Yoga and Christianity

[dgolvach]

I might be too A.D.D. to do this anyway. Focus on nothing? That would drive me bonkers. The stretching side of it seemed good. Oh Well.....

[Gerioke]

My wife completed a course in yoga. She found the exercise to be good but felt conviction about the art. Apparently every movement is a separate part of a story which is mystical in nature. Kinda like eastern witch craft.

[nebula]

Here's the thing ot consider.

There is a healthy way to stretch, and in some ways having a "stretching order" is better than hap-hazard stretching whatever.

I've been through a series of warm-up stretching exercises, and later discovered that a couple of the stretches we did were yoga stretches. Those stretches were plain old good stretches as far as I could tell.

So, that's what I mean. Individually, the stretches are good. Eliminate the spirituality behind the stretch and focus on the muscles being stretched and toned, you did the muscle(s) good.

Keeping the order . . . well, that can be debated. I probably wouldn't do it if I knew it "jsut because." Yet, I am aware that stretching regions of your body in a certain order (traditionally in regular warm-ups that goes from head to foot) is the best thing to do. So . . .

[hmh]

Martial arts are very similar. Take the spirituality out and the 'katas' or forms that are mystical in nature, and you do have something that not only teaches you self-defence, but also is a good workout. The eastern arts do wrap spirituality around an art form. Ti Chi is a perfect example of that.

[Trust & Obey]

Yoga has a physical aspect to it, and also a spiritual aspect. Just like martial-arts. Martial arts can be "an entry" into the occult, just as can yoga.

My opinion is that if you are only engaging in the physical then it is harmless. It really depends on the instructor of the yoga/martial-arts you are participating in. What is their philosophy of the art? Is it exercise/physical only? Or is it religious? That is the issue.

Avoiding yoga couldn't hurt due to the "offense" that it could cause a weaker brother/sister. There is a better alternative, IMO, to yoga... and that is Pilates. Pilates is great for the body and doesn't come with the spiritual undertones of yoga.

[Constant]

Yoga helps some people to get rid of their stress. My base gym has yoga classes that I am very interested in taking. I will not chat to no one but I will stretch and be at one with God while doing it. They have the lights dimmed and just a very relaxing atmosphere.

[nebula]

There is a better alternative, IMO, to yoga... and that is Pilates. Pilates is great for the body and doesn't come with the spiritual undertones of yoga.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What is Pilates? Never heard of it.

[Trust & Obey]

There is a better alternative, IMO, to yoga... and that is Pilates. Pilates is great for the body and doesn't come with the spiritual undertones of yoga.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What is Pilates? Never heard of it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey there, Neb. It's a system of stretching and excercise developed by Joseph Pilates that focuses on the core muscles (abdomen, spinal, lower back, etc.) and stretching.

Here's a few definitions I found online (easier to cut n' paste then to give you my "non-expert" definition."

This is a technique invented 70 years ago by Joseph H. Pilates. According to The Pilates Studio, pilates (pronounced puh-LAH-teez) focuses on improving flexibility and strength for the overall body, but doesn't build bulk. Some of the first people to use pilates were legendary dancers Martha Graham and George Balanchine. More than just exercise, pilates are a series of controlled movements to engage one's body and mind.

Pilates (pronounced Pi-lah-tees) is a system of body conditioning designed to strengthen and lengthen the body's muscles with emphasis on reducing incidence of back pain and injury. Pilates was developed over 80 years ago by Joseph Pilates. It is appropriate for all ages because it tones and strengthens the muscles without impacting the joints. It improves posture and strengthens the parts of the body that age attacks, including the stomach muscles, inner thighs and upper arms. Many forms of exercise create tightening of certain muscles while over stretching others.

Here are some Google links for "Pilates."

http://www.stottpilates.com/

http://www.powerpilates.com/

[PwrInTheBld]

What is Pilates?  Never heard of it.

Torture!

[nebula]

OK - thanks!