Comments on: Yoga This and Pilates That http://thefitcast.com/yoga-this-and-pilates-that Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:06:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Andrew http://thefitcast.com/yoga-this-and-pilates-that/comment-page-1#comment-146939 Andrew Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:10:04 +0000 http://thefitcast.com/?p=82#comment-146939 Run, Eric! The yoga people are after you! Oh, wait, they are all stuck in stationary poses, you're fine.... Run, Eric!

The yoga people are after you!

Oh, wait, they are all stuck in stationary poses, you’re fine….

]]> By: strength coach http://thefitcast.com/yoga-this-and-pilates-that/comment-page-1#comment-143451 strength coach Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:41:21 +0000 http://thefitcast.com/?p=82#comment-143451 It is nice on your side of knowledge Eric.But I would recommend you for strength and conditioning by Rhadi Ferguson.You will learn a lot from him.He is a world class strength and conditioning coach.You must visit his website <a href="http://www.rhadiferguson.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.rhadiferguson.com/</a>. It is nice on your side of knowledge Eric.But I would recommend you for strength and conditioning by Rhadi Ferguson.You will learn a lot from him.He is a world class strength and conditioning coach.You must visit his website http://www.rhadiferguson.com/.

]]> By: Newsletter 159 | EricCressey.com http://thefitcast.com/yoga-this-and-pilates-that/comment-page-1#comment-141120 Newsletter 159 | EricCressey.com Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:37:51 +0000 http://thefitcast.com/?p=82#comment-141120 [...] get me wrong; this newsletter isn’t going to be about yoga.  To be honest, I already wrote an article about my thoughts on yoga a while back.  Admittedly, I probably should have taken a more impartial [...] [...] get me wrong; this newsletter isn’t going to be about yoga.  To be honest, I already wrote an article about my thoughts on yoga a while back.  Admittedly, I probably should have taken a more impartial [...]

]]> By: Daniel http://thefitcast.com/yoga-this-and-pilates-that/comment-page-1#comment-136873 Daniel Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:09:45 +0000 http://thefitcast.com/?p=82#comment-136873 Hi, As a long time yoga practitioner, teacher and teacher trainer, i share the concerns about the misuse of yoga. And that's equivalent to saying body building is dangerous because some people lift weights with bad form. Every tool can be misused. I personally enjoy body building and yoga. I don't know what I would focus on if my only goal was to look better, get stronger and improve athletic performance. My goals are broader - to feel fantastic, to be of better service to the world, to have fun. With that in mind, yoga is key in my life. Hi,

As a long time yoga practitioner, teacher and teacher trainer, i share the concerns about the misuse of yoga. And that’s equivalent to saying body building is dangerous because some people lift weights with bad form. Every tool can be misused. I personally enjoy body building and yoga. I don’t know what I would focus on if my only goal was to look better, get stronger and improve athletic performance. My goals are broader – to feel fantastic, to be of better service to the world, to have fun. With that in mind, yoga is key in my life.

]]> By: Nuala Coombs http://thefitcast.com/yoga-this-and-pilates-that/comment-page-1#comment-69514 Nuala Coombs Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:09:03 +0000 http://thefitcast.com/?p=82#comment-69514 HI. My main concern is that - you have placed yoga an and pilates in the same bag and that you have assumed all pilates instruciton is the same. As a training school we have applied latest research into core stability into our foundation course with great results and to dismiss pilates with your three strike system - does you no justice. I am aware this article is old but i am assuming because it is still available you still hold this generic view of pilates. Europe has developed and applied research to the programme, perhaps your experience is limited to the US? HI. My main concern is that – you have placed yoga an and pilates in the same bag and that you have assumed all pilates instruciton is the same. As a training school we have applied latest research into core stability into our foundation course with great results and to dismiss pilates with your three strike system – does you no justice. I am aware this article is old but i am assuming because it is still available you still hold this generic view of pilates. Europe has developed and applied research to the programme, perhaps your experience is limited to the US?

]]> By: Court http://thefitcast.com/yoga-this-and-pilates-that/comment-page-1#comment-27786 Court Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:15:17 +0000 http://thefitcast.com/?p=82#comment-27786 I am a personal trainer as well as a 200-hr yoga instructor. I can say this much already: while it may not be true that all yoga instructors practice improperly, most certainly do. They focus on excessive flexibility regardless of the need for it, and usually people who are attracted to yoga tend to be the types of people who are already excessively flexible and have no control over that range of motion. Face it: most yoga teachers are trained in a weekend, if at all. I would also say that most women come into the gym extremely weak, and as they age, become unable to perform simple movements. Most women need strength training just to get to "Zero". Many women never make progress because they stretch a ton, do yoga, lots of cardio - but never lift the weights that will form and shape their bodies. So they give up on everything. I'd also like to point out that most yoga teachers do not realize the importance of strength training - you may accuse the author of not having experience with yoga, but have you ever lifted weights? Do you know how fun it can be - and how you can push yourself in the same way that you do in Ashtanga? Do you know how important it is to gain basic strength? Do you realize how muscle leads to a toned, beautiful body? Yoga can be incredible for the body, and I obviously continue to teach it. However, I teach it with caution, using only the smart movements, and emphasize the need for a strength training program as well. Cardio, strength training, and mobility/stretching must go hand and hand. I am a personal trainer as well as a 200-hr yoga instructor. I can say this much already: while it may not be true that all yoga instructors practice improperly, most certainly do. They focus on excessive flexibility regardless of the need for it, and usually people who are attracted to yoga tend to be the types of people who are already excessively flexible and have no control over that range of motion. Face it: most yoga teachers are trained in a weekend, if at all.

