Free Pilates Exercises Videos For All Ages
By
Clyde HartPilates is the growing exercises that have become a fad during the 21st century. Ever since the 1970s and the aerobic phase that was moved by Jane Fonda, Pilates is running into the same direction. However, the brand and most notable name in pilates is Scott Pilates and Windsor Pilates who "invented" the sporting activity. Right now you see the many info-commercials such as As Seen On TV which advertise all types of pilate dvds and workout activities. Honestly, my opinion of doing pilates the right way is to buy the following equipment:
Necessary Pilates Equipment
1. Yoga or Pilates Mat
2. Big Pilates or yoga exercise ball (fit to your size)
3. Comfortable clothing
The list is not long at all. The prices of those materials together would not cost you more than $50. There is no particular or concrete instructional manual to do pilates 100% correct. You make variations of basic pilate exercises to fit your needs. With the big rush of online video such as Youtube, Google Video, VeohTV and Metacafe this exercise videos come free if you have an online connection at home or work. It would work especially well if you could download each pilates video and make a home dvd collection of pilates exercises.
If you have an imagination you do not have to cough out $19.99 - $49.99 for a Winsor Pilates DVD at all. Make variations of each basic exercise and you will have a firm body and peace of mind. Pilates could be compared to Yoga but yet they are totally different sports/exercises. Each one requires patience, desire exercise and practically the same material. All in all, I recommend pilates for any athlete; all fitness buffs; and anyone who loves to have fun while exercising. Using the exercise ball and pilates is extremely fun and you can hardly tell that it works the entire body.
The types of exercises that you can do are: abs, back exercises, lunges, back squats, obloquies and more. Just about any type of position, you could probably use the big yoga ball and exercise mat. Good luck with your exercises and remember exercising is not enough but eating right and nutritional is key.
Clyde Hart is a avid fitness buff and past fitness instructor in Washington, DC. He prides himself on teaching and showing everyone the positive sides of pilates exercising.
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Hand Yoga For Stressed Mums
By
Carole FogartyLife is peaceful one moment and then with little warning the harmony is broken into one million little pieces. You go from being in the zone, I'm such a clever got it all together mum into having a frantic mind and stressed body.
Enter the very useful and very de-stressing yoga in your hand postures. Known to all the "in crowd" as mudra's.
Mudras are hand postures that when held for as little as three minutes can encourage the flow of specific energy channels in your body. They are very subtle and allow the body when given the chance to re-balance itself.
No flash outfits, groovy eco-friendly yoga mats or super flexible bodies needed here.
All you need is your good self and 3 minutes to allow your mind and body to release the tension and stress through clever movements and positions with your fingers, hands and palms.
Enter the healing rejuvenation mudra:
Sit comfortably somewhere, anywhere. You can even do them right here and now in front of your computer. Alternately it might be in your car, locked in the toilet (sometimes necessary with young children) your secret hiding place, kitchen, lounge or bedroom.
Make sure your back is straight. Your eyes can be kept open. Place both palms of your hands directly on your ears. Place your left palm on left ear and right palm on right ear. Gently move your hands as if massaging your ears in a smooth circular motion. Repeat this circulation motion in a counterclockwise direction for at least 3 minutes.
During those 3 minutes listen to the sounds of the ocean which you can hear naturally in your ears. Your breathing should be long, slow and deep. You can also close your eyes if you feel more comfortable.
Make sure your inhale and exhale go all the way down to your abdomen releasing any stale air and energy.
If your mind is having trouble staying focused then give it something useful to do by repeating the following mantra.
"I am calm, relaxed and rejuvenated" "I am calm, relaxed and rejuvenated"
A healing mudra to prevent exhaustion:
Sit with a straight back. Lift your arms and get a hold of your earlobes with your index fingers and thumbs. Hold onto your ears and let the weight of your hands pull on them.
Relax and feel the energy shift and drain away from inside your head, down into your body and then back into the ground.
Hold for 3 minutes focusing all the time on long, slow deep breathes.
Again if your mind is restless simply repeat a mantra that feels comfortable for you:
"I am easily releasing all stress from my mind and body"
A healing mudra for strong nerves:
Sit with a straight spine. Women: Lift your left hand to ear level, palm facing out.
Connect your thumb and middle finger and stretch your other fingers.
Place your right hand in front of your solar plexus (stomach area), palm facing up. Your thumb and little finger are touching; the other fingers are straight. Men reverse the position.
Inhale with four breaths and exhale in one strong breath. Stresses have little chance of depleting you when your nervous system is strong and healthy.
Thanks for reading my article. Peace, love and mudras to you all.
Carole's blog The Healthy Living Lounge offers regular doses of inspiration, comfort and wisdom for your body, mind and soul.
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Benefits of Yoga in Chairs
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Christine GrothYoga has traveled across geographical boundaries and over the mighty Atlantic all the way from India and is being considered as one of the best therapies for fighting physical and mental conditions. Yoga in chairs or chair yoga is just another simplified posture that will allow you to practice this art while sitting on a chair. This is good news for those who are working overtime!
The origination of yoga can be traced back to India where it is still considered as the only effective method of spiritual awakening. Yoga can be practiced through various postures also known as asanas in Sanskrit. Some of the most influential and important yoga practices include the Karma Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. Some of these yogas can be practiced on chairs and hence are also known as chair yoga.
The Health Benefits of Practicing Yoga in Chairs
There are several benefits of practicing yoga in chairs and it will help you in dealing with, controlling and even reducing high blood pressure, cholesterol, chronic fatigue, vertigo, anxiety, hypertension, stress, clinical depression, arthritis and even multiple sclerosis. Off late, yoga is seen as one of the most effective solution to multiple sclerosis, which is a disease of the nervous system and the brain.
Various breathing exercises are included in yoga in chairs, which increase blood circulation, purify the blood and provide more oxygen to the brain and the nervous system. This will help immensely in reducing the chances of relapse in multiple sclerosis.
Yoga in chairs can be performed by anyone (age no bar) and anywhere (home or office) because it is a gentle form of yoga that will help you to relax and calm your mind and body. Some of the postures that you can practice through yoga in chairs include Vinyasa or the sun salutations, various triangle and flowing postures and even some of the less complicated warrior postures.
The postures will assist in relaxing your body muscles and help you to focus all your energy towards soul cleansing. These days, chair yoga has gained popularity in assisted living facilities, senior or old age homes, nursing homes, rehabilitation units and even in adult day care facilities. An ancient spiritual form, the positive effects of yoga will remain throughout your life.
If you are looking for an avenue to get rid of the stress or the extra weight or if you are a victim of multiple sclerosis, then the best place to start is by practicing yoga in chairs.
© CG Groth Inc 2007
The "Daycare Diva", Christine G. Groth, is the creator of "The Guide to Instant Daycare Profits". To learn more about this step-by-step program and to sign-up for her FREE "How to Start a Daycare" tips and articles, visit
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How Much And How Often Should One Practice Yoga?
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Leena PatelThe term sadhana in Sanskrit means practice. Committing to practicing yoga on a regular, if not daily, basis, reaps immeasurable benefits. Students often tell me that they cannot commit to an hour a day- they simply do not have the time. In such cases, I recommend deciding the time frame you can realistically commit to each day, even if it is just five minutes. Much better to do this than to practice for two hours twice a week. Experts say build a routine and you are more likely to stick to it. I agree. After a while, missing a practice begins to feel like neglecting to brush your teeth or shower daily. It just does not feel right if you do not do it.
