Even the most enthusiastic "yogi" will tell you that yoga doesn't do it all for them -claiming that they feel the strongest and healthiest when they combine yoga with high intensity cardiovascular and weightlifting exercise.
For most people, a solid yoga session is more beneficial than the "typical gym workout", which looks a little something like this...
Spend 30 minutes getting ready, making sure I look cute. Look myself up and down in the mirror. Take a deep breath before entering the loud, busy gym. Swipe my card on the machine. Compare myself to everyone else around me. Wait 5 minutes for this loud and obnoxious man to get off the machine on my checklist. Ok. Thigh Adductor Machine- 15reps. Check. Thigh Abductor Machine- 15 reps. Check. Ok. I see where this is going. Next machine...
Just imagine how disappointed you would be after going through this routine for months, only to see that your efforts produced little to negative results.
So, here are 5 truths that will help you achieve that lean and taut body you desire in less time...
1. The Benefits of Yoga
The two most effective benefits of yoga are increasing flexibility and increasing lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons - yoga has positions that act upon the various joints of the body including those joints that are never really on the 'radar screen' let alone exercised.
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2. The Redundancy of Long, Slow Workouts
The 60-90 minute lackadaisical workout you've been doing is redundant and useless because of your yoga training. Yoga is aerobic in nature. If you aren't pushing yourself hard enough during your workout, then that too becomes aerobic in nature.
Experts suggest supplementing yoga with short, intense workouts to build anaerobic capacity, which is not trained in most yoga classes.
3. The Truth About Anaerobic vs. Aerobic Training
What's the difference? Well, for the sake of keeping this article at a readable size - just Google it. What you do need to know is that anaerobic conditioning improves your performance in all areas of your life - including aerobic activities.
However, this does not work the other way around, aerobic exercise will not improve your anaerobic capacity- it actually produces a catabolic effect by tearing down the proteins in your muscles.
4. Accountability to Others
I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to train in a group dynamic.
We've all done it - tried to work out in our home or at the park by ourselves. It doesn't work. You know deep down inside you don't push yourself as hard as you do in front of a group cheering you on.
Outside perspective also plays a key role in developing good form - take advantage of constructive criticism by your peers. Ultimately, it comes down to being accountable for your work; make sure you find an instructor who cares when you miss a class/workout.
5. Short, High Intensity Workouts
The best supplement for yoga training is a strength and conditioning fitness program that focuses on functional movements performed at high intensity.
This type of strenuous exercise is the perfect complement for a calm and relaxing practice such as yoga - implementing both into your routine will help you physically, mentally and perhaps even spiritually.
So, do you think yoga can completely replace going to the gym or just the gym you go to?
