Yoga

BR22 · 10-02-2009, 03:35 PM

I want to start doing Yoga but I am not sure where to start. I have done some research but there are so many different programs and so many different types of yoga that I am not sure which type is most fit for MMA and my needs. I am interested in yoga to work on my breathing, flexibility, calmness, quality of life, alertness, ect.
Could anyone please suggest a good program or book or website that would be ideal for what I am looking for.

Thanks a lot

paolo27th · 10-02-2009, 06:20 PM

I think Rickson used to do Ashtanga yoga. I had a look into it and that stuff is intense, definitely not the "relaxing" stuff people talk about. Hata yoga on th other hand is less demanding and probably won`t conflict with your other training. I triesd this a couple of times and it was nice: YouTube - Hatha Yoga for Neck and Shoulder Pain - 57 minutes Wish i had time/money to join a class.

Fulldraw · 10-02-2009, 07:43 PM

Checkout Yoga for Fighters by Phil Migliarese, great DVD I use it 5 times a week in the mornings, great way to start your day, helps recovery for workouts and BJJ

**athletic** · 10-03-2009, 06:14 PM

I've been practising yoga for about a year now, by way of background I train BJJ and I can't tell you how much my practise has helped.

The style of yoga you choose is really dependent upon what you want to achieve. I practise ashtanga and vinyasa flow yoga. The above poster is correct, ashtanga is a very tough workout, but it builds long lean muscles, core strength and of course flexibility. It is an excellent compliment to grappling but relaxation tends to come at the end of the session when you have finished practising.

Vinyasa flow yoga is slightly different, not as demanding from a strength point of view but is great for flexibility, particularly the hips.

I also find it great as BJJ/MMA is very competitive, yoga reminds me to enjoy the journey and not get too obsessed with the destination.

You can practise from a dvd, but I would really recommend going to a quailifed teacher. Some of the movements and poses are tough and expert instruction makes a huge difference, you also want to avoid injuring yourself.

Good luck!

tyciol · 10-03-2009, 08:47 PM

I'd start by going to a library, you can probably get free books and videos about a variety of styles and try out some poses at home. Once you get an idea how various ones are lik,e if you recognize any in the neighbourhood you could go try out a class.

One of them has you in underwear and a heated room, I imagine that aids pliability unless you pass out but they say to bring water.

Machete Juarez · 10-04-2009, 02:18 AM

do yourself a favor and go to an actual class. if nothing, you can oogle at girls bending over and spreading their legs if you sit in the back.

bobthebuilder · 10-04-2009, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Machete Juarez

do yourself a favor and go to an actual class. if nothing, you can oogle at girls bending over and spreading their legs if you sit in the back.

this reminds me I have to start going back to my hatha yoga classes

**athletic** · 10-04-2009, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Machete Juarez

do yourself a favor and go to an actual class. if nothing, you can oogle at girls bending over and spreading their legs if you sit in the back.

True story.

spicy(sfc) · 10-05-2009, 09:45 AM

Im in pretty much the same boat as you. I recently bought a dvd called jiu jitsu for martial arts by Stephen Kesting, the same guy that runs the BJJ website i cant think of the name of. I am very happy with it so far. It might be a good place for you to start.