strengthening bones

[Guest guest]

I used to weight train before taking up ashtanga

yoga in November - should I keep weight training in

addition to the naulis, two types of the sun salutations,

and the standing exercises of the primary series? The

question is - does ashtanga yoga have the same

bone-strengthening benefits as weight training? I'm nearly 52, in

the process of menopause, but in generally good

health, not at all overweight, and follow a

near-vegetarian diet. So far the yoga has agreed with me, and I

would like to continue with the practice and improve.

Any response or feedback about effect on bones would

be appreciated. I haven't seen this issue addressed

anywhere else.

[Guest guest]

It's probably true that Yoga can work against

bone mass loss but remember that in Yoga you always

work "just" with your body weight while in weight

lifting you can increase that amount to more than

bodyweight. e.g. In your ashtanga practice you might do

Utkatasana that works your lower body intensely but when

weight training you do squats and that additional weight

probably stimulates the body to build more bone

mass.<br>On the other hand , I don't think there's any

studies and<br>research into this specific subject

(Ashtanga vs Weights and bone loss effects) so all of the

above might just be speculation on my part.