Few questions for those of you that practices yoga.
Basically I’m trying to get rid of a lower back problem that comes up when I go too hard. I definitely think it’s a core strength issue and flexibility work would help too. Yoga seems to be the answer. Let the preachers teach.
I was unflexible, and I had never done yoga/pilates. I started doing the Spinervals “Flexible Warrior” Yoga DVD once or twice a week. it feels good in the middle of a tough training week. think the dvd was about $30. Also started with a pilates DVD from Target. think it was called “Core Challenge” About 45 min of core work. the first 20 min involve laying on your back with your legs at 45 degrees. your abs will be sore.
I wish I could do it with a DVD in order to save the time of going to a class but I find that it is much more beneficial to have an instructor teaching you and adjusting your positions if needed.
A class is better for me. I always push harder in activities when there are others around. I have a great instructor that is on staff at the YMCA, so it’s free with gym membership. I especially like her because she focuses a lot on core strength, so I get a good core workout and some additional flexibility. I go once at the beginning of each week. It loosens me up after the previous week’s punishment.
Now I do it mostly at home on my own with occasional classes. Classes are good in the beginning so you can be taught how to work with your limitations. All of the major gyms have some sort of program regardless of what they call it.
Another plus with the classes is that it is harder to wimp out when things start getting tough if the instructor is on the prowl, especially on the stomach stuff.
I bought a collection of yoga DVDs several years ago for home use. Tried it a bunch, but it never took off…too boring, little/no impact, etc.
Two months ago, I went to a Power Yoga class…kicked my ass. Instructor was great, patient, understanding, etc. Saw results right away and got hooked. Now I go a few times a week.
I suppose I could NOW use a DVD and see results, but certainly not without going to class and understanding the flow the past few months.
Good luck.
I started with the book “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Yoga”, then read several others (Real Men do Yoga, one of Rodney Yee’s books, Teach Yourself Visually Yoga), had a couple DVDs…
But I still find that the best one was that first book for teaching how to go from nothing to building a routine (or a few routines), and the “Teach Yourself Visually…” book for figuring out some variations on poses that got me started a lot easier.
I do all my yoga at home, by myself (though I’ve got some resources for “couples” yoga…), and I find that I’m a lot more mentally focused during the day, as well as more flexible…
I found it helpful to go to a class to start with to get you on the right track. Due to time limitations I now do mine at home on DVD. I use the Yoga Shakti DVD and find it excellent. THere are 4 routines of varying challenge, or you can build your own routine. I found it a great benefit for comfort on the bike, and also interesting to highlight differences in left/right body flexibility and strength.