Yoga is one of those things I know I should do more of, but haven't. Time is of course one issue. Since my favorite sports are essentially muscle/cardiovascular activities I spend a good portion of my time either swimming or in the weight room, This doesn't leave a lot of time for an hour yoga session. All that being said, I think I have been missing out on a key fitness component; flexibility that would definitely help me in all my sports, plus yoga generally makes you feel better.
Kay's Gentle Yoga class certainly seemed like the place to begin and while I have worried about pulling some muscles with more difficult yoga moves, in this setting that was not a concern at all. Whenever we reached a level where we felt our muscles tightening too much, we backed off. As such this class is perfect for the novice in yoga or a person with limiting physical issues. Now my big limiting issue was after a lifetime of flexing muscles and adding tension, I needed to do the absolute opposite and relax these same muscles. Those muscles that I had worked so hard in the gym to be strong weren't all that flexible and while the moves required didn't look that difficult, there is definitely a learning curve that I was at the bottom end of. I am definitely not giving up on yoga and will learn more (and hopefully become more limber) as I try some additional classes.
Who is the class perfect for? Obviously if you want to begin yoga, this is the ideal setting. It is certainly not stressful so the physical requirements would allow members of all ages and fitness levels to attend. Actually, some of those guys who are way more muscled than me could benefit as well because flexibility and balance are things you don't necessarily obtain in the weight room. The activity is not high on the fun quotient but certainly is on the relaxation quotient. I could see this being a wonderful break for any woman who has too many things on her plate and needs a break. It is way cheaper than getting your nails done and far more helpful in the long run.
Next: What do you mean; everyone should use the weight room?????
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
John's Water Exercise class: Wow, those moves feel different in water!
For someone new to the YMCA, or returning to the Y after a long break from exercising, it is hard to go wrong with a water exercise class. This class runs from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the pool with three different instructors, each with their own twist of course. I joined John's class since I know him well as he lifeguards when I swim laps.
Other than one other guy, I was somewhat conspicuous being a male and even though I am an "old dog," I wasn't the oldest there. Because the group was mostly female and somewhat older didn't make it all that easy however, something that clearly surprised me. The activities in the water weren't so challenging physically as they were technically. For example, we did yoga poses and in the water you can stretch these poses a tad more than you can in the gym and I found that helpful. The constant need to maintain balance in the water has to be a good core exercise. Also, it was a blast trying to do a jumping jack standing in water because the timing gets all messed up with the resistance. Everyone else seemed to be doing a lot better than me, so obviously there is a learning curve. I got a good workout and had fun and looking around, everyone else seemed to be enjoying it as well as the activities also offered time for some socialization.
Who benefits? I would say anyone who wants to join activities after a break from fitness, or as a first-time exerciser. You aren't going to get hurt, you improve your balance, cardiovascular system and get to sample some yoga and basic stretching. The intensity required would probably fall between easy and moderate, depending on how much you wanted to push it. Everyone seemed to be enjoying it at their own pace. It was definitely fun, and if I was giving it stars, probably 4 out of 5 in that regard. In a nutshell: this is a great class to get started for fitness and certainly enjoyable to stay with.
Next: Yoga Bear: It ain't over until you hear something snap!
Other than one other guy, I was somewhat conspicuous being a male and even though I am an "old dog," I wasn't the oldest there. Because the group was mostly female and somewhat older didn't make it all that easy however, something that clearly surprised me. The activities in the water weren't so challenging physically as they were technically. For example, we did yoga poses and in the water you can stretch these poses a tad more than you can in the gym and I found that helpful. The constant need to maintain balance in the water has to be a good core exercise. Also, it was a blast trying to do a jumping jack standing in water because the timing gets all messed up with the resistance. Everyone else seemed to be doing a lot better than me, so obviously there is a learning curve. I got a good workout and had fun and looking around, everyone else seemed to be enjoying it as well as the activities also offered time for some socialization.
Who benefits? I would say anyone who wants to join activities after a break from fitness, or as a first-time exerciser. You aren't going to get hurt, you improve your balance, cardiovascular system and get to sample some yoga and basic stretching. The intensity required would probably fall between easy and moderate, depending on how much you wanted to push it. Everyone seemed to be enjoying it at their own pace. It was definitely fun, and if I was giving it stars, probably 4 out of 5 in that regard. In a nutshell: this is a great class to get started for fitness and certainly enjoyable to stay with.
Next: Yoga Bear: It ain't over until you hear something snap!
Where's the Old Dog now?
Welcome to my initial attempt at blogging. Hopefully I will get better as time goes along. The goal of this blog is to tell about all the activities available at the YMCA. To do this, my intention is to visit every single class or activity available and participate at least once, unless of course it kills me and then the project will end there. As the name of the blog implies, I am not a young dog but an "Old Dog", so if I can handle an activity, there is more than a good chance you can as well.
For each activity that I am involved with I will rate it in three categories. First; how difficult is it and in what kind of condition do you need to be in to participate? Second, what is the goal of the activity and how well does the class or activity appear to meet this goal? Finally, what is the fun quotient of the activity?
Since this is a blog you can participate. For example, you can comment if you attend this class and see if differently. I might be "all wet," a definite possibility for a class in the pool.
Next blog: John's exercise class in the pool. Wow, those moves are different in the water!
For each activity that I am involved with I will rate it in three categories. First; how difficult is it and in what kind of condition do you need to be in to participate? Second, what is the goal of the activity and how well does the class or activity appear to meet this goal? Finally, what is the fun quotient of the activity?
Since this is a blog you can participate. For example, you can comment if you attend this class and see if differently. I might be "all wet," a definite possibility for a class in the pool.
Next blog: John's exercise class in the pool. Wow, those moves are different in the water!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)