As the classic 15th century Sanskrit text The Hatha Yoga Pradipika tells us:"The young, the old, the extremely aged, even the sick and the infirm obtain perfection in Yoga by constant practice. Success will follow him who practices, not him who practices not. Success in yoga is not obtained by the mere theoretical reading of sacred texts. Success is not obtained by wearing the dress of a yogi or sanyasi (a recluse), nor by talking about it. Constant practice alone is the secret of success." (Ch.1, v. 64-6)
... by the way, do not belittle the value of doing 'flossingyourteethasana'. Anything that you do mindfully and with your full attention is yoga. If you are thinking about something else, you might as well be doing that something else.
Practice staying fully present in each moment. Whether you are driving, washing the dishes or doing a Sun Salutation- be fully engaged in the task at hand. Then you are truly in Yoga, in union, with the Self.
Leena Patel is currently based in Las Vegas where she teaches yoga and meditation to Celine Dion and the cast of A New Day. She has written numerous articles on health, yoga and spirituality and has taught across the US, Canada and in France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Austria and the UK. For more information, visit
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Hard Hitting Facts on How to Lose Weight With Yoga
By
Jeffrey MeierYoga has been touted over the years for the many things that it can do for you. Many people don't realize though it can also have a hand in help you lose weight. Yoga is defined as the union of a person's own consciousness with their universal consciousness. This in easy terms is becoming aware with themselves and things that unite their body, mind, and spirit together.
Once people realize and reap the benefits of it they never seem to ever stray from it.
Losing weight is never an easy thing to do, but there are ways to make it easier and one is the use of yoga. To lose weight you must eat right and exercise to burn calories, but that doesn't mean that you can use other ways to get it done. Holding poses for a number of minutes will actually improve muscle strength and posture. Many people think that you must go to the gym and work out for an hour or two each day. This just isn't the case all the time. If you corporate a yoga workout with your everyday routine you will see a noticeable improvement in the months ahead. It takes time just like anything that you want in life.
Stress is a very important element in our lives that can cause us many problems when we talk about our weight. Yoga is used to reduce stress and in turn helps us lose weight by lowering our stress level. When we are less stressful, we tend to eat less and feel better about ourselves. Our self esteem gets higher and we have an easier time taking weight off. As you use it as a part of your weight loss program you're more likely to keep it off because you are losing small amounts. If you lose big amounts with your diet, it usually tends to be harder to keep off. This is why losing weight should be taken slowly and worked at. There are no quick fixes when we talk about weight loss.
If you're just starting out in yoga and weight loss it's probably best to take a night class at a local college or recreational center. Most cities have some wonderful programs that will show you how yoga and weight loss can work hand in hand. Don't get discouraging if you don't see success with the weight loss right away. It will take time and you shouldn't be in any rush. Remember it took time to become overweight so it will take time to lose it.
This is a great vehicle to lose weight and become more attune with your body and the world around you. People are now starting to realize that yoga can be used for more things than just meditation and it's really growing a following. The more time people take to learn the proper way to use it the more benefits they are seeing from it. Just like anything that has been around for a very long time many misconceptions will be out there about it.
Jeffrey Meier of Jam727 Enterprises at
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Stress Management - Yoga
By
Dr Rajesh NairYoga is a Sanskrit (an ancient Indian language) word which means union of the mind, body and soul. It is an exercise in self-discipline which combines postures with breathing techniques and meditation. When regulary practised it strengthens nervous system, takes one to a deep state of relaxation and tranquility thereby helping people to face stressful situations more positively.
The postures stretch limbs and exercises soothe muscles, organs and nervous system while the breathing technique helps to focus and relax at the same time and meditation ensures an overall feeling of well being resulting in a better management of stress.
The principle of yoga is that essential thoughts and messages are delivered more effectively when the body is relaxed and the brain is well-oxygenated, helping the body and mind to work more successfully while feeling less tired and less stressed.
Three main components of Yoga are Asanas, Pranayama and Dhyana
Asanas (Postures) :
Natural unblocking effected by yoga postures are helpful to relieve stress out of the individuals who carry a great deal of physical tension in their bodies. It is a form of a slow exercise together with a controlled breathing exercise which promotes a relaxed feeling or eases stress. Savasana, Makarasana, Balasana are few asanas to be practiced to relieve stress
Prayanama (A breathing technique) :
In this technique an individual do slow and steady breathing - like inhaling through his one nostril and exhaling through other. Besides there are fast breathing movements like intake of air through nostrils and exhaling through mouth at fast pace, this way air is passed properly through blood capillaries and the person feels himself in light mode and he feels that there is no burden over their mind and soul.
Dhyana (Meditation) :
A person sits in a posture usually in relaxing mode and concentrate his mind over one point with eyes closed. The mind is concentrated up to an extent when an individual feels that he has no interaction with the surroundings, in fact the mind reaches in a neutral stage thereby relieving mental exhaustion. Meditation restores the body to a calm state, helping the body to repair itself, and preventing damage due to the physical effects of
stress.
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Benefits Of Yoga During Pregnancy
By
Jared LeeYoga is an ancient form of spirituality that originated in India. It is deeply connected with the religious beliefs and practices of Hinduism and other Indian religions. Apart from providing spiritual solace and mental relaxation, yoga also helps in regulating physiological balance and improves physical fitness. Yoga is practiced worldwide in the form of asanas or postures. There are a variety of postures in yoga that help in coordinating movement and breath. These postures also provide self-care during pregnancy and prepare for labor and delivery. Below are details certain benefits of yoga during pregnancy.
Cat Pose: Cat posture is beneficial for the spine and lower back. Pregnant mothers often experience intense pain in these areas. This pose increases flexibility of the spine and back.
Heroine Pose: This is the most recommended posture providing relief during nausea and indigestion.
Yoga has solutions for every type of physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual ailments.
Yoga postures are primarily stretching exercises that provide strength and increase flexibility in muscles. They also release tension that has accumulated in between vertebrae along the spine.
These postures also provide relaxation to bones in rib cage, upper chest, neck and shoulders.
Since yoga postures require proper alignment of the body, they are not at all harmful to the mother and body.
Other benefits of yoga include increased blood circulation to the uterus, easier movement of the diaphragm, restoring proper rate of respiration, reducing mental stress and promoting well-being and equilibrium in pregnant women. Yoga teaches how to release tension and constriction in the uterus using breath, a technique that is immensely beneficial during labor and delivery.
However, only certain postures are useful for pregnant women. One should not practice yoga postures that involve excessive stretching and have positions like lying down on the back, bent arc, bending down and stretching limbs towards the abdomen. One should practice yoga exercises under the supervision of a trained and certified yoga instructor.
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Create a Home Yoga Practice
By
Leena PatelNo matter how long you have been studying yoga, starting and maintaining a personal home practice is a challenge. Aside from family, work and other life obligations that beckon you away from the mat, there are other obstacles that loom. There is the decision to make of what poses to do today, what order to do them in, what type of practice to do, what to emphasize, what to pass on, the worry of 'am I doing it right?'
The sequencing of yoga poses within a practice session is an art form. When you attend a class, you simply follow the guidance of your teacher trusting that s/he knows best. But what to do on your own at home? And what is the benefit of a home practice anyway? There are certain styles of yoga such as Bikram or Ashtanga Vinyasa that use set sequences, however even hardcore followers of such styles might benefit from occasionally deviating from the tradition and giving their body a chance to free itself from its normal patterns of movement. Developing a home practice can liberate you in many ways.
