Another item to add to my list of reasons people give for not trying yoga:
Reason no 4: I'm not flexible
The above statement is as insane as saying "I'm overweight so I can't exercise".
Why would you ever restrict yourself to only doing things you already knew how to do perfectly? If we all had this attitude, no one would ever learn anything or challenge themselves. The human race would still be swinging from trees.
Taking on a challenge is a must if we're going to live with passion and zeal. So go ahead, stretch your limits. You never know what might happen.
Cirque du Soleil contortionist from 'Varekai'.
Kristian Dowling / Getty Images
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12 comments:
Determination is a requisite to do yoga "successfully". As small kids, we were always having bumps and bruises but the determination to play was just too much that what we got never mattered. Flexibility is something that can be developed. That's why you do yoga among other reasons. What Kim wrote here is true so listen up to this wise lady! Om Shanti Om
I see what your saying, but, have you been overweight? While exercising is HOW to lose weight, or doing yoga is HOW one may become flexible, when you are overweight, these seem like very unattainable goals, and you know...there isn't a whole lot that can motivate you. Results. Overweight people need to see some sort of result quickly, otherwise, the motivation to do it goes away. Ridiculous? Sure. Unrealistic? Definitely.
That's the way it is though.
Hi Dantric,
Thanks for your comment!
I have never been overweight more than 20 pounds but I have been less than in shape barely able to run a km. I was lazy, had no drive, and zero self esteem. Yoga gave me the right to be myself, go at my own pace, and allow myself to fail. When seing results was no longer an issue, I saw results.
Yoga quickly gave me more strength, stamina, balance, confidence, joy, raison d'etre, and yes, flexibility. Then I had the desire and confidence to do more and be better.
Like everything, you get back what you put into yoga. In the past, when I didn't give anything, I got nothing. When I did, I got everything.
ok, so, for you Yoga provided results when you stopped looking for them? So why do yoga then? Isn't the point of any exercise to "Get results"...whether it be physical or mental? No longer caring about results almost seems, counter-productive. I'm very glad that YOU benefited so much from Yoga :), but aren't you trying to convince me, and others like me to DO yoga. Im close to probably 80-100lbs over my ideal weight, why should I do it? How does a fat person like me be successful at yoga when we can't really do the poses, and we aren't supposed to look for results? Do you see what I'm getting at?
I love me. I am an awesome person. My outward appearance does not reflect that. That needs to change. So, by doing yoga and not expecting results I am going to see results? Hmmm....i dunno.
I'm not trying to be disrespectful of Yoga or you, lots of people do it and enjoy it. There must be SOMETHING to it...but, I am not convinced yet, when all I see are hot, pretty women doing yoga. Where's the fatty who does yoga? Where's that person's before and after shots? Their testimonial?
Hi Dantric,
I think, as many people do, you have a warped opinion of yoga. I blame, like for many other things, the media. You're right: there are no overweight people on the cover of "Yoga Journal". Attend one of my classes however and you will see overweight students. Any one of any size can do the poses. Maybe not every pose, but enough of the poses (there are variations of every pose). I've posted apicture of my teacher, Geeta Iyengar. Not a size 4 by any means but she is THE Iyengar teacher now that her father, B.K.S. Iyengar, retired.
You say you think you're a great person. Why does your outward appareance matter so much then? That's what I meant but not caring so much about results. Stop caring, REALLY like yourself for you, and your actions will reflect that. Then pounds will come off.
Plus, yoga isn't all about postures. "Yoga" can happen while you're diong that most favorite thing in the whole world when time stands still. I have a painter friend who experiences this all the time. Being in the moment, not thinking of anything else in the world.
And just so you think I'm not off on cloud nine: It doesn't matter how "exercise" you do if what you eat is sh#$. Take take of your body in every way.
I like the discussion. Revelant, interesting, and becessary.
