can we talk about Yoga?

MrsSstrug

once my half marathon is over next month, i want to pull back from running a bit and try something different. have been toying with hitting a yoga studio. i have taken a handful of classes over the years (mainly at a gym so not pure yoga but i know basic poses).

i would keep doing some cardio and weight but curious how often one need to do yoga to really benefit from it. is this an everyday thing? i want to continue to tone up and use it to reduce stress too. what should i look for when taking a class?

any recs for studios on the red line too would be great!

dawnmichie

I do Hatha yoga for flexibility and relaxation.  It's not really about toning muscles.  Holding some of the strength poses works my muscles, but not enough to get toned.  I'd do Pilates or maybe a yoga that has a lot of movement to it, like Vinyasa or hot yoga.  I hear hot yoga is euphoric for some people, but I'm not really into sweating.

maryandkirk0909

I do Astanga Yoga- which may or may not be what you're looking for.  Depending on the class/ level/ instructor it can be anywhere from relaxing to making you drip sweat.  It is a mix of "warming" where you do pose sequences with holds and a longer cool down period. It will take a while at any studio to find the right level/ instructor for you.

My instructor is a difficult one, I deliberately go to her classes in 2 different levels because she gets my heart rate up and keeps me moving.  The holds she does are "active" holds, and she focuses on different types of breath to make your body work even in a held pose.

I'd say doing yoga as little as once or twice a week intermixed with your normal cardio routine will help with tone, flexibility and relaxation.  If you find you enjoy it, you can always do more.  I do 2-4 times a week, schedule and mood permitting, because I enjoy it more than a normal workout.

WinesNotWhines

I haven't had time to do yoga much lately, but I used to love it. I think finding the right class and instructor is very important. I've taken some bad classes at gyms, and I thought I didn't like yoga, but I just wasn't in the right class. So if you don't like the first class or two, shop around.

I used to do it once a week (90 minute class) and I saw a benefit. The more you do it, the more you'll get out of it. But I don't think you need to do more than 2 classes a week when you're starting out.

I'm on the other side of the red line, so you probably don't want to come over to my neighborhood for classes, but I think there are some good yoga studios in Bethesda and Rockville.

statwaldy

Before I got pregnant I was doing hot yoga once a week, I didn't see any results really from that but I liked the 'cleansing' effect it had and the challenge itself so I'd still recommend them. There is a location in Bethesda that is off the red line and I know there are studios all over the DC area probably also off of the red line.

Also - I have done vinyasa only a few times but really want to look into it again after I have my baby. Vinyasa does a lot of chaturanga's, which is basically a push up, and your arms will definitely feel it afterwards. I can see getting some serious toning from that style yoga. The studio I went to was Sacred Space Yoga in Rockville, its not conveniently off the red line but in the area of the red line. Also I plan to check out Thrive's hot vinyasa once cleared, which is also located in Rockville.

MrsSstrug

i am intrigued by hot yoga but i think i want to try to do a few "normal" classes first before doing anything in blazing heat for 90 mintes (i know that Bethesda one you are talking about).

i have learned from this thread i need to learn about the different types of yoga. i didn't realize there were different styles beyond hot and normal rooms.

MrsHabious

I've been thinking of doing yoga but think I need a geriatics yoga class

All kidding aside I have no flexibility in my back b/c of all the scar tissue from radiation.  I do finally have the green light to do stretching and yoga, etc.

MrsPhilDunphy

I like vinyasa a lot, also ashtanga (but I've only taken a "basics" class of that). Bikram is a good work out but I didn't love the studio I tried. Kinda red line adjacent is Flow on p street. I really like that studio. 

hurryup&w8

I LOVE yoga - both for the strength/tone it gave me and for the relaxation/focus.  It's a great compliment to running.  I like both hatha and vinyasa.  I tried the Bikram studio in Rockville and as much as I love yoga, that just wasn't for me. 

I strongly ditto what Whines said about finding the right class/studio/instructor.  I haven't practiced regularly since I moved here over 3 years ago for that reason.  I tried Thrive but just didn't like the studio very much and quite frankly, it out-priced me.  A new studio just opened up in Rockville on Wilkins Ave off of Parklawn Dr/Randolph Rd.  It's called Extend Yoga and I can't say enough good things about this place.  They had a Living Social deal last month which is how I found them.  I've tried several classes with different teachers - everyone is so nice.  And best of all the price is right.  They offer $5 classes on Fridays in Feb and complimentary class on Sunday through April (sponsored by LuLu Lemon).  The free classes on Sunday fill up so you can sign up online.  

0225eiluj

I happened across the Colbert Report last night when Steven was talking to the author of a book called The Science of Yoga.  I didn't learn much, but it might be useful in figuring out what kind you want to do.  The author did mention things you need to be careful about, like potential neck injuries from doing head stands, and the things doctors are concerned about for hot yoga (joints can get too loose and cause injury.) Food for thought.