year. I'd love to attend a class but I don't have the time right now due to raising 2 toddlers. There is a yoga studio near me and I can't wait to join it when the kids are older. It's definitely something I plan on making a lifetime commitment to.

I have several tapes, love them all and like to rotate them. While it's true yoga is all about the breath and also the focusing of your mind, I find that I have a hard time focusing on those two aspects when I'm learning a pose for the first time. I found it easier w/ me to focus on the pose and then after a couple of times doing the tape I learned the breath. Everyone is different though and the main thing is do what feels right and don't do anymore than is comfortable. Before you know it it will all come together.


The nice thing about yoga is that on the days you don't feel like pushing yourself you can just "hang out" and take it easy. There's always a more gentle pose you can do to replace a more rigorous one. And just the opposite is true to. I can challenge myself even on the beginner tapes.

You should start seeing results after a couple of weeks if you do it several times a week. I'd love to hear how you're progressing. Keep in touch!

[Leslie w]

One thing I forgot to mention is how it's benefitted me. Outside of the obvious, more strength and flexibility, tone lean muscles, I have found that my back (which I hurt years ago) doesn't hurt me anymore and my knees - which were shot from years of running - also are pain free. I skied without pain this year! First time that's happened in 10 years.

I have a question for KValley. Do you know what kind of diet would benefit my yoga training? I try to eat healthy but when I'm hormonal (which is two weeks every month!) I have this awful habit on bingeing on junk food. I really want to control this.



[This message has been edited by Leslie w (edited 04-09-2001).]

[KValley]

Originally posted by Leslie w:
I have a question for KValley. Do you know what kind of diet would benefit my yoga training? I try to eat healthy but when I'm hormonal (which is two weeks every month!) I have this awful habit on bingeing on junk food. I really want to control this.

[This message has been edited by Leslie w (edited 04-09-2001).]

ooh, Leslie- I'm not comfortable dispensing advice to anyone about diet and nutrition. I can give you plenty in terms of opinion, but I'm in no way qualified to give advice. So much depends on what your goals are (weight loss, increasing variety, weight management, pre-natal etc), your body type, level of activity.

So, what follows is caveat emptor - my opinion!

Honestly, I don't think practicing yoga should determine your diet, or that there is a special diet out there unless you practice ayurveda, which dictates a vegetarian meal plan based on body type ; it is an East Indian orientation and therefore closely link to yoga and meditation. Ayurveda is an ideology that takes a wholistic approach to diet, fitness, stress management, lifestyle. The following website gives a nice overview. http://www.ayurveda.com/info/Ayurintro.htm

I should note that I do not follow this as a meal plan- I like meat!

There are so many outstanding resources out there- you of course are plugged into one of them- and there are so many people on this board who know their stuff and know it well. IMHO, I think Health Magazine and Walking Magazine are a couple of the best periodicals out there for overall fitness and nutrition (and CL of course http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif; Yoga Journal and Shape are also favorites of mine. I'm sure fellow BBers can suggest others.

As usual, I go on at length to make a simple point http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif which is that I don't have the answers. My life is one big experiment http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

By the way, I too spend at least half of the month dealing with either pre or post menstrual syndrome Significantly decreasing your intake of salt will allieviate PMS symptoms. Of course what do I crave? Pretzels, popcorn, anything with salt. Also increasing your intake of B vitamins, zinc.

[SusieO]

I took a vacation day last Friday and just happened to catch Rodney Yee on Oprah. He is so cool. I was already a fan of his; now I may have to be a groupie. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

I have only used videotapes for yoga as I've never found a class close to where I live. Also, I'm more comfortable attempting new poses in my living room. Living Arts, in my opinion, offer the best videos.

Recently my husband has joined me on the living room floor with the tapes. He's really enjoying it, too, and just about ready to quit his bi-weekly trips to the chiropractor.

[SandyM]

Well last night was my first physical exposure to yoga (as opposed to sitting on the couch watching it on Oprah http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif ). I agree with you Leslie - it's hard to get the breathing down when you're trying to master the poses.

