YOGA/Stretching

shorty stacey started this discussion · 11/10/2014

I really do want to start getting myself more flexible, but I love the idea of strengthening the body/mind and being flexible and calm. I don't know much about yoga or what I can do to achieve this, does anyone have any idea's for me, or even some information, online sites. I have been searching all day, and if im honest the sites I have been on just go into the religion about it, where as im looking for a little guidance.

8 replies

I polekat I · 11/10/2014
I love kino yoga , she's on Facebook and seems like a really amazing person =]also a guy called anatrik i think its spelt..I also got some cheap yoga dvds on ebay, and there are really good stretches on here, if u have Veena's lessons =] although I think it's worth to note if u are a total yoga beginner you would benefit massively from a class, it's really helpful to have someone point out your alignment and make sure you are stretching correctly as well as guiding you with the breathing (which I find really hard haha...!!) I love my weekly yoga class it's different to when I try anything at home , I am much more relaxed in class ...funny !
AllysonKendal · 11/10/2014
Yes, I agree... I like Kino Yoga, and BeachYogaGirl... below you can see some of us participating in their November yoga challenge.. I also agree that having some class instruction is super beneficial I started yoga recently by going to free yoga classes at Lulu Lemon. Their retail stores usually host yoga before opening on Sunday. It's really nice and a different local studio hosts each month. It's great because you get exposed to so many teachers and styles. It's funny because there is this yoga community that goes to these classes and then you learn about all these other yoga events. I went to yoga in these beautiful gardens a few times, and yoga in the art museum!! It's been a great experience.
Stefana of Light · 11/10/2014
I found Gaiam tv last month online and oh my do I love it! Not only is it yoga, and for a beginner, which I am, it's been so helpful but there's way more ... It's a body mind soul type of place. I agree with The beach yoga girl and kino have been awesome ... Thanks for introducing those AK:) quick awesome help for poses! But I will say my first yoga class... I fell in love with my instructor, the energy, music, flow was an experience that I'll never forget. CHILLS!! Dive In and enjoy yourself! Most importantly remember yoga is all about the breath connection ! I'm still new to yoga but I will say it's becoming like home base for me ;)
shorty stacey · 11/10/2014
So the November Yoga challenge, what do you do, how long to you hold the pose for?. and breathing, I told you I didn't know much about it!! I really don't haha, I will be buying some books later this week
AllysonKendal · 11/10/2014
Ok so the november challenge is really more of an Instagram challenge so the guidelines aren't really hard and fast... basically you take a picture or short (15 sec) video and tag it to the challenge. We are doing it here because its fun to play with our SV buds and some of them don't do instagram... and polers treat yoga a bit differently then a lot hard core yogis, which I also like... but the yoga community on Instagram is really nice and accepting. I will usually try and warm up if the pose require flexibility... and if I'm doing yoga that day I'll just try and include it in my practice. However lately I've just been trying to go for more dynamic pictures and settings... so it's a bit trickier. Mostly I try and do a little pre-stretch and then go to a cool spot and bust out a pose. As a rule of thumb I try and hold it for at least 5-10 breathes some poses feel so good I stay much longer. Pigeon pose. Oh man I need to sink into that for a while. Anyway the 5-10 breaths... 1. That reminds me to breath, so if you said 5 seconds you may just count and not breathe... And I just picture this one adorable male instructor I had yelling "Five Breaffffs" :) I do both sides, but usually only show one side (makes for a better pic).
Mummyof3 · 11/10/2014
I'm doing the challenge and really enjoying it!
Veena · 11/11/2014
Yes, following Keno on Instagram is great! You could also follow along with the Yoga Challenge here! I see you have the lessons, so check out the Flowmotion stretching routine. It's very relaxing and no warm up is needed. https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/5406a836-5984-4917-be8c-44900a9aa0eb Also keep in mind that the best thing for improving flexibility is consistency and stretching properly. In addition to a yoga practice, try taking a look at the individual stretching lessons here, they will teach you how to hold the body properly and are very in-depth. :)
marithim · 11/19/2014
Stretching lessons on studio veena are great and as someone earlier has suggested, Antranik (@Antranik.org) has quite a bit of stretching information and has made routines to improve flexibility for splits. You can also find him on reddit.com/r/flexibility or r/bodyweightfitness, as he's an active member and moderator of those boards.