Yoga Queens Upate!

[KValley]

Oops- that's supposed to say "UPDATE". Oh well, I'll just pretend Upate is Hindi for "rock", as in "Yoga Queens Rock!" http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Hey everybody,

About a month ago on a yoga-infused thread several of you indicated that you were just starting or were planning to begin yoga practice (I think an appearance by Rodney Yee on Oprah served as inspiration for many). Here's the thread: http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum2/HTML/000434.html

I just wanted to see how you were progressing- if you've noticed any physical and/or emotional benefits or distresses.

I just bought Rodney Yee's Yoga for Strength video at CostCo last week-- 60 minutes (2 sessions) of practice for $8.49! I'm really happy with it- I love vinyasas http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Looking forward to your news.

Namaste,

Julie



[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 05-14-2001).]

[SusieO]

That Yoga for Strength tape sounds awesome. I'll be on the lookout for that one!

I recently bought three new tapes with Rodney Yee: Power Strength Yoga for Beginners, Power Yoga Flexibility (or something like that) for Beginners, and Yoga for Two. All are 20 minutes long and all are wonderful. I saw an improvement in flexibility after the first time I did the Flexibility tape; it's currently my favorite.

My husband and I were finally in the same room long enough to try the Yoga for Two tape last Friday. We loved it! It's a really fun way to practice together, and we both felt incredible when we finished.

I just ordered a set of three more tapes from borders.com: AM Yoga, PM Yoga and Yoga for Stress Relief. All for $19.99. It sounded too good to resist!

BTW, we discovered a cheap source of blocks. We went to Lowe's and bought bricks. Four of them for about $2. For straps we use DH's old ties.

I'm curious to hear how everyone else is doing. And if any other husbands have joined in. Mine reports that he's never felt better. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[mandarin2j]

I just got one of the Denise Austin Pilates tapes from Amazon today that I'm going to use to supplement my at-home yoga practice. And I've signed up for Fundamentals of Hatha Yoga II at the same place I've been taking my beginner's classes. I've been taking the classes since January, and I've definitely noticed a difference.

I prefer the instructors who get the class worked into a sweat (there's one who concentrates waaaaay too much on the breath and is too easy on us. I know it's all about the breath in Hatha, but this is ridiculous!), so I think Pilates will be a good way to jump-start my at-home practice, which has been spotty to date at best. I imagine I'll see much more progress in class with new poses if I'm working poses at home as well.

Regardless, unlike my dieting attempts and several other false starts at lifestyle changes, I don't see my interest in yoga going away. It makes me feel too good for me to give it up!

As to husbands and yoga, I'll encourage him to try the tape, but his schedule is far too unpredictable right now for a regular class at the center I go to. He works for a state legislator and we're in the midst of our biannual session right now (I always mess that up-I mean to say every other year, so I hope I got it right!). He sounds interested in trying it out, but it'll have to wait. In a way, I'm relieved. I'm kinda selfish about my yoga time. I like that I don't know anyone in my class and don't have to face any distractions. Once he's able to start, I should be a couple of levels above the class he'll be taking, so I can keep it a "me" time. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

-Amanda

[This message has been edited by mandarin2j (edited 05-14-2001).]

[lindrusso]

KValley and SusieO - Thanks so much for posting the names of those tapes. I just started yoga at the Y, but it is only once a week and I don't think the emphasis will be on strength, so I'm very interested to try one of the videos you mentioned. Maybe I'll see if the library or video store has it first....

[Leslie w]

Hi Yoga Queens! I have been extremely busy and have had to cut back on exercising but I've still managed to get at least two yoga sessions in a week. I get the Yoga Zone catalog. They have a lot of great yoga tapes for sale. My current fave is the Yoga Zone's Strength and Endurance video and I plan on soon getting the Flexibility and Tone video. I alternate between the former and my Ashtanga video by David Swenson. For a quick workout I use The Crunch Joy of Yoga video. David Swenson also put out a video of short sessions - a 15 min, a 30 min and a 45 min video all in one, which I may also buy. I like to have a variety because my life is so unpredictable and I never know how much free time I have.

