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Yoga (Read 15667 times)

tomtom

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Yoga
February 19, 2017, 12:07:42 pm
Seemed to be quite a lot chat on other threads about Yoga so it seemed sensible to start one.

For starters - any positions to avoid / be careful of with lower back issues? I ask as I've found DDogs seem to really not do mine any good....

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#1 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 01:39:48 pm
Any twists are generally good for lower backs. Start steady; I found twisted triangle poses  (straight leg and bent leg, can't remember the Sanskrit names sorry) worked my tight glutes as well which may be an inter-related problem.

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#2 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 04:39:02 pm
are we talking yoga the spiritual practice, or just stretching dressed up as yoga?

if its the last id just stretch in front of the tv. i do both and think that the stretch course from gymnastic bodies is the business, it comes in 3 parts, front split middle split and bridge, its a bit pricey but is designed by an ex Olympic gymnastic coach so i think its well worth the cash and im seeing good results.

pigeon pose and full lotus FTW

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#3 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 05:31:16 pm
I feel the need to seriously try and improve my flexibility as more and more I feel this is limiting me (particularly my relative inability to do high steps and heel hooks).

I don't have time to do an organised yoga class - so I'd be interested to hear about (preferably free) online resources to get me started - anyone got any recommendations?

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#4 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 05:55:27 pm
I asked the same question on the other channel recently and got some mixed results.
I don't know anything about the hippy/spiritual side at all, but I was looking for some stretching excercises.
The best I've found (for me, you may hate them) are the Sean Vigue ones on YouTube. Yoga moves, and mostly stretch related rather than meditation.
I've been doing different routines every morning varying from 15-40minutes and have seen really good results.
I can now touch my toes standing up yyfy.

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#5 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 06:41:05 pm
mobility WOD is good, its on the youtube

Iesu

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#6 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 06:54:40 pm
I feel the need to seriously try and improve my flexibility as more and more I feel this is limiting me (particularly my relative inability to do high steps and heel hooks).

I don't have time to do an organised yoga class - so I'd be interested to hear about (preferably free) online resources to get me started - anyone got any recommendations?

hip specific stuff from my favourite teacher Part 1 : Part 2:

When I don't have the time/desire for a full Ashtanga practice I follow Helena's videos. Series 2, Ep 1 is my favourite  :whistle:

Iesu

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#7 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 07:02:04 pm
Seemed to be quite a lot chat on other threads about Yoga so it seemed sensible to start one.

For starters - any positions to avoid / be careful of with lower back issues? I ask as I've found DDogs seem to really not do mine any good....

I should have said earlier: if downward dogs are painful are you sure you have your form right? I would always recommend going along to a class if you can to get some hands-on help with form. In basic terms your body should be a perfect (ish) triangle with arms and back forming one plane (side) and legs forming the other plane (side). Shoulder blades should be extended down the back (shoulders away from ears; no hunch) and in theory elbows rotated inward so inner elbows start to point towards the ceiling.

Generally warming your lower back up before launching into downward dogs/vinyasa is a good idea if you're experiencing pain too. Try one of the flow videos as linked above.

Catcheemonkey

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#8 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 07:02:56 pm
Nice one. Thanks for the tips.


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Iesu

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#9 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 07:10:34 pm
are we talking yoga the spiritual practice, or just stretching dressed up as yoga?

I'm interested in your point of view on this; my experience of practicing yoga has been that having attended many different styles of classes I have never really felt that engagement wth the "spiritual" side of it is strictly necessary or pushed that hard.

I have been to classes with some chanting; i didn't join in and didn't feel pressured to. I've also been to cross-over HIIT/Yoga classes with a lot more focus on sports performance or injury recovery/management. Horses for courses.

In my opinion if a "yogercise" class is using a progression of asana's in a structured way loosely conforming to one style of yoga or another it is yoga. I take it that you disagree?

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#10 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 07:18:11 pm
http://yogastudioapp.com
If you have iPhone/iPad, spend 3.99 on this.
When doing Sharkathon this was my go to on days were I felt just too tired to do anything.
In Jan, did either the 15/30 beginner routines each day and felt much better for doing this.
This was to increase mobility in particular in the hips.
There a some downward dog poses but you could just sit these out.
In the app you can create your own class/routine, so this might be of use to you.
It's more stretching than spiritual but I enjoy the mysical background music and the soothing narration.

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#11 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 07:36:12 pm
Seemed to be quite a lot chat on other threads about Yoga so it seemed sensible to start one.

For starters - any positions to avoid / be careful of with lower back issues? I ask as I've found DDogs seem to really not do mine any good....
I a public session I would avoid all positions that result in sphincter clenching in order that you don't fart.

tomtom

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#12 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 07:44:24 pm
Seemed to be quite a lot chat on other threads about Yoga so it seemed sensible to start one.

For starters - any positions to avoid / be careful of with lower back issues? I ask as I've found DDogs seem to really not do mine any good....

