Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2013 9:53:17 GMT -5
If you practice yoga, how long have you been practicing? Why did you choose yoga, strictly for the physical benefits, the mind/body/spirit/ connection, or some other reason? Have you noticed changes, physical or otherwise? Is yoga just something you do, or part of a lifestyle? I'm just curious. I've been interested in yoga for years, but only got up the nerve to start attending classes a few months ago. I don't personally know a single person IRL that practices yoga, and most people I know seem to think it's odd or weird. I usually end up asking "What's funny?" when I mention that I like yoga. I'm always the odd (wo)man out in the classes. The ones I've been to seem to attract certain people. They all seem to be white, well to do (maybe because of the expense?) professionals, retirees, and SAHMs, or in their early 20's. I'm not any of those things lol! They're either paired off, know each other as groups, or loners like me. All that to say, I'm curious about other people's yoga practice but I don't have anyone IRL to ask about it so I decided to ask my internet friends here. I poke around on websites like yoga journal's site, but that's not the same as getting feedback from "real" people. So if you practice yoga, please share. Oh, and if you have that aura of calm serenity, how long did it take you to get there?
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bean29
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Post by bean29 on Oct 8, 2013 10:24:48 GMT -5
My workout studio runs regular Yoga Classes. My understanding is they are more intermediate to advanced.
They have a pretty large group of comitted attendees. about 50/50 white/indian and other minorites. Yoga is not my favorite workout, but I find it a challenging workout and an acceptable substitute if I miss my regular class. The people are pretty friendly.
It helps that the group that regularly attends always seems to have a few individuals that don't seem to be afraid to voice if things are too difficult for them, and the teacher is very experienced and gives alternative moves for people at differnt levels.
I don't like the meditation but I like the rest - it dosn't keep me away.
My monthly fee is about $20.00 for unlimited use of the gym and unlimited classes. They have Yoga Tues at 6:30 pm and Th at 6:15 pm and Sat at 7:15am. I think that they also have weekdays at 9 am but I am at work, so not sure...but i don't think it is particularly expensive.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2013 12:11:55 GMT -5
bean, I go to beginner classes at yoga studios. So far the instructors I've had are good about emphasizing that you work within your capabilities.
Going to a yoga studio is probably what makes it more expensive. The upside of the studios is that they have a variety of classes all day every day, so it's easier to find something that fits your needs and your schedule. I also like the atmosphere. I go to a morning class on one of my days off work, and evening classes on workdays. If you just drop in for class, it's $15 or $16 per class. If you pay for a certain number of classes at once, you can get the cost down to $10/class. Or you can pay some hundreds of dollars for unlimited access for a certain number of months. I've been unable to find classes that aren't at least a 20 minute drive from home at a studio, gym, or anywhere.
I haven't been to a class that included meditation. I can't quiet my mind long enough to meditate.
I joke that I like yoga because I'm lazy and it's not fast movement. A friend of mine went to my first couple classes with me. In return I agreed to try zumba with her. She hasn't set a place and time yet, so I've been able to avoid it so far. LOL
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Otto the Orange
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Post by Otto the Orange on Oct 8, 2013 12:20:01 GMT -5
.....oh, not looking for yogi bear?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2013 12:42:50 GMT -5
I do mixed level once a week because its close. I'd like to do more, but will have to drive. My body is flexible, although I need to work on blance. I like the focus and speed of yoga, the way its an internal proces.. It de-stresses me and tones.
I am not coordinated for fast things like Zumba.
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bean29
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Post by bean29 on Oct 8, 2013 12:57:30 GMT -5
Pink we also have Yoga M, W, F at 8:15 and T/TH at 9:15 am. They have Zumba at 8:15 on T/TH. and in the Eve M-Th 5:30 to 6:25 pm. I would do Zumba if it was at 6:30 but no way can I work till 5 and make it accross town by 5:30 pm. I also find Zumba a little intense, and am somewhat uncordinated but I don't get the impression people are too hung up on it.
