Yoga or Pilates?

[mtbstarr]

I had a similar, multiple cross training issue, problem with the survey. I chose weight lifting, but I also do kickboxing, yoga pilates mix, and trail work to cross train. Ever try raking wet leaves for five hours.....whooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! Trails drain great now though.

[LBTC]

so is there a way to make a poll allow for multiple answers???

btw, I am SERIOUSLY impressed with how much all of you do. I've been pretty proud of myself for doing the few things I do: it used to be walking (stomping) to work, weights and yoga in the off season. Now I've pretty much dropped the weights and do kickboxing 3 nights a week. I do a one hour class that I wish was 1 1/2 hours!! For the last 2 weeks I've done 2 classes in a row when I can arrange to leave work early...that's pretty fun!

Anyway, I originally started the poll because I'd tried that free pilates dvd that came in the cereal box....and it was the high performance one, and after doing mountain biking, kickboxing and yoga, I found pilates completely lame. Like I was always being told to hold back....which is what I do personality wise in the real world so I figure that if I wanna get something out of exercise I have to go hard (yes, even with yoga....get as deep as I can....and the arm balances take lots of practice!)....so I kind of wondered if anybody else who's tried both actually liked pilates.

oh, and I"m way too much of a spaz to do any sport that involves a ball....or a team. except a 24 hour team. heehee

Great responses, everybody! And great ideas!!

Namaste,
~T~

[Crankin]

I didn't take the survey, but I have done Pilates (not too much this year...). It can be incredibly intensive. You need to find a good instructor who has had the proper training. The certification to be a Pilates instructor is quite rigorous. I saw major good changes in my body from it; lengthening, muscular strength. I have been weight training for the past 4 months, with a trainer and while I am definitely stronger, I don't see the same kinds of changes as i did from Pilates. I tried Yoga once and hated it. Too "meditative/spiritual" for me. I walk, hike, cross country ski, and do spin (in the winter for the last one). Last year I tried running, which dropped the pounds, but made me very sore for cycling. I couldn't improve much past a 10 minute mile, which sucks. So, I am pretty much going to give that up. I did aerobics and step for about 20 years, ten as an instructor. I haven't been to a class in about a year and a half, but once in awhile I think about going back. I just like being outside too much, so except for things that you have to do in a gym, I prefer that.

[Irulan]

ski bike bike bike ski

occasional hill walking, power walks, and occasional lifting but I just hate the gym/inside. I do a lot of stretching.

Irulan

[cruziegirl]

I took up Tai-Chi about a year ago and I'm crazy about it. The slow movements coupled with breathing exercises is very relaxing and my flexibility has really increased. A few years ago I had to face the fact that I was never going to be Gumby-Woman and on top of that moving into my 50's certainly wasn't helping anything. I realized I needed to do something to help my flexibility. I know people who love Yoga but for whatever reason I just can't get into it. So I tried Tai-chi and just really enjoy it.

[LBTC]

hey cruziegirl! Isn't it fantastic when you find something that's just perfect for you? some things take awhile to be fabulous....like road riding...and even walking....but the things I love: mountain biking, yoga, kick boxing, they were all awesome the first time out, even though I was a complete spaz! guess that means we all have to keep trying new things so we don't get bored - in body or in mind!

Namaste,
~T~