yoga type exercises...

[JustMe]

Does anyone know of any workouts that are like yoga without all of the "inner spiritual anasamas or panoramas" or whatever they are called? lol I really don't care for that type of meditation, but I think that the stretching and the breathing is good for getting oxygen where it needs to go I don't know where to start looking. Thanks guys!!!

[rawjojo]

Hi!

I hope that I can help you out:

Are you meaning the words asana and pranayama? If so, the asana is just the posture that you are doing and pranayama is just breath control. I shouldn't say "just" breath control is very important. It is okay if you are not into meditation at this point and you just want the physical aspect of the "postures", BUT you really should still practice a least a little "pranayama" because getting enough oxygen into your system is very beneficial. Even if you don't sit on the floor and practice breating exercises it is very important that you continue to breath properly during your practice. Your breath will help you to go deeper into your poses and it will help you practice flow much more easily.

If you are looking for more of a workout, I would recommend that you try more of a vinyasa type of or any kind of power yoga or bikram yoga class.

I hope this helps you out some please let me know if you have any other questions!
rawjojo

[heather]

ditto what rawjojo said. i used to be leary of the meditation and OM aspects of some types of yoga. i highly recommend BARON BAPTISTE. he has videos, cds, books, and tours the world giving "bootcamps", retreats, and teacher trainings. i went to a Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga class in december and am HOOKED. if you are wnating to start a home practice, his book Journey Into Power is awesome. The dvd Journey Into Power Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga Level One for beginners is great too.

you can check him out and purchase videos/books here.......Baron Baptiste website (http://www.baronbaptiste.com/pages/baron.htm)

[JustMe]

THanks for the info guys. I actually came across some other alternatives. I was looking for something that didn't have such a big Hindu influence. I found a couple that everyone can check out if they'd like. They look really good for beginners. I don't the know name of the website, but one is called Flextasy and this one didn't describe all of the inner spiritual stuff, etc and focused more on what you are working on. And the other one is at www.PraiseMoves.com. These exercises are more oriented towards meditating on the Lord and His scriptures while you are doing the workout. They look really good.

Thanks!

[heather]

glad you found something that suits your taste!!

FYI - Baron Baptiste is a CHRISTIAN.

[rawjojo]

Yeah, I noticed that Baron has a video about "putting poses to your prayers". Have you chedk that one out? I am thinking about checking out his new lean DVD!
rawjojo

[heather]

i almost got that the other day!!!! i just got the yoga bootcamp in a box and really really like it. i am planning on getting certified with baron and this box contains flashcards of the asanas with the pic and name on one side and description, alignment, and modification on the back. i think they are meant to be used to create your own practice by laying them out on the floor by your mat, but i have been using them as study guides. awesome!!

[JustMe]

I don't know if i offended you or not heather, I apologize if i did, but this site i found explains to the T why I was a leery of any type of yoga in the first place. I do thank you though becuase if you had not responded to my posture question and suggesting yoga, i would not have really cared to look into things more - and hey, look what i found!!

http://www.praisemoves.com/ChristianAlternative.htm

[heather]

rachel, thank you for offering an apology, but i was not offended...at all! i am glad you found what you were looking for and i sincerely hope you give it a try. please let us know how you like it!