I should have said earlier: if downward dogs are painful are you sure you have your form right? I would always recommend going along to a class if you can to get some hands-on help with form. In basic terms your body should be a perfect (ish) triangle with arms and back forming one plane (side) and legs forming the other plane (side). Shoulder blades should be extended down the back (shoulders away from ears; no hunch) and in theory elbows rotated inward so inner elbows start to point towards the ceiling.

Generally warming your lower back up before launching into downward dogs/vinyasa is a good idea if you're experiencing pain too. Try one of the flow videos as linked above.

Friend I was away with this weekend has had multiple back problems (inc surgery as a solution) and he does yoga - but had a private class with the teacher first - where he had some bespoke advice about what positions to avoid and how to modify positions due to his back. This is what partly worries me about trying to follow video's apps etc..

Krank

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#13 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 07:57:49 pm
In my opinion if a "yogercise" class is using a progression of asana's in a structured way loosely conforming to one style of yoga or another it is yoga. I take it that you disagree?
i do disagree.
there are many benefits from doing "yoga" and if you get something from it then more power to ya. but doing kick ups isn't playing football and fingerboarding aint climbing.

practising asana is 1 of the 8 limbs of yoga and personally i think that if your yoga practice doesn't involve the others then your not really doing Yoga. i think that most classes focus on the asana part because that's the interesting bit to most people. i dont think most people are interested in the other parts, generally i don't see/meet a lot of people who are interested in spiritual progression and that is really what its for.
on a sidenote i very much dislike the word spiritual, too many horrible associations with flakey new age goonery, but there's not really any other word to use.
« Last Edit: February 19, 2017, 08:12:05 pm by Krank »

Iesu

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#14 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 08:15:41 pm
Seemed to be quite a lot chat on other threads about Yoga so it seemed sensible to start one.

For starters - any positions to avoid / be careful of with lower back issues? I ask as I've found DDogs seem to really not do mine any good....

I should have said earlier: if downward dogs are painful are you sure you have your form right? I would always recommend going along to a class if you can to get some hands-on help with form. In basic terms your body should be a perfect (ish) triangle with arms and back forming one plane (side) and legs forming the other plane (side). Shoulder blades should be extended down the back (shoulders away from ears; no hunch) and in theory elbows rotated inward so inner elbows start to point towards the ceiling.

Generally warming your lower back up before launching into downward dogs/vinyasa is a good idea if you're experiencing pain too. Try one of the flow videos as linked above.

Friend I was away with this weekend has had multiple back problems (inc surgery as a solution) and he does yoga - but had a private class with the teacher first - where he had some bespoke advice about what positions to avoid and how to modify positions due to his back. This is what partly worries me about trying to follow video's apps etc..

Any yoga class where the teacher doesn't ask each person in the class to disclose injuries or other issues and offer modified postures to suit should be retreated from fast!

I don't think 1to1 is the only solution; talk to the tutor/teacher about class sizes and/or the extend of "hands on" tuition (I've found both vary massively) before you go?

Iesu

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#15 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 08:50:37 pm
In my opinion if a "yogercise" class is using a progression of asana's in a structured way loosely conforming to one style of yoga or another it is yoga. I take it that you disagree?
i do disagree.
there are many benefits from doing "yoga" and if you get something from it then more power to ya. but doing kick ups isn't playing football and fingerboarding aint climbing.

practising asana is 1 of the 8 limbs of yoga and personally i think that if your yoga practice doesn't involve the others then your not really doing Yoga. i think that most classes focus on the asana part because that's the interesting bit to most people. i dont think most people are interested in the other parts, generally i don't see/meet a lot of people who are interested in spiritual progression and that is really what its for.
on a sidenote i very much dislike the word spiritual, too many horrible associations with flakey new age goonery, but there's not really any other word to use.

Fair enough. Reminds me a lot of the "climbers who only climb indoors aren't really climbers" debate though.

Limbs (I had to look these up because it's been a while since I read the Wheel of Yogahttp://www.yogajournal.com/article/beginners/the-eight-limbs/)
1. Yama - check (although I'm not veggie so some would consider this a stern fail)
2. Niyama - check (not a temple goer but I find many opportunities for meditative contemplation)
3. Asana - check (but not as often as I should!)
4. Pranayama - check (I struggle through my practice but I occasionally use it when cycling up a big hill, focussing on climbing, paddle outs in challenging conditions)
5. Pratyahara - check (I'm not an expert but I can relate to that in many respects; it's something I experience when highly focussed)
6. Dharana - check (although rarely I would say)
7. Dhyanha - fail (I struggle with fully engaged/disengagement? Meditation)
8. Samadhi - fail

6 (debatable!) out of 8 sounds like a decent hit rate to me, personally YMMV.

