Can Yoga replace going
to the gym?
Even the most
enthusiastic "yogi" will tell you that yoga doesn't do it all for
them -claiming that they feel the strongest and healthiest when they combine
yoga with high intensity cardiovascular and weightlifting exercise.
For most people, a
solid yoga session is more beneficial than the "typical gym workout",
which looks a little something like this...
Spend 30 minutes
getting ready, making sure I look cute. Look myself up and down in the mirror.
Take a deep breath before entering the loud, busy gym. Swipe my card on the
machine. Compare myself to everyone else around me. Wait 5 minutes for this
loud and obnoxious man to get off the machine on my checklist.
Ok. Thigh
Adductor Machine- 15reps.
Check. Thigh Abductor Machine- 15 reps.
Check. Ok. I
see where this is going. Next machine...
Just imagine how
disappointed you would be after going through this routine for months, only to
see that your efforts produced little to negative results.
So, here are 5 truths
that will help you achieve that lean and taut body you desire in less time...
1. The Benefits of Yoga
The two most effective
benefits of yoga are increasing flexibility and increasing lubrication of the
joints, ligaments and tendons - yoga has positions that act upon the various
joints of the body including those joints that are never really on the 'radar
screen' let alone exercised.
2. The Redundancy of
Long, Slow Workouts
The 60-90 minute
lackadaisical workout you've been doing is redundant and useless because of
your yoga training. Yoga is aerobic in nature. If you aren't pushing yourself
hard enough during your workout, then that too becomes aerobic in nature.
Experts suggest
supplementing yoga with short, intense workouts to build anaerobic capacity,
which is not trained in most yoga classes.
3. The Truth About
Anaerobic vs. Aerobic Training
What's the difference?
Well, for the sake of
keeping this article at a readable size - just Google it. What you do need to
know is that anaerobic conditioning improves your performance in all areas of
your life - including aerobic activities.
However, this does not
work the other way around, aerobic exercise will not improve your anaerobic
capacity- it actually produces a catabolic effect by tearing down the proteins
in your muscles.
4. Accountability to
Others
I cannot emphasize
enough how important it is to train in a group dynamic.
We've all done it -
tried to work out in our home or at the park by ourselves. It doesn't work. You
know deep down inside you don't push yourself as hard as you do in front of a
group cheering you on.
Outside perspective
also plays a key role in developing good form - take advantage of constructive
criticism by your peers. Ultimately, it comes down to being accountable for
your work; make sure you find an instructor who cares when you miss a
class/workout.
5. Short, High
Intensity Workouts
The best supplement for
yoga training is a strength and conditioning fitness program that focuses on
functional movements performed at high intensity.
This type of strenuous
exercise is the perfect complement for a calm and relaxing practice such as
yoga - implementing both into your routine will help you physically, mentally
and perhaps even spiritually.
So, do you think yoga
can completely replace going to the gym or just the gym you go to?
P.S. If you hate
gimmicks for flat abs, treadmills, and advice without substance, then you might
just love our free workout blog over at Crossfit Coastal
by Ezekiel Martinez
Rolando Ezekiel
Martinez is the co-founder of Crossfit Coastal. CrossFit Coastal is a
collective of dedicated trainers brought together by the belief in the Foundations
of CrossFit. The stimulus provided is always varied and the results are
dramatic. The atmosphere is one of support and camaraderie to anyone willing to
put in the work.
Article Source:
https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ezekiel_Martinez/159486
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/908894
Video: https://www.youtube.com/user/tinarealeyoga
