fitness - gym, yoga, stamina

j3131

hi,

realising the importance of general fitness and strength in travelling (trekking/climbing, rather), and in life as well, i would like to learn yoga, and do excersises that would help me increase my level of fitness, help me increase my strength, and help me achieve greater cardiovascular endurance and stamina. i had a few questions, though, and would really appreciate it if someone could throw some light on these for me.

as of now, i am not too unfit, but not too fit either. i play soccer occasionally and like walking.

1) how should i start off as a beginner.
2) is it better if i learn yoga first, and then take up gym to increase my strength, or can i do both simultaneously.

the activities i would be interested in doing are jogging/running, swimming, cycling and joining a gym.

can someone please also point to some useful websites.

thx/rgds

hawaiiyogagrl

Hi-
This is my favorite topic- yoga.
Obviously, all of us are different. I can tell you my experience and maybe this will work for you.
I started doing yoga on a whim (like most things that I had done back then) and 10 years later, I am still doing it.
Yoga has taught me amazing things- my scrawny body got strong! My restless mind actually meditates daily....I have done things I never thought possible- rock climbing, running, paddling, etc.
I suggest that you try out some yoga class in your area and take it from there. BKS Iyengar (he's in Pune too) has a great book for beginners "Light on Yoga", but once you get the gist of things, just practice! I am sure there are websites, but I don't think I would learn yoga well from a website, I must be old-fashioned.
The greatest teacher you will ever have is yourself. Find out about your strenghts, weaknesses, and your true nature.
Have fun with it,
namaste