I have the Rodney Yee Abs 20 minute tape, which is nice; I also have a beginners yoga tape from Susan Deason (I think that's her name). That's an hour long and more intense, although she has 4 different people doing different levels. I actually think I like that one better on a beginner's level.

I ordered Rodney Yee's yoga tape for back strengthening, since I have a weak back muscle and pull it about once every 2 years, which leaves me immobile for about 5 days. X-rays and MRI's have shown minor damage, but (thankfully) nothing requiring surgery.

This looks so ..... ummm what's the word ..... docile? But boy it sure isn't. And did I sleep well last night! I'm not a groupie just yet, and some of the mystical chatter gets a little over the top, but I think this is what I've been looking for.

One last thing - they all start off, and finish, with namaste. I noticed KValley did too - what does that mean? They at least could tell me it's the yoga equivalent for "Don't break yer neck!" http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[BethH]

Julie--your description of your experience with yoga was totally amazing! I am so amazed!

I have always wanted to try yoga and have gone to two classes over the past two years but haven't found a place I really liked. I am now newly motivated to try again--thanks! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[KValley]

Sandy "Namaste" is a sanskrit word meaning "I bow to the divine in you". I like your definition better http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Beth Thank you!!! Let me know if you find a class you like and how you progress.

Best wishes, everyone! Julie

[BeckyM]

Another question on yoga -- how do the "yoga queens" recommend finding a good yoga instructor? My gym (Bally's) has yoga once a week, but my assumption is that it's just one of the aerobics instructors who has had minimal training. I'm not sure I know where to look or how to know if an instructor is good once I find him/her.

[Leslie w]

Becky, there are many tapes out there that don't require equipment other than a mat. Living Arts series and Yoga Zone are two that I can think of. The tape should tell you whether you need equipment so read about it before buying it.

I think Julie (KValley) posted a list of yoga tapes on another board somewhere.

I guess I should be thankful that I have a certified yoga studio near me. Now if I could only find the time to join it.

Namaste!

[KValley]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BeckyM:
Another question on yoga -- how do the "yoga queens" recommend finding a good yoga instructor?

Becky, this is a tough one,as there are no national certification standards- although there is a movement under way to create an official RYT (registered yoga teacher) seal. Certified instructors are trained under individual yoga practices (i.e. kripalu certified, ashtanga certified, bikram certified); not only are these physical forms of yoga, they are schools of thought. This makes it very difficult to determine a set of standards, other than minimal hours of training.

If you live in a remote, rural area like I do, your options are pretty limited and you take what you can get. THANK GOODNESS my very first instructor in Illinois was phenomenal -a student herself who was working on various certifications, including ashtanga. I don't care for the 2 I have now- they don't hold positions long enough, they don't explain what a certain position is for, they rarely show modifications for progression, advanced students, or students with special needs. Other than recognized certification, your own experience with the instructor- how he or she conducts the class, the degree to which they provide useful information, their focus on form, technique, modifications, breathing- will tell you whether or not this person is a good instructor for you... same principles which apply to cardio class instructors.

I also rely on my video tapes to keep me in good form- I think having a handful of tapes by recognized instructors (Rodney Yee, Ganga White, Patricia Walden among others) will help you learn good technique and form until you find an instructor you trust.



[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-10-2001).]

[BeckyM]

KValley,

Thanks for the info. I was hoping there was some sort of national certification board or some other way to be sure an instructor is really qualified. But I guess I'll just have to start looking and try to assess them by trying them out. Luckily for me, I live in a more populated area, so there should be some options.

I also have some yoga tapes, but I have found a few of them to be somewhat intimidating. They say you need a bolster, different pillows, straps, etc., to get into the different positions -- I thought I would just need a mat! I've tried to improvise, but with limited success. Folded up blankets shift and don't support as well as a bolster, so I'm not sure I'm in the right position. I think I need to figure out which of my tapes is for the absolute beginner and stick with that until I find a real-live instructor and feel more comfortable with what I'm supposed to be doing!

[SusanT]

I've been to both the "aerobics instructor with an afternoon of yoga training" and "yoga with an actual instructor." If the instructor is simply leading the class and not paying any attention to individual students, he/she is not a good yoga instructor. If he/she doesn't know you by name, they're not a good instructor.

