Guest guest Posted December 8, 2004 Report Share Posted December 8, 2004 Hi nightshadows, I've been doing Ashtanga Primary for the past 3 years, and started doing Pilates (mat & machine Allegro) regularly for the past few months. My first Yoga class was at the gym. It was crowded and with the music and lots of fun. I got lean due to overall exercise amount and was happy with my physical fitness.... up until I went to my first Ashtanga class in Yoga Studio settings. MY GOD, the difference is pheonominal. Ashtanga differs from other types of yoga, especially Iyengar or Yin where each pose is held longer. IN Ashtanga primary series, you go thru 70 plus poses in 90 mins, with focus on breaths, gaze and bandhas (internal body lock, almost like "scooping the tummy" "fannel down the ribs" in Pilates terms). While breathing deep and long, you are constantly moving. Perfect balance of Cardio, weight (your own weight) training and endurance exercise. You produce copious amount of sweat, naturally. At the beginning, you feel really sore in your body, but in keeping practicing regularly (recommended at least 3 times/week) under a teacher of good knowledge in this system (if not, I recommend getting David Swenson's Primary series DVD - HELPS tons) you are guaranteed to reach your optimum health and fitness. I love the abs work of Pilates and over all massages of the body & mind in Ashtanga. Like you, I also go to the gym for quick cardio, do spinning clases, combat, steps... etc All compliment to my health very well. But, if you think you can do Yoga very well (whatever that means) at the gym classes, Then, it is a good time for you to challenge yourself to enrol into one of Ashtanga classes in your neighbourhood. I can assure you that it will be one of the best thing you can do for your body & soul! And, whatever you do.... Have Fun! > > -- In ashtanga yoga, nightshadows@s... wrote: >> >> >> Hi everyone- >> >> I am new here. Honestly I had never heard of this type of Yoga >> before. I learned about it a really silly way. I recently saw >> Madonna in a movie and wondered how she stays so lean and buff so I >> did a search and saw she does this type of Yoga. I am new to ALL >> types of Yoga so was wondering what exactly it is. I am relatively >> out of shape. I have been doing Pilates for awhile though and so am >> more strong through my abs. I would like to join a gym when I get >> enough money and so I thought getting cardio that way and doing >> Yoga/Pilates would be good for getting the leaner longer look. What >> do you think? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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