How much yoga does it take to become a yoga pro?
I've been doing yoga for a while, and I definitly can feel a deference in how I am able to move now. The guys on my yoga tapes are bendy to the extreme though. Any yoga gurus out there, please let me know how many months, years, etc. it takes to have a great range of motion, and a ton of flexibility.
andy_pann
Question answered by Alex B
It's a case by case basis. Being a 'yoga pro' isn't about bendibility. The fact is we are born with a set range of motion. The muscles hold about 20% of the flexibility. The ligaments only 4%. So, once you've worked out all the flexibility that is being held in the muscules, you only have 4% left to go and if you go over that level, then you can hurt yourself and damage the ligaments (in other words, don't do it - don't over push yourself past pain ).
The other thing about yoga is the spiritual aspect which comes with letting go of expectation, judgement and competition. This is more important than the flexibility and physical balance that we observe. So, once we've mastered those inner voices - once we've let go of those things like the ego which hold us back then, we may quite happily say that we've become 'yoga pros'... but at that point, when you've conquered these ego based attachments, you might not want to be a yoga pro anymore - and be just really happy with where you've come in your life.
Write me if you have any more questions.
I want to start taking yoga. Is it really good for you? How often do you go and how much does it cost?
Also, is yoga something that you need to be in shape already to start? In other words, do they work you into it, or it will it kick your butt if you're a little out of shape?
What exactly does it do for you?
Ron1
Question answered by SSWM
It depends on what yoga you wish to do.
There are many different kinds and variations.
I personally do Hatha. It's a slower paced, deep breathing yoga. There is also hot yoga. This faster paced yoga is done in a 120F room. I personally don't like this kind, but I know people who swear by it.
I provided a link for you to see which one is good for you. Pick it out and call your local yoga center and try it out.
Costs vary by country and region. Where I am, you can get into a class for $12. US.
What types of Yoga would be good for soccer?
What types of Yoga would be good for soccer? I know there are different types but am not entirely sure which to try that would best suited for physical fitness for soccer performance. Thanks in advance.
ryansoccer21m
Question answered by Dances with Buddha
I would think you'd want a yoga style that contributes to your stamina/endurance.
If that sounds correct, look for instruction that bills itself as either Power yoga, Ashtanga yoga, or at minimum, Vinyasa yoga.
If your gym/fitness center offers a yoga class, it's likely some sort of Power yoga.
Ashtanga yoga is a more regimented form of Power yoga. You may want to save trying that until you decide if you're really interested in yoga.
Your last choices would probably be styles such as Iyengar, Anusara, Restorative, Kundalini, plus others I'm leaving out.
Good luck,
dwb
What is a great way to start a persuasive essay about yoga?
Yoga benefits to be more specific and why people should do yoga.
I'm looking for a good hook. :-)
Hellen F
Question answered by Ashley D
I'd start it with "Yoga is not just for unshowered hippies anymore because..."
What is the difference between yoga and pilates?
What does yoga have that pilates doesn't?
What does pilates have that yoga doesn't?
And in what ways are they similar?
malchik (:
Question answered by
Yoga - It came way earlier
Yoga has been around for over 5000 years. It is something much more than just a way of exercising. In fact, it is a lifestyle change that many people need to take seriously. This type of program is centered on the spiritual healing of the body as well as the physical aspects. It uses a wide combination of breathing and movements to get the body back into its targeted range. Yoga is something that encompasses the entire lifestyle in ethical, spiritual and physical form.
It is important to note that yoga is centered on meditation and that the poses that are done are done to allow for better concentration and better meditation abilities.
Pilates - It's a whole different animal
Pilates, on the other hand, is a physical healing process that uses movements and breathing to work. In Pilates, the body is taken from one movement to the next in a fluid change. This allows for continuous improvement in the body in a normal way. Pilates uses Contrology in its dance form. In this, the poses that are done are more fluid and provide for a more natural movement from one to the next.
Both of these types of programs allow for individuals to improve in their health and well being through breathing techniques. Controlled, regulated breathing is very important to the success of yoga or Pilates. Which Should I Choose?
In order to know which of these you should choose, the best way to know which the better choice is for you is to actually give them a try.
http://www.pilates-shop.net/yoga-vs-pilates.htm
What is a good yoga video for beginners to use?