Here is the pick of Geeta:
http://www.timeless.org/books/images/book_geeta_gem.jpg
OK, I'll give you that Iyengar is "not a size 4" but then, if this person has been doing yoga for how long? (now teaching) and they are still "over weight"...not a great sell for yoga as a weight loss tool. :S
My outward appearance matters to me. I don't care what anyone else thinks, I want my outside to match my inside. For me. Why? Because...um, positive self image is important? I want to look like I feel. Does that make sense? I do TRULY like myself, i HATE the way I look. But what you are saying is be happy I'm a fat bastard? Accept that as "who i am" then I'll lose weight by doing yoga? But if I am happy with that and accept it, where is the drive to lose weight.
Having a "zen like" moment is the equivalent to "posing" then? I fail to see the weight loss benefits from being at peace for anything up to a couple hours. Sure you feel relaxed and at peace...
lol..i am aware that eating poorly counteracts everything you do exercise wise, yoga or not.
Dear Dantric,
OK, so you think yoga is for only thin people and not for those who are overweight but when you see a less than thin yogi you diss yoga for not being a weight loss option? I can't win. And I think you'd prefer it that way. ;)
While I conceed there are more efficient ways to lose weight than Yoga, that doesn't mean yoga isn't an effective weight loss method. As with anything, it takes effort.
FYI - Geeta Iyengar has stopped practicing the many yogi postures due to health issues but she still practices. Genetics plays a part too.
I can't remember if I've ever asked you this before but have you ever tried yoga? If not, what are you doing now to help you improve the way you feel about how you look?
If so, do you think you're speaking on behalf of all overweight people with respect to yoga? Yoga might not be for you, but your experience if in deed negative isn't necessarily indicative of the entire population perhaps.
FYI - I'm really not trying to convert anyone. I just teach what I know and what I know is yoga. A running coach would choose running.
Let's keep the discussion rolling...
K
Nono, I NEVER said yoga wasn't for overweight people. Honestly I didn;t at first think over weight peopel COULD do yoga...you have snice shown me otherwsie. I believe you when you say over weight people CAN do yoga, i just dont see it as a viable weight loss option.
How much effort into yoga can you do though? I mean, If I really stretch...like REEEEAAAALLLLY stretch? hmm...
Does Wii Fit Yoga count as doing yoga? I have tried it, I was unbalanced and unable to do the poses, except the breathing pose...i was good at breathing. But i'm alive so...i dunno. I have never been to a formal class...i cant seem to justify spending the money on something I don't think will help me lose weight. This is my goal.
In some respect I think I would be speaking on behalf of people who are over weight and want to know what the big fuss is about yoga...and guys.
I need a guy out there who has tried yoga. Anyone??
Oh wait, the Stampeders..
http://www.calgaryherald.com/health/Yoga+Stampeders+secret+season+weapon/3105476/story.html
Dantric - I offer you to come one of my classes to try it out. The warrior poses could kick anyone's butt. Plus, it's not just about stretching. Plank anyone?
K
Dantric,
As I'm sure you know, weight loss is all math. Expend more calories than you take in and you will lose weight. It's all about the calorie deficit. As I'm sure you also know, yoga is a lot more than stretching. Pushing yourself into and out of warrior poses for example, burns calories. Twisting and holding, burns calories. EVERY pose (aside from corpse maybe) burns calories at a rate of 300-400 calories per hour.
While it may not be the most efficient method for losing weight, to say it isn't effective at all is plainly, wrong.
If all you care about is losing weight, run. Nothing burns more calories per minute of exercise than running. However, if you want to burn calories while simultaneously improving your strength and flexibility, yoga is an excellent option.
Thanks for your input, Lawrence. Running is definitely the best way to stay in shape. Personally, it is a love-hate relationship between me and running! :)
Again, I am not trying to convert anyone. My hope is that everyone live a healthy, happy life and if yoga ends up being part of that, then great. I am a firm believer that it can be as it has helped me and continues to help me.
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