Look into the benefits of isometric exercise. That is what upward dogs, downward dogs, warriors, etc. are all about. Even P90X has 1 day of Yoga in it. Why? Tony Horton explained that isometric exercise gives your muscles strength in a way that weights can not. Explosive strength. I read a story of a body builde of old who was imprisoned and just did isometric exercises. He bent the iron on his cell and escaped. Tony Horton does alot of yoga, and he can do some things that are unbelievable - like something out of Cirque D'Soleil!
Yoga's stretching makes your less prone to injury, too. Yoga is very hard, and it's amazing to be sweating while you are doing it.
If you have heart problems, I'd stay away from a "hot yoga" class - one where the room is heated. Yoga can be so intense of a physical workout that it's not for those with heart/blood vessel problems. Go easy, even in a regular class. Don't feel bad if you can't do everything. I struggle with moves like crane. Yoga and stretching are not about ripping connective muscle tissue!
To make yoga more enjoyable, there are yoga blocks (help beginners and advanced students), yoga gloves (keeps hands from sliding on downward dog), yoga booties (gyms are dirty and keeps you more stable), and a nice yoga mat.
Isometric exercise should be done at least one day a week in conjunction with weight lifting and aerobic exercise. Mix it up, so you get full beneifts of isometric, weight, and aerobic exercise.
Does your gym have Zumba? Great aerobic exercise!
Religion is what you make of it. Exercise can be a religion, and even a cult too. I see it as "my time". I don't see any "religious" stuff even when doing Yoga or the ohms. The ohms are tickling my deepest nervous system and letting out stress. I like ohms. I like yoga. I still eat cows.
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