The type of yoga I practice uses the bolsters, straps,etc. These props are not meant to intimidate, but to make the practice easier and more comfortable to people who may not be as flexible.

[KValley]

For a beginning video, I highly recommend Yoga Journal's "Yoga Practice for Beginners" with Patricia Walden. It has all of the basic yoga poses (Iynegar school-the most common), wonderful, gentle, encouraging instruction, can be broken down into smaller parts, contains a companion booklet with photos and descriptions of all poses and the props recommended are all things you have at home (chair, blanket, belt). I believe I found this at Target, but Collage Video www.collagevideo.com (http://www.collagevideo.com) has it on sale right now at $14.95

Cheers, Julie

[SusanMac]

I just joined this bulletin board, and there are so many yoga fans, I don't know where to start. But, wanted to jump in anyway.

re: finding instructors --
unless you're really up for joining a yoga-specific club, you might want to try local community college or city classes. Surprisingly, I've had luck finding some good instructors for classes on both yoga and meditation. A good way to test the waters, with minimal cost and time commitment.

I agree with Julie's posting on being surprised at the benefits of yoga. I never thought I'd have the patience for it (I'm more of an aerobics and running type), but the focus, balance and stretching in yoga has been a great complement to my other exercise activities. It definitely has improved my physical abilities and endurance in running. And, the mental focus and calm helps me most everyday.

Class vs. tape? I agree that it's good to do both, if you like it. A class gives you a chance to ask the instructor questions and ensure you're doing each pose right. But, tapes are great for a snowing Sunday morning when you want to stay at home.

Question for the group --
I'm so hooked on yoga and its benefits, I want to convince my huband to join me so we can do it together. So far, he thinks it's just another aerobics-class dance type of thing mainly for women. (even though my class is half men) Even the fact that Sting does yoga hasn't convinced him!

Any ideas for recruiting men/significant others??

[KValley]

Hi Susan- Welcome! I'm a pretty new member myself and have become addicted to Cl BB- such a great group of people.

I, too, have been trying to get my DH on board. He has tried yoga a couple of times with me at home, but feels discouraged that he is so inflexible. I'm not giving up- we also need a larger living room so we can stretch out comfortably.

My yoga teacher recently told our class that although men are reluctant at first (for the reason you mentioned) and their initial learning/flexibility curve is steep, her longest standing, most improved students have been men. If they stick with it, many eventually surpass the female students. So much of yoga is strength building and men have more muscle mass, therefore are stronger, than women- they can push the envelope and improve at a faster rate.

I have also seen male body builders in class, because yoga provides a terrific complement to weight lifting- keeping them limber and lean.

[SusieO]

I will second Julie's recommendation of "Yoga Practice for Beginners". I checked it out of the library, and loved it. The instructor does a great job of explaining proper form in detail, which is good knowledge to have as you move on to other tapes.

Susan, I think "recruiting" men is tough because the poses just don't look hard until you try them, so it doesn't seem like exercise. I know my husband was amazed at the workout he got the first time he tried it. Maybe you could bribe him to try it just once, and then he'll be hooked. Mine sure was! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[KValley]

Originally posted by Leslie w:
I'm hoping my dh will join me someday. He has a bad back and I've been trying to get him interested in yoga but so far no luck. Maybe I should suggest we do it naked http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif!




Naked Yoga- you go girl! I don't think DH would object to that for a moment http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Makes sense that yoga comes from the same part of the world as the Kama Sutra!

[SusieO]

But do you think that would make it hard to focus and "stay in the moment"? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[SusanMac]

What's a DH? I've seen it in several places on the BB. All I can think of is Doting Husband! (I have a hunch that I'm wrong)

[Leslie w]

Dh stands for dear husband but sometimes I use that term loosely.

[Leslie w]

I'm hoping my dh will join me someday. He has a bad back and I've been trying to get him interested in yoga but so far no luck. Maybe I should suggest we do it naked http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif!

My future goal would be to have my kids, husband and I all enrolled in yoga classes. Make it a family affair. Of course that's years down the road, they're still in diapers, but I have a couple of neighbors whose children love yoga.