Funny how people become obsessed with specific movements, specific exercise styles, etc. I’ve done it all including becoming obsessed with Mark Rippetoe and the derivatives, cardio like running and mountain biking, swimming 2km a day (80 lengths) etc. The one thing that has absolutely transformed my life is yoga. No more back pain, insane strength I never had, no more injuries from eg lifting a 100 lbs propane tank a…
Squats can boost brain activity [video]
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Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]
#12Funny how people become obsessed with specific movements, specific exercise styles, etc. I’ve done it all including becoming obsessed with Mark Rippetoe and the derivatives, cardio like running and mountain biking, swimming 2km a day (80 lengths) etc. The one thing that has absolutely transformed my life is yoga. No more back pain, insane strength I never had, no more injuries from eg lifting a 100 lbs propane tank a…
I want to try Yoga after seeing this. could I just find any youtube instructors and follow along, or is it important to find "the right ones"? How would you approach starting out (must be online, wife won't let me leave the house because of covid)?
For an absolute beginner, where I have no idea what level of fitness you have or what injuries you may be working with, I would recommend Iyengar. It is relatively gentle, and emphasizes careful development. A lot of people like Vinyasa, which can range from slow and gentle to as aerobic as running. I like Ashtanga, which is about doing the same set of poses every time, but doing them correctly. I wouldn't recommend it for absolute beginners, however.
Obviously, don't run out and do crazy stuff like headstands or intense backbends or balancing poses unless you have experience. But also be aware that even "normal" yoga can have positions that are risky for people when done incorrectly -- for example, men typically have tight hamstrings and hips, and compensate in forward folds by bending over from the lower back. This can be dangerous if you don't have a strong back (and it's never a good idea). It is helpful to have 1:1 instruction if you don't know the form.
If you want someone who I know is a good instructor and willing to teach via video, please backchannel me and I can recommend.
Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]
#13Funny how people become obsessed with specific movements, specific exercise styles, etc. I’ve done it all including becoming obsessed with Mark Rippetoe and the derivatives, cardio like running and mountain biking, swimming 2km a day (80 lengths) etc. The one thing that has absolutely transformed my life is yoga. No more back pain, insane strength I never had, no more injuries from eg lifting a 100 lbs propane tank a…
Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]
#14Funny how people become obsessed with specific movements, specific exercise styles, etc. I’ve done it all including becoming obsessed with Mark Rippetoe and the derivatives, cardio like running and mountain biking, swimming 2km a day (80 lengths) etc. The one thing that has absolutely transformed my life is yoga. No more back pain, insane strength I never had, no more injuries from eg lifting a 100 lbs propane tank a…
there are 2 types of yoga that I found. one focusing on strength and flexibility, like you talked about. and one that feels like meditation, with a pagan ritual to the sun. when looking for a yoga program, how can I specify the former?
Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]
#15No explanation of the benefit doing squats, I am afraid. My guess is increased BDNF and maybe neurogenesis(scientifically disputed)? I heard sleep is a mechanism in which the brain clear out debris, so that might be a potential benefit of doing squats.
It is explained, although in very general terms. Exercise is used to stimulate the body’s “countermeasures” (my word) against neuro-degeneration. Squats are called out here for a few reasons: They’re relatively easy for most people to do, and they seem to do a good job of triggering the “countermeasures”, as best as they can tell. This is not a prescription to drop your exercise routine and only do squats, it’s reall…
There were a few people in the video squatting with their knees way too forward rather than squatting like they're sitting down. It's a pretty common beginner mistake. I agree that they're easy enough--it's not like they're suggesting the snatch.
Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]
#16No explanation of the benefit doing squats, I am afraid. My guess is increased BDNF and maybe neurogenesis(scientifically disputed)? I heard sleep is a mechanism in which the brain clear out debris, so that might be a potential benefit of doing squats.
I definitely sleep longer the night after a good workout. Not sure if that's universal?
Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]
#17Earlier quoted context omitted.
I want to try Yoga after seeing this. could I just find any youtube instructors and follow along, or is it important to find "the right ones"? How would you approach starting out (must be online, wife won't let me leave the house because of covid)?
There are a lot of different styles and intensity levels. The appropriate one for you is a combination of personal preference and your level of physical fitness. For an absolute beginner, where I have no idea what level of fitness you have or what injuries you may be working with, I would recommend Iyengar. It is relatively gentle, and emphasizes careful development. A lot of people like Vinyasa, which can range from…
Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]
#18Re: Squats can boost brain activity [video]
#19Funny how people become obsessed with specific movements, specific exercise styles, etc. I’ve done it all including becoming obsessed with Mark Rippetoe and the derivatives, cardio like running and mountain biking, swimming 2km a day (80 lengths) etc. The one thing that has absolutely transformed my life is yoga. No more back pain, insane strength I never had, no more injuries from eg lifting a 100 lbs propane tank a…
I want to try Yoga after seeing this. could I just find any youtube instructors and follow along, or is it important to find "the right ones"? How would you approach starting out (must be online, wife won't let me leave the house because of covid)?
Yoga is great for core strength, getting rid of back soreness, and gently improving flexibility.
You'll also learn about your own body and develop greater self awareness when moving. Just take care that, though the risk is lower, you can still injure yourself by overdoing it. Listen to your body along the way.