One of the comments I now frequently get about my class is the 'creative sequencing' that I employ. When I first started teaching 12 years ago, my vocabulary and instructions were limited because I had about one tenth of the knowledge and experience I now have... so my classes were pretty much the same regardless of who showed up! Today much of my teaching is based on my personal practice as well as study and reflection, my classes justly reflect what I have learned as I let my personal practice unfold and open to divine grace. Whether you are a teacher or not, let this same unfolding take place within you. Let your home practice instigate a sense of play and discovery. so that it deepens your connection with your inner voice, with what is alive within you. So often we save our best experiences for the classroom with a teacher. I invite you to turn this model upside down. When you are feeling alive and energetic, do a home practice. When you need support and encouragement, head to your yoga class. I understand this suggestion is not for the absolute beginner who really needs guidance and direction. But for the seasoned practitioners- I counsel you to listen to the inner teacher for guidance. You will notice a development not only in your practice, but as well experience tremendous growth as a human being.
Basic framework and guidelines for creating a home practice:
Start in a comfortable sitting position and begin with dedicating your practice session to someone or something. This gives your practice focus and direction.
Connect with the breath. Aligning with your inner landscape, your internal rhythm, brings you deeper into the present moment.
Keep the movement fairly gentle to begin with. The opening poses should be more like a warm-up so 3-5 rounds of Surya Namaskar are a possible starting place if you want to start with a flow and generate some heat. Please note, however, that the intention is not to maintain awareness and sensitivity in every expression of each pose, regardless of the pace in which you are flowing.
Create a balanced practice. For instance, over a week aim to include forward bends, backbends, some inversions and twists. Be continuously attentive to the particular needs of your body. Hold your awareness in the stillness of your own being.
Modify poses as necessary. Accommodate injuries, aches and pains. Use props if necessary.
Challenge yourself periodically with poses that seem outside your level of expertise. Explore the stages (kramas) of the asana. For instance, before attempting full handstand, get really comfortable with downward dog and then half-handstand. Don't skip a krama. With patience, application and correct mental attitude you will transcend your limitations.
Maintain a smooth steady breath as you flow in and out of an asana as well as when holding a posture. Let this rhythm of the breath be your steering wheel that guides you. Use ujjayi breathing to determine when you are straining or going beyond your personal edge and relax the intensity if you begun to grunt or pant or strain in any way.
Take time in a pose to explore your edges. Allow your exhalation to open the way for you to go deeper. Stay there awhile, riding the breath and becoming open, spacious and soft in this new place. You may find you can now go further into the pose. Do this as many times as you like. When you are ready to come out of the pose, gently take it to your maximum and then s-l-o-w-l-y come out. Finding a balance between under-doing and over-doing take practice and lots of listening within. Be patient and alert to the fact that this subtle place will shift from moment to moment, day to day. It will be affected by how we feel, what we have eaten and many other variables. Pay attention to them. Learning and practicing how to work intelligently and respectfully is the real work of yoga. This is the stuff that transforms us.
Maintain mindfulness as you transition in and out of asanas as well as during. Let each part flow like a dance as you radiate from within.
Incorporate meditation time into your practice. Use this time to be still and listen inward. Let your being flow with peace, calm and love. Let your essence shine through. Do not hold back. It is not egotistical to indulge in this part. It is nurturing and nourishing. It reminds of what we really are.
Include five to twenty minutes in Savasana at the end of your practice. This gives your body the time to receive the benefits of your practice and to integrate your experience. Savasana is also a powerful practice because it teaches us to surrender, to let go of all attachment to how your intention manifested itself (or not) in your practice today. Through Savasana we learn to just be. To rest deeply and accept fully what the moment has to offer.
Complete your practice by taking Anjali Mudra (hands in prayer position) and bowing in reverence to the divine within.
Take this stillness into the rest of your day. With regular practice, this sense of tranquility and deep inner peace will manifest in all areas of your life.
Leena Patel is currently based in Las Vegas where she teaches yoga and meditation to Celine Dion and A New Day. She has written numerous articles on health, yoga and spirituality and has taught across the US, Canada and in France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Austria and the UK. She can be reached at
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Yoga - A Healthier Lifestyle More Easily
By
Lorna FindlayIt's not surprising to find that most people who do yoga regularly begin to develop a healthier lifestyle in many other areas.
Once they see the benefits that yoga can bring about and feel their energy levels increasing it is encouraging to make more changes to get even more out of life.
Diets are often changed where food of low nutritional value is substituted with healthier foods.
Lingering illness is often disposed of in a short period of time.
Sleeping patterns become better and old habits that were so difficult to cast aside prior to starting yoga are more easily sorted.
People become more aware of themselves and can see where there are factors in their life that have held them back either in health, mentally or other areas.
Old emotional problems that have dragged them down for years are suddenly set free and it is this new found freedom that makes many people seek more of the 'good stuff' that life has available for those who wish to take advantage of it.
And this powerful positive energy force becomes greater as it spills over into more and more areas of a person's lifestyle. Each area brings the body and the mind into greater harmony with one another.
By eliminating the imbalance there is no longer the constant conflict that the various areas find by fighting with one another.
There comes a desire to live a healthier life because that is the natural state that we should all be living in and it is a state that makes you feel good. It opens up the mind to see more opportunities and to achieve higher levels of success.
Yoga is such a powerful source that once embraced the changes can be unstoppable and that is a good thing to look forward to.
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Yoga For Weight Loss - How To Lose Weight With Yoga
By
Robin BrainThere are a number of techniques that can be employed to get an effective weight loss treatment. The weight loss programs employs the diet planning techniques and the exercise management using which you can control the amount of intake calories and burned calories. The way the calories are burned in the body is dependent on an individual. The calories and fat burning procedure in the body is dependent on the rate of metabolism of the body. The rate of metabolism of the body is dependent on the hormones that are produced in the body. The thyroid is mainly responsible for keeping a check on the metabolism rate of a person. Thyroid secretes a hormone that controls the metabolism of the body. If the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid gland is more then you can easily burn the fat in the body, and reduce your weight.
The different medicines that are available in the market related to weight loss increase the metabolism of the body. Yoga is a good exercising technique that can be employed to increase the body's flexibility and to reduce weight and fat. Yoga employs easy to do exercise to gain control of the fat in the body. Yoga can be used for an efficient weight loss. Yoga exercises can be used for reducing the weight efficiently. The yoga exercises require less time of yours and can easily be practiced at home, thus saving a lot of your time. You can do the yoga exercise on your own; however you should always learn it from a professional trainer first. There are different breathing techniques as well that are a part of the yoga exercise, which can be followed to increase the body's metabolism. The exercises included in yoga for weight loss, are comparatively much easy to do than the regular aerobic exercise, and at the same time, they are more efficient as well.
The yoga employs different structural exercises that require you to bend your body and selectively exercise different parts of the body. You can take the help of the yoga exercises to reduce the fat selectively off the body. The yoga exercises are meant to make your body more flexible and to reduce weight easily. The yogis who have been doing these exercises are a perfect example of the power of yoga. These people not only have a good physique but also are much more capable than a normal healthy person.
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Finding Steadiness and Comfort
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Leena PatelIn chapter 2, line 46. of the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali tells us:
sthiram-sukham asanam
The posture should be steady and comfortable.
As a teacher I am faced with continuous choices that affect how my students establish these qualities for themselves. Do I speak, do I not speak? Do I touch, do I not touch? Do I step back or do I challenge them to go deeper? How do I create an environment which enables each individual to bring forth these qualities in their practice? I want to empower them with confidence in their own abilities and the choices that they make. I want to encourage them to not submit to the critical inner dialogue that goes on in their head that tells them they should do more, push more, achieve more and instead move and feel and act with kindness and compassion towards themselves.
At the same time, I let them know that being steady and comfortable does not always mean playing it safe. Neither does it mean not making an effort or retreating when the going gets tough. Ease sometimes means stepping into a difficult place, or one that is unknown- but at the heart of each step is the awareness and acknowledgement that we are actively making that choice because we are choosing to live deeply within ourselves. We are learning and re-learning continuously how we can find steadiness whilst embracing all that we are offered- whether in a yoga class when facing a challenging posture, whether we are sitting in our meditation seat and samskaras (past impressions that arise to be expelled) are coming up, or whether we are facing the swings and roundabouts of events in our sometimes tumultuous daily lives.