I must say that in the 4 months I've been faithfully doing yoga I've dropped 5 lbs and lost 2 dress sizes. I'm now wearing a size 4 and I get a lot of compliments on my tone, lean muscles. Also no more back or knee pain. I do plan and have started however to supplement my yoga with a weighted workout program which I started last week.

I bought the Denise Austin Pilates and Yoga tape but I've had a problem warming up to her way of teaching. Her voice really annoys me and I'm not too thrilled with her teaching technique either. Let me know Amanda how you like it.

[This message has been edited by Leslie w (edited 05-14-2001).]

[daner94]

My VCR is broken but when I can, I will buy a new one so I can tape the 6 am Inhale show on Oxygen and do it when I come home from work, as well as buy some other tapes too.

I have been doing yoga classes twice a week now, and I am still just loving it.

By the way, today is my 4 week point for having stopped smoking and I think that starting the yoga was the impetus I needed to finally quit. When we do the deep breathing I feel really healthy and clear.
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Dana

[SusieO]

Originally posted by daner94:
By the way, today is my 4 week point for having stopped smoking and I think that starting the yoga was the impetus I needed to finally quit. When we do the deep breathing I feel really healthy and clear.
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Dana



Congratulations, Dana!!!!!!
I was wondering how you were doing, but was afraid to ask. Keep up the good work!

[KValley]

Leslie Congratulations on your weight loss and your new lean muscles- that is so exciting!

DanaI am so happy to hear the good news that you continue to be nicotine free. What a triumph- thanks so much for letting us know so that we can continue to cheer you on.

I still haven't convinced DH to try yoga with me- part of it is lack of space in the living room for 2 people.

I have been doing better about practicing at home since I started running. I am so afraid of running strain/injury, that I return home after each run to do a 15-20 minute set of vinyasas or one of my 20 minute tapes.

My classes are down to one a week- my yoga instructor is in the hospital and classes are being rotated among some of her students. There is a new guy in town, but his sessions are 2 hours- I just don't have that kind of time at a stretch (hah, no pun intended). I'm already spending that at the gym 5 days a week.

But he offers ashtanga- power yoga- which is my preference. Maybe I'll talk with him to see if 1-1.25 hr classes are possible. I think more people would be interested anyway...How long are the classes you all are taking?

[daner94]

Thanks again for the support y'all. Makes me smile! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

My classes are just 60 minutes. I wish they were 90! And sometimes we get 10 minutes at the end where we are in the dead man's position and my instructor reads us something inspiring. THAT is really cool. Although sometimes I feel like I will fall asleep and don't catch everything sh is reading.

I forgot to say yesterday, congrats on your weight loss and dress size loss, Leslie W!

Thanks for starting this thread, Julie! Let's keep checking in with eachother to see how we are doing.

Dana

[SusieO]

I also wanted to mention a web site I found. It was actually mentioned in a short blurb in a recent CL:
http://www.yogaeverywhere.com/home.html

It offers several poses that you can do at your desk. I log on for breathing exercises when I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed at work.

Leslie, you must have amazing muscle tone. It's so exciting what yoga can do for us.

Now, does anyone know if yoga offers the same bone-loss protection that weight-lifting does. I'm really burnt out on weights, and I hate my gym, and I would love an excuse to not do it anymore.

[lindrusso]

Boo hoo - No more yoga for me.

Just having a bad day today. I went for my second yoga class but didn't get to do it. My son, as you may have read on other threads, has been going through some separation anxiety issues since January and refused to stay with the babysitter at the gym. Nothing like starting off the day with anxiety instead of being relaxed from doing yoga!!!

So, I think I'm going to give up the class for now - it's not worth the hassle/battle and it makes me very tense just anticipating a scene. He seems to do okay when he goes to the Y with his older brother, so I'll have to stick with afternoon work outs for a while.