I would also say that most women come into the gym extremely weak, and as they age, become unable to perform simple movements. Most women need strength training just to get to “Zero”. Many women never make progress because they stretch a ton, do yoga, lots of cardio – but never lift the weights that will form and shape their bodies. So they give up on everything.

I’d also like to point out that most yoga teachers do not realize the importance of strength training – you may accuse the author of not having experience with yoga, but have you ever lifted weights? Do you know how fun it can be – and how you can push yourself in the same way that you do in Ashtanga? Do you know how important it is to gain basic strength? Do you realize how muscle leads to a toned, beautiful body?

Yoga can be incredible for the body, and I obviously continue to teach it. However, I teach it with caution, using only the smart movements, and emphasize the need for a strength training program as well. Cardio, strength training, and mobility/stretching must go hand and hand.

]]> By: Claudia Neuman http://thefitcast.com/yoga-this-and-pilates-that/comment-page-1#comment-9552 Claudia Neuman Sat, 21 Apr 2007 20:20:00 +0000 http://thefitcast.com/?p=82#comment-9552 Great article and inspiring responses! I am a certified Anusara Yoga Instructor, a Pilates instructor, and I am also very athletic. I have never done any strength training with weights, although the years of yoga (25 and then some) have inspired others to ask me if I do train with weights. From the age of 35 to my current age, which is 49, I have kept a relatively demanding schedule as a full time instructor as well as keeping up with my own yoga practice and doing about two to four sessions of cardio training a week. I have found that all of what I do is good. However, I have learned how to do all of it as a result of learning how to do yoga. I agree that some yoga classes seem to put no boundries on the amount of stretching that is good. I also agree about the areas of the body that are vulnerable (lumbar spine, hip flexors, etc.,) in yoga classes that are perhaps less concerned with proper alignment. I do not agree that there is no mobility in yoga. Have you ever done Asthanga? I did for many years. I attribute much of my strength today as well as my character building to the years of Asthanga, which led me to Anusara. Anything that challenges us physically opens doors as you have already stated. Anusara Yoga has taught me how to take myself as well as others out of their pain. The alignment system is very theraputic, and, I have transformed as an individual into someone I never thought I could be. The years of Asthanga were good, but I have had more growth and transformation through Anusara Yoga than any other system that I have studied. It has been a journey of the heart for me that has taken me all over the world teaching or studing. Im not sure that there is a way to measure the pros and cons of yoga vs. strength training. Each one of us is a unique human being with so many gifts to offer the world. I think that if there is any measure of what is right or good insofar as a physical system goes, it would be to ask the question: how has this affected my life and the lives of those around me? Has it been a life enhancing experience that has brough more joy to life? Am I becoming the person I want to be? Am I happier. Am I more avilable to serve others? I love to watch the Olympics, athleticism is beautiful. In my own body, however, strength training without the practice of yoga would seem rather numb and dry. I just dont know if I'd be able to answer those questions affirmatively if all I did was some cardio and weight training. Great article and inspiring responses!
I am a certified Anusara Yoga Instructor, a Pilates instructor, and I am also very athletic. I have never done any strength training with weights, although the years of yoga (25 and then some) have inspired others to ask me if I do train with weights.
From the age of 35 to my current age, which is 49, I have kept a relatively demanding schedule as a full time instructor as well as keeping up with my own yoga practice and doing about two to four sessions of cardio training a week.
I have found that all of what I do is good. However, I have learned how to do all of it as a result of learning how to do yoga.
I agree that some yoga classes seem to put no boundries on the amount of stretching that is good. I also agree about the areas of the body that are vulnerable (lumbar spine, hip flexors, etc.,) in yoga classes that are perhaps less concerned with proper alignment.
I do not agree that there is no mobility in yoga.
Have you ever done Asthanga?
I did for many years. I attribute much of my strength today as well as my character building to the years of Asthanga, which led me to Anusara.
Anything that challenges us physically opens doors as you have already stated.
Anusara Yoga has taught me how to take myself as well as others out of their pain. The alignment system is very theraputic, and, I have transformed as an individual into someone I never thought I could be.
The years of Asthanga were good, but I have had more growth and transformation through Anusara Yoga than any other system that I have studied. It has been a journey of the heart for me that has taken me all over the world teaching or studing.
Im not sure that there is a way to measure the pros and cons of yoga vs. strength training. Each one of us is a unique human being with so many gifts to offer the world. I think that if there is any measure of what is right or good insofar as a physical system goes, it would be to ask the question: how has this affected my life and the lives of those around me?
Has it been a life enhancing experience that has brough more joy to life? Am I becoming the person I want to be? Am I happier. Am I more avilable to serve others?
I love to watch the Olympics, athleticism is beautiful.
In my own body, however, strength training without the practice of yoga would seem rather numb and dry.
I just dont know if I’d be able to answer those questions affirmatively if all I did was some cardio and weight training.

