Yoga

[Curegirl]

I like vinyasa flow classes or power yoga type things because I can't relax when things are too still. No Bikram for me though-I already sweat a lot in normal temps!

[Sheherezade]

I like power vinyasa flow best as well. Every teacher is different though so even within a style you will find people you love and people you hate. There are a few teachers I consider dangerous to me because their style and my personality always leads me to injury after a few classes. I'm trying to work on that; obviously, I shouldn't be goaded in to doing things that HURT but I'm an over competitive idiot.

I prefer darkness, loud music, constant flow, 90ish heat and a spot far, far away from the mirror!

Michele, back on topic: if you have time for it, try a basics class for a few sessions or a basics workshop to get the names of the poses. Eventually, you may like a faster flow but that can be frustrating when you are just starting out. If you go to a studio, ask what classes are better when you are not familiar with every pose - or just tell the teacher ahead of time. Sometimes, they just need a reminder to be more specific in their instructions. If you are just looking for stretch and not so much aerobic activity, simple hatha might be better. Vinyasa does a lot of chatarunga moves throughout class that build the aerobic nature but they aren't really about flexibility and they take up precious time. Many yoga DVDs have lots if different timed segments so you can do 10 minutes or 90 minutes as your schedule allows. Once you get an idea what you are trying to do, you can use those to develop your own home practice.

[Michele]

Yes they kept saying chaturanga and I kept thinking, " all these d@mn push-ups".

It wouldn't have been so bad but it was too fast. I did a slow simple routine with the kids last night that wasn't bad. Down dog, plank, push-up to cobra, then back to down dog, then to warrior, then back to down dog. I took several breaths at each pose and moved at a comfortable pace for me. I'll look at Hatha.

I was planning to try to do 30 min or so on my lunch break at work. That's why I was looking for free online. Or just something I could do alone. I could put a DVD in my office computer.

[Curegirl]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uItLm...TrOyQ&index=53

I think it, really nice and helpful Yoga video for a lot of people likes to do. As the girl have shown us in the video, that how to do it in more proper way. Lot to learn for willing peoples.

[Thirteen]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uItLm...TrOyQ&index=53

Thank you, Curegirl!

[Curegirl]

You're welcome, hope it helps!

[Mrs. MD, Esq.]

Just came across yogadownload.com on podcast...they have a ton of free 20-35 minute yoga classes (with position guides)...

[bokelley]

I am trying hot yoga on Sunday. Any tips?

[OrionGrad]

Wear the skimpiest yoga clothes you own. Seriously, every time I've gone I've wished I would have worn less.

Oh, and bring a towel (or 2).

[BonBon]

Yes to the skimpy clothes. An insulated bottle of ice water, and at least one hand towel. My hands start sliding all over the place.

[Sheherezade]

Beach towel to put over your yoga mat to stop slipping. If they have spray water bottles, spritz the towel before class starts because a little moisture makes it grippier. I'm not in to shorts for class because sweaty legs are more slippery than sweaty pants if you do any arm balances. Skimpy top, capris maybe?

[MsSassyBaskets]

Agree with the capris -- I like having legs partially covered instead of slippery skin. Don't put lotion on before going. Take it slow. Bring plenty of water. I like putting one of those sugar-free electrolyte tabs (like Nuun) in my water to stave off cramps. Or eat a banana and drink a big glass of water a couple hours before, I always used to get foot cramps during class if I hadn't had enough potassium. Definitely bring towels -- either 3 hand towels, one to go where your hands land, one to go under your feet, and one to wipe off with, OR like Angie said a beach towel or yoga mat towel that covers your entire mat.

This is making me jealous... I can't wait until I live somewhere with a proper yoga studio again!

[Sheherezade]

Funny about the foot cramps....I get those on some days and I always wondered what was going on. Now, I'm going to see if it could be related to potassium. Great thinking. Nothing like having a massive foot cramp during a tricky balance series.

If it's Bikram hot yoga, this won't matter -- but if it's a flow class that's hot, the best way to catch your breath is to just drop the chatarungas whenever they call them and go straight to down dog. It brings down the intensity of the class like 400%. Nothing like 50 yoga pushups/burpee combos with a handstand attempt thrown in the middle (just for shits and giggles) to get your heart rate up.

[MsSassyBaskets]

Funny about the foot cramps....I get those on some days and I always wondered what was going on. Now, I'm going to see if it could be related to potassium. Great thinking. Nothing like having a massive foot cramp during a tricky balance series.

If it's Bikram hot yoga, this won't matter -- but if it's a flow class that's hot, the best way to catch your breath is to just drop the chatarungas whenever they call them and go straight to down dog. It brings down the intensity of the class like 400%. Nothing like 50 yoga pushups/burpee combos with a handstand attempt thrown in the middle (just for shits and giggles) to get your heart rate up.

You're so right. I used to go to a Core Power class that also did about 5 minutes of bicycle crunches and other core work in the middle of a 1-hour power vinyasa flow at 100 degrees. I nearly threw up or passed out on a couple occasions. Don't be afraid to modify around the tough parts if your heart really starts pounding!