Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with yoga

vinyasa yoga

mustcatchmooseandsquirrel — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:09:11 -0800

What should I expect from a vinyasa yoga class? I've been doing Bikram/Hot Yoga for a while. Tomorrow I am going to try a Vinyasa class. How will it differ? I want to be mentally prepared for the pace of the class.

I've seen this question but the answers swerved to a direction that was not detailed enough.

Help me achieve padmasana!

Coventry — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:29:17 -0800

Yoga poses which rotate the femur without straining the knee? I'd like to learn to sit in the yoga lotus posture, and this requires a large range of femoral rotation within the hip. The poses I've found for rotating my femur put a lot of strain on my knee because they use the lower leg as a lever. I have seen references to poses which rotate the femur without putting strain on the knee by using straps somehow, but I haven't found any explicit descriptions of them. Anyone know how to do this?

Columbus, Ohio recommendations

Pax — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:58:51 -0800

Columbus, Ohio: need pedicure, yoga, and bar recommendations. I'm going to Columbus for a wedding this weekend. I am staying in the Arena area, on North High St. I'm looking for the following within walking distance:

*Yoga studio. Preferably vinyasa (not Bikram).
*Nail salon. Can be low-tech, as long as it's clean and does pedicures.
*Bar/pub. Place to catch up with an old friend. He lives there but is very new to the area. I'm not against younger people, but would prefer something other than the fraternity-house-extension college places.

Do these exist in this area? Thanks for your help!

Do I really need a meditation cushion to meditate properly?

Tha-Flash — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:57:11 -0800

I'm really interested in yoga and meditation. I'm quite new to it all but do I really need to buy a meditation cushion? Can I not just use normal pillows or my bed? What's so special about these meditation cushions?

Does my yoga mat match my yoga pants?

liketitanic — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:43:31 -0800

Quick, a good ashtanga or hatha class (meaning fairly vigorous, Level 1/2 or 2?) in New York City, around the Upper West Side . . . or Chelsea . . . or the East Village . . . or Williamsburg, Brooklyn? Around those environs for a couple weeks and need some yoga. Varied class schedules would be great. Light on the YOGA TRENDINESS would also be good.

What is that clumsy, fat guy doing in my yoga class?

Any Moose In a Storm — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:16:10 -0800

Wanted: Boston area beginner's yoga class. Difficulty: Male, heavier and a novice. Where? I've begun exercising more regularly, but I am as stiff as a cinder block and have less balance than a two legged stool. It seems like yoga would help with these things. I'm sort of intimidated by/loathe the idea of being the only clumsy, "fat", guy in the room.

I'm not that fat, but I am stocky/bulky when contrasted to the lithe, mainly female figures I see coming out of yoga classes.

By Boston Area I really mean Cambridge/Somerville/Arlington/Medford.

I'm not really interested in the "religious" aspect, but that's not an automatic disqualifier.

Help me build some arm strength!

All.star — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:47:00 -0800

How can I build some upper body/arm strength without going to the gym to lift weights? I am only looking to build enough upper body strength to be able to hold myself up in some yoga poses that I currently have trouble with (back bend and headstand). What are some things I can do at home to help build the strength I need to do these? I am open to buying some hand weights/dumb bells, though I have no idea what to do with them to use them correctly. Any advice would be appreciated!

Meditative and healthy vacation ideas?

NikitaNikita — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:10:42 -0800

Looking for personal retreat/solo vacation ideas, combining meditation, fitness, and relaxation. Could also use some tips on how to plan such a vacay. Any ideas? In a similar vein as this fellow, I'd like suggestions for a personal retreat/solo vacation which combines opportunities for exercise, contemplation, and meditation. I've been feeling severely burnt out for various reasons, and would like to find a place to take a personal retreat. Fitness-wise, I enjoy yoga and hiking (but I am a little out of shape), beaches or mountains, would like access to healthy eating options, and would also consider more organized programs.. like, things of a boot-camp-y nature, or sessions on self-esteem, -awareness, etc. I also enjoy writing -- i can do that on my own, but iof there's something writer's retreat oriented you have input on, that'd be great too. I'm a 29 yo female likely leaving out of the southeast USA, and since I'm sort of limited on funds, cheap and/or spartan living would be fine by me. I guess about a week would be a nice long enough stretch of time.

