What other exercise helps with yoga?

[MinnieMinimal]

I go to yoga classes in the week, but also have a gym membership. My true love is yoga, so my aim in going to the gym is to help with that, if that makes sense.

I think maybe some weight machines to build strength would be a good idea, but I have no idea where to start!

Yoga is great for core strength, conversely core exercises (Plank etc) will really help your yoga
As will exercise that boost your upper body strength
Ask the instructors at the gym who should be able to suggest a suitable program

I would be minded to do something aerobic to balance out the yoga - something for your heart health basically

Thanks, I've got a spin bike. I should and will use it more! I think that will help with vinyasa type yoga which does leave me quite sweaty and breathless.

I do want to improve in asanas as well though. I know asanas aren't the be all and end all, but I still want to improve.

Oh sorry, I missed your post re core work @LeuvenMan . Yes, that's a good idea and I've started doing pilates which is more core focused than yoga

I do Pilates (with weights) ballet and running, with yoga.

I tried ballet last year and couldn't get on with it. I just couldn't keep up with the steps - I was like a baby elephant 😂🐘

Spin bike, pilates and yoga with some weights at the gym might be the combination I'm looking for

What about HIIT workouts? A lot of the moves are yoga based but you just do them very fast and with weights/resistance.

Gives you a cardio workout to compliment the strength/core work.

I always feel light, supple and bendier after my swimming.
Yoga isn't for me though 😁

Thanks for all these!

Yes @Justleaveitblankthen , it isn't for everyone. My brother is one of the fittest people I know in terms of strength and stamina, but he HATES yoga with a vengeance. Actually, my sister isn't keen either. Finds it boring compared to whatever she does at the gym.

I'm going to book into a body pump class at the gym next week. So I'll be doing yoga, pilates, body pump and a bit of spin bike. Fingers crossed this is a good combination.

Depends very much on the yoga studio. I get everything I need form from yoga classes as they encompass core, upper body, HIIT style pace, balance coordination, relaxation. I’m the most timed I’ve ever been (mid-40s). Given that I only do hot yoga, it’s very much cardio also. If I was to choose one exercise though, it would definitely be weights.

Pilates has helped my yoga practice so much. I didn't realise how weak my core used to be

Weights for upper body strength when doing arm balances, head stands etc.

I'd actually say weights in particular 'pull' exercises as there aren't so many yoga poses that work that way

I absolutely agree with arm weights- I normally only do them in the summer (lazy but vain) and I really notice the difference it makes to my daily yoga practice. Everything is just easier.