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Rumor · Nov 5, 2009, 01:27 PM

Anyone partake? If so, which "style" do you do? I have been thinking about starting with the SO. Not only would it be healthy, but it would also let her realize we are spending time together.

turtle777 · Nov 5, 2009, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by Rumor

... it would also let her realize we are spending time together.

...and yoga / pilates is the best you could come up with ?

-t

andi*pandi · Nov 5, 2009, 02:50 PM

I don't know which style it is, it varies by the instructor that shows up... but I like yoga. It helps my spine and hip issues a lot.

Oisín · Nov 5, 2009, 03:00 PM

I used to do some form or other of Hatha yoga many moons ago. Stopped doing it when my busy life prevented me from regular sessions (translation: when I became too much of a lazy sod).

I’d love to start again, but I just don’t have the spine (hehe) and willpower to keep it up.

olePigeon · Nov 5, 2009, 03:57 PM

If you're jabbing at me, I don't have a problem with physical aspects of Yoga. Meditation coupled with physical and mental exorcizes can minimize stress.

turtle777 · Nov 5, 2009, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by olePigeon

Meditation coupled with physical and mental exorcizes can minimize stress.

Good luck with that. Lemme know if you need a priest.

-t

olePigeon · Nov 5, 2009, 04:36 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

Good luck with that. Lemme know if you need a priest.

-t

Unintentional spell check. Came out funny, though.

Oisín · Nov 5, 2009, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by olePigeon

If you're jabbing at me, I don't have a problem with physical aspects of Yoga. Meditation coupled with physical and mental exorcizes can minimize stress.

Not jabbing, just an unintended correlation to other ongoing discussions.

Phileas · Nov 5, 2009, 05:31 PM

I used to go three times a week. It's good for calming down the mind, especially if you're stupidly busy. Also, it's great for your posture. I recommend it.

downinflames68 · Nov 5, 2009, 05:59 PM

Good luck dude. She'll start there, then get into herbal remedies, then homeopathic solutions, then moon circles and celebrating the solstice, then she'll dump your ass and hang out with her ****ing lame psuedo goth friends.

SpaceMonkey · Nov 5, 2009, 06:04 PM

And you'll lose all of your car-related auctions, too. Don't do it, Rumor!

Demonhood · Nov 5, 2009, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by downinflames68

Good luck dude. She'll start there, then get into herbal remedies, then homeopathic solutions, then moon circles and celebrating the solstice, then she'll dump your butt and hang out with her stretchy lame psuedo goth friends.

wait, goths do yoga? google doesn't seem to think so. do they have black mats with skulls on them?

sek929 · Nov 5, 2009, 06:21 PM

My sister has been doing Yoga for years and swears by it...moon circles may be just around the corner though.

Andy8 · Nov 5, 2009, 06:41 PM

Start with basic Hatha Yoga.

Start slowly and build up to a few times a week if you both have time. Yoga seems to work better if done in the mornings before eating and work starts, but if you have time only in the evenings, then before dinner.

I have been doing it for about 4 years now, I used to practice everyday. but now its back to a few times a week.

I balance it out with some swimming in the pool. (both are great for reducing stress, clearing your mind and helping you sleep better)

Stogieman · Nov 5, 2009, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by sek929

My sister has been doing Yoga for years and swears by it...moon circles may be just around the corner though.

Where does your sister take her Yoga classes? Dakar wants to know.

sek929 · Nov 5, 2009, 06:49 PM

Right near the gun store, adjacent to the pepper spray kiosk.

Laminar · Nov 5, 2009, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by andi*pandi

I don't know which style it is, it varies by the instructor that shows up... but I like yoga. It helps my spine and hip issues a lot.

I was going to suggest seeing a chiropractor about those issues, but the reference has already been made in this thread.

Arty50 · Nov 6, 2009, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by Laminar

I was going to suggest seeing a chiropractor about those issues, but the reference has already been made in this thread.

Chiropractors are a temporary "fix" for most of the people who have back issues. Yoga/pilates is a permanent fix.

