WEEK SEVENTY-SIX :: What Is The Best Yoga Workout?

[the_fake_webmaster]

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* Note: How can I win? Answer all questions in the order that they are asked.

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TOPIC: What Is The Best Yoga Workout?

For the week of: 3/12 - 3/18
Sunday @ Midnight Is The Final Cut (Mountain Time, US & Canada).

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Yoga has become very popular amongst people in the fitness community. Some people may avoid yoga because it?s so abstract, but a solid workout would help someone experience the benefits yoga offers.

What is the best yoga workout? Be specific.

What are some of the benefits of yoga?

Who would benefit from yoga the most?


BONUS QUESTION: Do/have you used yoga? Did you notice any results?

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Don't discuss any other topic in this section. ONLY discuss the question above.

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NEW PRIZE MONEY!!!!!
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The best response will get $75 in credit, and second place will get $50 in credit to use in our online store and will have their workout posted on our main site for the world to see!

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NEW RULE!!!!!
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* New Rule: Any exercise not listed on our exercise listing (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/exercises.htm) must be accompanied by a full and complete description and pictures (or a link to the exercise(s) where pictures and description are given).

Thanks,
Bodybuilding.com

[sugapablo]

For the week of: 3/12 - 3/18
Sunday @ Midnight Is The Final Cut (Mountain Time, US & Canada).


Attached...

[ASOAnabolism]

The best yoga workout IMO is called Ashtanga Yoga. It's also known as "Power Yoga" for its advanced breathing technique and demanding cardio. The workout starts and ends with a short meditation and lasts for approx 80 mins.

The series that I practiced is outlined at http://www.ayri.org/fundamental-asanas.html and gives a good basic foundation. The workout goes in the order of: fundamental asanas (sun salutations done 5 times each) followed by the primary asanas, up until navasana or "boat posture", and then into the finishing asanas. Each pose is held for 5 full, deep, even breaths through the nose. The breath is supposed to remain at a constant pace throughout the whole practice and brings you out of and into each and every pose. If a pose focuses on one side of the body, the other side immediately follows. A sun salutation A is also done in between every second, third, or fourth pose. It is best to have a certified guru to guide you through the postures because they are difficult to do correctly. By the end of the workout you can either be drenched in sweat or have just a slight pit stain, depending on how hard/correctly you worked.

As far as physical benefits go, excellent core training is #1 in my books. Almost all of the postures require core strength and pros keep their core flexed for the entire 80 mins. Legs get a good overall workout too, but pretty much nothing for the upper body except a little toning. Being flexible and light on my feet also come to mind when thinking back to when I did it. When practiced regularly, yoga has many cross-training benefits and possibilities.

As for benefits other than the physical ones, they are numerous. The biggest is the spiritual and philosophical qualities that accompany the traditional concept of Ashtanga Yoga. The word Ashtanga is directly translated into meaning "Eight-limbs", which act as a guide to help one attain enlightenment, or the finding of one's true self. The practice also concentrates on energy-locks or "bandas", which are very similar to the chakras at the core of tantra practice.

I quit going because I noticed that it lengthens muscles instead of the shortening that bbing does (plus it was a bit pricey at 120 a month for the best place in town). So if you need to lean up a bit, cross-train for that extra edge or are even thinking of giving enlightenment a shot, then I suggest getting over what other people think and giving it a try.

Plus, it never hurts to be surrounded by toned, flexible girls wearing spandex!

[MP11]

Entry to TOTW 76 is attached.

[Mtguy8787]

Here is mine

[Mtguy8787]

Is this WOTW still in the works, or is it being discounted?