Dworkis, sequences,etc....

[Guest guest]

Slade, man, you seem to have an extensive library

over where you are at. Every time I come to this site

wondering about something, and have even written down the

composition, you post up with very revelant stuff. I'm not

complaining. Just repsectful. You've listed several texts

dealing with anatomy, kiniesiology and yoga that are

going to be very helpful. Could you take this further?

I've been thinking about taking some light weights

(15-20lbs) to use in some of the asanas together with the

breathing, holding and flexing in the asana. I've never

heard of anyone doing this, but I have heard some

background noises about bodybuilding/yoga and using weights

within the asanas. Can you set out some perspective? The

reason why I am mentioning this is that I know

weightlifting builds muscle and develops strength. The asanas

over time do almost the same thing, except the muscle

is more elastic, elongated, similiar to distance

runners and bicyclists. I am thinking redevelop strength

faster and work the muscle harder in a shorter period of

time plus develop better control over the muscle in

the pose when doing the asana weight free. Has anyone

done this?

[Guest guest]

"but I have heard some background noises about

bodybuilding/yoga and using weights within the asanas""I've been

thinking about taking some light weights (15-20lbs)"

<br><br><br>As a former bodybuilder and current yoga

practitioner, I'll say it does not make sense to me. Without

going into long detail, suffice it to say the asanas

are designed to work with natural bodyweight, and the

application of weights would likely do more to diminish the

balance of the postures and improperly stress joints than

build muscle. If you want the benefits of bodybuilding

while practicing yoga, I suggest weight training on

non-Yoga days, or several hours before/after yoga. The

weight training should be limited to low rep/high weight

sets, intense but few, to create stimulus for muscular

hypertrophy without overburdening the overall system since

the astanga practice itself is quite demanding. I

also think avoiding leg work with the weights

altogether while practicing ashtanga is wise, as the

standing postures adequately work the legs, unless your

bodyweight is very low.