Yoga Stretch and Tell Group

Best Yoga DVD's for a beginner?

LittleBehr — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:55:45 -0800

Hey!
So I'm just starting into the yoga scene. I've had a private lesson from one of my friends who is a yoga instructor and I LOVED it. I was wondering if you guys could suggest a good yoga DVD that I can start practicing with. I'm sort of intimidated by the thought of going to a class until I feel I have some clue as to what I am doing.

I figured this was the best place to get some feedback.

Thank you!!!

Athleta Yoga Jeans: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:30:41 -0800

Sporty and causal clothes retailer Athleta usually hits the fashion mark, but I am not sure about the Bettona Bermuda, now $35 marked down from $54. Styled to look like jeans, rivets and all, these long shorts are intended for yoga practice. Made from stretchy fabric to ease into yoga poses, these shorts even have a faux fly. While I am fine, with black cotton leggings for my practice I wonder what you all think.

Share tales of your favorite yoga gear in the Yoga Stretch and Tell group.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Head to Knee A

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:50:03 -0800

Looking to loosen up inflexible hips and hamstrings? Here's a yoga pose that's a popular stretch among runners because it'll target the oh-so-tight backs of the legs.

Sanskrit Name: Janu Sirsasana A
English Translation: Head to Knee Pose A
Also Called: Flag

To learn how to do this forward bend variation read more.

Begin in a seated position with both legs straight out in front of you.
Bend your right knee and place the sole of your foot against your inner thigh, pulling your heel as close to your body as you can.
Sit up nice and tall, lengthening through the spine and keeping your left leg straight. Then fold your torso over your left leg. Rest your hands on the floor on either side of your leg or on your shin. Or if your hamstrings and hips are more flexible, reach for your foot - the right hand holds the left wrist.
Rest your forehead on your leg and stay here for five breaths, being sure to continue lengthening the spine as you relax the shoulders away from your ears.
Then release your hands, sit up, and either take a vinyasa to switch sides, or just switch sides from here. This time the left knee will be bent, and the left hand will hold the right wrist.

Have any burning questions about yoga? Then post them to the Yoga Stretch and Tell group.

A Little Yoga Insight You May Not Learn From Your Instructor

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:00:10 -0800

Sure, practicing yoga is all about health and wellness, but Smart Money knows that it is also booming business. There are some aspects of yoga class that may not be in keeping with the healthy lifestyle you seek - just don't expect your yoga instructor to let you in on them. Here are a few pointers for staying healthy while practicing yoga, and remember that even when taking a fitness class led by an instructor, it's best to think for yourself to figure out what feels right and what practices work best for you.

Your Instructor May Be New to Yoga Too - With all of the various certification programs around, there's a range of skill that's being taught to instructors. "The problem is that there’s no real standard for how much teacher training is required of instructors, so almost anyone can lead a yoga class," writes Smart Money. It's best to try out a class before you commit, and learn where the instructor trained.
Yoga Mats Aren't Just For the Die-Hard Yogi - Bringing your own mat to class doesn't mean you can do full lotus. It's simply good hygiene. Yoga studio owner Ann Merlo told Smart Money, "One of the key elements of yoga is cleanliness." Sure, many studios hose down the mats after a few sessions, but there's no guarantee they do. With all the contagions flying around this flu season, it just might be worth it to spring for your own mat and avoid catching a bug.

To learn more about how to make the most of your yoga time, read more.

It's OK If You Don't Want to Be Touched - Yoga tends to cultivate a very intimate atmosphere in the studio, and many members of the class may feel totally at ease with the instructor helping them into a pose (which is fairly common), but that doesn't mean that you do. "A thoughtful teacher should always tell you that he’s going to touch you," writes Smart Money, and all adjustments should be done with professionalism. However, if you'd prefer not to be touched at all, don't be shy about speaking up and making your preference clear.
The Advanced Class May Not Be For You - While yoga instructors may ask some general questions about your level of experience before a class begins, no one is likely to turn you away from a session that may be too advanced for you. Yoga requires serious strength and flexibility. The article suggests calling the studio beforehand to find a class appropriate for your ability.

To find out exactly what else your yoga instructor may not be telling you, get up to speed with all of SmartMoney's tips, and be sure to check out our Yoga Stretch and Tell Group to connect with fellow yogis and share your questions, stories, and advice.

You Asked: Is Morning the Best Time to Do Yoga?

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:30:21 -0800

Dear Fit,
The holidays are fast approaching, and I wish I loved this time of year but I'm already stressed out about hosting Thanksgiving dinner, what to get for my picky in-laws, and dealing with traveling. I've heard yoga can help people relax, so I wanted to give it a try. A friend of mine says that she does a short session in the morning every day, including sun salutations (whatever those are), and a sequence of standing and seated yoga poses. I'm really not a morning person, but if practicing in the a.m. will help me calm down after realizing a flight to my parents house for X-mas is going to cost over $1,000, then I'm ready to set my alarm early. What do you think, is morning yoga more beneficial?
-Aspiring Yogi

I'm really excited for you to try out yoga because personally it's helped me find inner balance, and I always feel calmer and more grounded after my practice. Although yoga can help relieve stress and tension, it's no free ride to tranquility town. What it can do is help clear your mind, so you're better equipped to handle the frustrations the holidays tend to throw our way. To find out if there's a perfect time to get on your mat read more.

Many people believe that yoga must be practiced in the morning, but really whatever time works for you is when you should practice. You should not eat for two hours before doing yoga, so that's why many people choose morning yoga before they've had breakfast. They may also like how it gives them some alone time before their busy day begins, and getting it done first thing ensures that they'll have the energy and time to practice. On the other hand, some people may be too hungry or stiff in the morning, or they may not be able to wake up early enough to fit in a complete practice. They may prefer practicing in the evening because it helps relieve stress from their day, and helps them relax before bed.

So the decision is up to you, and the bottom line isn't what time you practice, it's that you practice period. If you have flexibility (no pun intended) in your schedule, try out a class at different times of the day to discover what you prefer. Keep in mind that certain poses and types of yoga are calming and some are invigorating, so depending on the yoga you choose, you might prefer morning, noon, and night!

All you yogis out there, I'm wondering what time of day do you prefer practicing yoga? Visit the Yoga Stretch and Tell group and share.

What Time of Day Do You Prefer Practicing Yoga?

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:39:05 -0800

Some days I love to practice in the morning, but mostly I prefer practicing in the evening, after my body has had a chance to warm up from moving around all day. What about you?

Stress Be Gone!

lucybird21 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:04:55 -0800

With the holidays fast-approaching, these will most certianly come in handy

Considering Bikram Yoga

lovesickblues111 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:08:30 -0800

I'm "Yoging" Ashtanga for three and a half years now, and thinking on trying Bikram... but I'm really scared! a friend of mine told me it is totally different and demands a lot.. is there anyone here doing Bikram? is it safe??? is it very hard? am I supposed to wear just tights and spaghetti strap? and what else should I check/know?

Thanks!

Yoga means "Union" (of mind, body, spirit)

barefoot chick — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:28:00 -0800

I know most people do yoga to relax and tone their body, and that is wonderful just of itself. But yoga actually means a "union" of mind, body, and spirit. So besides the health and physical benifits, does anyone also get into the spiritual aspect of yoga? Or the meditative compont of clearing your mind of thought?If you incorporate the spiritual diminsion into your yoga, or would like to talk about that part of the total yoga experience, I would enjoy hear from you.

Are You a Yogi Who Also Runs?

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:57:16 -0800

Yoga and running are complementary, in my opinion. So tell me . . .