What low impact core/strength workout class?
Discussion
Crush said:
Ignore the broga nonsense and get yourself to a yoga class or just buy a dvd.
Cheers for the advice, chaps. I had suspected that the 'man yoga' stuff was just marketing guff.If yoga can get me back into other things with fewer injuries then it will be a success. If I can also enjoy it, that would be even better.
I'm not too hopeful about getting back to wrestling or squash though.
Is Ashtanga Yoga recommended for a reasonably fit beginner?
Edited by MC Bodge on Wednesday 17th December 22:54
I also like the advanced Starting Strength (Mark Ripptoe) found on this page.
http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/Kethnaabs_P...
http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/Kethnaabs_P...
Halb said:
I also like the advanced Starting Strength (Mark Ripptoe) found on this page.
http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/Kethnaabs_P...
Due to various joint injuries, I'm actually looking for something gentler on the bones, at least to begin with. http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/Kethnaabs_P...
Ashtanga's great, and it should meet your requirements. It's powerful and dynamic, and will build strength *in* flexibility. Classes are good, but some personal instruction every now and then will help ensure you are applying good form and paying proper attention to the breath.
From a safety point of view, you mention joint injuries: same as beginning anything new, listen carefully to your body and don't get tied up in 'trying' too much (especially when doing new or more advanced poses). This is where personal instruction can be a big help, but regardless, ease gently into new postures and don't be afraid to use an easier alternative to begin with.
I do most of my practice now on my own and very rarely attend class. To help remind me of form and the next progression, I use a DVD from a respected Ashtanga teacher (Short Forms, by David Swenson). That keeps me right, as I'm not particularly advanced. But after a year of practice, I'm stronger, more flexible and still thankfully injury-free, despite only practicing once or twice a week.
I'd advise getting hold of a reputable instructor, possibly British Wheel of Yoga accredited:
http://www.bwy.org.uk/find-a-teacher-class/
BWY is a good start but not a guarantee of competency (there are good teachers outwith the BWY too). Trust your instincts with the teacher; they should be emphasising good form and supporting students in backing off when they feel uncomfortable. If they don't do this, go elsewhere...
From a safety point of view, you mention joint injuries: same as beginning anything new, listen carefully to your body and don't get tied up in 'trying' too much (especially when doing new or more advanced poses). This is where personal instruction can be a big help, but regardless, ease gently into new postures and don't be afraid to use an easier alternative to begin with.
I do most of my practice now on my own and very rarely attend class. To help remind me of form and the next progression, I use a DVD from a respected Ashtanga teacher (Short Forms, by David Swenson). That keeps me right, as I'm not particularly advanced. But after a year of practice, I'm stronger, more flexible and still thankfully injury-free, despite only practicing once or twice a week.
I'd advise getting hold of a reputable instructor, possibly British Wheel of Yoga accredited:
http://www.bwy.org.uk/find-a-teacher-class/
BWY is a good start but not a guarantee of competency (there are good teachers outwith the BWY too). Trust your instincts with the teacher; they should be emphasising good form and supporting students in backing off when they feel uncomfortable. If they don't do this, go elsewhere...
Cheers for the info.
Having dabbled with some slower versions, I tried a YouTube Ashtanga beginners session. It was difficult to keep up with the instructions and I'm certain that I wasn't getting all of the postures correct - especially as I couldn't physically bend far enough for some or do a slow-motion headstand with my arms folded nonchalantly behind my head.
My dodgy elbow(broken radial head as a teenager 20-odd years ago) has been playing up a little too since.
Having dabbled with some slower versions, I tried a YouTube Ashtanga beginners session. It was difficult to keep up with the instructions and I'm certain that I wasn't getting all of the postures correct - especially as I couldn't physically bend far enough for some or do a slow-motion headstand with my arms folded nonchalantly behind my head.
My dodgy elbow(broken radial head as a teenager 20-odd years ago) has been playing up a little too since.
MC Bodge said:
Cheers for the info.
