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interference with yoga

 
 

chrisb
Novice

Jul 16, 2002, 3:23 AM

Post #1 of 3 (214 views)
interference with yoga Can't Post
Does the performance of other forms of exercise interfere with the practice of yoga asanas? I am curious about the use of weight lifting exercises.

Thanks,

Chris B

Bryan Alexander
Enthusiast

Jul 19, 2002, 2:14 AM

Post #2 of 3 (184 views)
Re: interference with yoga [In reply to] Can't Post
Whether other forms of exercise interfere with asana practice depends, I think, on what you want out of both things. If you want to experience the subtle changes to your body and consciousness that can result from asana practice, then I would think it would confuse things to lift weights.

I have a strong suspicion that asana practice alone can keep the body fit.

My other thought is that asana practice as a part of yoga is designed as a spiritual practice. The practitioner adheres to principles of morality, vows to expand consciousness, and seeks to destroy attachments such as an attachment to one's physical form. So it would be a question for each individual whether something interferes with one's practice.

Gabriel
User

Jul 20, 2002, 2:44 PM

Post #3 of 3 (160 views)
Re: interference with yoga [In reply to] Can't Post
If the question is, will weightlifting make you stiffer/ tighter, the answer is no, despite what you usually hear (and the ref. to being 'muscle-bound' in Light on Yoga), if you move in a full range.

Yoga is first and foremost a meditative discipline, and if weights take care of 'progressive exercise' and allow one's yoga practice to be more meditative, then go for it.

Site users may also find http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/466.cfm this article about the roots of yoga interesting.

 
 
 


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