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New User
Posts: 3
| Hi all,
As a marathon runner I'm looking for a way to make my body more flexible and stretch my muscles. At the same time I want to sculpture my body (muscles) and find some relaxation.
I'm new to Yoga but I thing it can offer me a way to achieve my goals. The only problem I'm having is choosing the right type of Yoga for my goals.
I read about PowerYoga... Can anybody confirm this might be the most suitable type of Yoga for my goals? Are there any other types?
The second problem is that I read on several websites that PowerYoga is synonym for Vinyasa Yoga, but in some other books Ashtanga Yoga is referred to PowerYoga....
K |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 968
  
Location: party in the USA | its all pretty much interchangeable.
the terminology, that is.
ashtanga is a set series of poses,
vinyasa does not have a set series.
both flow, and power yoga is a catch-all term for both ashtanga and vinyasa styles of asana.
as to other types of yoga exercise, there are a number of other non-flowing schools of yoga:
viniyoga, anusara, iyengar, bikram, kripalu, restorative...
there are a lot more, i'm sure i'll be compiling this list in my mind all day.
generally, slower forms of yoga are more precise and better suited to dealing with injury and physical issues
faster forms are more aerobically intense
that is not to say one is less demanding than the other.
...
do your homework!
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 8441
  
| Kevin - I'll start with the assumption that you are a typical marathoner - lean body, tight leg muscles (esp. hamstrings and calves), possible hip/low back issues, minimal upper body strength, dedicated (meaning obsessive) about training, single minded and intensely results oriented. How am I doing so far?
For this type of person, I think that power/vinyasa/ashtanga are not the best places to start yoga. Runners at this level tend to know a lot about how to make their body perform, but don't have a lot of awareness of their bodies in general. They tend to push past pain (which you need to do for running marathons) and disassociate from their bodies when the going gets rough - again, useful at mile 23 or 24, but not good for yoga. They also tend to be endorphin junkies and get pretty cranky if their yoga experience doesn't provide that right away.
A much better way to go for this person is an Iyengar, Anusara or perhaps (depending on the quality of teaching) a hatha class. They are not fast and aerobic, which you definitely don't need anyway, and will help you learn yoga asana safely and also teach you more about how your body works. Once you have a certain level of proficiency, moving on to a "power" style if you really want to, will be fine. If you are a heat-loving lizard type, you could move on to Bikram/hot style, as well.
Hope your training is going well and that you find the right yoga class for you.  |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 1428
| Hi Kevin,
I agree with what has already been said, but would like to add that no yoga style or program will work if you do not do it regularly. With this in mind, pick the studios or gyms that are near your home, work or school. Find yoga classes that are at a good time for you and then try them all. (Most places give a free or discounted introductory class.) The style of yoga can be important, but the individual yoga teacher is often more important. After trying them all, you will know which one is right for you. Reading and getting feedback from others is good, but it does not replace actual experience. Try them all and remember to listen to what your body says and not the sales pitch.
Jim |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 8441
| I should add, our Iyengar studio has a class called Yoga for Athletes. So that is something you could look for. |
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New User
Posts: 3
| Thx to all for the valuable suggestions! I'll keep them in mind. |
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Yoga for Athletes?
