Yoga: 1) how many times a week is optimal? 2) do I still need cardio workouts?

Question

Some months ago, I began going to 60-minute yoga clases for about three times a week. I've loved it, and now want to make yoga part of my life and work hard to improve my abilities, etc. My two questions are:

1) My life is such that practicing every day feels impossible. Is three times a week enough for real improvement? I don't need to become 'as good' as an elite instructor, but I do want to excel.

2) I know some strong, sculpted people who seem to make yoga their only form of exercise. Can I reap cardiovascular benefits from yoga also, to the degree that I don't need, say, running workouts anymore?

Answer 1

My opinion is based on what I've read from books, internet and what I've learned from Yoga instructors in magazines,tv, and real life. However, bear in mind I'm not an expert. What I'm telling you is from various sources:
1. 3 times a week is enough to keep you healthy, however if you want to excel, you'd need to practise everyday for at least 15 mins. Try to wake up earlier if you don't have enough time. This is just a suggestion.
2. To reap cardiovascular benefits from yoga and strength training, apart from flexibility, you'd need to mix your yoga. Kundalini yoga involves repeating fast movements and therefore you'd need to practise kundalini as well if you want to reap cardiovascular benefits from yoga. If you don't want to join or you can't find kundalini Yoga class in the neighbourhood, I'd suggest these kundalini yoga DVDs:
- Kundalini yoga for beginners and beyond by Ravi Singh and Ana Brett(This DVD has Tibetan rites/Tibetan yoga, instead of holding a pose, you'd do repeating movements)
-Dance the Chakra by Ravi Singh and Ana Brett (This DVD is like a cardio yoga fusion)
- Kundalini yoga for beginners by Mantra Girl
I hope this would help.

Answer 2

There are many types of yoga. The main type seen in western countries is one using relaxing and stretching.

Yoga is not an exercise routine, it is a whole life thing. if you have a 5 mintue break at work you can do some quick yoga exercises. Many people start their day with a 15 minute yoga routine.

Cardo workouts are designed to increase your heart rate and exercise the heart. If the yoga that you do is doing this, then no problem. If not, you may want to include some cardio workout in your exercise routine.

Better to be a well rounded person and use a bit of everything to get fit, yoga, jogging, dancing, hiking etc

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

3X'S AWEK IS PLENTY AND YOU NEED AEROBICS NO MATTER WHAT. RUNNING IS NOT THE BEST WAY EITHER. AEORBICS CLASSES, STATIONARY BIKE, AND WALKING ARE FINE.