For the Yoga goers!!??

[chubbybeauty]

So here's what I'm wondering..I took my first class yesterday. It's called "bodyflow" and it is a mix of yoga and pilates. I liked the class (although I felt like flopping fish out of water) and, I want to continue doing the class. Is this enough excersice? Should I also be doing more cardio on top of it?

[chubbybeauty]

nevermind I just found the yoga thread..sorry

[RedRox]

It's a start! Adjust as you go and see how it goes! I've never done a bodyflow class. You could try PM'ing oldgreybob who does a variety of the "body" classes. If they offer bodyflow, you could combine with bodypump and get more balance with some additional resistance training if that appeals to you.

Didn't see any new posts in "The YOGA thread" though!

[chubbybeauty]

I gotta be honest..excersice scares the s*&% outta me lol..I don't know why because I used to work out twice a day?? Anyway, I looked through the Yoga Thread and found some info. Some of you guys seem so advanced and the different terms used are kind of intimidating to me as I don't know much about Yoga.
We do have a bodypump class at my gym as well as many others. I don't think body pump would be my thing but I haven't done a whole class so I can't say for sure. I really want to keep doing this bodyflow class it's just a bit conflicting with my schedule and, I'm honestly terrified of the gym right now for some reason lol
I really want to get my butt in gear but I just don't know where to start. I really just want to be in a place where I'm comfortable and like what I'm doing. I know that getting on an elliptical for 45 mins is not going to happen it's just too boring. This is me staring at the time on the machine
I'm not against excercise I just need a comfortable staring point..
Any suggestions?

[RedRox]

Well for me personally, I found yoga studios to be a lot less intimidating than a gym, but others probably feel the reverse. Usually though it was just the thought of going to a gym I found scary. Once I was there and in the class, or working out, I was fine. I'd say just make up your mind and find a way to make the bodyflow class work for you if you seem to like that. I always liked it better after it was done! It was usually just the starting and going that was the biggest hurdle. Keep trying until you find something you like and look forward to.

sorry the discussions in the yoga thread scared you off. It's just yoga! Everyone is always at the level they should be! no biggie.

[chubbybeauty]

I would love love love to go to a a Yoga studio!! Problem is that my gym membership doesn't end until next year and it's so expensive I can't do both Anyway, your absolutely right. I just need to get in there and do it no matter how intimidated I am right now. You can't improve yourself if you don't try right? I'm going to have to find a way to make it work for me! Thanks for the advice!

[RedRox]

well there are always DVDs and www.yogatoday.com has a free online class everyday (after watching the ads! ) Pick the ones for beginners or areas of work that sound good to you. Personally I always worry about someone just starting out with videos not getting enough alignment coaching and queing based on someone actually watching you and correcting you, but it's another place to start.

And you're welcome!

[chubbybeauty]

Yeah that's why I really don't like the idea of video either. I'm am not what you would call graceful and I need someone to tell me I'm not doing it right. You could really hurt yourself in some of those positions if your not going it properly. That being said, if anyone knows of a VERY discriptive video so I don't hurt myself lol , I would be interested to try it out!

[audogs]

"Yoga Step By Step" series with Nathasha R. is the beginner's video I push! It's a 3 disk/tape series by Yoga Journal. I've bought it, checked it out from the library, and Netflix'd it. Her cueing is excellent and the DVD version has easy to use features to go back or "learn" individual poses.

Julie
Spokane

[chubbybeauty]

awesome thanks!! I'll look into it!!

[DebbyC]

So here's what I'm wondering..I took my first class yesterday. It's called "bodyflow" and it is a mix of yoga and pilates. I liked the class (although I felt like flopping fish out of water) and, I want to continue doing the class. Is this enough excersice? Should I also be doing more cardio on top of it?

my gym offers the body flow and I've been wanting to try it - alternating with my treadmill [cause I love the treadmill "zone"] I've been scared to try because I feel so clumsy....did you feel comfortable after things go going? I know - no one even noticed you were there except to be encouraging right? why do we think people pay that much attention to us when they are concentrating on getting it right!

[RedRox]

crazy isn't it?? And for yoga, mostly just showing up and trying constitutes "getting it right". Just a matter of degrees after that!

[chubbybeauty]

DebbyC

umm...I guess I was ok once i started going but, at some points I was looking at the instuctor with that "help me" face and all she said was "don't worry you'll get it"..it made me feel a bit better but I knew I was doing it wrong at some points..especially when I was on my back working my abs..my neck got real sore..the instructor was at the front of the class the whole time..no real one on one.

I didn't really notice anyone ing at me..I was still a bit uncomfortable but, that's probably my insecurites..

all in all I'd say it's a decent class..I think I'm going to do it alternating days with the elliptical.

Starting my routine Sunday!!

[RedRox]

a sore neck during abs work is usually a death grip on your head and pulling your head up to get your stomach up. (which also defeats the purpose of working your abs!) This is a general concern with anyone doing abs work, not just yogis/bodyflowers. Try just gently resting your fingertips behind your ears, keeping your lips slightly open and resting your tongue lightly behind your front teeth and keep breathing! This will help keep you from pulling on your head and will help keep your jaws unclenched. Depending on the specific ab exercises you are doing, also try to focus more on keeping your head/neck in line with your spine, keeping your elbows wide to the sides, your sacrum pressing towards the floor and lift with your chest open, not your head. Your range of motion may be less this way, but you will get more work out of your core.

[chubbybeauty]

I'm pretty sure we were using our arms and our legs at the time?? I do know what you mean though..I've always had troubles not stressing my neck even with sit ups. I'll give that a try next time..thanks a lot!