I know a lot of people who diss yoga as a real work out… chalking it up to some stretching but not a real calorie burn or sweat generator. It is true that you will burn more calories in a shorter period of time with cardio activity…but don’t under estimate the benefits of yoga as part of an overall work out program. And if you want to sweat, check out the hot yoga classes. My personal favorite is CorePower here in Colorado Springs. I usually take a CorePower 2 class which incorporates flowing through yoga postures with synchronized breathing – i.e. one movement, one breathe (Vinyasa Yoga). I have also taken hot yoga and fusion classes which focus more on holding poses vs. flowing through them. Regular yoga practice has a multitude of advantages – just google it and you will find many sites filled with yoga testimonies. Yoga enthusiasts love to share their experiences and there are even some interesting claims like clearer skin, more regular digestive system, relief from diabetes and alleviation of asthma/allergies. There are many spiritual claims as well. I really don’t know about all these assertions –but I will attest to some of the more conventional claims that yogis make. When I go to yoga regularly, I find I have increased core strength and overall flexibility Additionally, hot yoga in part
icular helps me achieve a deeper stretch… alleviates super tight hamstrings and iliotibial (IT) bands. And to tell the truth, I also find yoga to be a great stress reliever. There is a certain calmness, a peaceful and accomplished feeling after yoga practice… not unlike a feeling I’ve had after a really good, long run… and maybe there is something spiritual about that.
Plus I get to sweat – an essential part of every work out, no?
