Yoga and "other" Exercise

[maidopo]

Hi all~
I just recently started hot yoga class three times a week, btw LOVE it! My question is I generally do cardio and strength conditioning so on my off yoga days should I be doing cardio, lifting, or a small dose of both? I guess what I am asking is, is yoga a form of Cardio exercise or strength training? I do not want to over do it on my yoga days off. Any thoughts??
Hope this all makes some sense, Thanks!
~mai~

[czpinky]

yoga can be cardio exercise, strength training, and stretching all in one...it just depends on how you do it and what asanas you perform. i completely get what you're going through; when i first started practicing yoga, i was also running and doing strength training 3 days/ week, and felt i didn't have time or the energy for it all. three years later and only one of those three has stayed with me: YOGA. yoga is not only a workout for me...it's one of the most important things in my life. i do my best to practice all eight limbs along the traditional yogic path, as laid down by the yoga sutras. all i'm really saying is, keep doin' that yoga thing!! listen to your body and just do what you feel is best. if that means yoga + strength training + cardio, or just cardio, or just yoga...whatever. do what your body tells you to do and all will be fine.
peace! :)

[maidopo]

Thanks for the thoughts, it is hard to "balance" it all... hahaha, get it?

[Eva]

Thanks for the thoughts, it is hard to "balance" it all... hahaha, get it?

Haha, yes, I get it! ;)

I've tried hot yoga at a couple places, as well as Bikram (REALLY super hot yoga that is a copyrighted and very specific routine). I've found this to be quite a strength workout as well as balance, flexibility, and meditation, but it really can vary from place to place and depends on your fitness level + the instructor's style.

For your situation, I would try to get some cardio in there somewhere if the yoga doesn't get your heart really pumping (I haven't found any that do that for me at this point, anyways). Otherwise, you are already doing so much for yourself. Your other days can be based on your own personal goals, such as cardiovascular endurance to run a marathon = do more cardio (obviously! haha), more flexibility = do more yoga or stretching, more strength = weight train or do exercises using your body weight for resistance, etc.

:)

[appifanie]

my current routine (though i'm no expert) is yoga on Tues and Thurs and then later in the day I do weight training for my arms and some more core exercises. MWF I do cardio and then legs. once spring comes, weekends will have nice walks w/ my daughter.

[maidopo]

Thanks for the comments, it is helpful to know that I am on the right track. I will continue with my three yoga classes 3x a week and sprinkle in the rest as my body begs for it! Love this site and the feedback.


healthy and happy