We are choosing to discover more about who we are, even in our sadness, our fear, our frustration and our boredom -because in doing so we are discovering for ourselves what it means to be more comfortable in our own self. At every moment we are given the opportunity to live as a spiritual warrior, soft and relaxed on the outside, strong, resilient and supple on the inside. Then, when we honor the flow of divine grace that supports us on this inner journey we recognise that even though life can and often is hard, we are truly being supported. This can give us the confidence to ease up on the tendency towards self-judgement, paradoxically achieving more than we thought possible and more importantly, loving the ride that we are on.
© Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved.
Leena Patel is currently based in Las Vegas where she teaches yoga and meditation to Celine Dion and A New Day. She has written numerous articles on health, yoga and spirituality and has taught across the US, Canada and in France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Austria and the UK. She can be reached at
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How To Find Yoga Classes
By
Scott HughesMaybe you want to try yoga out. Maybe you practiced it before and want to start again. If you want to do yoga, you probably want to find a yoga class. You can use the following methods to find a local yoga class.
Local Gym - In addition to their weight rooms and cardio machines, many gyms offer a large assortment of fitness classes. Some gyms offer brochures that list and describe all of their different classes. Nonetheless, you can more easily find out whether or not a local gym offers any yoga classes simply by calling them and asking. When you call, remember to ask for the price. Try calling more than one gym and writing down the different prices and other details.
That way you can choose the best class for you. You can usually find a whole bunch of gyms in any given community, so you most likely can find a few that have yoga classes.
Yoga Studio - Yoga studios are basically places dedicated to practicing yoga. They are to yoga practice what a martial arts studio is to martial arts. Depending on where you live, you may not be able to find a yoga studio nearby. Even if you find one or more, they may not meet your budget or your needs.
Craigslist - You can read and post local classified ads on craigslist for free. If you do not see anything on there about yoga classes, post a classified ad asking about yoga classes in your neighborhood. You can also use this method to find a yoga partner, but be very careful meeting anyone from the internet. Craiglist lets you remain anonymous when posting ads.
Ask Your Friends - If you know other people who practice yoga, ask them where they practice yoga. This will not only help you find places that offer classes, but it will also let you get immediate first-hand information about those places. You can ask the person if they recommend the classes. You can also ask friends and other people you know about yoga classes.
Even if they do not practice yoga, they may happen to know of local places that offer yoga classes.
Before looking for yoga classes, you want to figure out what you want out of the classes. Figure out how much you are willing to spend. Also, figure out what type of class you want. For example, do you want one that focuses on the spiritual aspects of yoga, or do you simply want an exercise class?
Some gyms and studios may want you to sign up for a long-running class and pay upfront. Avoid doing this unless you have tried the class out, especially if you are new to yoga. You do not want to pay hundreds of dollars for months of yoga classes only to find out that you do not like yoga or the class.
You can also start practicing yoga by getting a yoga video. A video would allow you to practice yoga at home.
Whatever you do, good luck and have fun!
Scott Hughes owns and maintains an
informative website about yoga at OnlineYogaClub.com. You can talk about yoga for free at the
Yoga Forums. If you have any questions about yoga, post them there. It's completely free!
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Discover How Great Yoga Can Make You Feel
By
Michael MarounThe best course of action to take sometimes isn't clear until you've listed and considered your alternatives. The following paragraphs should help clue you in to what the experts think is significant.
Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.
For many people working on an exercise program or starting one, flexibility and reducing stress are major priorities and one of the best ways to begin being flexible and to help reduce stress is Yoga.
If you are like me then you may be thinking like I did when I first heard about Yoga and wondering how you are going to bend over backwards or end up looking like a pretzel with a head attached to it. It wasn't until I tried a very basic routine that I discovered how great Yoga makes me feel. The stretching is a bit difficult at first but you feel so relaxed at the end of a session that you end up wanting to continue learning and remaining consistent with your workouts.
Yoga comes from the East and it is a name for a group of stretching and breathing exercises that can have a tremendous positive effect on your mind and body. You do not need any special equipment except for a mat or a place to work where you will not slip as you move along the exercises. I highly recommend investing a small amount of money for Yoga blocks because the will help you when you have to stretch. A good Yoga kit should not cost you more than twenty dollars and it will include a mat, 2 blocks and a stretching band.
There are many ways that you can learn how to practice. If you enjoy working out in your home then you can buy a book or you can use a DVD to learn how to perform Yoga. You will be able to mimic the moves as well as understand the proper breathing techniques by listening to the instructor. It is very helpful to watch it a few times before you begin to make sure that you are comfortable before attempting the moves because once you begin, you will take your cues from the audio instruction and not the visual since you will be looking up, down or away from the screen. (This took me a few tapes to figure out.) Also, if you belong to a health club, many of them offer Yoga classes and this will help you learn because you will be able to see firsthand what you are supposed to be doing and if the class is small enough, the instructor may be able to correct your posture when you are not getting it right. There are plenty of independent Yoga instructors in most areas but it can be a bit pricey at 10-20 dollars per lesson or about $100 per month for an unlimited membership.
As you progress through your diet and exercise plan, I want you to seriously consider giving Yoga a try. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and will continue to be used by people for their health and harmony.
Discover what helped me finally get on track and lose weight in my free eBook entitled "The Secret to Diet & Exercise" - How One Word Can Change Your Life. In it, we explore ways to begin working on a plan for success to meet your weight loss and fitness goals. Please visit
http://diet.webinforesource.com/ for your copy.
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Yoga Bags and Mats
By
Sara ValencourtWhether you are a more experienced yoga teacher or a home-based practitioner, one of the most necessary accessories for your yoga practice is a yoga mat. To add to the life of your mat, one of the ways to protect your mat is to always carry it in your yoga bag.
A yoga mat comes in a lot of different colors and patterns, materials and qualities. From mixed to natural materials such as cotton and hemp, you can certainly find some sort of material that you feel comfort with.
First of all, the reason why yoga mats are such an ultimate tool to yoga is because it will assist in balancing your yoga poses. High quality mats will lie on the ground perfectly without any wrinkles on top of the surface. It will help you to easily move your legs, balance your upper body, or comfortably stay in a "Tree Pose" with confidence with no worries of slipping.
Secondly, take into consideration that the thickness of the mat might help you as well. Is there anything you are concerned about like a past physical problem from stress or a back pain? A thicker mat should support you with enough of a cushion effect to better protect any recent or recurring physical problem. In this case I strongly recommend you consult with your yoga teacher who could give you specific direction.
To lengthen the life of your mat, it is best to keep it guarded and clean by always storing it in your yoga mat bag and to clean it on a regular basis. During your practice, you'll surely shed hair and skin from your hands and feet. A simple way to keep your mat sanitary is to use a damp rag and a soft soap to wipe your regularly used mat.
A yoga mat bag is offered in a lot of different sizes and shapes. They have the flexibility to carry more than your mat, such as front pockets for towels, a water bottle and others.
Lots of manufactures such as Manduka, Harmony and others offer a wide options of designs and fabrics for your mat and bag. More frequently, you can expect to pay from about $10 and up to about $80 for a yoga mat or bag. If it's possible for you, it's recommended that you go search a yoga supply store to be able to experience what kind of mat and bag is comfortable and the best for you.
