Dear Sarah,

I have lost weight over the past few years by doing yoga and running, but I seem to have also lost some muscle.  How should one practice in order to tone and tighten up muscles?  Will yoga alone suffice or does one need to do any other form of strengthening exercise?  Thanks in advance,  Atma As Shal

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Dear Atma As Shal,

As you know every body ‘type’ is unique and therefore responds to different forms of exercise in various ways. I spent years on the fitness wheel, running, lifting, aerobics, power walking and spin class – I’m exhausted just thinking about it!

My focus was a lot about the exterior (not saying yours is), but when I found yoga, it just ‘did it’ for me. The twists and compressions improved digestion, the standing balancing poses strengthed and toned my muscles while the inversions have an amazing affect on my moods!  I do hike and mountain bike as I live in beautiful Jackson and it’s part of the lifestyle.  There are so many different yoga styles and perhaps a combination will work for you!  The wonderful thing about yoga is that it tends to shape your body in a very natural way. Good luck!

Namaste,

Sarah Kline