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Why yoga?
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Anonymous
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Prince of Petworth has post today reviewing local yoga studios, and so many people are so passionate about it.
I've never done it. If you do yoga and love it, can you tell me why? I feel like I should be doing something physical, but would never ever go to a gym. Oh, and I'm a giant cynic, totally scientific/logical mind, and not in the least bit "spiritual". 
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Anonymous
| It's good for muscle toning and flexibility and can be relaxing. If you get an instructor you like, it doesn't have to be spiritual. |
Anonymous
Agree. Yoga is one of those things that even for cynics shouldn't be a question of, does it work, etc. It's just good exercise. I did it 2x a week, nothing fancy, just one hour classes at my gym, before I got pregnant and had a baby and it really helped me deal with my upper back and neck pain - and I built strength. I was skeptical because I was a big runner and big into weight lifting and just didn't have time for an exercise that wouldn't give me results, but was amazed at how yoga actually does build strength (in a different way) while really toning your core and other muscles, as well as giving you a great stretch. It really did offset the tension and tightness I get from doing an office job as well as running and weight lifting. Because of the strength building it let me cut back on my lifting - I still did it but just did quick circuits fewer times a week rather than my longer and more frequent sessions pre yoga. Unfortunately since having a baby I don't have time to go to classes as I want as much time with her on during the nights and mornings as possible, but I hope to get back into it soon. The thing I can tell you about the spiritualness is that in my opinion, it is really not forced on you at all. The instructor may give you a quote to think about or consider if you would like, but at least the gym-based classes I have taken, people come for a stretching and toning experience mainly. |
Anonymous
| I do yoga for the exercise, not for any spiritual aspect. I'm a serious exercise addict and former trainer, and I've found that yoga (and Pilates, for that matter), while they don't necessarily burn a lot of calories, are really excellent for keeping me flexible and maintaining good posture, especially now that I'm in a job where I'm sitting at a desk in front of a computer all day. I also spin, run, weight train, and play tennis, and I think yoga adds an element that is missing from these activities: focus on stretching and breathing. Try a few kinds of yoga and I'm sure you will find one that suits you; it doesn't have to be every day, you can get benefits from even once a week. |
zumbamama
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I think of it as a necessary tune-up for your mind and body. We tune up our cars regularly, make sure fluids are right, alignment is right, joints are mobile, etc. The human body is a living machine and should be tuned up regularly, IMO...I yoga not for the fun of it, but because I know I need it to stay calm, limber, resilient and balanced physically/mentally.
I don't go to classes like I used to, but I squeeze in 15 minutes here and there. A spinal twist in bed after a long day...or some deep breathing when I don't want to wake up yet. And there all kinds of poses for various aches and pains. |