He's really throwing me a curve ball! My older son wouldn't leave my side UNTIL he was 3, but my little one has just STARTED at 3. I don't want to put him into situations that scare him, but I do wish I could have a bit more freedom to pursue these sorts of interests. Some day...

Sorry, just had to get that off my chest - I was very disappointed not to be able to take the class.

[KValley]

oh, lindrusso, I am so sorry! How frustrated you must be, but you are right- it is not worth the stress on you or your son to push it right now. In time you will be able to return.

In the meantime there are so many excellent videos. Besides the original Yoga Queens post, there are some suggestions for videos on these threads: http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum2/HTML/000408.html
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum2/HTML/000459.html

We are here to support you and keep you motivated- don't give up on us http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[mightyh]

Oh Lindrusso, I feel for you. My son went through a brief period of separation anxiety this spring when I would try and leave him at the Y and I know exactly the feeling you get... You leave the room hoping he will quiet down and start playing and enjoy himself, but you also step on the machine doubting that you'll be able to make it through your workout without being called back to the daycare. It is SO stressful and kind of couteracts any exercise benefits.

Hang in there. I'm sure he'll come around--and also sure my son is not entirely done with his bout... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Unfortunately, I don't have any great suggestions that would solve the problem. Let me know if you find one http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Thanks for the sense of camaraderie this board gives me...

[This message has been edited by mightyh (edited 05-16-2001).]

[KValley]

Originally posted by SusieO:
Now, does anyone know if yoga offers the same bone-loss protection that weight-lifting does. I'm really burnt out on weights, and I hate my gym, and I would love an excuse to not do it anymore.

SusieO, I've been pondering your question and as soon as I have some free time, I'll do a little research to see if I can back up my opinion.

IMHO- yes, yoga would offer the same bone-strengthening benefits as weight lifting. The idea is that you are engaging in weight-bearing exercise. In the case of yoga, pilates, tai chi and the more active martial arts, that weight is your body weight.

THere has been a lot of press about a recent study and now best-selling bok showing that the healthiest people in the world are the residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa. Many factors play into this- genetics, diet, environmental stressors -or lack thereof (pollution, fast-paced lifestyle), exercise. The reports of the study indicated that these long-lived Okinawans walked and practiced tai chi or another meditative art like yoga regularly- both excellent weight-bearing exercises.

I love lifting weights-I am completely addicted to my ripples and bulges-and I know yoga has helped my weight lifting and vice versa. However, if I had to choose only one, I would opt for yoga as the overall health benefits are much greater.

Anyone else have a different take? Julie

[Laura]

Alysha I can't remember....do 3 year olds still take naps? Perhaps you could rent some yoga tapes and try them out at home. It may be an option until your son comes out of this phase. Face it... you are just too good of a mom!

[This message has been edited by Laura (edited 05-16-2001).]

[lindrusso]

Thanks for the kind words and support. Obviously it's not the end of the world, but still disappointing and frustrating.

mightyh - Usually just spending about 5 or 10 minutes with him at preschool gets him adjusted enough to leave him there. He's not one of those that cries and then is okay when I leave. He clings on me and you would have to pry him off me to get me out of the room!! I just can't do that - preschool and yoga aren't THAT important! And I truly feel that he has fear - that he's not just pushing my buttons (but that might be a small part of it...)because he's done it to his father too. Hopefully he'll grow out of it over the summer...

Laura - This 3 year old doesn't nap. But, I know I could get in a 20 minute or 30 minute tape - he's pretty good at letting me get things done if I explain that I need some time.

I just want to take a class first so that I can learn the correct techniques. I did pretty well in the first class, but she would come over and do corrections - things you can't see yourself doing. The benefit of that kind of feedback would definitely be lacking in a tape. In any case, I will probably look into tapes or maybe try to find an evening yoga class somewhere.

Thanks again for your support! Like I said, in the scope of things it's not a huge issue, but I couldn't help but feel a little blue this morning.

Time to go get big brother and head to the Y - again!