Sara Valencourt has always been interested in health and fitness. Sara has been writing a lot of information related to yoga at YogaHub.org. Check out the site at
http://www.yogahub.orgSara Valencourt is a health and fitness freelance writer living in Santa Fe New Mexico. She is an advent yoga student who has traveled throughout the U.S. to experience various yoga practices and to work with international instructors. Her work includes articles on the basics of yoga, easy healthy nutrition and real fitness for the average person. She is currently working on a series of articles based on her trials and triumphs.
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Caring For And Selecting A Machine Washable Yoga Mat
By
Yogi AshantiThe great thing about yoga is that you don't need much equipment. Basically a yoga mat, a towel, and some water and you're off to the races. Of course if you've been to a yoga class or two you'll notice that people spend a lot of money on this equipment if they truly love to do yoga.
This is really not necessary. Just buy the best quality that you can afford and spend your time and effort focusing on the exercise. The main thing you want to consider a course is your yoga mat since this is the only thing between you and the hard surface you're working on. Many people choose machine washable yoga mats simply because they are very easy to take care of but they also tend to be the highest quality mats as well. But even given that information it still may be difficult to pick the perfect one for you. Why? Because this is going to be the one piece of equipment the associate with the practice of yoga. You'll become intimately familiar with this piece of equipment and hopefully you'll be spending a lot of time together.
Types of machine washable yoga mats
There are many different types of yoga mats that are machine washable. When go to your class today you mostly see the thin roll up types of yoga mats. These come in many assorted colors and sizes but keep in mind that not all of them can be washed in the washing machine. You want it a close look at the label before you purchase any of these mats. You also want to keep in mind the stickiness of the mat. Some of the cheaper machine washable yoga mats tended to be less sticky than their non-washable counterparts. Stickiness as you can imagine is quite important when you're doing intricate yoga poses. Take a moment to search on the Internet and see what other yoga practitioners recommend. At the end of this article will give you a few links a machine washable yoga mats that we like.
Another type of yoga mat that you don't see quite as often but can be cleaned just as easily is a cotton yoga mat. These yoga mats are a bit more bulky than the more modern and yoga mats but for those who need a bit more cushion they are a great solution. Again there is quite a wide array of cotton yoga mats available in all colors. Traditionally these types of mats were used for Astanga-style yoga but we are seeing them more and more in all types of York practices. Cotton yoga mats were popular way before sticky mats were even thought of so they are certainly part of it is history. Be sure to look around and if you can try to find a cotton yoga mat that is made of 100% organic cotton. As long as you're buying a yoga mat you might as well take care of the environment too.
Lastly, although not technically a yoga mat is the yoga towel. This piece equipment is relatively new and is designed specifically to keep you from sliding on your mat. These are very thin towels they can be put in the washing machine just like any other machine washable yoga mat.
The difference with these towels over ordinary towels is twofold. They are cut to the same with as a traditional yoga mat and they come with small sticky beads that helps take one side to your mat and the other side to your feet. These are great if you can do sweat a lot or simply want more control over your yoga poses and more security that you won't lose your grip.
As mentioned before if your resources for purchasing machine washable yoga mats:
Yoga towel:http://www.santosha.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3167this brand of you ever tell was the first on the market in our mind still the best available.
Cotton yoga mat:http://www.santosha.com/index.asp?
PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3113these cotton yoga mats are quite simple and easy to take care of yet they come in many beautiful colors and are of high quality.
Machine washable yoga mat:http://www.santosha.com/index.asp?
PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2187this is a very basic role of yoga mat. Combine this with the other towel and when you're done with your your workout stick them both in the washing machine for easy cleanup.
Yogi Ashanti is a world traveling yoga instructor. He has been teaching yoga for over 10 years and perfecting his own yoga practice for many more than that. To learn all about things likeyoga poses,
yoga equipment,
types of yoga, and much more, visit his blog at
www.myyogaresource.com.
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Pregnancy and Yoga - Should You or Shouldn't You?
By
Jude C WrightIf you have been practicing yoga, you can still be able to use these exercises - with care. Yoga is good for both mother and baby, though there has been opposing sides to the question.
Even if you weren't doing yoga before your pregnancy, you can still begin the exercises.
However, you will need to be certain that you are doing the poses correctly. There are also some poses that you will need to avoid. Ask your obstetrician if you aren't sure about the affects of a certain pose.
Yoga benefits you by keeping you calm and serene. You learn to control your breathing and use breathing to help you relax. This is very beneficial to helping you through the childbirth process. Some mothers don't even need pain medication because they've really mastered their breathing and relaxation.
Yoga can also help with the back pain that most pregnant women endure. The exercises can ease the pressure on the spinal cord and make them more comfortable.
There are some rules that must be followed when practicing yoga while you are pregnant.
1. Drink a lot of water. You don't want to get overheated and raise your core body temperature so high that it harms your baby. Take frequent water breaks. If you feel yourself becoming flushed, it's definitely time to stop and drink some water.
2. Be sure that you are eating healthy meals with plenty of nutrition. The extra effort that you use during yoga sessions will eat up a lot of calories.
3. Some poses will not be appropriate for you the further along you become in your pregnancy. Some may even be harmful. Stop doing the poses that require good balance. That means, no positions that have your head way below your feet. If you fall, you could hurt yourself and your child. Also, you will be moving more slowly when you are transitioning between positions to prevent becoming dizzy and off balance. Stand near a wall so that you have something to keep you from falling. Avoid major twisting and turning of the abdomen.
There are still many positions that you can use while pregnant. There are videos and books that you can purchase that will show you exactly which poses are best for you and your baby. You may also be able to find a prenatal yoga class in your area - if you live in a city with a higher population. They are still more difficult to find in smaller towns. A certified yoga instructor that has been trained in pregnancy related poses can be of tremendous help.
Again, be sure you consult your doctor before beginning any kind of exercise program, including yoga. This is especially important if you are having any problems at all with your pregnancy.
If you use common sense while using yoga during your pregnancy, you can't go wrong. Listen to your body. Don't push yourself into overdoing. You don't want to get over-tired or strain your muscles. It's not a marathon, but a way to prepare your body for pregnancy and childbirth.
Jude Wright is the owner of numerous home-related websites. Visit her yoga website at
BeginnerYogaPoses.com for more information on yoga.
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Yo Teach! Yoga Teachers, That Is - Are You Creating Enough Time For You?
By
Kris WardSeek and Ye Shall Find Time
Fret no more my fellow yogis! Time-saving, life-enhancing tips are now at your service. Ask and it is given. Seek and ye shall find. The Law of Attraction is always in action.
Okay. Question.
How are you supposed to teach and inspire others to live their greatest lives if you aren't nurturing yourself enough to thrive (not just survive) FIRST?
Time to start taking care little ol' you. Time to fill up that "love tank" so you're not running on empty anymore.
I know, I said I was gonna help you find TIME, not love. But I can almost guarantee you, even if you had more time, without a precise plan for how you're going to spend that time (doing something fun, exciting or rewarding for YOU) you'll end up filling that fresh new time slot with more HARD, draining tasks and to-do lists. It's just not in our cultural genes to do anything different. So plan ahead!
Now then. We have two things to accomplish in the next 3 minutes of your reading this article:
First, we must provide you with 3 immediately implementable tools that will instantly free up 30% or more of your time.
and...
Second, we must create the master plan for how you're going to spend that time being the full YOU again--healthy, happy, and relieved.
Get out a pen.
Tip # 1: The night before, always make a master TO DO list to guide you methodically through the next day. Keep it simple, as in NO MORE THAN 10 items or so, and only list them if they are check-off-able. In other words, you must be able to accomplish them and cross them out.
Don't do anything unless it's on this list. And if you don't get it done, cross it off anyway, and add it to your next day's master list.
