Discussion
I knew/know nothing about yoga other than I really needed to work on my mobility, so I took the plunge around 8 weeks ago. Only bloke surrounded by women of a certain age - not quite what I had envisioned!
Really enjoy it; now go twice a week and looking at a third session at my gym.
The class I go to is a mix of yoga and pilates, so there is some body weight strength work in it as well (hard work!).
I've since discovered that there are loads of different types of yoga, but putting aside specialist things like hot yoga, they tend to fall into three broad categories; more technical focusing on accuracy of position and form, happyclappy/hairy armpit/peace etc or Vinyasa which focuses on 'flows' which I prefer.
Here's a (really good) vinyasa beginner flow routine to give you an idea of what it's all about (click right to continue the vid): https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx21s2DlWFz/
You can buy yoga props to help you as well - blocks (which you can use to sit or support on) and straps to pull you legs into position.
Both really help if you're as immobile as I was as they at least get you into the starting points for some of the positions. You'll understand once you've done a couple of classes and found your limitations. There are plenty of youtube videos on how to use them.
Good luck, enjoy it but prepare yourself for slow progress.
Really enjoy it; now go twice a week and looking at a third session at my gym.
The class I go to is a mix of yoga and pilates, so there is some body weight strength work in it as well (hard work!).
I've since discovered that there are loads of different types of yoga, but putting aside specialist things like hot yoga, they tend to fall into three broad categories; more technical focusing on accuracy of position and form, happyclappy/hairy armpit/peace etc or Vinyasa which focuses on 'flows' which I prefer.
Here's a (really good) vinyasa beginner flow routine to give you an idea of what it's all about (click right to continue the vid): https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx21s2DlWFz/
You can buy yoga props to help you as well - blocks (which you can use to sit or support on) and straps to pull you legs into position.
Both really help if you're as immobile as I was as they at least get you into the starting points for some of the positions. You'll understand once you've done a couple of classes and found your limitations. There are plenty of youtube videos on how to use them.
Good luck, enjoy it but prepare yourself for slow progress.
I've done (Dru) Yoga classes on and off for a few years. When I'm into it I really enjoy it, but occasionally lose interest and skip it for a few months. I try to keep up with a few exercises every morning which definitely helps.
Very few under 40 in my class, mostly middle-aged women and a few other men. This is probably why I lose interest after a while - it's not the yoga itself as I enjoy that. NB I'm mid-fifties but would enjoy more mixed company than typically seen at my group.
Very few under 40 in my class, mostly middle-aged women and a few other men. This is probably why I lose interest after a while - it's not the yoga itself as I enjoy that. NB I'm mid-fifties but would enjoy more mixed company than typically seen at my group.
I've done a few of the P90X programmes which include Yoga modules. I skipped them for a while but then got stuck in. The P90X one runs to 1.5 hours and is properly tough. P90X3 is 30 mins but still a challenge. Both were excellent though.
You start thinking some moves are impossible. Then one day, you'll move into 'crow' and it will stick.
Haven't done any yoga for while but reading this thread, think I'll get back into it.
You start thinking some moves are impossible. Then one day, you'll move into 'crow' and it will stick.
Haven't done any yoga for while but reading this thread, think I'll get back into it.
biggbn said:
Seriously considering it. Am a big dude though and have kinda dodgy knees..how is it on the joints
I'll caveat again by saying that I am merely a beginner so take what I say with a pinch of salt....Yoga is about mobility not just flexibility. It's not a series of linked static stretches, rather it activates the muscles required to move you into and hold the various positions. So for example sinking down into middle splits is different from say a TKD fighter standing and holding a high (middle split) kick. If you've got 30s, then here's somebody who lifts struggling to doing side kicks, simply because it is different muscle control: https://youtu.be/N1yH3CaD8Pg?t=348
So with that in mind and because you're moving yourself into positions and increasing your mobility by doing so, you're controlling your movements so you can easily prevent yourself from injuring yourself.
You can also modify different movements to compensate for your lack of mobility/flexibility/dodgy knees. So for example to start with, your dodgy knees might struggle with placing one leg (not both) on top of the other when sitting upright cross legged, then reaching to the side (literally the first move in that original insta vid I linked above).
The pose itself won't hurt your knees, it will be the tension in your hips fighting against your knees that will hurt your knees if that makes sense? You can modify it by either simply sitting cross legged or on a yoga block/cushion, then you actively push your knees down as you stretch both arms to the side. That active pushing is strengthening your muscles which in turn trains your brain to increase the stretch and after a while you can keep your knees lower and stretch further.
Try that first pose which she makes look really simple - keep your knees down/stop them from lifting and place your elbow on the floor like she does. It's ridiculously hard!
