Pilates & Yoga

[HorseGal]

I'm curious as to how many people on here are interested in/do pilates and/or yoga. I do both, and I absolutely love it... after a session you don't feel exhausted like you ran forty miles, but you feel relaxed, happy, and ready to take on the day.

I know I've found that I have become much more positive since practicing Yoga especially (I know this is the case for many people). I've also become much more aware of what I'm eating, and I'm eating better. I don't really know what to say beyond I just feel so GOOD, both physically and emotionally after a yoga session!

Well, let me know. I was just curious who all on here does either of these things. I personally attend studio classes, but I also follow a pilates video workout (Windsor Pilates) and do Yoga on my own at home each day.

Sooo... RESPOND! :)

[Artichoke47]

I do yoga every other day, have been doing it for about 2 years now. I absolutely love it, too! I am calmer, less stressed, and totally in shape (well, I do cardio workout, too).

[bethanie]

I do yoga about five times a week. I always miss the days I skip because I just don't feel the same...plus my body isn't nearly as flexible the next morning (I do mine at night)

[Cissy]

I do yoga almost every day, and I love it. I've gotten much more flexible since starting.

[SaladDays]

I've been doing Pilates on and off for a few months, and I love it! It's really helping me to tone my muscles without "bulking up". (I'm using the Living Arts Intermediate Mat Workout by Gaiam, btw.) I feel so much more limber and in tune with my body now.

[Vicky]

i'm interested
but i haven't really looked around for classes yet or anything like that ...
but now that you brought it up i think i will

btw does anyone know how much it would cost ?

[bethann]

I had an eating disorder, and even after dealing with that, always had a negative attitude towards my body, like it was the enemy.

Then I joined my local Y, and started a yoga class. It's totally changed my relationship with my body, for the first time in years, I've felt positively towards my body, I feel like we can work together on a project. Yoga has been fabulous for me mentally, and it's an incredibly good workout physically.

For the person looking for yoga classes, the Y usually offers them, and at least at my Y you don't have to join, you can pay for just the class.

[bethann]

Have to add, I also do a pilates class, which I enjoy, it's a good compliment to the rest of my workouts, but doesn't provide the same great mental benefits as yoga.

[tearhsong2]

I did do yoga for a while and then my living circumstances changed and I stopped. Now things are where I can do it again. I really did like yoga when I did it--I was so flexible and in tune with my body. I've been looking into pilates as well. I've bought some of the equipment to do both yoga and pilates with, just need a good video or two. Does anybody have some they strongly recommend?

[veganmuncher]

I do yoga, well em not very often, but sometimes.

When I was at school, especially around exam time, I didn't, but I should have to calm the nerves of exam stress! Now that it's the summer, I do it about twice a week.

I'd like to do it more, but I'm so lazy and I run out of "moves" and techniques....

anyone got any? :(

[catgirl67]

I have done yoga, but I didn't really like it that much. For Christmas, I got the Winsor Pilates dvd. I really like that. There were some moves that I couldn't do when I started, but now I've gotten stronger and can do them. It is very relaxing, and good for toning.

[Formerbaboon]

I am interested in doing yoga at home. Do you guys reccomend any websites?

[veganprincess]

i do power yoga twice a week, and i LOVE it. i've been trying to get myself to do it everyday or every other day, but er....i'm not too disciplined i guess? *must try harder*

i also do pilates, but i'm just a beginner :) it's made me more aware of my posture and has also made me realise how weak my tummy muscles are :down:

FB: http://www.yogajournal.com/ is a very good website, but if you have never done yoga before, i would suggest going for a class if you can, because the instructor will be able to correct you when you are wrong.

[savior93]

i do bikram yoga as mny times a week as possible. i have lost some weight and my artritis is better.

[veganmuncher]

What yoga techinques are good for flattening your tummy??

[Artichoke47]

What part of your tummy? The whole thing? :)

[veganmuncher]

Hehe yea, around the belly button area...and just below

[clickman]

Woops, clicked on the wrong thread!

[Artichoke47]

VM, lie flat on your back, legs down. Put your hands on your lower abdominal muscles. Bring your knees up so your thighs are perpendicular to your body (in other words, not to your chest). Repeat. Continue breathing throughout. Feel your muscles working with your hands.

[veganmuncher]

Cool thanks very much artichoke :)

[HorseGal]

veganmuncher,

Here's one!!!

this is more pilates-style, but great for the tummy muscles...

-lie on your back with your hands behind your head (one on top of the other). Stretch your legs up at a ninety-degree angle to the ground, lift your head and shoulders up from the ground (like you're doing crunches). Slowly lower your legs to about a 45 degree angle, then bring them back up to the vertical. In a pilates workout you do this one about 8-10 times or so.

[citronella49]

I find that both of those exercises mentioned work better with my hands under my butt... keeps me from moving around on the floor too much...

I used to go to a yoga class every week before I got to poor to do it. I also have a yoga and pilates dvd, but I got bored doing the same routine over and over... and again, no money till september, so I stopped... its sad, cause I really liked that stuff too, lots of fun, not hard, and made me feel good about my body :)

[ChelsRm007]

I have 80 minute yoga classes everyday at a nearby studio. It's pretty intense and the first couple classes I was pretty tired, but now.. I love it. I've found I'm much more calm and at ease and ya.. life is good. LOVE yoga. :smitten:

[HorseGal]

I find that both of those exercises mentioned work better with my hands under my butt... keeps me from moving around on the floor too much... :)

I forgot to mention this, but yeah... if you do find yourself moving around too much (and you WILL if your "powerhouse" (the core muscles of your tummy) isn't so strong yet), putting your hands under your butt really does help, as citronella said. Also try concentrating on pulling your belly button in towards your spine (basically tightening your stomach muscles downward). Use your arms to support you, and allow your powerhouse to pull your legs in and out, not your legs themselves.

:D Have fun!

Ta,
Emily

[veganmuncher]

Thanks V v much HorseGal :) I shall try all these :P