Anyone into Yoga?

I met a really nice woman, she's in her 40s, has a great body, and has been a yoga instructor for 20 years.

I know NOTHING about yoga expect that it lengthens muscles, and can be a way of life, not just exercise.

Anyone do this, or have any info for me?

Yoga and pilates are very similar - I believe that pilates is just a bit more 'intense'. Both are great workouts if done correctly.

I have to start pilates again - I miss it.

My gym started offering yoga and I have fallen in love with it.

The intensity/caliber of your work-out really depends on the the type of yoga you do, though. Although all yoga serves to lengthen your muscles, there are some types that give you much more of a cardio/strength training work out.

There are types of yoga (such as Hatha yoga) that are relaxing, calm - you do not break a sweat. IMO, Hatha yoga fits the bill of what many people envision yoga to be.

Then there is 'power yoga' (Ashtanga/'Baron Baptiste' yoga is one type) that is much more intense. You move constantly and it is HARD! The Ashtanga yoga class that I take is 2 hours long and the instructor regulates the room temp to 90 degrees. It is a WORK OUT!

I think that you are right that people adopt yoga as a 'lifestlye.' For example, the instructor at my gym was in a bad car accident years ago. Physical therapy was not helping her gain her strength back, so she started yoga. She is now a full-time instructor and her body is killer.

I am not at the point where yoga is my life yet, but I definitely like it. Sorry to babble. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the info!

I take Astanga Yoga and Pilates. They are somewhat similar but Pilates is more intense in my opinion. I love them both. Yoga taught me to breathe better, and Pilates works out parts pf my body I never worked out before. They are both great for lengthening and strengthening muscles. Try it, you have nothing to loose!