Give it a go, I'm sure a big man like you isn't afraid of some old women
ben5575 said:
biggbn said:
Seriously considering it. Am a big dude though and have kinda dodgy knees..how is it on the joints
I'll caveat again by saying that I am merely a beginner so take what I say with a pinch of salt....Yoga is about mobility not just flexibility. It's not a series of linked static stretches, rather it activates the muscles required to move you into and hold the various positions. So for example sinking down into middle splits is different from say a TKD fighter standing and holding a high (middle split) kick. If you've got 30s, then here's somebody who lifts struggling to doing side kicks, simply because it is different muscle control: https://youtu.be/N1yH3CaD8Pg?t=348
So with that in mind and because you're moving yourself into positions and increasing your mobility by doing so, you're controlling your movements so you can easily prevent yourself from injuring yourself.
You can also modify different movements to compensate for your lack of mobility/flexibility/dodgy knees. So for example to start with, your dodgy knees might struggle with placing one leg (not both) on top of the other when sitting upright cross legged, then reaching to the side (literally the first move in that original insta vid I linked above).
The pose itself won't hurt your knees, it will be the tension in your hips fighting against your knees that will hurt your knees if that makes sense? You can modify it by either simply sitting cross legged or on a yoga block/cushion, then you actively push your knees down as you stretch both arms to the side. That active pushing is strengthening your muscles which in turn trains your brain to increase the stretch and after a while you can keep your knees lower and stretch further.
Try that first pose which she makes look really simple - keep your knees down/stop them from lifting and place your elbow on the floor like she does. It's ridiculously hard!
Give it a go, I'm sure a big man like you isn't afraid of some old women
I've been going for a while now, around 8 months all in across two studios. I'm 38 and have been working hard over the past 2 years in general to lose weight, as I was at nearly 19 stone. I wanted something different from my usual gym sessions and also its something I do with my wife. We go once a week to the York Yoga Studio.
I started off with some basic yoga classes to learn the moves and basic ideals. Then moved to a vinyasa flow class that is more like a workout where you move from position to position. Its improved my mobility alround and helped strengthened joints. It compliments the work I do in the gym. I find it fun, its relaxing and I push my self in a way I've not done so before.
Learning the positions at first can feel like your being tortured and if the Instructor has a big class you can be left in them untillyou reveal the nuclear codes.... the instructor has been round everyone checking its ebing done right. But every class I've been too has let people go at their own pace. If you have to come out of a position, then do so.
I started off with some basic yoga classes to learn the moves and basic ideals. Then moved to a vinyasa flow class that is more like a workout where you move from position to position. Its improved my mobility alround and helped strengthened joints. It compliments the work I do in the gym. I find it fun, its relaxing and I push my self in a way I've not done so before.
Learning the positions at first can feel like your being tortured and if the Instructor has a big class you can be left in them untill
Done a few over years, never been hissed at or felt unwelcome, yes lots of classes are full of older ladies, but didnt bother me, or them
I really enjoyed it , need to get back into it, great anecdote to modern life
Some of the exercises are really good for strength as well as stretching, ive incorporated a few into body weight routines
Not all yoga is the same and there is quite a bit of variation, from more chilled out relaxing to full on flat out"
I really enjoyed it , need to get back into it, great anecdote to modern life
Some of the exercises are really good for strength as well as stretching, ive incorporated a few into body weight routines
Not all yoga is the same and there is quite a bit of variation, from more chilled out relaxing to full on flat out"
I just started a couple of months ago. Persuaded MrsC to come with me but after 3 weeks she decided it wasn't for her so I go on my own now.
It's a small class, usually 6-9 people and there's only ever been one other guy, who isn't always there. Rest are a mix from a young-ish Amazon who's about 6ft to an OAP. All quietly friendly and I'm not getting hissed at by anyone
As well as the flexibility and mobility, I really enjoy the relaxation aspect. The class starts with everyone laid down doing breathing exercises, then ends with about 15 minutes of relaxation where the instructor talks you through it. Best bit is, when you first lie down for final relaxation, she comes round to everyone and places a warm towel on your head and covers your whole body with a fleece blanket. Nurtured, much??
It's great.
It's a small class, usually 6-9 people and there's only ever been one other guy, who isn't always there. Rest are a mix from a young-ish Amazon who's about 6ft to an OAP. All quietly friendly and I'm not getting hissed at by anyone
As well as the flexibility and mobility, I really enjoy the relaxation aspect. The class starts with everyone laid down doing breathing exercises, then ends with about 15 minutes of relaxation where the instructor talks you through it. Best bit is, when you first lie down for final relaxation, she comes round to everyone and places a warm towel on your head and covers your whole body with a fleece blanket. Nurtured, much??
It's great.V8covin said:
From my experience the teachers make it look so easy when in reality it's nothing of the sort, especially for a 50 something man with poor flexibility.
Some of the moves I couldn't even start lol.
Women of all ages seem to be so much more flexible than men.
It would be a little odd if the person taking the class couldn't do it... Some of the moves I couldn't even start lol.
Women of all ages seem to be so much more flexible than men.
I've been going for a few months now usually twice a week. Your mobility would improve and quite quickly.
I also like the forced relaxation aspect. I go on a Sunday afternoon and have an hour where I don't think about anything else.
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