I've lived with back issues for most of my life. Constant soreness, tightness, pain, etc. I saw a bunch of chiros over the years and achieved various levels of temporary success, none ever truly fixed the problem though. Most back pain is due to tight, aggravated muscles in your spine. The vertebrae are getting out of alignment because the muscles are pulling them out of alignment. A good chiro will recognize this and use chiropractic adjustment to temporarily relieve the pain, but will more importantly put you on a core strengthening/stretching program to address the muscular issues. People who have degenerative/damaged discs and other major issues have different needs. But like I said, most back pain is caused from pure neglect to the muscles in your spine.

Around 5 years ago I started going to a mat pilates class that combined some elements of yoga. Within months, my back was pain free and the few times a spasm would flare up I could use basic breathing exercises to get rid of the pain in 5 minutes. I started a new job two years ago and had to move away from my old class. The back pain crept back again after a little over a year, so I started going to pilates again this summer. Now I'm pain free again, my posture is awesome, and my core is super strong for mountain biking and skiing. There are way more benefits to these practices than just back pain relief too.

Back discussion aside, the hard part is finding a class that suits you. I started out just looking for an exercise class, but ending up getting so much more. Breathing is a key component to both yoga and pilates, and it's important to learn how to do it properly. A spiritual/meditative element to the class can work wonders also. There's a wide variety of yoga styles out there, and each has its merits. Some are more for strength, others are better for flexibility, some are more meditative, etc. Mixing the different styles can be beneficial also. Pilates is more of a pure exercise program, but it has some inherent cross over with yoga and thus mixing the two can reap huge benefits. My old class for instance game me a ton of core strenght and an amazing degree of flexibility (which is important to prevent injury). My newer class is heavier on the strenght side of things, but still works very well.

In any case, I highly recommend one or both pilates and yoga. Your guy friends will make fun of you, but screw them because a) they're missing out on all the benefits, b) you'll feel awesome, c) you'll be the only dude in a class full of hot chicks, d) your SO will love your new flexibility.

Oh and one last thought, if you can find it...Tibetan Heart Yoga is my favorite practice.

nonhuman · Nov 6, 2009, 05:34 PM

Chiropractors are also quacks practicing a potentially dangerous pseudoscience based on absolutely false premises.

What you want is physical therapy (which many chiropractors also do).

SpaceMonkey · Nov 6, 2009, 05:40 PM

No, what you want is my magic rock. It cures all ailments, sickness, pains, lethargy, jimminy arms, and improves your sex life.

Railroader · Nov 7, 2009, 10:48 AM

I do some of the yoga on our Wii Fit. I understand it is not real Yoga, but I like it.

Oisín · Nov 8, 2009, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by Arty50

In any case, I highly recommend one or both pilates and yoga. Your guy friends will make fun of you, but screw them because a) they're missing out on all the benefits, b) you'll feel awesome, c) you'll be the only dude in a class full of hot chicks, d) your SO will love your new flexibility.

I very much doubt reason number three will be of much use to andi*pandi who is of the female persuasion.

Arty50 · 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by Oisín

I very much doubt reason number three will be of much use to andi*pandi who is of the female persuasion.

Yeah, but it might apply to the original poster.

That said, in the 3 1/2 years I've been going I've never hit on anyone in class. I'm not there for that, and the last thing I want to do is ruin someone else's experience. It's kinda funny, most guys think yoga/pilates is for women. It's not at all. Inevitably, when I'm talking to a dude that just doesn't get it, the "well, your class must be filled with hot chicks" line comes out. So reason number 3 was sort of tongue in cheek.

Rumor · Nov 9, 2009, 08:28 PM

What about the different styles of yoga?

Stogieman · Nov 9, 2009, 08:39 PM

I suggest you try hamster style.

Arty50 · Nov 10, 2009, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by Rumor

What about the different styles of yoga?

For me, the teacher is more important than the style. That said, the key is to find both a teacher and a style that works for you. Personally, I hate classes that are repetitive. Others relish that. I'd say try out a few different classes around town until you find something that you like. Most places have introductory deals that let you try out a studio for a week or so to see if you like it.