The class I like is at 6:30 M/W and is a weighlifting class. I even have a hard time getting there by 6:30 b/c I have to pick up my Dog from Doggie Daycare first.
Oh, and our Yoga instructor used to run a Yoga studio downtonw, not sure if she still does. But she is a great instructor - which is why her classes are so well attended.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2013 13:05:01 GMT -5
oped, was that suppose to say your body is flexible? I'm not sure about "legible". I like yoga for the same reasons you do. I always leave class feeling relaxed and refreshed. When my friend started talking about Zumba I warned her that I'm kind of goofy when it comes to stuff like that, but I'm willing to go with her and try it. She was a good sport about trying yoga, so I can be one too.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2013 13:10:29 GMT -5
Already changed
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2013 13:11:07 GMT -5
If we ever get to a zumba class and I have a hard time with it, I'll just tell myself the same thing I do during yoga sessions. "It's ok".
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Oct 8, 2013 13:57:18 GMT -5
I started yoga in the 1970s with Richard Hittleman's 28 days to yoga. It is a step by step book that ends in 28 days by giving 3 programs rotating through one each day. It can be used for a lifetime. Each day has a different meditation at the end. Two are breathing, one is candle meditation.
I gave the book to someone and never got it back but I did keep the 3 day schedule and use it. I also do one or two rounds of Rise to Greet the Sun. There are various routines on the internet. I shared these with my GrD who wanted to start but not pay for classes.
The classes are good to make sure you will go, your alignment is correct and to give you more advanced asanas.
I feel guilty if I do not do some sort of yoga in the morning. Perhaps the body, mind, spirit want the balance and to be honored. I will even do one pose each through the programs I have.
Best wishes on your road to discovery in this area. Only good comes from yoga practice.
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Oct 8, 2013 13:59:18 GMT -5
If we ever get to a zumba class and I have a hard time with it, I'll just tell myself the same thing I do during yoga sessions. "It's ok". I love Zumba!!!!
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saveinla
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Post by saveinla on Oct 8, 2013 14:14:14 GMT -5
I joined a gentle yoga class at the parks and recreation center last month (mostly because of empty nest issues) and so far it has been good for me. I just do as much as I can. It looks like a lot of people in the class have been taking it for a few years and they are all older. I think I will continue with this class for a while. My DH joined with me, but it was so slow and boring for him , he switched to kundalini yoga. He likes the fast pace and the health benefits for him from that class are much greater.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2013 16:14:28 GMT -5
Artemis, thank you for the encouragement with my practice. I wish I had started years ago, when I first became interested in it, but I was worried about feeling and/or looking silly, and who knows what else. Yoga has already helped me get over the kind of thinking that stopped me from exploring it a long time ago.
Swamp must be one of the coordinated ones around here! Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised when I go zumba.
anne, I thought about private yoga classes at first, because I didn't want to be publicly embarrassed. I'm glad I finally got over myself on that one. I still think about it occasionally, to get a bit of guidance and feedback on my alignment. Some teachers are better than others at helping with proper alignment, but they still have a large group of people to pay attention to. The morning class that I go to, the teacher doesn't focus on proper alignment much, but I love her class because it's very soothing to me. It sets a great tone for the rest of my day. I hope you continue to reap the benefits of yoga!
saveinla, I can see how some people would find yoga too slow and boring. During my first class, I was surprised to realize I was sweating because it doesn't look like people are really doing anything when they're going through the poses. Good for your DH for finding a style that suits him better. I'm not ready for kundalini, I'll stick to the slower paced beginner classes for now lol.
