Yoga -- NPR

[Blameitonbrio]

I just started taking yoga once a week back in late December, and I love it! Nearly every move I make feels different and stronger, and I feel awareness of parts of me that I had forgotten about (mostly postive awareness :shock: ). I was wondering if any of you do yoga, and if so what your experiences with it are. I can see how it could help one attain a better seat in riding, because of the emphasis on balance and breathing. Anyone want to share?

BTW, I am taking Gentle Yoga and would consider myself remedial. Luckily the instructor constantly reminds me that yoga is about what you can do, and whatever you can do is helpful. I kinda need that when everyone else is in bow position and I am laying there with my hands getting no where near my feet! Hey, but I can feel the stretch! Also, I can tell that the stretches are becoming longer each time I take a class.

[paintedhorizon]

I have ALWAYS wanted to try yoga! There are books for Yoga ON horseback!

Yoga for Equestrians (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&tag=thehorsehaven-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&path=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2F 1872119263%2Fqid%3D1141870319%2Fsr%3D1-1%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fs%3Dbooks%26v%3Dglance%26n%3D28 3155)

and

Yoga and Riding (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&tag=thehorsehaven-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&path=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2F B0001KNH86%2Fref%3Dpd_sim_b_4%3F%255Fencoding%3DUT F8%26v%3Dglance%26n%3D130)

[Got Brio?]

I take yoga with my mom(aka Blameitonbrio)to help me get in the saddle better. Let me explain I'am very fexible,but I'am 4' 10" and my mare is 15.2 hands tall. And taking yoga has helped mr reach the stirrups. A lot of hockey players(I love hockey...Go Canes!!! :D ) take either yoga or ballet so they'll be fexible.

[paintedhorizon]

Hey girl! I didn't know blameit was your mom! Cool!

[Terry Wallace]

Question for you all....is Pilates like Yoga? I don't know anything about either....

[Blameitonbrio]

Question for you all....is Pilates like Yoga? I don't know anything about either....

Good question. I would like to know that too. Yoga is new to me, so I haven't explored it that far yet. Look forward to hearing if someone can answer.

[Terry Wallace]

I know Yoga can be low-impact, and heard Pilates was too, and that is what I need...low impact to my joints.

[Blameitonbrio]

Here's a link to a news story telling the differences and similarities.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Atio/story?id=1486745

I have problems with my knees and other joints. They just ache. Since starting yoga, I feel stronger without stressing my joints. Of course, I have been walking on a treadmill and swimming a little. But, I think that the yoga has been a big part of my feeling "taller" ( :rofl ) and stronger. I am starting to feel my abs (they are under there somewhere) hold me up as I walk -- if that makes sense. Previously, I had forgotten them were there. I can feel my larger muscles working better as I walk anywhere. I can feel my pelvis moving into better alignment too. It's hard to put my finger on, but the stretching and strengthening and flexibility become more apparent to me every day.

[Blameitonbrio]

I have ALWAYS wanted to try yoga! There are books for Yoga ON horseback!

Yoga for Equestrians (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&tag=thehorsehaven-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&path=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2F 1872119263%2Fqid%3D1141870319%2Fsr%3D1-1%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fs%3Dbooks%26v%3Dglance%26n%3D28 3155)

and

Yoga and Riding (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&tag=thehorsehaven-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&path=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2F B0001KNH86%2Fref%3Dpd_sim_b_4%3F%255Fencoding%3DUT F8%26v%3Dglance%26n%3D130)

I will have to check those books out for Nisharox, since she is motivated to do yoga to further her equitation skills. Thanks for listing those..

[PasoSis]

Gosh. It seems ages ago that I did yoga, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!! I never took classes, but I had videos, and a yoga buddy who had done it for YEARS. . .

I absolutely loved the way it felt, and it really does make you more aware of your body and articulation.

I have never done pilates, but hear they are much tougher, and I think it focuses more on core strength (abdominals) than strengthening and stretching your whole body. I've heard they are pretty intense. But I believe they are somewhat similar in style. :?:

I would assume that there are different levels of pilates, just like yoga though. . . .b/c hatha yoga gets pretty intense, too.

Anybody else have better input? Someone with experience in both?