General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Yoga? Rss Feed  
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2009-07-06 9:32 AM

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Subject: Yoga?
So i know i need to do yoga for better flexibility but i have have no idea where to start?  Anyone know of any DVD's that are good or books ...  i found a few on youtube but wasn't too impressed.  Anyone got any opinions?  Thanks in advance.

Boom


2009-07-06 9:46 AM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?
I've seen this recommended a lot:

Spinervals Flexible Warrior
2009-07-06 9:49 AM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?
2009-07-06 10:53 AM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?
I'd love to hear more on this.  Just had a bike fit and the guy mentioned Yoga for Athletes.  I've read some reviews and they seem mixed.  Anybody else have any suggestions?
2009-07-06 12:15 PM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?
x2 on the Flexible Warrior series. They are all great, but I particularly love Volume I (Athletic Yoga for Triathletes) and Volume III (Flexibility for Swim Bike Run).

I also have Yoga for Athletes, but prefer Flex Warrior for a number of reasons, especially if you are new to yoga (Flex Warrior shows people with different flexibility levels throughout, and Karen points out what to do if you aren't as flexible - Yoga for Athletes has this somewhat as well, but it's not nearly as clear in my opinion). I also just really like Karen.
2009-07-06 12:31 PM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?
Yogamazing on Itunes.  20' sessions for free.  There are dozens to chose from.  You can watch them on your computer, ipod, iphone.


2009-07-06 12:41 PM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?
mcfc57 - 2009-07-06 11:53 AM I'd love to hear more on this.  Just had a bike fit and the guy mentioned Yoga for Athletes.  I've read some reviews and they seem mixed.  Anybody else have any suggestions?


This is the reason i'm looking into yoga ... fitter said i need to become more flexible...
2009-07-06 2:29 PM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?
Yeah, my fitter guessed I was somewhere in the 40th percentile when it came to hamstring flexibility.  I have had lower back pain for the last year (just started being active again in June so my pain is non-training related) and some if not all of that is likely due to my hamstrings from what I've heard.
2009-07-06 4:53 PM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?
Check around your area for yoga studios.  "Interview" them to find out if any have instructors that have experience working with endurance athletes.

If you go to a few of their classes, you will learn proper form, plus they will be able to recommend the poses that will best support a triathlete's training.

2009-07-06 10:10 PM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?
x2 on Trimybest's post. You'll need someone to watch your form and suggest corrections (now if i only would follow my own advice about my swimming). A good teacher can recommend modifications for any pose/sequence that is tailored to your fitness/flexibility. If you get stuck with a teacher who can't/won't provide alternate poses for beginners, walk out. Lots of others out there who are willing to tailor your workout to you.
2009-07-06 10:18 PM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?

I agree with above.  Check out instructors who will talk you through adjustments for your level. Know your limits.  Yoga is not about getting the poses perfect as much as it is connecting with your body and releasing the tension.  Because of running, hamstrings are very tight.  Do not expect to get your heels to the floor when everyone else can.  Don't try.  Listen to your body and let it go as far as it will.  Do not push it past its natural stopping point.  As you do more and more you will get more flexible.  Remember that yoga is not a competition.  There is no judgement, only guidance.   This is about you and your body.  The flexibility will come. 



Edited by jogo 2009-07-06 10:20 PM


2009-07-07 8:18 PM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?

I do yoga with my wife using DVD's.  I have used several ones, some specific to certain sports, some not.  I really think a lot of this is marketing.  Basic yoga positions; downward dog, sun salutations, upward dog, and a host of others I don't know the name of will accomplish your goals of increasing flexibility and strength.  A triathlete needs flexibility everywhere since we swim, bike and run.  I have several Rodney Yee dvd's and a 10 minute solution DVD I take with me on the road.  Rodney took a little getting used to, but he does a good job of teaching what you should be feeling as you go through a routine.  If I stick with it, I see noticeable increases in flexibility.  Most only take 20-30 minutes.

That being said, to me the most important feature is that you can do the moves they are teaching, you understand what they are trying to accomplish, and you like watching/listening to them. 

2009-07-07 8:38 PM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?
Just started my first day of yoga (with the podcast YOGAmazing 'cause it's free) and to be honest the first 10 minutes of it I HATED.  Thought after I was done I was never going to do it again.  But, when I was done I felt great and I'm going to continue doing it to see long term results.  I've always done my own series of stretches, but when actually following a set amount of time from a PodCast or DVD it's different, even though it may suck for the first 10 minutes... lol.
2009-07-07 8:45 PM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?
It might be yoga lite, but whatever it is the yoga stretching on the wii has definitely helped me.
2009-07-07 9:59 PM
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2009-07-07 10:33 PM
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2009-07-07 11:06 PM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?
jogo - 2009-07-06 8:18 PM

I agree with above.  Check out instructors who will talk you through adjustments for your level. Know your limits.  Yoga is not about getting the poses perfect as much as it is connecting with your body and releasing the tension.  Because of running, hamstrings are very tight.  Do not expect to get your heels to the floor when everyone else can.  Don't try.  Listen to your body and let it go as far as it will.  Do not push it past its natural stopping point.  As you do more and more you will get more flexible.  Remember that yoga is not a competition.  There is no judgement, only guidance.   This is about you and your body.  The flexibility will come. 



I couldn't agree with this more ... I'm a yoga teacher - and having someone to adjust your form, make sure you are aligned properly, and make sure you are practicing safely, is paramount. Find a studio that is open to all body types (I find some studios are very much for the very flexible, long, lean, Yoga Journal types ... while other studios welcome and support EVERYONE) ... remember that YOUR yoga is YOUR yoga - it's not a competition between yourself and the person on the next mat. There is no judgement in yoga ... the teacher should not judge you, other students should not judge you, and most importantly you should not judge yourself. It's the time to slow down and learn how to listen to your body ... I often tell my students - if you listen to your body whisper, you won't have to hear it scream.

You don't need to go to the studio for every practice - but it's good to know proper form and learn the little tricks and techniques you won't pick up from DVD's.
2009-07-08 1:41 AM
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Subject: RE: Yoga?
P90X has a yoga DVD, I like it now but at first it crushed my soul, now i only wimper a little as i try to contort myself.  
A few month ago my foot was wrenched backward and it was sprained pretty bad. I'm positive if i wasn't so flexible it would have popped out of socket like the old GI Joe guy's legs did.
It's amazing to be standing there trying not to fall over while sweat literally pours out of your body. or is that just me?
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