Yoga

[zago]

Anyone here involved in yoga? I am beginning to think it shows some real potential for body work. I've always had upper back problems, and some of the exercises have revealed to me how weak my core really is. I'm hoping that yoga will help. I've also heard that 6 pack abs are mainly cosmetic; they don't really do much to help the body support itself. Interesting.

[bucolic_]

6 pack abs are mainly the result of having low body fat.

I've done a little yoga, not a whole lot though. Supposed to give good results.

[Lucan]

Anyone here involved in yoga? I am beginning to think it shows some real potential for body work. I've always had upper back problems, and some of the exercises have revealed to me how weak my core really is. I'm hoping that yoga will help. I've also heard that 6 pack abs are mainly cosmetic; they don't really do much to help the body support itself. Interesting.

Maybe you should rather look at Pilates if you want to strengthen your core muscles especially with back problems. You will get more results than just with Yoga.

[rahdam]

I'm under the impression that 6-pack abs are not a sign of abdominal strength as well.

I've trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a number of places; anyone who trains would know its practice requires an immense amount of abdominal strength and endurance. All of my instructors have an a gut to some degree. And they were awesome. fwiw.

[searcher]

I would suggest a combination of yoga and pilates for developing core strength.
I've done both for about three years now and the results are well worth the time they take to get.
Just beware some of the ab excercises in pilates, they can be tough on your back to start with. It all in knowing your limits and not pushing too hard, too fast.

They should help though, and if you team them with swimming you will have well rounded excercise program for general flexibility and strength.