Yoga? I am 43 and want to start...which is the best discipline?

[LivingInMomsBasement]

Hi all. I am interested in taking Yoga classes. I am 43...out of shape and in need of something that is good for my body and mind. I am interested in something that will tone my body and quiet my mind. I am very confused by all the different types of Yoga out there. Can someone recommend what I should be looking for?

[Ophelia11]

I do asana in a small studio with several older people. I'm 35 and very fit, but there are people in their fifties and sixties and also a couple who are out of shape. You do the beswt you can and get better with practice.

[xpaperxcutx]

Most people go for pilates as it helps tone and target the midsection.

 

If you're just starting out, you should always start with a beginners class as not to overexert yourself but also to test your flexibility.

 

There's actually a new class in certain gym's called Pi-yo. It's basically a mix of pilates and yoga. I'm currently taking it at my gym and at 45 mins a class I really sweat a lot compared to regular yoga and my endurance and strength level for balance has really increased. You should check it out.

[Belle Vie]

Ashtanga is probably the one to start with--it's based on the flow from one pose to another, as well as synchronizing the move with the breath. It stays pretty basic (sun salutations, seated poses, etc.) Stick with a beginners class--leave the backbends and headstands to the advanced.

 

Bikram is the crazy yoga, in the 105 degree heat. Some people swear by it, but I haven't tried it. (and don't plan to!)

 

If Ashtanga isn't your thing, the next thing to try might be Iyengar yoga. It's a form of yoga that "supports" you as you relax into your poses with a variety of equipment (straps, blocks, cushions, etc.) It might be the most gentle of the practices--if you're looking for a more relaxing style, this one might be the one to try. If you're want more action, energy, and relaxation, I'd still go with Ashtanga.

 

Kundalini yoga is the most spiritual or "chant-y," for lack of a better word, of the practices. My only exposure to it was through a DVD, and there was a lot of "breath of fire" (breathing in and out really quickly) and LOTS of chanting. Not my thing.

 

You can tell that I definitely prefer Ashtanga! (I think Rodney Yee's one of the people who do the DVD's in this practice--his DVDs and those of others are available on Gaiam's site, or through Amazon.) But different people like different approaches. You might want to try a variety of beginner DVDs to see which one you like best before you choose a class. You could look up each yoga style on Amazon to read more about them, and if you see one you like, your local library might carry it.

 

Or just try out a class for a short time to see if you like it--you don't need to commit to more than a few sessions, which should be enough time to decide whether you like that style and instructor, or want to find another class to try.

[Jilly Bean]

I practice vinyasa, but at a power level.

 

For a beginner, I would suggest you try a yin class to start. It will focus on basic stretching and breathing techniques, which is a really great foundation for other practices.

 

If you like yin, then you can graduate to a flow (vinyasa) class, but stick with beginner to start. I've seen people become too ambitious, and then get turned off by trying a class above their level.

 

Key thing to remember - YOUR PRACTICE IS YOUR OWN, and class is not a competition.

 

Namaste!

[Shakz]

I suggest yoganal. Farting is just part of the experience.

[Shakz]

thats too gay

 

Gregory, when it comes to yoga, nothing is too gay.

[Shakz]

i'm a christian. we don't aprove of gays.

 

I'm sorry to hear that, but I can relate. I'm a Catholic. We don't approve of Christians.

[Shakz]

youre a chrisian and hope to god youre pro life

 

I'm a dude. It's not my issue. Unless it is my issue. Then it's not my problem.

 

That's between God and the lady.

[Belle Vie]

I practice vinyasa, but at a power level.

 

For a beginner, I would suggest you try a yin class to start. It will focus on basic stretching and breathing techniques, which is a really great foundation for other practices.

 

If you like yin, then you can graduate to a flow (vinyasa) class, but stick with beginner to start. I've seen people become too ambitious, and then get turned off by trying a class above their level.

 

Key thing to remember - YOUR PRACTICE IS YOUR OWN, and class is not a competition.

 

Namaste!

 

Wanted to pop back in to let you know that Ashtanga yoga is a form of Vinyasa--I didn't want you to be confused by that! So, I wholeheartedly agree with Jilly Bean. I think that vinyasa flow yoga styles are the most accessible and the most enjoyable, quite frankly. They focus on breathing and movement without any extra bells and whistles.

 

And I also want to reinforce what Jilly Bean says--do not try to compare yourself to anyone else or think you have to "push" it. This is not cardio where it's all about "no pain, no gain." If you feel pain in yoga, you're doing it wrong. (I say this from experience--I injured my back a few years ago because I stupidly tried a backbend that I had no business trying. There are other modifications that I should have used.)

 

Yoga is about your own breath and comfort, and it doesn't matter how deeply you can go into a pose. You want to maintain good form, going to your personal limit and point of comfort. The point of yoga is the practice itself, and being present with it.

 

As a final thought--if you find yourself in a class where your instructor IS pushing you to stretch past your limits, leave and find a new class.

[LucreziaBorgia]

Do a Google search for 'The Five Tibetans' - it is a series of fairly simple but effective exercises to get your body ready for a more in depth practice.

[Meaplus3]

Hi there. I started with just a plain old yoga class for beginners.. and it worked well for me. I've now advanced some and see the bene's of this sort of practice. There is also something called Zumba dance. It's a real fun class.. a great way to get excercise. Good luck.

 

Mea:)

[Belle Vie]

Best Services for yoga can be available only in India I think so its not possible to get best services for yoga in Ohio [/url]

 

You're implying that no one outside of India should even bother to attend yoga classes? That statement does not recognize the very real experiences of millions of people around the world. People benefit from yoga practice in every part of the world, even if they cannot afford to travel to India for the privilege.

 

Not to mention that if someone believed that the only "real" yoga is available in India, then they could simply look in their local community for a teacher who is a native Indian yogi or who has studied the practice in India.

[MrNate]

Psh. The best discipline for women? Squat.

 

Builds up the legs/hips/ass very efficiently and proportionately. but it doesn't stop there, it works everything! As a result of working the larger muscle groups, the muscle will demand more calories, which will burn more fat at a much more efficient scale, than typical toning exercises.

 

http://www.oxygenmag.com/content/oxy66/squats.jpg

 

http://realwomensfitness.com/lower-body-exercises/how-to-do-a-perfect-squat-for-amazing-legs/

 

I think if a woman wants to build a nice, tight, fat burning machine, squats are a good start.

 

Jessica Simpson didn't fill in those daisy dukes in Dukes of Hazard by chance, there were lots of squats involved.

 

Give 'em a shot. You won't be disappointed. I have yet to see a woman who puts squats in their routine, but doesn't have a banging bod.