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The Question: Probably everyone knows at least one person who swears by yoga. However, there are many different types of yoga to choose from. What is the best type of yoga? What is the be yoga workout? Be specific. What kind of results can one expect from using yoga? Bonus Question: Do you use yoga? If so, what kind of benefits do you get from it? If not, why? Show off your knowledge to the world! The Winners:
2nd place - 50 in store credit. To use your credit, e-mail Justin @ justin.podzimek@bodybuilding.com for more info.
The word "gym" is very commonly associated with huge guys thunking around with their huge muscles, lifting weight. Now more than ever, this image is being dissolved with the addition of many different programs that gyms are including in the cost of their membership prices. These programs include yoga, Pilates, spin classes, in addition to a vast variety of other aerobic and strength related activities. Although we've trudged on an interesting topic, let's focus on the idea of yoga. Yoga is the traditional practice of meditation combined with an assortment of physical postures. It seems that when the use of yoga first began, it was associated with human philosophy and theology.
  Click Image To Enlarge.Yoga Is The Traditional Practice Of Meditation Combined With An Assortment Of Physical Postures. More recently, it has transferred into a form of exercise. This isn't to say that it doesn't have spiritual connections anymore, but it is based much more on the individual. Now, there are a variety of different types of yoga to choose from, depending on the expectations and goals of the person, but let's only focus on the basics for the purpose of this article. The best type of yoga for strength and flexibility enhancement is essentially called Hatha Yoga, which is the yoga that connects the mind and body through a series of postures, which challenge the body in a variety of ways. These postures are combined with controlled breathing techniques which aid in focusing in on the mind to body connection. Some people even claim that with practice, this type of yoga touches them on a spiritual level.
The best kind of yoga workout focuses on muscular endurance in addition to flexibility. A collection of postures and breathing techniques are combined to achieve gains in these areas. First of all, if you're a beginner, I'd advise you get yourself into a class, where an instructor can show you step by step how to do the postures and stretches. Now, it's extremely difficult to describe the workout in writing, but I'm going to begin to attempt nevertheless. Normally a yoga session begins with a series of slow stretches, (forgive me for not remembering the technical terms for them) such as sitting toe touches, standing forward toe touches (focusing on the bend and stretch of the lower back).
After the beginning stretches, more complicated stretches are then executed (or attempted in my case.) These poses include headstands, shoulder-stands, and a variety of stretches that strongly incorporate the muscles of the core. I would strongly advise that you invest in a beginner's yoga session to get you started.
There are numerous benefits associated with the practice of yoga, including stress relief, vast increases in flexibility, and gains in core muscular strength, in addition to a possible spiritual connection.
Although I was skeptical when I first went to a beginner's yoga session, the way I felt after walking out of the place cleared me of my doubts. You feel like a new person after a yoga session. On another note, since I know a lot of guys read articles on this site, I have to say that although it may sound sleazy, a yoga class is an excellent place to find nice looking ladies. That's one of the unexpected but extremely desirable results possible.
I actually went to a couple of yoga classes, and try to incorporate elements that I learned in the classes into my stretching routine after I warm up prior to my weight training workouts. I firmly believe that the core strength that the yoga techniques build has prevented me from injury. I am training to compete in a triathlon in addition to weight training 3 times a week, which clearly puts me at a higher risk of injury than most people, but I have remained injury free. Related Injury Articles: Although I am not still attending the yoga classes, I would still advise that anyone with an interest in fitness or anyone who wants to just be a more flexible person give yoga a try. After thinking about it, I'm going to be looking to get into a regular yoga group if I can find one nearby.
Thanks for reading!
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