Ashtanga and cardio

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hello,

I am new forum member and have been doing Ashtanga Yoga for 1 year. Doing my primary series and having lots of fun with it. Still having loads of work to complete the whole series.

My question is about the other hobbies I have. How about swimming and badminton relate to Ashtanga? I found that if I do 4-6 sessions of yoga per week I am pretty much doing lots of cardio also then? I still would like to have badminton and swimming included in my routine. Also, I enjoy the competitive feeling of badminton. Sometimes my mind wanders and I like to have jog, which I havent done regurarly for sometime now. What do you think? Am I doing too much “sports”? What do you experienced yogis think about having additional exercises? Is there some long term benefits or is it detrimental to have so many things going on at the same time? Thanks.

#2

Some would make this a complex issue.
I see it as follows:

If you are passionate about badminton and swimming and they are not harming you (you are not drinking in chlorine, your skin is not in rash, your elbow does not ache), then by all means do them and basque in the joy of the doing.

If you are only doing them as additional “exercise” then it may need closer examination (by you, not us) as it sounds like you are already getting some of that.

The purpose of life is a life of purpose.

#3

[quote=InnerAthlete;10735]
The purpose of life is a life of purpose.[/quote]

Ooo…That’s a good one! I’m for sure going to be journaling that quote!

#4

[quote=LotusLift;10733]Hello,
What do you think? Am I doing too much “sports”? What do you experienced yogis think about having additional exercises? Is there some long term benefits or is it detrimental to have so many things going on at the same time? Thanks.[/quote]

I think this issue simply boils down to what your priorities are. Right now, yoga, swimming and badminton are your outlets for physical exercise. It sounds like yoga is king!, and you are just needing to prioritize the other two.

People say you always make time for what is important. Since life is about balance, the only way to do “too much” sports is if it interferes with other priorities in your life. If you are playing badminton when you should be at work, that’s probably “too much”. :slight_smile:

Otherwise, enjoy having the time and energy to do so many things that you love. Sounds like you are in great shape.