Yoga as an only form of excercise?

[MANOSTEEL00]

I have a close friend and she says that all she needs to do is yoga 1-2 times a week.

How would you respond to this? She is in good shape but says that she has low energy levels. Would light lifting and cardio be a better idea?

[JC32]

I have a close friend and she says that all she needs to do is yoga 1-2 times a week.

How would you respond to this? She is in good shape but says that she has low energy levels. Would light lifting and cardio be a better idea?

There are all kinds of yoga... power yoga/high energy yoga can be pretty intense workouts (depending on the level). But I think she needs a more well rounded training program... cardio/weight training/etc. It's always good to mix it up. That should help energy levels for sure.

[cut.copy]

I've done yoga, I got sore muscles I didn't even know I had.

[limniade]

Anybody who thinks yoga can't be an intense workout, or that they need to do other forms of exercise in order to be "well-rounded", clearly hasn't done much yoga. Sure, hatha yoga (the gentler form that most beginners start with) isn't particularly strenuous, but bikram, vinyasa or ashtanga yoga will all KICK your ASS right into the ground. They are very intense and require a lot of endurance and strength.

Full disclosure: I haven't done much yoga either, but I've seen/know people who do only do yoga, and they are strong and ripped as hell.

[JC32]

I have to disagree. I do power yoga and high energy yoga weekly. I agree that they are very very hard and kick your ass (hence why I do it)... however, I think ONLY doing yoga isn't the best plan of attack. Just as just cardio or just weight training wouldn't be enough for a balanced fitness plan. Clearly she is not doing any type that is challenging her enough bc she is having energy problems. I suppose it all depends on your goals, but I wouldn't just pick one activity and stick to it.

[JC32]

I've done yoga, I got sore muscles I didn't even know I had.

Me too! When I first started I "thought" it looked fairly easy. So wrong! lol I still get sore now and again.

[Myshell87]

[QUOTE=limniade;414850171]Anybody who thinks yoga can't be an intense workout, or that they need to do other forms of exercise in order to be "well-rounded", clearly hasn't done much yoga. Sure, hatha yoga (the gentler form that most beginners start with) isn't particularly strenuous, but bikram, vinyasa or ashtanga yoga will all KICK your ASS right into the ground. They are very intense and require a lot of endurance and strength.

QUOTE]

i agree with this!!! i do yoga once or twice weekly (depending on my work hours) and even though its not intense like cardio, i get my heart rate pumping and i can leave there with sweat dripping off me. If you do the poses correctly and put all your effort into it, its alot more rewarding then it may seem to be...

[doomette]

While yoga can be intense, just doing it once or twice a week does not make for a well-rounded exercise program. She says she's in good shape, but I wonder without cardiovascular to improve lung/heart efficiency and weight training to improve composition. I have my doubts.

[Patrese]

While yoga can be intense, just doing it once or twice a week does not make for a well-rounded exercise program. She says she's in good shape, but I wonder without cardiovascular to improve lung/heart efficiency and weight training to improve composition. I have my doubts.

unless its bikram or "hot" yoga.......... yikes

[DanceDiva]

I have a close friend and she says that all she needs to do is yoga 1-2 times a week.

How would you respond to this? She is in good shape but says that she has low energy levels. Would light lifting and cardio be a better idea?

It might not be related to the type of workout she is doing.

I would ask if she had been tested for iron anemia. This can cause low energy and can easily occur for a woman who is menstruating but not getting sufficient iron in the diet.