Tip # 2: Block out daily Prime Time Hours. Fill this block of time with income generating activities and nothing more. What counts? ...private sessions with clients, posting an ad on Craigslist.org about your services, or writing a newsletter to your current database of students.
If your "Prime Time" is from 1-6pm each day, do not allow yourself to be interrupted by any other activity than that which is growing and sustaining your business for those 5 hours. This time and these activities are the lifeblood (the fuel) for your yoga career. It, too, has a "love tank" and Prime Time activities are the only way to keep the engine tuned up and running.
Tip # 3: Find a Mutual Coaching Buddy. You know what you're good at...yoga. What else? Maybe it's relationships, cooking, shopping, art, accounting...whatever. Find someone who you can coach on these topics that you have expertise in, and have them coach YOU on whatever YOU need help with, i.e. Internet Marketing, Website Design, Creating a Direct Mail/Post Card Campaign or Referral Program for your current clients. Dedicate 1 hour each week where you each coach the other for 30 minutes... then implement and test the results as quickly as possible. You won't get it perfect the first time, but you WILL learn what works and what doesn't if you keep at it. And your return on investment (ROI) will be tenfold!
That should kick things off for you.
Now for our second goal. Simply answer these 2 questions, then go out and DO what you really want to be doing! You can make excuses or make results. Which will it be? You're in the driver's seat.
Question # 1: If you knew you'd be successful at it, that you deserved it, and that all the powers in the Universe wanted you to have, do, or be ____________, how would you fill in the blank?
Question # 2: What are three steps you can take in the next 48 hours that will put the wheels into motion and get you flowing toward the realization of this desire?
I'll be pulling for you.
Warmest Namaste,
Kris
http://www.abundantyogi.comKris Ward is the Co-Founder of Trikaya Yoga LLC, the first alternative leadership program to combine yoga, massage, and life coaching as the formula for creating a Personal Revolution.
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Yoga and the Art of Living Peacefully
By
Paul JerardNo matter how long you practice Yoga, meditation, Pranayama, or how many Sun Salutations you perform this morning, it is still possible to encounter a difficult person in traffic, work, school, at home, and anywhere else. Why someone would choose to be difficult, every day, is a mystery to most of us.
So, let's look at some ideas for peaceful co-existence. In this life, you are guaranteed to encounter good people and not so good people. Some people may not like the way we look, talk, walk, or something else, but it is our reaction to being disliked, which takes a toll on us.
Let's face it; most of us want to loved by everyone. Yet, can you name a person who is loved by everyone? When you think deeply on this point, you will notice that some of the most peaceful people, who ever lived on this planet, were executed or assassinated. If you could talk to the executioners, and assassins, they would justify their actions.
Think of all the wars, genocide, witch hunts, and pogroms of the past. There is a common thread to all of it. Oppressors are always intolerant and self-righteous. With that said, intolerance and self-righteousness are very big problems, but they seem to start innocently.
How often have we felt we were better than someone else because of religion, race, gender, monetary status, ethnic origin, education, intelligence, or something else? Do we waste time by talking about other people to make ourselves feel better?
Even within circles of Yoga, some will make distinctions, in the quest for superiority. On the surface, it seems innocent enough, but a lit match can become a forest fire, under the right circumstances. A Yogi, or Yogini, should never be self-righteous or intolerant.
To practice non-judgment is difficult at all times. We should be especially careful to practice non-judgment when we look at ourselves.
© Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA.
http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit:
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Yoga For Abs - Six Pack The Yoga Way!
By
Paolo BasauriAmong the different methods to achieve a flat stomach, there's one that has been gaining ground over the last years, and now it stays as a permanent routine on thousands of gyms around the World: Yoga. But Yoga for abs is nothing new; many people in the western world are discovering how it can have a positive impact in their lives.
Yoga relies on poses, and these Yoga poses that we are talking about will strengthen your abs in a way you thought it was impossible. On the other side, is good to note, that any change must be integral - that means that if you really want to see results you'll also have to work your way to reduce excess fat (cardio and a great diet with stable sugar levels are critical components for success).
What are the great poses on yoga for abs?
The Bow Pose. Lie flat on your stomach and grab your ankles with both arms while lifting at the same time your head. You should end up resting on your stomach. NOTE: This is great also for chronic constipation!
The Peacock Pose. In this pose you'll need to balance your abdomen on your co joined elbows while at the same time raising your legs. This is a hard pose that you may not achieve at first, but still will do wonders for your abs.
Sun Salutations This a pose combo. I tried to do these and at first found it very challenging.
That's the thing with yoga, you may think it's easy but it's not! Sun salutations have also a spiritual importance in yoga, and like I said it involves motions, backward and forward motions. Sun salutations are a great way to begin your yoga fro stomach workout.
Cat Cow stretch This exercise will stretch your abdominals, allowing them to grow. Stretching is also a way to strengthen your muscles. To do this, come on all fours and bend your spine on both ways, like a cat.
Although most people perceive these exercises as useless, I challenge you to just try them. You'll see how good they are! And we are talking about just yoga for abs here, in the end you'll find yoga has solutions for very part of your body. Good luck getting that tight stomach!
Learn how to get the stomach you want with
The Truth About Six Pack Abs. While you are there be sure to join our newsletter for tips and more product reviews.
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Washing And Caring For Your Yoga Mat
By
Sarah FreelandTo the avid and active Yoga practitioner, the mat eventually becomes a part of ones personal space. It becomes integral a necessary part of the actual sessions also. A Yoga mat is like a pillow in a lot of ways. Once you have used the same pillow for an extended period of time, simply picking out another pillow when it gets old is not an easy thing to do. A Yoga mat will eventually become THE Yoga mat if you use it long enough. With this in mind, we can begin to see the necessity of making your Yoga mat last as long as you possibly can. Taking certain measurements to extend its lifespan to the maximum can do this.
First, do not consider that the term "proper care" only goes into effect after the mat is dirty and worn. Proper care begins when you begin using the Mat. Wherever your Yoga space is, always make certain that the floor is clean beforehand. There are, after all, only two surfaces that your Mat should come into contact with. One is the floor, and the other is you, which brings us to the next item.
Take a shower before every session. Even the cleanest individual in the world begins to excrete certain chemicals from their pores as they engage in any physical form of exercise. The cleaner you are going into the session, the cleaner your mat will be when you are done.
With the pre-cleaning options finished, we will move on to the actual after-usage cleaning. Most mats, if properly cared for, will only need a cleaning once per month. If you notice a spot or a little dirt on it, just lightly wipe it with a damp cloth (warm water only) and then dry it with either a paper towel or a terry cloth.
However, if the mat is pretty soiled and it has been awhile since the last cleaning, fill your tub with cool water and a very mild detergent. Go very easy on the detergent always. Excessive detergent can do undetectable damage to your mat. This damage can start to become obvious over time.
Some people prefer washing their mat in an actual washing machine, however, most experts advise against this as it can put a lot of wear and tear on your mat, causing it to degenerate at a faster rate.
Remember, as long as you take care of your mat, it will take care of you!
Yoga is a great way to strengthen your mind and body and get in shape as well as a great way to unwind after a long day. Whatever your yoga equipment needs, we have the information and resources to point you in the right direction. We have yoga music, mats, clothes, pants,
yoga videos and journals as well as information on the different types, postures and the history of yoga. Yoga supplies, such as a mat and
yoga shoes are a good investment for those practicing yoga. Yoga music comes in a wide variety of stylese. More info:
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Pilates vs Yoga
By
Sarah FreelandOver the past two decades, both of the arts, and/or practices of the equally promoted Yoga and Pilates have become exceedingly popular. Those who have never had the chance to actually practice either one are left out in the dark on which one that would be more suitable for them.
