If you’ve looked at Ana Forrest’s online demos at http://www.forrestyoga.com , you’ve seen that the strength she builds comes with plenty of flexiblity & release. (Understatement!! : )

I’d substitute the word “exercise” for “work.” : ) The holds feel long because, well, they are, esp compared to Ashtanga’s 5 breath holds. But sooo worth it.

Theorizing here, but maybe the difference in muscle development between yoga & weightlifting is like that between dance & weightlifting. You’re doing a lot more isometricand eccentric work, holding and controlling movement while expanding range of motion. Completely different from contraction and concentric which seem to dominate most folks weight lifting styles. Does that make sense?

And dealing with the “inner bitchy voice” is part of the learning process for anything new, at least for me! : ) Very happy to spread some Forrest goodness!!!!!

Have you found that you maintained your muscle, but it softened in a good way? What I mean by that is, obviously you know there is a huge difference between yogi muscle and weight lifter muscle. When you look at my man, you see big, beefy guy. But if you touch his muscles when he’s not flexing, they’re soft and nice. The minute he engages them, they’re rock hard. (I’m really trying not to make this sound pervy). I just wonder how the muscles are developed so differently in yoga. I mean, we are lifting out body weight over and over- muscle is being built, but it’s not tough and unforgiving. Maybe it’s because we learn to use them in a more sophisticated way- trying to get away from brute force (or is that just me? ha!).