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Issue Date: December 16, 2001
I've tried doing yoga but find it too slow and static. Is there another form that's more fast-paced?
Philip Best, Santa Barbara, Calif.
Yoga, the ancient art form, consists of poses or exercises that can reduce stress, increase flexibility, strength and coordination and generally improve overall health and fitness. You sound like a candidate for Power Yoga (also known as vinyasa or ashtanga yoga). It's for people who want the benefits of yoga without the methodical pace. Power Yoga challenges your muscles and cardiovascular system by moving quickly through the poses, or asanas. To be prepared for whatever type of class you take, ask an instructor at your local fitness or yoga center to describe the technique, intensity and differences of each yoga class.
My 8-year-old son is a real bike enthusiast. He even rides his bike to school year-round, sometimes through rain and snow. I take him to skate and bike parks, but there's no instructor there to help him. Where can we learn more about cycling as a sport? Are there any children's events in cycling?
Meg Featherstone, Encino, Calif.
To start your search, check out USA Cycling's Web site at usacycling.org. It offers plenty of options, so your son can see which type of cycling he's most interested in, such as mountain biking, BMX, road, etc. There also are links to Southern California races and clinics as well as plenty of information on supporting young athletes in cycling.
For close-to-home info, stop by your local bike shop to find out about local biking events; bike shops are similar to running specialty stores in that most of the people working there participate in or are partial to the sport themselves.
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