is yoga enough?

[theresaann]

Hey, y'all~

My thought is that with a very clean, alkaline diet (all or high raw, LOTS of greens), that regular yoga, and maybe walking, would be enough exercise to keep one very fit. Also, add to that daily stillness meditation.

Anyone doing this now?

I've been a free weights, jogging, INTENSE exercise junkie in the past, but the more centered and alkaline I become, the more I feel compelled to let go of that "hard body" mentality am drawn to just simple yoga and walking.

Comments?

[ReneeSC]

I power walk with my dh and kids, but that's because I _need_ to, otherwise I probably wouldn't put myself through it. :)

I started with pilates for strength, and have moved over to basic yogalates ( fusion of both at the same time, because I still need to strengthen ).

I won't do aerobics because I don't think that's prudent for me anymore, and I've read information in several places that too much hard aerobics can compromise the immune system - and I'm trying to rebuild mine.

Yes, I understand what you mean about being "more quiet".

[VeggieMel]

I did yoga and walking for 3 months straight, and my body was firming up, becoming more proportional and I looked great. I've slacked off a bit, and I've gained some weight in places I'd rather not have it. I think yoga and walking are ideal excercises.

[Goldenrod]

Well my take is that everyone's unique and what works for me may not work for you. I really believe that whatever you do you should enjoy!

[twinyoga]

Here's my input. I've tried what you're doing (walking, yoga, and meditation along with a raw diet). I've also tried intense cardio and weights on a SAD diet. I've tried it all!

Anyway, what I'm getting to is I think there is a nice balance between the two. I do some form of yoga everyday and I sit almost every day. I also eat raw. But, yoga isn't cardio and cardio is good for the heart (I think of it as exercising your heart). I also enjoy lifting some weights because I like having strength (especially raising twins!).

These days, I focus on my yoga and I like to go for walks but I have two days each week where I go to the gym and sweat for a while and lift some weights.

The balance is perfect for me, keeps me in good shape and is great for being just in a good mood. (I also think the cardio compliments the yoga practice as you build endurance to do harder poses)

[Angelina]

Have you ever considered Bikram Yoga; its the heated type. Definitely gets your heart rate up among numerous other benefits. Its very true, everybody is different ~ I do bikram and cardio almost every day. Just have to find what works for you. Find something enjoyable and you'll be able to stick with it; the worst thing is that attitude "oh, I have to do this." if you like it, you'll look forward to doing instead of it being a chore. Good luck.

[micki]

There are all kinds of yoga styles out there from the Really Intense (Ashtanga or Bikram) to the gentle (like Kripalu). So there are some heavy duty atheletes doing "just yoga" and doing just fine.
My personal routine is walking for an hour or 45 minutes of step aerobics (the platform's cheap to buy and it's great to do while watching the telly or listening to tunes) every day, and Kundalini Yoga 3 times a week.
Taking stillness in meditation and connection with He/She/It my Creator early in the morning is imperitive to my sanity so I try not to skip it unless half-dead which since I've been 100% raw as been just about never.

[sweetgoddess]

Trust your instinct and what feels good and right to you on all your levels is all I can think of to say. Sounds lovely. Can I come join you? :)

[theresaann]

it's been awhile since I posed this intial question. I also quit raw. Now I'm back 100% (as in 100%-never thought I'd be ready for 100%, it's amazing. Alissa's right-for me, at least, 100% makes the difference). I have found the T-Tapp exercises thanks to someone's post on this board, and ordered her total body workout, which I am doing 2X/week. Also, I am doing kathy smith's lift weights to lose weight, cause I really do love feeling strong. and I"m doing my own hatha style yoga routine for 45 min 2X/wk. Add to all that, walking my dog briskly everyday from 15-60 min with proper alignment per the TTapp workout. IT's all good! It's a little of everything, and I feel great. That's what counts-you're right. Being raw makes working out a joy too. More strength, more flexibility, stamina and faster recovery. Wow.

blessings, y'all~