I don't feel like "practising all eight limbs" is essential in any way to be honest; any practitioner is on a "path" (you did say you loved new age flannel right?  :2thumbsup:) to wherever they get to. "Achieving" transcendental ecstasy seems like quite a big ask from something I do with my spare time to keep my body and mind in better shape than they would otherwise be.

Seems to me that you have your barrier to entry for "yoga" set a leeeedle too high.

You (and others) are welcome to judge me on the basis of my comments but it don't make a blind bit of difference tbh and isn't what the thing I'm trying to describe is supposed to be about.

Krank

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#16 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 09:19:15 pm
 i wasn't judging you at all, sorry if it came off that way, i was just putting across my view that by simply doing some stretching i don't think people are doing yoga, they're just stretching.
 i don't think the "indoor climbers aren't real climbers" comparison is the same because they are fully engaged in climbing, its just on plastic not rock, do you think someone who just fingerboards is a climber? i don't, they just do something that climbers do.

to practice yoga you don't have to have mastered all 8 limbs, the amount of people who are gonna attain samadhi is tiny, even a true meditative state is difficult and takes more time than most people have got. i don't think the point is to be perfect on each aspect of the 8 limbs, i just think trying to embrace them as much as possible is what its all about.

what would your barrier be for the practice of yoga? do you think just stretching while doing nothing else qualifies as yoga?
« Last Edit: February 19, 2017, 09:30:30 pm by Krank »

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#17 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 10:36:19 pm
I'd say yoga is the attempt to still the mind, there's a few strategies in those 8 limbs but I do think the linking of breath with postures is yoga. Postures alone- agreed, that's stretching the body, not the mind.

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#18 Re: Yoga
February 19, 2017, 10:48:32 pm
I'd say yoga is the attempt to still the mind, there's a few strategies in those 8 limbs but I do think the linking of breath with postures is yoga. Postures alone- agreed, that's stretching the body, not the mind.

This essentially.

Also I think one of the reasons it's such a popular activity is that people are made to feel free to take what they want from it and not have other people be overly prescriptive about what "it" is.

My long ranting post was meant to come across as more "lighthearted rant" ™ than probably came across in the reading. Apologies!

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#19 Re: Yoga
February 20, 2017, 01:25:45 pm
My 2ps worth: get ye to a good class. Much of the stretching is using the agonists to stretch the antagonists. Form is all important to prevent injury (engaging core and knees for example). If you do it right you're going to get a good sweat on. I have to admit that I struggle to fit it in as much as I used to but when I was I noticed an improvement in general posture, flexibility and reduction of 'climbers hunch'.

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#20 Re: Yoga
February 20, 2017, 03:49:41 pm
are we talking yoga the spiritual practice, or just stretching dressed up as yoga?

if its the last id just stretch in front of the tv. i do both and think that the stretch course from gymnastic bodies is the business, it comes in 3 parts, front split middle split and bridge, its a bit pricey but is designed by an ex Olympic gymnastic coach so i think its well worth the cash and im seeing good results.

pigeon pose and full lotus FTW

(nothing to do with yoga coming up, purely stretching)

Further to this, I looked into a few paid content courses that are available online.
The selection seems to be
1. sommers gymnastic bodies stretch courses ($225 total)
2. gold medal bodies - focussed flexibility ($95)
3. Kit Laughlin's mastery series: squat, pancake, pike, shoulders, back bend (£13.50 each)

I did quite a bit of reading into all three (form your own opinions), and eventually bought Kit Laughlin's squat, pancake and pike series.
I don't regret it one bit, despite being the cheapest by a mile.
The instruction, video production and stretches are suberb.
I'm seeing gains in just a few weeks.
« Last Edit: February 20, 2017, 04:14:46 pm by standard »

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#21 Re: Yoga
February 21, 2017, 11:52:06 pm
...and think that the stretch course from gymnastic bodies is the business, it comes in 3 parts, front split middle split and bridge, its a bit pricey but is designed by an ex Olympic gymnastic coach so i think its well worth the cash and im seeing good results

Is this accessible for beginners? I'd love to be able to bridge but haven't been able to since I was 8... Hadn't really tried until recently but can't manage this, nor a proper downward dog, or even touch my finger tips together behind my back... Work funny shift patterns so find it hard to commit to any sort of regular class so was considering this but it's such a massive outlay for something that may be well above my current abilities...

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#22 Re: Yoga
February 22, 2017, 04:47:52 pm
its scalable, so i think you would be fine. its in the format of a follow along video so you just do as they are doing. each stretch course is about 45 mins, you need some equipment for the bridge series, like stall bars, but im sure this can be got around with a pull bar in a doorway. there is a money back guarantee so if you dont like it just get your money back.

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#23 Re: Yoga
February 22, 2017, 07:09:09 pm
on instagram if an american climber likes a pic or whatever,i have  a look and everyone bar a couple always says the into yoga as well. do they think one goes with the other? or is it just americans being american? not a fan myself but thats irrelevant.

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#24 Re: Yoga
February 22, 2017, 08:51:39 pm

 

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