cardio exercise and just ashtanga

[Guest guest]

Just thought I'd add some of my thoughts and experiences to these topics.

 

I was a runner (long distance) for 10 or so years, and I stretched and did

yoga besides. However, my yoga was not focused.

[As an aside here, I'll write that the best marathon I ever ran was one in

which I stopped probably 3-4 times for 5 or so minutes each to stretch...

and I got my best time ever... regardless of the time I "lost" stretching]

 

4+ years ago I started doing Ashtanga yoga, and I gave up running. For me,

it's more than enough to keep me strong (I actually feel much stronger, more

balanced, and healthier overall just doing Ashtanga), and I agree with

others who say that it's the most effective exercise regimen I've found to

train mind, body, and spirit efficiently and deeply.

 

My Ashtanga practice has healed many injuries for me (and is currently

healing my shoulder and my hip). It has taught (and continues to teach) me

patience and focus... among so many other things.

 

Occasionally I take meditative walks or I'll rollerblade, but I do it to

convene with nature, not for "aerobic benefits."

 

Some times I miss running, especially when I see other people out doing it,

but not enough to go back to it. I know, in time, my body would not

appreciate all of the pounding and impact.

 

Imho, if people like to run, bike, or whatever, then they should do it (I

wouldn't tell someone to stop doing what they love to do), but I'd also

advise them to take up Ashtanga yoga to help balance out their bodies. Some

of them might find themselves replacing some of their cardio exercise with

Ashtanga when they start to feel the benefits.

 

Done consistently and mindfully, imho, Ashtanga is a very very difficult

practice. It peels off layers and layers of old physical and emotional

"stuff" that have accumulated over one's lifetime. Paradoxically, one must

be mindful in practice to become mind-less... ie., not having so many many

thoughts that interfere with one's peace of mind.