Having dabbled with some slower versions, I tried a YouTube Ashtanga beginners session. It was difficult to keep up with the instructions and I'm certain that I wasn't getting all of the postures correct - especially as I couldn't physically bend far enough for some or do a slow-motion headstand with my arms folded nonchalantly behind my head.
My dodgy elbow(broken radial head as a teenager 20-odd years ago) has been playing up a little too since.
Yes. With the greatest respect, this is where personal tuition would be helpful - you can discuss your needs with the teacher and find work-arounds which suit you. It sounds like you tried too much, too soon... Obviously there's a wide range in the quality of what's around on the net, but the DVD I mention above suggests easier alternative poses frequently. Bear in mind that being physically fit, as you mention, doesn't translate a whole lot to yoga, at least to begin - your engine may be able to cope easily, but the chassis is all out of alignment Having dabbled with some slower versions, I tried a YouTube Ashtanga beginners session. It was difficult to keep up with the instructions and I'm certain that I wasn't getting all of the postures correct - especially as I couldn't physically bend far enough for some or do a slow-motion headstand with my arms folded nonchalantly behind my head.
My dodgy elbow(broken radial head as a teenager 20-odd years ago) has been playing up a little too since.
That's how it was for me anyway, and I had a good 2-3 months of stumbling and banging about in class before I discovered any kind of fluidity. As for keeping up with a class or trying to do things you're not yet capable of, dismiss such nonsense. I'd be very wary of doing any class in which you have to keep up, online or in person... Yoga ain't aerobics. As they say, it's *your* practice: if you're prepared to see changes over a long timescale, you'll get there eventually and injury-free.
MurderousCrow said:
Yes. With the greatest respect, this is where personal tuition would be helpful - you can discuss your needs with the teacher and find work-arounds which suit you. It sounds like you tried too much, too soon... Obviously there's a wide range in the quality of what's around on the net, but the DVD I mention above suggests easier alternative poses frequently. Bear in mind that being physically fit, as you mention, doesn't translate a whole lot to yoga, at least to begin
I agree about tuition. Unfortunately, the bad elbow is a bone damage issue.My muscles and soft tissues (despite other historical issues) have been fine. I'm possibly more flexible than many men of my age, although not like a typical woman!
Edited by MC Bodge on Monday 22 December 10:16
As it is still the Xmas period I'm making do with online yoga classes and really finding them useful.
My flexibility and balance during the exercises have all improved in the past few weeks. I feel generally more limber and even an issue with one of my knees appears to have improved after doing one particular stretch
Along with doing some other specific strengthening exercises, I am feeling better (improved core strength?) whilst getting back into running.
I will seek out a class.
My flexibility and balance during the exercises have all improved in the past few weeks. I feel generally more limber and even an issue with one of my knees appears to have improved after doing one particular stretch
Along with doing some other specific strengthening exercises, I am feeling better (improved core strength?) whilst getting back into running.
I will seek out a class.
Edited by MC Bodge on Tuesday 30th December 16:14
I managed to attend a local yoga class yesterday. "Dynamic Hatha" -Nothing too hardcore. There were even some other blokes there.
Having been doing YouTube yoga (Tim Senesi ones have been the best I've found so far) since early December, I was familiar with the process, many of the poses and had trained my muscle memory a little.
There were no headstands, feet-up planks, balancing on one arm etc, so I could cope with virtually everything and managed the optional bits.
All in all, it was quite good and a softly-spoken woman was probably just as effective as a retired American wrestler at leading the session.
Having been doing YouTube yoga (Tim Senesi ones have been the best I've found so far) since early December, I was familiar with the process, many of the poses and had trained my muscle memory a little.
There were no headstands, feet-up planks, balancing on one arm etc, so I could cope with virtually everything and managed the optional bits.
All in all, it was quite good and a softly-spoken woman was probably just as effective as a retired American wrestler at leading the session.
Edited by MC Bodge on Tuesday 27th January 11:32
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