Loss of muscle tone?
I have recently (in the last year) committed myself to an Ashtanga yoga practice. In May of this year I started the Teacher Training program at my shala, and gave up all other forms of working out so I could dedicate my workout time to yoga.
What did I give up? I was running three times a week, about three miles (5k) and doing boot camp type classes - mixing it up here and there with spin and pilates. I had run as much as 9 miles at a local run in March, but was so broken afterwards, I decided this wasn't something I could commit myself to long term (as in, for the next 10 years). Since I have given up running and cardio for Ashtanga (still doing some pilates), I have lost a couple of pounds...
What I'm wondering is have I lost the weight because I've lost muscle tone since I gave up the hard core cardio? Or am I legitmately losing weight? (I should probably also mention that I have stopped taking my anti-anxiety medication and gotten off the pill because my husband and I want to start a family).
I want to think that Ashtanga is the end-all, be-all for my workout and spiritual practice needs (is that too much to ask?). I practice asana three to four times a week (er, mostly - this week I had some distractions, unfortch), and haven't noticed any difference in my muscle tone outwardly. I also (when I'm being good) practice breathing and meditation.
So can I chalk this up to the benefits of yoga? Or is it loss of muscle tone? (I stopped running in March, lost weight in August) What do you guys think?
Namaste :)
KM
What did I give up? I was running three times a week, about three miles (5k) and doing boot camp type classes - mixing it up here and there with spin and pilates. I had run as much as 9 miles at a local run in March, but was so broken afterwards, I decided this wasn't something I could commit myself to long term (as in, for the next 10 years). Since I have given up running and cardio for Ashtanga (still doing some pilates), I have lost a couple of pounds...
What I'm wondering is have I lost the weight because I've lost muscle tone since I gave up the hard core cardio? Or am I legitmately losing weight? (I should probably also mention that I have stopped taking my anti-anxiety medication and gotten off the pill because my husband and I want to start a family).
I want to think that Ashtanga is the end-all, be-all for my workout and spiritual practice needs (is that too much to ask?). I practice asana three to four times a week (er, mostly - this week I had some distractions, unfortch), and haven't noticed any difference in my muscle tone outwardly. I also (when I'm being good) practice breathing and meditation.
So can I chalk this up to the benefits of yoga? Or is it loss of muscle tone? (I stopped running in March, lost weight in August) What do you guys think?
Namaste :)
KM