| For many years, I've enjoyed the attributes, and the | | | | body, into an upright, standing position and back to a |
| results, of working out with weights at my gym. It's | | | | squat again. All of these muscles, and many more |
| a national chain gym, which provides the most | | | | that are used in the course of a daily routine, will |
| elaborate, sophisticated and creative exercise | | | | tighten the tissue as the constant contractions push |
| machines for specific muscles, plus, treadmills, | | | | to exhaustion. The result is short, tight muscles that |
| stationary bikes, rowing machines, racquetball courts, | | | | limit flexibility and range of motion. |
| swimming pool, saunas, and aerobics classes of all | | | | Yoga poses have long been used to stretch and |
| kinds. | | | | lengthen muscles, so that increased flexibility can |
| But, even with all of that variety, my favorite place is | | | | make everyday activities easier. By its very nature |
| still the free weight room. Don't get me wrong, I use | | | | yoga is slow, giving the muscles, through a multitude |
| the other areas frequently, but for the purist, the | | | | of poses, time to stretch, eliminate toxins, and bring |
| free weights are still the place for a great work out | | | | balance to the body once again. |
| of muscle building and toning. | | | | From my vantage point, yoga and lifting weights go |
| The trouble with most exercises you will do in a gym | | | | perfectly together...lift weights three days a week |
| is they cause shortening and tightening of the | | | | and do on yoga two days. The result will be a body |
| muscles. When you lift a barbell for bicep curls the | | | | of perfect tone; possibly larger muscles if that is your |
| objective is to build the two heads of the bicep, add | | | | goal, better balance in bodily function, improved |
| strength and definition. | | | | focus, concentration and breathing. |
| The same would be for the squat, which is designed | | | | Used in tandem, free weight workouts and yoga will |
| to strengthen the legs. The hamstring, quadriceps, | | | | provide you with a more harmonized exercise regime |
| calves, lower and upper back are all called upon to | | | | and an overall sense of calmness that only comes |
| hoist the weight onto your shoulders, and bring your | | | | from the quiet of yoga. |