I'm trying to figure out how to build such a trip, on my own, perhaps combining a drive with a visit to an ashram? or something of that sort. So, anecdotes on how one might have gone about planning this are welcome too, since taking/planning vacations is not my forte.

In fact, if there's something you know of that can be quickly planned and embarked upon... say, in a week or so? that'd be extra cool, for the spontaneity factor. (see, told you planning is not my forte.)

Thanks! (and if more info will help, lemme know...)

Gas crisis.

loiseau — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:46:59 -0800

My own private gas crisis. Looking for a couple of simple stretches I can do. I'm not farty, I'm just feeling gross and inflated.

I figure yoga must have postures that help with this. I know not of yoga postures. Can someone loan me a couple that will make me feel like less of a blimp? Even just easing the tender-belly sensation would be nice.

I already get lots of cardio because I bike everywhere, so exercise generally is not cutting the cheese. (har har har)

I want to be a human pretzel...

lemonade — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:59:39 -0800

Are there any good yoga/stretching DVDs for increasing flexibility? I'm looking for a DVD with an emphasis on becoming more flexible. Can you recommend a flexibility yoga DVD, or maybe something with stretching for martial artists or dancers? My hips and legs are especially tight, and since I need to work on this anyhow, maybe I can get all the way to the splits!

Downward Dog

All.star — Thu, 22 May 2008 18:52:13 -0800

How do I become a yoga instructor? I took up yoga about 3 months ago, and I love it! At the same time, I've come to really despise working at a desk in front of a computer for 40 hours a week. So I would eventually like to become a yoga instructor. I realize this is not something I can do over night.

I am moving to Charlotte, NC in August, so I am wondering if anyone at MetaFilter has any recommendations for yoga studios or instructors in that area.

Also, how does one go about becoming a yoga instructor? What kind of teaching programs are there, what does one study in them, how competitive is it to get a job teaching at a studio? Any other tips or suggestions are welcome.

travel yoga?

mustcatchmooseandsquirrel — Mon, 05 May 2008 07:33:33 -0800

What kind of yoga sequence should I do while traveling? I usually heat up a room with a space heater and do the Bikram sequence at home (this takes me about an hour to complete). I'm going to be traveling Wednesday-Sunday and I want to practice yoga while I am gone from home.

Problems are that I won't have a space heater and I won't have a yoga mat. I don't have the correct financial/time situation to attend yoga studios at my destination. Also, on Wednesday I will basically be in an airplane or at an airport all day.

My goals are to generally feel good, to be able to resume my normal practice when I get home without feeling too stiff, and not to hurt myself. That said, what sequence of asanas would be the best for me to do on my trip?

Help a weakling achieve her first push-up!

geekgirl397 — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 08:25:15 -0800

I'm a 35 yr old female, 5'6", 120lbs, in good general shape (walk loads, work out) who has never been able to achieve a single-push up. It's a key move to many of the workouts I want to do, but most strength-building programs assume that even the weakest can do at least one. What should I do? I want to include yoga and pilates in my routine, but the yoga "chaturanga" pose escapes me, making it hard to do "sun salutations" which are the core of many routines. Part of my routine is the interactive game "Yourself Fitness" on the PS/2 - this features fitness tests every 10 workouts, which include pushups as a measure. I just sit them out and enter fake info, which is frustrating.

I am in good general health. I walk between 15 and 20 miles a week and do yoga/pilates/weight routines for 30 mins about 3 times a week (hoping to ramp up to more). In the past, I've devoted a lot of time to staying fit, and for several years worked out six days a week for at least 45 mins, once a week with a trainer for an hour. Even at my fittest, I was unable to do a single push-up. I could/can do chest presses, flys, etc. with lightish weights. I can hold the yoga "plank" position and "side plank" for a decent amount of time.

