Yoga & Weights--from a strong chick:)

[Guest guest]

As a former competitive bodybuilder-- I must

reply to this. Please remember that I am very new to

ashtanga--been practicing five months.<br><br>Yet I have been

weight training for twenty years. I took up lifting

weights because I was from a very academic background and

could do no sports.. So I created my own

sport.......reshaping my body-in my living room:)<br><br>I have

competed--and won--natural shows--through age 29--and then just

continued training for the love of it. <br><br>I continued

to train--even harder than ever. I am a trainer and

have been in fitness videos and magazines.<br>I loved

what weights did to my body and wanted to help other

women feel strong and in control. <br><br><br>I can

move alot of weight in the gym. Alot. Hands down the

strongest woman in the gym that is my size. I am not that

big--just strong and lean. I have dieted and trained and

done aerobics to get my bodyfat below ten percent. I

have done what I thought was the hardest training

imaginable.........<br><br> ASHTANGA IS THE HARDEST THING I HAVE EVER

DONE.<br><br>Weight training has not helped me in

ashtanga......<br><br>What HAS helped me in ashtanga is the discipline I

have developed over the years. That is

priceless.<br><br>I am extremely fortunate to have a wonderful

teacher. That is the most important thing.<br><br>It all

depends on what your goals are. <br><br>Please check your

diet. <br>Please check with your

teacher.<br><br>And--at least for ashtanga--leave the weights out of the

shala.<br><br>Namaste<br><br>Kafe