Does anyone do yoga? Or have any thoughts about it? I'm thinking about starting to go to a class a couple of times a week. Any comments would be great.

Denise

I did yoga a few years ago and loved it. I would really recommend taking at least one class (like one set of classes) to learn the proper form.

After that, you can prob. use tapes, but having an instructor to come by and "put" you into the proper position can really be helpful.

Dawn

Does anyone have the Leslie Sansone tape for balance ball? I was thinking about picking it up because the tape that came with the ball totally intimidated me right away....I'm such an exercise weenie...hehe...anyway, I love how she approaches things and thought she might be a better idea. thanks!

Peg

I do yoga occassionally on my own. I'm still a little bit intimidated by the class. I did catch on FitTV (on cable) the last part of a Yoga show with a balance ball twice... I need to find the name of that show. I also need to get a balance ball. It looked alot more gentler with the poses and something that I could handle starting out.

In early January, I bought a balance ball which came with a DVD. Had I realized the balance ball workout was considered a form of yoga, I probably wouldn't have gotten it.

See, I'd gotten a negative feeling about yoga from two different classes I tried (once each) within the past few years. For me, the reason I didn't like the yoga classes was very personal...I am extremely short, I'm heavy (though thankfully 32 pounds lighter now), I have osteoarthritis and scoliosis in my back, and my body (esp. my spine) isn't particularly flexible. I was not able to get into most of the positions and the classes made me feel like a failure.

The balance ball workout changed all that. I'm able to do every move in the workout (which encompasses upper body, lower body and abs). I find the workout very relaxing and it has actually increased the flexibility in my neck.

So, while I may not be a huge proponent of yoga over all (for ME, personally), I do think it has amazing potential benefits. And I think that, like just about any exercise, whether it works for you is an individual decision.

I routinely use the stretching parts of my favorite yoga dvd after my workout. (I know them well enough to not need the dvd.) I don't usually make the time to do my whole yoga routine in a week, because I want the cardio workouts. The stretching comes into play because I think most of my workout dvds don't really include enough stretching.

I do notice a huge difference in my body's relaxed state when I do the whole yoga routine, but I just don't do a very good job of incorporating it weekly.

Laura

I do Pilates at the gym once a week and pop in my yoga DVD when I need it. . .and by "need it", I mean when I need some ME time but don't want to sit still. . .it's very calming to me, very relaxing, even though I break a sweat, it tires me out just enough, and I feel wonderful afterward.

The yoga class at my gym isn't at a time that's convienient for me, and I've been using "Yoga for Weight Loss" DVD for about 2 years now.

If you're nervous about it at all, see if you can catch the instructor right after another class, or see if you can leave a message at the gym for him/her to call you so you can talk to him/her. S/he might be able to give you the motivation you need to change "thinking about starting to go" to "going to go"

D

I love it for winding down at the end of the day. It is GREAT Stretching and as someone else said "Centering". I have 2 tapes I use at home. I feel way to big to go to a class. But I will make it someday!

Beth

I try to do yoga or pilates at least once a week. The stretching is great, it's a good ab workout and very centering. I would strongly recommend it!

I do yoga off and on. I find that it does help release the tension I store in my neck and back. It's also great the day after a hard workout. Helps me sleep better too.

I think it's great. I definitely notice both a physical and psychological improvement when I am regularly practicing yoga. I haven't been lately and I feel a little stiff and stressed out...

Just keep in mind that a good instructor will challenge you to test your limits but will not expect you to do anything that is dangerous for you.