Yoga - best way to do it

Welshlassie · 26 October 2006 at 11:44AM

I've been thinking about taking up yoga (or pilates) for a while now.

I did BodyBalance for quite a few months a few years ago and really enjoyed it, but can't find any classes without joining a gym again and really don't want to do that just for one class, not very MSE. :rotfl:

I work from home 3 days a week so was thinking about getting a DVD of some description but there are so many out there I don't really know where to start. I looked at some of the kits (including the mat, strap and blocks), but they seem a bit on the pricey side, can anyone point me in the right direction??

knithappens · 26 October 2006 at 12:07PM

I absolutely love barbara Currys yoga videos, dont be put off becasue they dont seem trendy, they are no Fad Yoga, and they are brilliant at toning you up. Just check out Amazon.

L_D_N · 26 October 2006 at 6:30PM

I found that it's practically impossible to teach yourself Pilates from a video/DVD. I have been going to a weekly class for over 4 years and love it, it really does improve posture and body shape.

Our class is held in a church hall so a lot cheaper than joining a gym. Check out the internet for registered teachers in your area.

Failing that, the bargin bins are usually full of various workout DVDs in places like QD etc. as long as you know what you want its worth hunting around.

Have fun with it - whichever one you go for.

brindles01 · 26 October 2006 at 6:54PM

Why don't you pop into your local charity shops and look in their video sections. There are usually a selection of keep fit videos for about £1ish. You would then be able to see if working out at home suits you without forking out too much cash.

Ted_Hutchinson · 26 October 2006 at 7:24PM

I think it's better to enjoy learning yoga/pilates in an evening class. You should be able to find a course near you that is reasonably priced. Part of the benefit of a class is you get to meet other like minded people, your teacher can point out where you could improve your posture, you can see other people and learn from them. It also means if you've signed up for x lessons on y nights you are committed to going and therefore make more effort than a dvd/book/video course as it's very easy to put them off till tomorrow and tomorrow never comes.

Welshlassie · 26 October 2006 at 7:34PM

I agree an evening class would be much better, but although I work from home 3 days a week the other 2 days I'm away from home and it could be any day of the week so therefore might end up paying for something I can't attend.

I've had home exercise videos in the past and have used them, but have had to stop for various reasons. I have now decided that a Yoga type exercise is what I wasnt to do.

Sarahsaver · 26 October 2006 at 7:40PM

I do Bikram yoga, it is in a heated room, about 110 fahrenheit, so your muscles are able to stretch easily without injury. There are 26 postures which take 90 minutes to complete. The class I go to offers as many sessions as you ant for 10 days for £10 but its a long way from Cardiff. I believe yoga is something you have to learn, by being taught, and is very hard to learn from a book or video. And steer clear of any class which plays music :eek: you are supposed to be concentrating on the yoga;)

Mrs_pbradley936 · 26 October 2006 at 7:42PM

You can find out about classes from the British Wheel of Yoga which is the governing body. If you want Hatha Yoga (which is the most popular) try and make sure you have at least a couple of lessons with someone that knows what they are talking about. Some of us are very flexible and others not so and you should never try to copy anyone on a video.
If you do go it alone then get a book probably the best is Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar.

http://www.bwy.org.uk/

Mrs_pbradley936 · 26 October 2006 at 8:02PM

If you want to explore other areas of yoga then you should definitely seek a teacher I will just outline some aspects for you in case you want to explore but if it is not for you then ignore it and just stay with the Hatha. The term “yoga” means union of mind, body and spirit, this is achieved by practising Asanas (the postures) in order to be in command of the body. From there you progress on to pranayama (breathing techniques) and then on to meditation. A whole different world can open up to you if you decide to explore the philosophical aspects. When you find yourself practising more meditation than anything else you are said to be practising Raja yoga.

Mrs_pbradley936 · 27 October 2006 at 9:21PM

When you start your own yoga sessions to obtain maximum benefit you should incorporate one of each of six aspects. After a warm up these are a) a forward bend,
b) a backward bend, c) a side bend, d) a spinal twist, e) a balance and f) a relaxation.

That way you work all areas and move your spine in different directions. Work in bare feet if you can and always keep both feet on one surface NEVER have one foot on a mat and the other on the floor. Either both feet on your mat or both on the floor.

Yoga - best way to do it

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