Yoga at Home: Gentle Yoga Stretches Complement Aerobic Exercise

I just read about a Dallas woman's regime to prepare for a half-marathon. It included the type of yoga I do- moving slowing into and out of poses and holding them for a set time.  This woman, Marci Gilbert, said,"Stretching is so important. I added a lot of yoga, especially near the end. I used to not like yoga classes that didn’t work up a major sweat, but then I learned to appreciate the stretch I got from holding poses or spending a lot of time on leg stretches. It was more valuable to recovering quicker and building stronger muscles than a fast and sweaty class."

I  agree! When I first learned yoga, what was most impressive about it was its slow pace!  That was what distinguished it from calisthentics and other types of exercise that depleted one's energy rather than restore it.  I know all about the runner's high one gets from fast-paced exercise and I love it.  But, in gentle yoga, the high comes from releasing stress and tension as one does the various moves and stretches.  I suspect the fast and sweaty version of yoga developed from various type A personalities who just could not handle slow-motion activity.

We need both types of exercise!  For years I jogged and did yoga.  Now, I jump/dance on a mini-trampoline for my aerobics routine and I do gentle yoga to stretch and release tension and to massage my internal organs.  Gentle yoga is an excellent complement to any type of aerobics exercise and as Marci Gilbert stated, its value lies in the time spent in the stretches and in holding the poses.

Yours for stretching slowly,

 

Laura Venecia Rodriguez

Comments

[Lifting Weights Vs Cardio]

Very good information. Lucky me I came across your site by chance (stumbleupon). I have saved as a favorite for later!

[Laura Rodriguez]

So nice to hear from you in Helsinki, Johanna!

[Johanna Saisio]

In any kind of exercise stretching is really important and she is right about it.It seem that aerobics and yoga is been very helpful for those women who wants to be fit.In Helsinki there are many women use to do aerobics which lead them to a better lifestyle.

[Marci]

Just saw this about me. Thanks for finding me!