I am thinking of finding a yoga teacher and getting an individual lesson to see if that helps me finally get chaturanga, but I don't have a lot of time/money and I don't currently know of a teacher I trust. (Also, gym trainers and yoga/pilates class teachers in the past have not been able to teach me to do a push up or achieve chaturanga.)

Has anybody else out here had this problem? I feel like a freak. Has anyone been able to overcome it? How? Are there any "tricks" or tips that might help me to do my very first push up, and work up from there?

"Kosher" Position in Classic Meditation that Provides Full Back Support?

WCityMike — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:16:47 -0800

Are there alternatives to the lotus position for classic meditation that don't leave the back unsupported? I've found that sitting in an unsupported position, or in a chair that doesn't have a seat back, ends up making my back ache rather strongly. I've thought about investigating meditation (and looking into the more classical, early practices), but have wondered if there's a "kosher" (accepted in the discipline) way of doing the more classical meditations while having your back completely supported (by lying on the ground, or doing it in a chair, or what have you).

Low-key yoga for neurotic New Yorkers?

lackutrol — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:23:22 -0800

Where can I find yoga in New York City that fits me? I'm looking for something mainly to help with stress/tension, that doesn't emphasize either a big workout or philosophy stuff. I am also a complete beginner and out of my depth here. I have been thinking about doing something low-key to improve my health and relieve stress and for some reason yoga appeals. I'd like to combine de-stressification with maybe a mild workout. I think what appeals to me is the apparent calm and the enjoyment people seem to get out of it. However, the (fair or unfair) cultural associations with the practice are pretty much the opposite of my tastes and I'd like to avoid religious/philosophical stuff as much as possible. Tall order, perhaps.

Bonus points for places that can deal with tense, out of shape beginners and/or are in the West Village area.

"I fart in your general direction." Please help us stop! The guy in my pilates class thanks you!

barometer — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:06:26 -0800

Ladies and Pilates - question about unintended sounds during class. I know it's normal but is there any way to clamp down to quiet down once in a while? This doesn't seem to happen as much during yoga, and it doesn't matter if I've had sex recently or not. I'd like to be able to cut down on the vaginal farts, aka queefs during pilates class.

These are mat based classes (no machines) and the sounds seem to happen during the rolling exercises. I sometimes take the class with friends, and it's a small enough town that I see people around. I'd rather not share those little sounds with them, if possible. Are there any core exercises, or positions, to reduce the sounds? Kegels? Mula Bandha focus (like yoga)? Or is it just practice?

I know it's just air going in and out (hello, sex) but during quiet moments it can be a little irritating. I know others have had this problem (I've heard them) and I've talked to friends, but we're all new at this and wondering if some more experienced pilates folks have any suggestions.

Yoga in Spanish or sign language in the San Francisco area

salvia — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:32:36 -0800

Know of any yoga classes in the San Francisco Bay Area that are in Spanish or in sign language? A friend of mine is hard of hearing. Her native language is Spanish, so that is easier for her to understand. She also knows some sign language.

We have been going to yoga class together, but some of the instructions are actually fairly hard to pick up by sight. By talking to her afterwards, it's clear she's missing about half of what was said.

So, I'd like to find a class in the San Francisco Bay Area that is taught in sign language or in Spanish. Alternatively, maybe we could get by in a small class with a teacher who would really take care that she was understanding.

She's a 60-year-old beginner, so we need something fairly introductory and maybe even healing or meditation-oriented.

I'm sure there must be some non-english-speakers or deaf people in this area that are learning yoga, but I don't know how to find these classes. I've googled to no avail. My yoga-teaching friend even sent a note to a yoga teacher mailing list and didn't get a response. So, any ideas are welcome.

Thanks!

"When asked what gift he wanted for his birthday, the yogi replied: "I wish no gifts, only presence."