]]> By: Ben McLellan http://thefitcast.com/yoga-this-and-pilates-that/comment-page-1#comment-5952 Ben McLellan Thu, 22 Mar 2007 14:32:55 +0000 http://thefitcast.com/?p=82#comment-5952 I first want to say that I respect your knowledge very much. I also have to say that I disagree with you quite strongly here. Have you ever taken a yoga class? Also, can you not lift weights improperly? Yoga is like anything, when it's done properly, you will benefit. When I take yoga I often here the instructors say:"be sure to tuck your pelvis to ensure a neutral spine." I do agree if you have five hours, as an athlete, that you should be lifting. I think you need to experience yoga before you speak about it in the way that you have. Respectfully, Ben McLellan I first want to say that I respect your knowledge very much. I also have to say that I disagree with you quite strongly here. Have you ever taken a yoga class? Also, can you not lift weights improperly? Yoga is like anything, when it’s done properly, you will benefit. When I take yoga I often here the instructors say:”be sure to tuck your pelvis to ensure a neutral spine.” I do agree if you have five hours, as an athlete, that you should be lifting. I think you need to experience yoga before you speak about it in the way that you have.

Respectfully,
Ben McLellan

]]> By: Jenny Lake http://thefitcast.com/yoga-this-and-pilates-that/comment-page-1#comment-5871 Jenny Lake Wed, 21 Mar 2007 19:11:12 +0000 http://thefitcast.com/?p=82#comment-5871 Dear Eric, I was very dissapointed when I read this article you wrote. I previously read your article on shoulders and the importance of the serratis anterior and stabilization of the shoulder girdle. I thought it was an excellent article and respected your opinion and knowledge. I now have to say I have changed my opinion after reading this article. I have been a Personal Trainer since 1985 with a college degree and numerous certifications. I have studied and taught Pilates for nine years and currently that is all I teach. I don't know where your research comes from because what you say about Pilates couldn't be farther from the truth! Have you tried Pilates yourself(with a qualified teacher)? Pilates is all about stabalization of the spine and the pelvis along with constant use of the core muscles.A benefit is flexability and strength throughout the entire body inside and out. I could go on and on about the great benefits of Pilates but I think you get the message. I work with more men than women ,with hip replacements and numerious shoulder, knee, and back injuries with successful results. I have learend more about the human body from Pilates than I could have ever imagined. For future notice I would appreciate if you would give Pilates a try and not just a class or a session on Pilates equiptment.My recomendation would be for you to practice Pilates for a minimum of a month before becoming an expert writer on the subject of Pilates. Feel free to respond to this message. Thank You, Jenny Lake Dear Eric,
I was very dissapointed when I read this article you wrote. I previously read your article on shoulders and the importance of the serratis anterior and stabilization of the shoulder girdle. I thought it was an excellent article and respected your opinion and knowledge. I now have to say I have changed my opinion after reading this article.
I have been a Personal Trainer since 1985 with a college degree and numerous certifications.
I have studied and taught Pilates for nine years and currently that is all I teach. I don’t know where your research comes from because what you say about Pilates couldn’t be farther from the truth! Have you tried Pilates yourself(with a qualified teacher)?
Pilates is all about stabalization of the spine and the pelvis along with constant use of the core muscles.A benefit is flexability and strength throughout the entire body inside and out. I could go on and on about the great benefits of Pilates but I think you get the message. I work with more men than women ,with hip replacements and numerious shoulder, knee, and back injuries with successful results. I have learend more about the human body from Pilates than I could have ever imagined.
For future notice I would appreciate if you would give Pilates a try and not just a class or a session on Pilates equiptment.My recomendation would be for you to practice Pilates for a minimum of a month before becoming an expert writer on the subject of Pilates.

Feel free to respond to this message.

Thank You,

Jenny Lake

]]> By: Chris http://thefitcast.com/yoga-this-and-pilates-that/comment-page-1#comment-5811 Chris Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:37:06 +0000 http://thefitcast.com/?p=82#comment-5811 I agree with you whole heartedly when it comes to your table of mobility and flexibility. I try to follow it and put it into my training. I suggest it to anyone that asks me, I have a copy of it in my notes. Ankle/Mobility Knee/Stability Hip/Mobility Lumbar Spine/Stability Thoracic Spine/Mobility Scapula/Stability Glenohumeral (Shoulder)/Mobility/Stability I agree with you whole heartedly when it comes to your table of mobility and flexibility. I try to follow it and put it into my training. I suggest it to anyone that asks me, I have a copy of it in my notes.

Ankle/Mobility
Knee/Stability
Hip/Mobility
Lumbar Spine/Stability
Thoracic Spine/Mobility
Scapula/Stability
Glenohumeral (Shoulder)/Mobility/Stability

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