From the Gym to the Mat

[Guest guest]

After several years of weight training I have generated considerable

aches, pains and imbalance, but also kept a healthy degree of muscle

and remained relatively thin. I'm not what you would call muscular,

but found weight training was a great compliment to cycling, my other

passion. Now, however, I'm not so sure.

 

I have done short-duration Ashatanga Yoga for several years now

(mostly through Bryan Kest's video series, but most recently through

Ms. Birch's book) but never committed myself to it. I hope now to

largely replace my weight training routine with Ashtanga, but am

worried that the positive metabolic effects (weight training

increases your metabolism for several hours after you train).

 

Have any long-term gym members successfully made this transition?

What can I expect and is the loss of gym conditioning in favor of

yogic conditioning worth the pain of making the transition? Are

there dietary adjustments to make as well?

[Guest guest]

J Bernard wrote [[Have any long-term gym members successfully made

this transition?]]

** I cannot answer from this perspective. However, I may be able to

throw some additional light on the subject.

 

Ashtanga Yoga is anabolic. Like weight-training, it will re-sculpt

your body. As Yoga, it is holistic, meaning it takes into

consideration exercise, diet/nutrion & lifestyle. Granted, modern

exercise routines are becoming more holistic, but Ashtanga Yoga is a

well-established & well-proven venue. IMO, Ashtanga Yoga is ideal

for health, longevity & lean body mass .. when done correctly.

 

You specifically mentioned a [positive metabolic effect]. I feel I

know what your concern is - shifting from one metabolic threshold to

another. Bear this in mind, food can do this as well, often without

us realizing it.

 

Currently, the conventional approach to exercise is being evaluated

(something that occurs approximately every 20-30 years in the

physical education industry). Since you brought-up metabolism, you

seem to be aware that every time we exercise, we temporarily alter

our hormonal environment. Meaning, exercise focused on fat-burning

is misguided. This approach can weaken our immunity & stimulate a

catabolic responce. (The fat-burning approache to Yoga is also at

odds.)

 

The most effective means of exercise is a combination of concentric &

eccentric movement (flexed & stretched). Something Ashtanga Yoga

offers.

 

Ashtanga Yoga will certainly increase flexibility, maintain muscle

mass, & directly treat & rehabilitate injuries .. IF done correctly.

Over stretching (Yoga refers to this as employing the "ego") can lead

to injury & long-term pathology to joints & the musculo-skeletal

structure. Also bear in mind that stretching in any capacity WILL

NOT prevent injury.

 

You mentioned weight-training & cycling .. this is a complimentary

combination. Such alternating activities (in this case lifting &

cycling) use different yet companion muscles to perform similar

motions. This helps to reduce repetitive stress on the body - which

preserves joints & prevents orthopedic injury.

 

You mention the increase of [[.. considerable aches, pains and

imbalance,]] in your current routine. Perhaps this is why you are

looking to incorporate &/or switch entirely to Ashtanga Yoga. Either

way, it is important to challenge yourself occasionally. By exerting

ourselves wisely - pushing our bodies a little faster or longer - we

increase both duration & intensity. This insures that we maintain

whatever level of muscle & cardio endurance we currently feel

comfortable with; or perhaps want to enhance. Whatever you do, I

would NOT advice stopping exercise altogether. The body is

intelligent .. pain is a good teacher. It tells us to 'back off', or

that what we are doing is currently no longer acceptable AT THIS

TIME. Since you are asking, I will assume you are well versed in

distinguishing reasonable aches from actual & possibly long-term pain

conditions.

 

Specifically, you sound like you may be concerned with weight gain.

You wrote [[.. but am worried that the positive metabolic effects

(weight training increases your metabolism for several hours after

you train).]]

** If this is the case, then I would say, "A regular Ashtanga Yoga

practice will aid you in maintaining your natural body weight." If I

am wrong in this assessment of what you are saying, by all means,

please let me know.

 

In closing, I liked Scott's comments on this subject - particularily

covering diet quite nicely. I found his post to be intelligent, well-

rounded & well-informed.

 

Om Shanti ...

Yogini Shakti

[Guest guest]

I have found that I am in better shape physically, mentally and

spiritually since having given up the gym/running bit and only do

yoga. For some that is a leap of faith to do, but well worth it. I do

NOT think that you will gain weight or loss your fitness level by

leaving the gym. I have found that ashtanga has increased my

metabolism a lot. You may have some diet changes naturally, but it is

not something that you have to force. After doing more yoga, you may

find yourself inclinced to more healthy food. Namaste, Lynne