Sassyfras — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:10:12 -0800

Yoga-centric gift giving: My sister is opening her own yoga studio and wellness center next month in South Carolina! It's been a long difficult process for her. I would like to get her a gift (maybe to be used in the studio) that is appropriate for such a business. I live in Arizona, and although I plan to be there for the grand-opening in February, I won't be there long, so offering any of my services is not possible. My budget is quite small - probably no more than $100.00. I was thinking of getting a lot of yoga and chant books that she can keep at the studio and start a "library" there. But, I'd like some more ideas if you have any. Thank you!

Build/Promote a Non-Commercial Web Site

Quisp Lover — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:28:19 -0800

How do I build and promote a totally non-commercial web site to disseminate useful and creative tricks for fixing a number of supposedly incurable health problems? I've developed, thanks to a multi-decade study of yoga, some pretty powerful ways for people, even non-yoga people, to self-fix a number of supposedly incurable maladies e.g. migraines, TMJ, RSI, patellar tendonitis, fallen arches, and depression. I understand your skepticism. But please keep reading.

I plan to build a web site to house and disseminate this information non-commercially. How do I get the information out there? There are so many quacks hawking rip-off miracle cures, and so much inane noise, that I can't imagine how to be heard, even though these techniques really work. I think the problem is that I'm not doing this out of greed (the info will be freely offered, I just want to relieve suffering) or ego (I'll be anonymous). And those are the two big forces in the world which make voices loud enough to cut through the chatter!! So how do I, a mild-mannered would-be good samaritan, get word-of-mouth buzz going without stooping to the cheesy/sleazy strategies of marketers?

I should note that these techniques are just little mental or physical actions...nothing that could cause greater harm. So while there's been no rigorous testing, I think it's patently reasonable to offer on a "try this!" basis

As for the web site, I'm envisioning an intro page indexing different pages for each condition. A blog format isn't appropriate, which is a shame because there are great blog templates out there and I don't have graphic design talent (my HTML is good enough to yield bland, barebones 1998-looking sites!). What's my best bet for yielding an attractive look? My pref would be to pay a graphical designer...wouldn't be too expensive, 'cuz it's such a simple site. But how do I find a talented, not-totally-swamped-with-work designer? Or is there a non-blog template that might work?

What do I do now that I've graduated?

grablife365 — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:55:21 -0800

Please help me figure out what to do with myself now that I've graduated. I have tons of questions and may be over looking all the obvious answers. Like so many others, I have no idea what to do now that I've graduated college. I'm 21, will be 22 in February with a B.S. in Dance (graduated this past December) and for a while I've wanted to study physical therapy and possibly get a masters in it. I have a family friend who also has friends and soon I will be observing them in different settings to get a feel for it. I'm happy with this set up but now that I have so much other time, I've been thinking about all the other interests I have. Would it be unwise of me to take this year or the next few years to get a job, develop my hobbies and not worry about heading right off to grad school?

Questions:
I've always wanted to design clothes, accessories and household items for both adults and babies and would love to sell them. What skills do I need for this and if possible who do I contact if I want to have them made? I also need fabric company recommendations if possible. Is it smart to get a name trademarked even though nothing is set yet? I want a certain name and don't want it taken before I get something set up.
I've sketched out designs (as best I can), have a sewing machine, chosen names just need a little more help getting them from idea to sold on a website or in a store.

I also make jewelry and would love to know how to make jewelry that involves plastics, wood, metals and other materials on a larger scale. I don't know where to look for information on techniques and production.

I'm thinking about getting a certification in pilates and yoga prenatal and otherwise. There is so many websites and companies that I'm not sure which one is good. Is there anywhere in TX or anywhere else for this that possibly includes a home course of any sort? I don't mind traveling out and may possibly be moving to Houston at the end of next month or california next year.

I also want to study nutrition and diet and fitness. What certification(s) do I need if I wanted to own a business helping people with weight management? How do I find out about this? Does anyone know how I can become a wellness coach? Its similar to life coach but the focus would be on wellness.