Thank you all for sharing your experiences.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2013 16:32:00 GMT -5
To answer the questions I asked you all, I started yoga so I'd have something new to focus on when I quit smoking. Kind of replacing a bad habit with a good one. To occupy myself during times I would have normally smoked, I'd work on my breathing or look up something yoga related online or think about what asanas I wanted to explore at home. Anything to distract me from the fact that I wasn't smoking! I was also interested in the mind/body/spirit connection and knew I needed to learn to pay attention to my body. I'd gotten very good at ignoring it unless it was screaming at me. Yoga was one of a few lifestyle changes I started in order to be healthier. Nothing like being sick to motivate you to take better care of yourself. The biggest change I've noticed is that I'm already a little more flexible. My legs also feel a little "lighter", which sounds weird because I'd never noticed they felt "heavy" lol. I'm more aware of my posture. It's terrible if I don't pay attention. I don't know if it's coincidence or not, but my shoulder that's been bothering me constantly for a couple of years, doesn't hurt as often or as badly as it had been. Maintaining that calm state of mind is hit or miss. Mostly miss. But hey, I'm a work in progress.
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Oct 8, 2013 16:59:26 GMT -5
The best and hardest thing you will ever do in you life is quit smoking. I quit 22 years ago and had to completely learn how to live my life as everything was connected to cigarettes. That is how my DM& taught me how to cope. Best wishes.
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Nov 6, 2013 16:44:55 GMT -5
I got the angry pink "don't bump this old thread" banner. It's not that busy here that this amounts to a hill of pink.
I went to an easy yoga class today. My first evva lead yoga class. I bumped into a friend who has been going for years; and she helped me pick out my double mat and block.
I can see where my self-directed yoga practice is done too quickly.
I will see if I am sore tomorrow.
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Nov 14, 2013 16:33:28 GMT -5
Yesterday was Day 3 of lead yoga. Two were gentle and one was chair yoga. I like both of them. I did contact the instructor for Yoga 2 and she suggests doing Yoga 1 a few times. It's at night and I'm glued to the TV.
Last night I did have some ache in between my shoulder blades. I have poor posture and we did some shoulder squeezes to strengthen that area. I am going to stay with this group for a while because of my friend.
Next week is a busy week so I'll be on my own again as soon as I get out of bed.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2013 17:53:38 GMT -5
Yay Artemis! I haven't been to a class in a while, life got in the way.
I have poor posture too. But yoga has made me more aware of it and I find myself correcting it throughout the day. Hopefully eventually it'll just become habit to stand and sit properly.
I need to get back to class soon, to add more variety to what I do at home.
Let me know how it goes as you continue with yours.
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Nov 16, 2013 22:10:33 GMT -5
Thanks. I'll be off yoga class for a week because I have house maintenance to get done. So less message board, too.
An interesting reflection on classes this week. Very subtley, the leader smelled me. I also opened my eyes while on the mat. She was walking around checking peoples' elbow/knee bend, neck alignment, and if the toes were flared when need be as well as the hands.
When we are upright, she can see all of us in the mirrors.
I wasn't offended. The leader was checking my general health as well as everyone else. Some illnesses have a distinct odor as do certain medicines. There are a lot of older women in this group. The leader can check for signs of injury or mistreatment as well as alignment.
Regarding scent, I had just showered and I use scent free laundry soap. She handed out scented warm towels so we could have a spa experience.
These leaders are truly supportive and uplifting on many levels.
Namaste.
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ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ
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Post by ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ on Nov 16, 2013 23:23:02 GMT -5
I also thought this might be about Yogi Bear.
I've done Yoga - for the slow bending/stretching exercise (and meditation).
But due to health issues, I've now switched to Tai Chi for exercise and keeping the joints limber. (It's like a slow-motion of karate moves). It's slow moving, and with the right music easy to do and spend some time getting a decent work-out from, it's not difficult, and easyt to keep in shape - while getting in some meditating at the same time.
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Dec 24, 2013 17:26:50 GMT -5
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Artemis Windsong
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Jan 14, 2014 21:51:29 GMT -5
I have found mudras. There are several on youtube. Does anyone practice these?
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