[SusieO]

Alysha, if you're interested, a really good beginner's tape is Living Arts' Yoga Practice for Beginners, I think with Patricia Walden. (I don't work for Living Arts; I just like their tapes. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif) She offers very detailed instructions that I found very helpful.

Well, I was very excited to get my package from Borders today, but it turns out I ordered AM Yoga, etc. on DVD. And I have no DVD player. Sometimes it helps to read about the product before you buy it.

[KValley]

Originally posted by SusieO:
Alysha, if you're interested, a really good beginner's tape is Living Arts' Yoga Practice for Beginners, I think with Patricia Walden. (I don't work for Living Arts; I just like their tapes. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif) She offers very detailed instructions that I found very helpful.


I second Susie's recommendation with enthusiasm- I think I wrote about this on another yoga thread(?). THis tape was my first introduction to yoga and I still use it. It comes with a pamphlet of photos showing all of the poses and describing them in greater detail. Patricia's cues make you think about where your body is, what it should be doing, what parts are at work in the poses. ANd she is very soothing...

[mandarin2j]

Originally posted by Leslie w:
I bought the Denise Austin Pilates and Yoga tape but I've had a problem warming up to her way of teaching. Her voice really annoys me and I'm not too thrilled with her teaching technique either. Let me know Amanda how you like it.

Leslie w:

I tried the tape the other night, and I like it. I had heard about her teaching style really bugging people, but someone on this board said her yoga tapes were more toned down, so I gave the Pilates one a go. I've only done the first workout. To be honest, I don't think I'll be up to the second one for awhile, but that's okay. If you're already fit and limber, it's probably not too tough. I just started working toward being fit and limber in January after taking the last 11 years off, however, so workout #1 worked me pretty hard!

One thing I really like about the tape is that she goes over the basics before the workout. I have a yoga tape by someone else (can't remember the name--Linda somebody) that lingers over every single pose with detailed information. That's fine for the first couple of times one does a pose, but it's really annoying when you're trying to do a regular workout.

I wish there was a cd out there for people who are familiar with the basic poses so I could just listen and do. Maybe the instructor could share reminders about proper body positioning while taking listeners through the asanas...

[BeckyM]

My yoga is going really well!

I started about five weeks ago, going to a Yoga Basics class once a week at a really great place that offers all levels and types of classes. They have classes in eight-week sessions, so I started partway through, but I was able to pick up where they were pretty easily. The instructors I've had are all really helpful, and I've enjoyed being in the class and learning from some personal attention (the adjustments lindrusso mentioned).

The classes I go to are 90 minutes. They start with some "centering", then we do some basic poses and move into something more advanced that we learn. At the end, we do a relaxation that lasts about 10-15 minutes. I really feel energized AND relaxed (a strange combination, but I like it!) when I leave class.

I just signed up to take the summer session, which is 16 weeks. The nice thing is that I sign up for 16 classes, and I can take whichever class I want whenever it's offered. So on weeks I'll be out of town or have a conflict on my regular night, I could attend a different Basics class. Or, if I feel like I've advanced beyond the Basics one mid-way through the summer, I could start going to a more advanced class.

I also have been fairly good about doing some yoga/stretching at home. And while I was just on my vacation in Costa Rica (I need to post more about that on another thread, because the place we went was absolutely incredible!) I did yoga every morning in our bungalo while looking out over the rainforest to the ocean. Talk about an inspiring location for yoga!

I haven't felt a great increase in my flexibility or strength yet in general, though I am learning the poses and am able to get in (& stay in) the positions more easily now. I have noticed that my balance is improving in some of the balancing poses though. I think the main benefit for me right now is that I just feel so good after doing yoga that I want to keep doing it. So, I plan to keep being a "Yoga Queen" for a long, long time!

Becky

[cchhbb]

I have the am, pm, and stress relief yoga tapes that the earlier poster identified. I think that they are very good for yoga novices. I also have one for back care and it has really helped get my back limbered up.

I love the idea of using old ties for straps. I had been using some bath towels folded several times. I guess I have to raid my husband's tie collection. He doesn't wear them anymore since changing jobs.