Some individuals even think that the practice of Pilates is an actual derivative of the ancient art of Yoga. Due to several similarities, the state of confusion is actually quite understandable, until you look beyond the surface.
There is actually quite a considerable amount of differences between the two ancient arts of meditation and exercise. Ancient documents tell us that yoga likely began in South Asia while
Pilates was created in Germany, a totally different continent. Another rather extreme difference is that Pilates was founded in 1880 and Yoga has been traced back as far as the Indus Valley civilization. While the individual or individuals who founded the practice of Yoga is unknown, it is well documented that Joseph Hubertus Pilates was the originator of Pilates. While Pilates mostly focuses on the physical body, Yoga concentrates on a unity of mind, body, and spirit.
Lastly, some practices of Pilates require actual equipment to perform while the only form of outside resources required for Yoga is that of a Mat and a Yoga Bolster, both of which are optional.
There are some similarities between the two, though vague at best. The two forms both require
controlled bodily movements, breathing techniques, and a certain amount of balance.
One advantage of Pilates seems to be quicker and more obviously effective from the visual point of view. On the other side of the metaphorical coin, Yoga is equally effective in the long run without spending a lot of money on the necessary equipment that is required for Pilates. At this point, you can see why the arguments between the practitioners of the two could go on for eternity.
Overall, if you were even vaguely interested in either the practice of Pilates or Yoga, finding out the difference between the two is quite simple with a very little amount of research. Some prefer Pilates, while others prefer the older techniques of Yoga. The truth is, both are very effective for their own purposes. Study the two, find out which one fits you best, and go for it.
Yoga is a great way to strengthen your mind and body and get in shape as well as a great way to unwind after a long day. Whatever your
yoga supplies needs, we have the information and resources to point you in the right direction. We have yoga music, mats, clothes, pants, videos and journals as well as information on the different types, postures and the history of yoga. Yoga supplies, such as a mat and
yoga attire are a good investment for those practicing yoga.
Yoga mats comes in a wide variety of styles.
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Yoga Bolsters
Being new to the practice of Yoga, it is always a good idea to give your body an opportunity to adapt to unusual positions that one has to go through. Always remember not to push your body beyond what it is capable of. The art and practice of Yoga was never intended to harm the practitioner's body in any way. Without slowly adapting to the processes, one might end up pulling muscles, stretching ligaments, tendons, or even ripping them, though the latter of the four is extremely rare.
One such helpful item that some advanced practitioner's even use is that of the Yoga bolster. A bolster is a cotton-filled cushion that comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. It is generally either round or square, round being the most common. The purpose of the bolster is diverse. However, it is mostly utilized as a cushion for the head, neck, or lower back. When considering the human posture, the head is the least likely use.
When performing Yoga, the practitioner generally does so on a hard surface, such as a hardwood floor, linoleum, or similar unyielding surface. It does not denote weakness to utilize cushions to make it less painful. The words Yoga and pain were never meant to be interrelated in any way.
When deciding upon the best type of Bolster for you, the best tactic to utilize is a simple one. Just lie down flat on whatever surface that you will be practicing Yoga on. Lie there until you start to relax. Let your body naturally sink into the floor. Now, take close note of what part of your body is not touching the bare floor once you are totally within a state of relaxation. This is your body taking its natural form. Wherever these points are that aren't in contact with the floor is where you will get the most benefit from a bolster.
As for where to get a bolster, you can do a simple internet search of the words "Yoga Bolster" and you will literally find hundreds of thousands of results. One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a bolster is that you generally get what you pay for. If you purchase the cheap generic brand, you will get cheap and generic results. It is best to pay a little more for something that will last longer and be more effective.
Another thing to be wary of are Yoga bolsters that are filled with anything but real cotton. Other fillers that are often used instead will eventually begin to lose their shape and become virtually useless.
Yoga is a great way to strengthen your mind and body and get in shape as well as a great way to unwind after a long day. Whatever your yoga equipment needs, we have the information and resources to point you in the right direction. We have yoga music, mats, clothes, pants, videos and journals as well as information on the different types, postures and the
history of yoga. Yoga supplies, such as a mat and
yoga pants are a good investment for those practicing yoga. Yoga music comes in a wide variety of stylese. More info:
yoga props
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Yoga for Weight Loss
By
Sarah FreelandIn the United States today, the cases of Obesity have become a constantly increasing cause for concern among the average population. The somewhat alarming statistics inform us that over 130 million adults (20 years old or older) suffer from extreme weight gain issues. The medical implications of obesity make this a great cause for concern. Risk factors for obesity include diabetes, high blood cholesterol, coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, osteoarthritis (A condition of degenerative cartilage and joint tissue), sleep Apnea, Breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, pregnancy complications, menstruation irregularities, urine leakage, excessive bodily hair, and depression.
Though there are many very effective weight loss programs in the United States, how do you know which ones are for you? Weight loss pills work, but as a rule are generally not the healthy alternative. Many weight loss programs are formatted particularly for someone within a certain range of obesity, so they are not right for just anyone. A lower weight target program would have adverse effects upon someone who was morbidly obese, as it would require them to work far too hard for their particular condition. The effects could be so extreme as heart attack or breathing issues. Also, if you lose too much weight too quickly, you risk having saggy skin hanging off your body, and this generally leads to depression and, occasionally, even Agoraphobia.
With all this distressing information, where is the obese person to turn for a weight loss program that works? There is one that works for all ages and weights, and that is Yoga. Yoga offers a slow and steady weight loss option that keeps the individual healthy as they lose weight. Though it is not as quick, it can be permanent.
One Yoga weight loss program is a five-stage system that has proven very popular and has had good results. This program consists of a series of cleansing techniques. These are Kunjal Kriya, which is stomach washing and lung cleaning, Basti which is colon cleaning, laghu shankha prakshalan, a process of cleaning the digestive system, Bagh, also known as the Tiger exercises, and Yoga Asans, which involves postures.
In many cases, the individual in question has more of a weight issue in one area than another. For example, one persons weight may manifest itself in the abdominal area, while another's' might be in the buttocks area. In these situations, the full Yoga weight loss regime mentioned above is not really necessary. Yoga does present options for those seeking to approach the issue of obesity in certain areas.
In the Abdomen, there are many options such as the abdominal lift, child pose, yogic seal pose, and the Naval Move Asana. For the arms and legs, we have the Dog Pose, the Tree Pose, and the Bridge Pose. For the chest, Yoga offers the hero pose, the spinal twist, the triangle pose and the cobra pose. For thighs and hips we have the sun salute, the dog pose again, the advanced wind-releasing pose, and the angle prose.
These are just a select few of the solutions that Yoga offers to those with obesity or weight problems. Study into the subject deeply before you actually attempt it and always consult with your family physician.
Yoga is a great way to strengthen your mind and body and get in shape as well as a great way to unwind after a long day. Whatever your
yoga supplies needs, we have the information and resources to point you in the right direction. We have yoga music, mats, clothes, pants, videos and journals as well as information on the different types, postures and the history of yoga. Yoga supplies, such as a mat and
yoga clothing are a good investment for those practicing yoga.
Yoga music comes in a wide variety of styles.
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Yoga Breathing Methods
By
Sarah FreelandIn a world of corporate stress, traffic jams, bill collectors, and unending debt, it comes as no surprise that a large number of deaths are directly related to high blood pressure and stress.
The world is a savage place in reference to the physical health of an individual. There does, however, seem to be a solution to stress related health issues that the modern world so adamantly offers. The source of this opportunity of hope does not come in the form of a pill, a shot, or a technology oriented miracle cure. It actually comes through a process that originated centuries ago. It is known simply as, Yoga.