I've studied photography for almost 3 years and have been printing 8 X10s this past semester at school. Now that I'm done I would like to continue taking pictures but would like to have them printed larger by someone else so that I can mat and sell them. Who does this? Is kinkos any good?

How does one get involved with interior design? What books can I read, courses can I take? Ty Pennington and Nate Berkus do work thats just about what I want to do. How can I learn this? I did a kitchen makeover for my mother and I'm planning to remodel an apartment. I would like to learn how to make things, rewire things but how?

I know for sure that it looks like I bounce around with my interests and I do, its just that I want to find something among these that I can see myself doing for a while. Possibly combine them. I've been doing all of these on and off for the past few years but really want to work on and explore them now instead of wishing I could if/when I head to grad school for about 3 years. I've looked through some other threads on here but haven't been through them all. Sorry if these questions have been asked too many times.

What type of yoga should I take?

christonabike — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:52:20 -0800

I'm interested in improving my flexibility, balance, and body control. Which type of yoga class should I take (if any)? I'm a fairly active person (mainly crossfit, ultimate, and some biking) who would generally be considered to be in good shape. I think my flexibility and balance could use some improvement and am considering taking yoga. I'm less interested in the spiritual side and more interested in physical improvement. Should I take yoga? Which type? The three types offered at my local facility are Hatha, Kundalini, and Ashtanga, but feel free to recommend other kinds.

How do you disinfect your yoga mat?

madmethods — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:40:25 -0800

How do you disinfect your yoga mat? Thick foam-rubberish version. Clever tips on how to wash the big floppy awkward things are welcome as well.

Yoga/Pilates for a hardworking nurse

TheyCallItPeace — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 07:04:38 -0800

How do I find yoga/pilates classes that will work with a nurse's irregular shift schedule? Also, is yoga/pilates effective for dealing with leg/back pain due to working 12+ hour shifts on one's feet? My girlfriend is a nurse at a major hospital in downtown Toronto, and she has demonstrated interest in yoga or pilates classes. I'd like to surprise her by giving her and her sister a gift certificate for some of these classes, but they are both nurses, and I am afraid it will be next to impossible to find a place that will offer flexible enough schedules to allow them to show up whenever they are free. Both their schedules are completely irregular. They know their schedules roughly a month in advance, but that is about it.

Another reason why I'd like to give this gift is that my girlfriend has complained about pain in her legs, feet and back after the odd shift at the hospital. She is young (25) and slim, but I have the feeling that over time this will lead to serious discomfort, as she is not very active. I see this interest in yoga/pilates as an opportunity for her to exercise, and to avoid work related health problems, but I am not sure if these types of exercises are indeed effective.

So my question is two fold: are there any people out there with completely irregular schedules that still manage to find places where they can just drop in and have yoga/pilates classes? And for anyone that works 12+ hr shifts on their feet, do you find that yoga/pilates-type exercises are effective in alleviating back/leg/foot pain?

Yoga mat is not grippy

whir — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 09:36:05 -0800

How do I make my yoga/exercise mat stickier, so my hands and feet don't slip around when I'm sweaty? I did see this earlier question, which makes me suspect that I might have better success just buying a new/different mat, but I'd like to see if there's some way I can improve the one I've got first, mostly out of pure stubbornness. That is actually one of the rental mats from a yoga studio that they sold to me for a dollar, so it's already seen some use. I thought of just spraying scotch guard or something on it, but I don't want subsequently ingest it through my skin.

Teach Myself to Hit The Toilet at the Appointed Time

jimmyjimjim — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:51:03 -0800

I want to practice yoga early in the mornings. But it's got to be after bowel movement. Problem is, my bowel movements, though quite regular in terms of daily-ness, occur at odd times. Sometimes I have to wait 2 or 3 hours after waking, and that throws off the whole sched. I also need to do yoga on an empty stomach, so eating something to stimulate the bowel movement isn't a solution. And I don't like coffee or cigarettes. I do try to keep a regular sched, waking/sleeping at approximately the same time each day. So....do I have any other options for teaching my body to do its bizness first thing upon waking?