Thanks for the recommendation.

[mandarin2j]

Oooh, I remembered the name from the yoga tape I have and do not recommend:

Linda Arkin

[goldilocks]

Okay...I really want to get into yoga, so this is just the kick in the pants I need. A couple of questions first though. How do I go about finding a class in my area (I'm in a suburb of San Francisco). Is there a website I can go to? Also, the idea of getting the tapes for home to supplement my workouts sounds great too. From your personal experience, do you get a good enough workout doing it in your own living room as you get in the yoga studio? Being that it is just a different environment, I am wondering. I remember doing some aerobics tapes at home and it wasn't doing much for me. Please share your experience.

[Leslie w]

Goldilocks, I've never taken a class because I don't have the time right now to commit to one but I have noticed incredible results from my yoga tapes. A class is beneficial if you are unsure about your postures and need guidance. However there are a lot of great beginner yoga videos out there (as other yoga queens have mentioned) that are worth investing in. I'm the same way about aerobics videos. I absolutely hate them and the only way I could get motivated to do aerobics is by taking a class.

Lindrusso - you're probably tired of hearing this but I have been through the same thing with my 3 year old. Actually it started at 2 and she's still a bit anxious, but getting better. That's why I've given up the health club idea for a while. They say by age 4 they're better about separating. Each stage has it's hangups but they're over before you know it.

Amanda, I'm planning on sticking with the Austin pilates video to see if I notice results, however I didn't feel it was very challenging - probably because I've been doing yoga for so long and the two are very similiar. But now I'm beginning to wonder if I'm doing it correctly. I'll have to review it again because I've heard if done right Pilates can be very intense.

I'm psyched because I was able to get into the Raven position and hold it for half a minute! I'm finally getting the upper body strength and balancing ability that I've longed for. Next goal: Handstands! Namaste everyone and lets keep in touch.

[KValley]

Originally posted by goldilocks:
Also, the idea of getting the tapes for home to supplement my workouts sounds great too. From your personal experience, do you get a good enough workout doing it in your own living room as you get in the yoga studio? Being that it is just a different environment, I am wondering. I remember doing some aerobics tapes at home and it wasn't doing much for me. Please share your experience.

goldilocks, there is a discussion of at home practice vs. class on the original yoga queens thread: http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum2/HTML/000434.html

Because there are so many schools (traditions) of yoga and you live in an area which is certain to have a multitude of studios and practioners, I'd point you to a couple of web resources.

Understanding the basic differences between Iyengar, Bikram's, Ashtanga, Kripalu etc., will help you determine what type of class to look for. THe YREC- Yoga Resource Education Center -has an on-line directory of articles on yoga- complete with a section for beginners which outlines the different yoga traditions and how to select an instructor: http://www.yrec.org/publications.html

The Yoga Journal publishes a book entitled "Yoga Basics" which covers a full range of yoga styles. Check it out: http://www.yogajournal.com/markets/basicsframe.html

Gosh, I'm going back to print some of this stuff out! The more I learn the more I realize how very little I know http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Let me know if these resources help.

Julie

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by Leslie w:
Lindrusso - you're probably tired of hearing this but I have been through the same thing with my 3 year old. Actually it started at 2 and she's still a bit anxious, but getting better. That's why I've given up the health club idea for a while. They say by age 4 they're better about separating. Each stage has it's hangups but they're over before you know it.

No, I don't get tired of hearing it http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif . Not that I wish difficult times on other mothers, but it's nice to know I'm not the only one and it's nice to be reminded that it's a normal part of growing up!

What really threw me off is that he never had that anxiety when many kids go through it - you know, that stranger wariness they get at about 9 months or so. I thought I was home-free! Wrong!

But, he's okay with his big brother around, so I'm not totally stuck. Good thing - exercising makes me soooo much saner, and ultimately, a better mom!

I'm also glad to hear that you're having such good results with the tapes - that's encouraging. Thanks again!


[This message has been edited by lindrusso (edited 05-17-2001).]