As a result of a recent conversation with Stretch author Neal Pollack, we at DadLabs began to wonder if there was something to this whole Yoga thing. Could it help me with my nagging injuries from running? Is being more flexible a good thing for dads?

But could you really see yourself taking a class? Or is it simply too Out There?

What are the pros and cons for you?

Because Yogi Miranda has agreed, despite Brad's preferred Yoga footwear, to teach us a weekly class immediately following our live show. So, if you have any interest with a new derivative of "Sweating with the Oldies" it's "Stretching with the Daddies." Feel free to tune in for a free class, or just laugh at our ineptitude and inflexibility.

Sure, why not... it looks like good exercise. In fact, my flexibility has always been kind of poor, I probably should be doing Yoga.

However over the course of my life I've been unable to commit to any type of "structured" exercise routine for more than a few months at best. I think the longest I've ever kept up with regularly attending a gym is six months.

I'm the type of guy who gets a lot of exercise simply by going outside and doing whatever outdoors activity appeals to me that day. During the weeks this has translated to a lot of walking* and biking; during the weekends I've done all of the above, plus XC skiing, hiking, kayaking, backpacking, etc. (Additionally I have tried both rock climbing and alpine mountaineering - ultimately I found these activities more demanding than I cared to commit to).

The upside is that I get a lot of fresh air and see some interesting countryside. The downside is that the only parts of me that get exercise are the parts that are used by that activity for the day. There's weird physical quirks I have that could be corrected by a structured exercise environment - my right leg is stronger than my left, because it's the one I always use to step up with while hiking, etc.

But yeah, Yoga... sure, why not? Balance, stretching, breathing... all of it is good for you. It seems like a portable activity as well - all you need is a mat and you're set.

Roger** in Portland

* In Portland some of us call our urban hiking "street rambling" and it is a lot of fun to do. It is not as hilly as San Francisco here, but it is still pretty hilly, and there are a lot of steps. You can build quite an interesting circuit through the city. I love this sort of things.

** who has definitely NOT been getting as much exercise as he used to since we got pregnant and had a kid

The timing's not convenient for me to participate, but I do periodically do yoga. I've found it to be a deceptively good work out.

I went into it thinking, 'sure, breathe, stretch, breathe, repeat. It'll be a nice way to improve my flexibility.' Much to my surprise, when I really concentrate and apply myself, I get as good a burn from yoga as any other workout.

That's likely a combination of both the exercise and my general lack of fitness right now, but it's still a great work out.

Enjoy!

I took a shot at some Tai Chi a while back. It's like high speed yoga, right? I was going to try some videos until I felt comfortable enough to join a group that does it in the Botanical Conservatory downtown. Well, that didn't happen. But they do yoga down there, too and at church. Maybe I'll find my way to give it a shot.

Umm...yeah.... no

Not that there's anything wrong with that.. but yeah I'm not doing it.

As I admitted in the video, my only yoga experience is on a Wii Fit. My feeling is: other than my pride, and maybe my hamstrings, what could it hurt?

Anyway, it's a way for anybody who is interested to get a free class. Miranda is great with beginners.

I'd do it, but I pick up my boy right after the live show is over.

Oh, I understand the question now - you are asking if we would participate as part of a live show? That might be interesting. I work out of my home office so it might be feasible. I would give it a try.

I've been wanting to do yoga for a long time now, but have never been able to really go out and do it regularly. It's usually been a cost thing. It really is a great workout. I've done it from time to time. The first time I did a real session with one of my yogic friends I puked. And it's not that I was out of shape-- at the time I was playing basketball at least 3 times a week, and skateboarding daily. So now that I'm not that active I've been looking to do some yoga. My wife used to do Bikram yoga (Hot yoga), she did pre-natal yoga, and is looking to take Quinn to baby yoga. So I think it could eventually be a family thing, which would be nice.

Yoga is excellant exercise for the mind, body and soul. Not only will it strengthen and tone it is a wonderful opportunity to zone out of your everyday stresses and zone in and connect with yourself.

Don't knock it til you try it fellas!!!