Yoga and Weight Training

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hello everyone on yogaforums,

My name is Kevin, I am a personal trainer in NYC. I am currently working on a workshop for Yogis to help them integrate weight training into their lives. As a weight lifter and yoga practitioner I believe that they compliment each other completely and allow me to shape my body rapidly and safely.

I am curious if any of you would mind answering a few questions for me.

Are you currently weight training?

If Yes:
How has your practice changed since the addition of weight training?
What benefits have you seen from adding weight training into your practice?
Has your yoga practice improved since starting weight training?

If No:
Do you believe weight training would help improve your practice?
What stops you from weight training? Lack of knowledge on how to perform exercises? Unsure of how to integrate your yoga practice with weight training? Time issues?

Thanks!

Kevin

#2

[QUOTE=IntraZen;61995]
Are you currently weight training?

If Yes:
How has your practice changed since the addition of weight training?
What benefits have you seen from adding weight training into your practice?
Has your yoga practice improved since starting weight training?
[/QUOTE]

My experience is opposite. I have been weight training for 30 years, but only began yoga practice about 7 years ago. Yoga has greatly enhanced my weight training sessions. I do not use as much weight, generally, and practice many postures between sets. Conversely, my many years of weight training has tightened up my shoulders and hamstrings, and it has taken all this time to work my way to opening them.

I enjoy both as different practices that benefit each other, and me at the same time.

#3

For the longest time, I couldn’t hold handstand for more than a few breaths, trembling, struggling to hold the position, so, I began working with overheard press work out until I could comfortabley hold my own body weight over my head.
Then I had the strength in my shoulders to hold the pose, and now could focus on balance.

#4

Thank You Flexpenguin and JSK.

I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions!

Kevin

#6

Hi Kevin,

When asking about weight training you are referring to the use of free weights or machines rather than the weight training of body weight? It’s a bit of a vague question since that sort of weight training can encompass the use of dumbbells, functional strength training, all the way up to body building.

I do not use a gym but I do have some dumbbells at home as well as a bar in the door jamb. So I’d be inclined to say “yes” i do weight train.

If I only approach my asana practice (as a Yoga practice is much more than that) from a muscular standpoint then there might be a greater impact from a mindful weight program. Since my understanding is that asana does not and should not come from muscle (alone) it is thus a minor contributor.

Frankly, my asana practice has flourished as a result of my reduction in gym time not an increase in it. That reduction has allowed me to dedicate myself to my practice and has allowed for the exploration of eccentric contraction rather than short, tight muscles - something which obviously inhibits asana.

I find it dangerous to make blanket statements about results or benefits. If something works in your body/living then it works for you. And it may work for others and us e sharing of it. However it is not, at that point, a given for all.

Gordon

#7

Gordon,

Thanks, you are right the question is worded a bit vaguely. I mean to ask if people are currently training with weights, body or otherwise, in a manner that is intended to increase strength.

If you would not mind clarifying what you mean when you say “asana does not and should not come from muscle (alone) it is thus a minor contributor.”

Flexibility can and often is improved with a mixture of balanced strength training (i.e. training weaker muscles to enhance joint stability) and yoga or standard flexibility protocol. In my own yoga/asana practice I’ve found myself more stable and even flexible by incorporating balanced strength training into my life because it helps balance muscle length-tension relationships.

I completely agree that what works for one person may not work for others, thats why I decided to elicit the opinions of other people in the yoga community.

Kevin