I have recently become interested quite interested in yoga. Iv been doing a yoga Pilate's combination video for a while, but im not flexible enough to do it properly. I was wondering if anybody new any good yoga videos for increasing flexibility. Im pretty skinny so Im not really looking for a video that is trying to burn fat or increase weight loss. Thanks very much if you have any ideas.
matahari
Question answered by Dances with Buddha
I would recommend Shiva Rea's "Yoga Shakti."
http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Shakti-Shiva-Rea/dp/1591791847
Check out some of her sample clips on youtube to get a feel if her style of instruction appeals to you.
If increasing flexibility is your only goal, then I recommend book "Stretching" by Bob Anderson.
http://www.amazon.com/Stretching-20th-Anniversary-Revised-Anderson/dp/0936070226/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266558574&sr=1-1
There is also a "Stretching" dvd by Anderson, but I have not seen it.
I don't know about Pilates, but would like to comment that being "not flexible enough" should not stop you from practicing yoga asana (poses).
You do not have to do a perfect pose (or even close to it), to derive benefit.
Example, in pose Uttanasana (Standing forward bend http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/478 ) even if a person cannot touch their toes (let alone get forehead to touch shins), you receive benefit by doing whatever creates a "developmental stretch."
A "developmental stretch" is more than an "easy" stretch, but less intense than a painful, drastic (and potentially injury causing) stretch.
If you practice developmental stretches regularly (ideally once a day), you will likely see improved flexibility in two to three weeks.
Namaste',
dwb
What is the big difference between Yoga breathing and Zen Meditation?
When you meditate using Yoga what do you do to meditate? I am talking about relaxing Yoga like breathing Yoga.
And with the Zen meditation do you follow the samething? Or you are counting your breathing etc?
Please give me example and breathing ratio.
Thank you.
Roland
Question answered by faithful_raj
The Difference Between Yoga Breathing ( Pranayam) and Zen Meditation.
- Yoga Breathing ( Pranayam ) - :
Pranayama (Sanskrit: prāṇāyāma) is a Sanskrit word meaning "lengthening of the prana or breath".
While Zen Meditation : Includes Zazen & Sesshin : which itself express the meditation while sitting in Half Pranyam Position and Breathing.
Several researchers have reported that pranayama techniques are beneficial in treating a range of stress related disorders,[33] improving autonomic functions,[34] relieving symptoms of asthma,[35][36] and reducing signs of oxidative stress.[37][38] Practitioners report that the practice of pranayama develops a steady mind, strong will-power, and sound judgement,[32] and also claim that sustained pranayama practice extends life and enhances perception.[39]
Sources by information : http://www.zmeditation.com
How do I become a yoga instructor in New Jersey?
I've been practicing yoga for almost 2 years now and I absolutely love it. I'm looking to get certified so I can use my skill to teach yoga to others. I'm just wondering how one goes about getting certified in NJ. I would probably just teach at a local YMCA or something like that, not looking to open my own studio. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
JerseyScorp
Question answered by Cat J
What style are you interested in teaching?
Usually for more wide-spread styles, the first step is to look up certification training courses in your area through the Yoga Alliance (http://www.yogaalliance.org) or the Yoga Alliance America. I know that in New York and in Los Angeles the Yoga Alliance is more or less considered "official." It's not totally unlike the "certified organic" food (versus food that's just grown without pesticides). Through the Yoga Alliance you'd be nationally recognized as a "certified yoga" instructor.
On a side note, certification standards is also an issue of controversy within the national yoga community, at least in deciding who gets to design what the standards are and how. In my own experience, yoga teachers are usually trained by their master teachers. This has the added benefit of taking-on the reputation of the master teacher, boosting your professional networking.
How can i wash my yoga pants without the shrinking and becoming too short?
I have long legs & my yoga pants always end up too short when i put them in the dryer.
I've been hanging them up to dry but that takes a long time.
Ashley
Question answered by Chrissy
I like my yoga pants to be really long so I hang to dry. I have multiple pairs so I always have some clean.
What do to with a yoga ball and how to get rid of lovehandles?
ok i have a couple of questions:
1.i have a yoga ball and people say they are good with targeting the lower abs.what do you do with a yoga ball?what are the excercises that you do?
2.what are excercises that are great for getting rid of lovehandles?
any links would be appreciated.and i don't want to have to buy any equipment.all i have is the yoga ball.
Twilight Fan
Question answered by Lies
Facing upwards, place the yoga ball underneath your stomach and hold your feet on the other side. Then slowly lean back and forth using only your stomach muscles.