Video Fitness Forum  

Go Back   Video Fitness Forum > Video Fitness Reader Forum > Challenges and Check-ins

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 12-22-21, 02:29 PM  
SpiritYogi
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Spiritual Bliss
I did Travis Elliot's Power Yoga Vitality and a ten minute healing meditation.
SpiritYogi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-21, 03:44 PM  
FirmDancer
VF Supporter
 
FirmDancer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Quote:
Originally Posted by toaster View Post
Anita, is doing structured programs just a preference, or do you notice particular benefits from practicing that way?
Hi Beth - it is a preference now, because I definitely notice benefits. I've been doing yoga for many years (10?) just pulling random classes from online programs & I noticed I wasn't getting any stronger, or any better at it, & I was rather bored with it. My first exposure with a progressive program was with a Kate Walker sequence on Movement for Modern Life. She starts with a "shell" or skeleton/framework, then each week she increases the difficulty of each section. Her first set was 5-6 weeks, and I fell in love with that type of series. She now has a second series, and following it I could actually get into "fire log" pose - which I was never able to do.

I've also used Nicola Jane Hobb's book "Thrive Through Yoga" which progresses through 21 days (I did each "day" several times). Before doing that, you would never catch me doing sun salutations - I despised them. But I guess it was because I was too weak, because following Nicola's program, I can now do them.

A reliable source for me for years has been "Morning Yoga Workouts" by Zack Kurland. Following his progressive sequences, I've worked up from his 20 minute "light intensity" sequence to his 60 minute moderate practice. Now I want to tackle the "intense" sequences.

Likewise, for the past few months I've followed the progressive sequences in Dean Pohlman's "Yoga Fitness for Men". Each program in his book got a little tougher. That significantly improved my hiking. I had a severe leg injury a few years ago. After P/T, I could walk one mile, flat ground. That was an accomplishment. Gradually, I built up to walking 2 miles; but 3 miles exhausted me. The strength and stamina I got from following Dean's progressive yoga programs - I now easily hike 3 miles and can knock out 5 miles occasionally.

I now think of a yoga class with a different mindset. I hearken back to my classical ballet training. 1) You take class, doing lots of reps, but the same movement patterns, over & over, and each year, the difficulty of the movement increases. (Basically you're doing calisthenic / bodyweight exercises usually in sets of 16 reps.) 2) But then for a performance, or a "combination" / sequence, at the end of class - you put any number of movements together into a dance. That's where the creativity comes in, and each "dance" is different. Yoga now is the same for me. I want classes that count as "training" - building the movement patterns, increasing in difficulty. But then I can choose a random class, for "fun" - to do just for the sheer enjoyment of a lovely sequence. Then 3) my third category of a yoga class are the relaxation/restorative/recovery ones.

A long answer! but it's taken me a bit to think through what I liked about yoga, what I don't like, & why I wasn't progressing. Once I finish a program or a series by an instructor, then I spend time just doing random classes once again for awhile to take a break from focusing.

Best,
Anita
__________________
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” -- Hunter S. Thompson

Current Rotations:
JSmith: STRENGTHEN
ManFlowYoga: morning sessions & Strength Foundations
YogaGlo & MFML: easy, morning classes
FirmDancer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-21, 04:16 PM  
Izzy
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: West of Chicago in the Illinois Corn Belt
Quote:
Originally Posted by FirmDancer View Post
I've often mentioned that I prefer structured, progressive programs rather than just doing random yoga classes. I also really enjoy using books. Recently, I've been enamored with Dean Pohlman's book "Yoga Fitness for Men" and I purchased his new release "Yoga for Athletes". I have definitely noticed improvements in my strength as well as my hip mobility. So I signed up for his "Mission: Daily Yoga" challenge (online; $9) which starts Jan 3. That gives me access to his full website/member's area thru the month of January, so I plan to also work through his "Strength Foundations" program. For now, I got started with his "Endurance for Standing" sequence from his book.
-Anita
I do not have Dean's book but I have all of his DVD's. I love his style. Basic, simple, athletic and his instruction is so good. I almost do no other yoga than his BBY program.
__________________
Mary
Izzy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-21, 04:37 PM  
CabCalloway
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Maryland, USA
I'm in, starting sometime between today (Wed) and the 1st. I'm off starting now until the 4th.
Waves to all,
CabC
CabCalloway is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-22-21, 08:56 PM  
yogapam
VF Supporter
 
yogapam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: West coast of Canada, eh. ;)
It’s great to see more people joining in!

Day 2: Movement for Modern Life: Above the Knee & Below the Navel - This was a lovely hip opening yin practice.
__________________
*~*Pam*~*

Certified Level 4 Essentrics Instructor - March 2021

Hatha YTT - 2011

Your body keeps an accurate journal regardless of what you write down.....

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live."
Jim Rohn

"It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” - Tony Robbins

Check out my Instagram account, @fitness.ficti0n.inspirati0n
yogapam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-23-21, 06:39 AM  
FirmDancer
VF Supporter
 
FirmDancer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Quote:
Originally Posted by Izzy View Post
I do not have Dean's book but I have all of his DVD's. I love his style. Basic, simple, athletic and his instruction is so good. I almost do no other yoga than his BBY program.
I did not know he has DVDs !! Hmmm, something to look into.
__________________
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” -- Hunter S. Thompson

Current Rotations:
JSmith: STRENGTHEN
ManFlowYoga: morning sessions & Strength Foundations
YogaGlo & MFML: easy, morning classes
FirmDancer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-23-21, 08:08 AM  
FirmDancer
VF Supporter
 
FirmDancer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Wednesday, Dec 22

Training: Deah Pohlman "Strength Foundations Course", Day 1. This was all about activating the muscles used in yoga and proper breathing
Fun: Do Yoga With Me: Guy Friswell "Slow Power Flow: Creating Space".
R&R: n/a (I hope to start Yoga by Kassandra 10 minute Evening Routine)

-Anita
__________________
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” -- Hunter S. Thompson

Current Rotations:
JSmith: STRENGTHEN
ManFlowYoga: morning sessions & Strength Foundations
YogaGlo & MFML: easy, morning classes
FirmDancer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-23-21, 08:49 AM  
donnamp
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Maryland, USA
Hi!

Anita - what would be a good program of Dean's to start with? Thanks for sharing your thoughts about yoga and following a structured program.

Donna
donnamp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-23-21, 08:55 AM  
sherry7899
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Thursday, December 23rd Day 3

Yoga Upload seated morning practice

I will do meditation later
__________________
"Say you are tired and you will be. Believe you are strong and you are." (Sean O'Malley)

The cat in my avatar is my sweetheart named Bonkers
sherry7899 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-23-21, 08:56 AM  
Pat58
VF Supporter
 
Pat58's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Connecticut
12/22/21 - Day 2 - Yoga with Kassandra 15 Minute Morning Yin.

Anita, I loved reading your post. It sounds like you've found and developed the true essence of being a yogi.
Pat58 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:41 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.3
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
© 2009 Video Fitness