Ninety Nine percent of the global population do not use their respiratory system to one hundred percent of its' capacity and/or potential. The daily trials that we experience cause drops and spikes in our breathing patterns, which in turn lowers or raises our blood pressure, etc. The process is long, drawn out, and can literally have diverse negative effects upon every organ and system within our body. These are some truly frightening facts. However, through the art and exercise of Yoga, we can actually retrain our bodies and minds to breath as they were originally intended, before the cruelties of everyday life sat in.
In the process of Yoga breathing, do not expect immediate results. It is a process of teaching our subconscious to act differently than it does at the moment. The subconscious can be a very stubborn aspect and you must be patient with it.
Moving on, the actual process of Yoga breathing is quite simple, once you get it memorized, and memorizing is the first part of reprogramming your subconscious. Consider a yawn for an example. Go ahead and yawn. Interesting that the mere mention of a yawn makes us want to do it. This is the old subconscious taking over again. Make it a deep yawn. Relaxing, is it not? Now, consider how you yawned, your inhalation, and exhalation. When you inhaled, the air went to your abdomen, your stomach being the first to rise. Then your chest rose. As you exhaled, your chest fell first and then your stomach. You see, for some reason, though your subconscious has allowed your regular breathing to become skewed, the yawn has remained, as it should be. Use this as a guideline to go by.
First, lie flat on your back, no pillow, with your entire body straight. Close your eyes. Breathe in forcing the air to make your abdomen rise. Then, breath out, releasing the air. Do this a couple of times. Next, inhale causing your chest to rise. Again, release the air. Practice this a few times also. This part of the process is simply warming up for the real run.
To actually practice the art of yoga breathing, remain flat on your back. Now, breath in, deeply, allowing your stomach to rise first, then your chest. Now, do the same series of events in reverse. Breath out the air, first allowing your chest to sink and then your stomach.
One way to make this process simpler to remember is to think of your body as a bottle and your breath as water. You are filling your body as you would the body. The lower part fills first, then the upper. In exhalation, if you siphoned the water from the body the upper part would empty before the lower. This is a perfect example of the order of events.
Continue this process for 21 breaths. Then, open your eyes and get up slowly. As you rise, you will notice what seems like intensity in your senses. Colors seem brighter, more intense. Sounds are clearer, more noticeable. The effect is the same on all your senses. There are medical reasons for this sudden intensifying of your senses, but they are too diverse to list here. The sensation will begin to ebb after a few minutes. Nevertheless, it is truly an awesome sensation.
In the long run, this practice could save your life. Do not, however, let it end here. Study into the art of Yoga. There are numerous forms of Yoga that can be practiced to enhance your life experience on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. There are several forms of Yoga breathing that will also enhance particular areas of your life. Give them all a try.
Yoga is a great way to strengthen your mind and body and get in shape as well as a great way to unwind after a long day. Whatever your
yoga equipment needs, we have the info and resources to point you in the right direction. We have yoga music, mats, clothes, pants, videos and journals as well as info on the different types, postures and the history of yoga. Yoga supplies, such as a
yoga mat and yoga pants are a good investment. Yoga music comes in a wide variety of styles and can make practicing yoga more enjoyable. More info:
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Headache Relief - Gentle Exercises to Soothe the Pain Away
By
John R. WagnerFor the 10% of the population that suffers headaches and migraines, the prospect of another day off work or away from family activities is something to be avoided as much as humanly possible.
When a headache strikes, many sufferers tend to reach for the packet of painkillers or over-the-counter medication. These can help but there is the ever-present danger of side effects.
A visit to one's doctor for a full checkup is mandatory if you are having more than the occasional bout of head pain or are experiencing headaches that are worse than the normal ones that can be cured by a good lie down.
Medical doctors can now prescribe an array of headache medicines, both preventatives and those that can be used to stop each individual attack. Many doctors now include a number of non-drug treatments in their armory of methods to stop, lessen or control headaches. An excellent additional strategy that you can use independently to help relieve headaches or migraines is to perform a series of gentle exercises to calm the stress and reverse the muscle spasm that you are experiencing.
Yoga Relaxation Postures
One such series of exercises is the yoga deep relaxation postures (or asanas). Yoga relaxation postures teach you how to stretch and then relax each section of your body from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. They teach you how to breathe correctly and deeply, and how to breathe the stress and tension right out of your body.
A good yoga teacher will also teach you how to relax your mind. A deeply-relaxed mind combined with a deeply-relaxed body will quickly end many headaches and migraines, especially those which are caused or aggravated by the frenetic pace of today's busy lifestyle.
Many of these yoga techniques can be learned from books or DVDs, but it is a good idea to study, at least for a while, under an experienced yoga teacher who can monitor your progress and correct any mistakes you are making.
Acupressure
Another form of gentle exercise that many people use to relieve their headaches and migraines is acupressure.
Acupressure is a form of acupuncture, the Chinese medical technique that uses small needles inserted into the body to relieve disease symptoms. Acupressure uses the pressure of thumbs and fingers instead of acupuncture needles to achieve similar therapeutic effects. To relieve a headache with acupressure, you simply press certain spots (called pressure points) on your head, hands and the back of your neck for a short period of time. You can use acupressure wherever you are -- at work, at home, at school, in the car or bus -- and no one else need even know that you have had a headache or have treated it!
There are a number of books and DVDs that teach this technique, but again some personal instruction is highly recommended, as it lets you see and, equally important, feel the technique at work. Your local acupuncturist should be able to teach you the locations of the relevant pressure points, and how to apply the pressure and for how long.
As with everything you do that affects your health, you should let your doctor know that you are intending to do yoga exercises or acupressure, and ensure that you have the "all clear" to do so. Yoga relaxation postures and acupressure have helped thousands of people relieve their headaches and migraines. These techniques are drug-free and inexpensive, and can be used discreetly during most daily activities. You may find that they help with your head pain too.
About the Author:
John R. Wagner writes for the website,
New Headache Cure. This website offers information and tips on headache and migraine relief.
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Yoga for Prevention and Termination of Drug Abuse
By
Paul JerardYoga, as well as other alternative therapies, has been practiced for the purpose of ending drug abuse with fair results. Many people ask how Yoga helps people quit abusing drugs. The Yogic method for ending substance abuse is very simple. Yoga gives the mind a useful daily purpose, which re-programs the practitioner.
Drugs fill a void in the mind and body. Even though we disagree with drug abuse, it must be noted that drugs either stimulate or dull the senses. This is one of the main reasons, why someone would try drugs in the first place.
Whether it is physical or mental, drug addiction is a result of habit. This habit had to be formed because the addict found the experience pleasurable. Many drug addicts feel they have nothing to live for, and they are not thinking about living for longevity.
In terms of holistic health, drug addiction is the exact opposite of all forms of Yoga. Yoga is a discipline based upon developing, and maintaining, optimum health. Serious Yoga practitioners tend to eliminate substances, which can be abused, because they do not need them.
Yoga already stimulates the mind and body, but for the purpose of improving the practitioner's health. This is where Yoga could save humanity from drug abuse. Instead of focusing on the "Drug War," why not teach Yoga, to children, globally?
Yoga programs for children would prevent drug abuse and eliminate the need for stimulating, or dulling, the senses. In one generation, we could eliminate the need for illegal drugs and the crimes related to them.
Yoga practice does not have any harmful side effects. A drug addict, who wants to quit, will benefit from Pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques), Asana (Yoga Postures), Meditation, and many more aspects that Yoga has to offer.
Finally, when I mentioned that Yoga, and other alternative therapies, had fair results with helping people quit abusing drugs - it should be noted that this is a "new frontier" for Yoga teachers and Yoga therapists. Yoga therapy will be more accepted by traditional western medicine after the results are measured.
© Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA.
http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995.
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