Are you expecting? Or just expecting to be expecting soon? Either way, prenatal yoga is just what you need. Yoga classes that are specifically designed for a pregnant woman can help you get in shape, relaxed and healthy for your pregnancy and keep you in shape during the most important nine months of your life.
In addition to fitness and weight management, prenatal yoga has many health benefits. It helps to improve your core strength, which is very helpful when it comes to carrying a child. In addition, it can help to keep your body flexible and relieve the tension and pain you'll probably experience with a baby on the way. And that flexibility and strength will come in handy when it's time to deliver as well.
Not only does prenatal yoga offer physical health benefits, it offers great mental health benefits as well. Studies show that pregnant women who keep their stress levels down have a healthier pregnancy than the more stressed out moms-to-be. Yoga is a great way to achieve a higher level of relaxation, keeping you cool and calm as you plan for baby's arrival.
And don't just drop the yoga habit once the little one has arrived! Just like prenatal yoga, postnatal yoga has many benefits. It can help new mothers lose the extra pregnancy weight, build strength, and give them much needed time to wind down. Engage in yoga before, during, and after your pregnancy and you (and your body) will handle the transition to motherhood perfectly.
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 and meditation equipment and 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 yoga positions, postures and the history of yoga. If you are interested in becoming a yoga instructor learn more about yoga workshops in your city or state.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland
Saturday
Friday
Yoga And Weight Loss
Many people in America today try all sorts of things in pursuit of healthy, permanent weight loss. Unfortunately, they mainly seem to try fad diets, diet pills, celebrity diets, the grapefruit diet...you name it. In fact, stick an adjective or noun in front of the word "diet", and you might be the creator of the next diet craze.
while a someone might temporarily lose a few pounds with a "diet", diets are not successful when it comes to permanent weight loss and healthy weight loss.
As they say, I have some good news and some bad news.
The good news is that there IS a known and proven way to achieve significant, healthy, permanent weight loss. More good news is that, although some modification to what you presently like to eat will be necessary, extremely drastic changes are seldom required. Oh, yes, you might have to learn to substitute something you don't like that much right now for something you do like, but, in time, you can get accustomed to this, and even learn to like the new flavors and foods. I know. I've been there.
The bad news is that, along with modifications to your eating habits, you are going to have to become more active. Dare I say it....?
You will have to exercise! The benefits of exercise is an article in itself, and I have written elsewhere about how exercise can take many forms, so there is no need to lock yourself into an unpleasant or painful exercise regimen. What I really want to do here is give a small pitch for the practice of yoga as my exercise program of choice. Remember, however, my exercise program of choice might not be yours. As much as I like yoga, you will have to decide if yoga is right for you.
Before I speak specifically about yoga, let's just list some of the known benefits of regular exercise in general. Exercise...
Reduces the risk or affects of many illnesses and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis to name a few. Some studies even show possible reductions in the risk for some cancers.
Elevates mood and reduces depression.
Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, joints, and nervous system.
Delays affects of aging, making seniors more mobile and self sufficient and less likely to fall prey to injury or illness.
Reduces risk of premature death (sounds like a big one to me).
Helps maintain a healthy weight.
Okay, since any good exercise program can provide these benefits, what does yoga have to offer that makes it special?
In addition to providing the basic benefits of exercise in general, yoga does have a few specific things going for it.
1. Despite the apparently agonizing contortions seen in every yoga book, the benefit is in the attempt to achieve the position. The models in the books arrived at their present level of ability over time, and many a skilled practitioner of yoga today began in the same shape you're in right now. It is okay to modify a position or to come out of it a little early if your body is not ready yet. The regular practice of your best version of the movement or position (asana), combined with yoga breathing techniques (easily learned) will produce progress over time.
2. No personal trainer or special equipment is needed, nor is it necessary to go to the gym or even out in public at all. You can do yoga naked if you don't have a pair of gym shorts, and a carpet is just as good as a yoga mat...at least at first. Yoga is actually so simple that it CAN be learned from a book, although it certainly wouldn't hurt to get guidance or training from a certified instructor.
3. Yoga is relaxing and relieves stress. Not only is this of great personal value in today's world, but if any part of your weight loss problem is stress related, and I can almost guarantee some relationship, the stress relief offered by yoga can ease that portion of your weight loss journey.
4. In addition to being good for your health for several reasons, simply learning yoga breathing and practicing it regularly can help you burn fat.
5. As you begin to progress in your ability to better perform yoga poses (asanas) you will notice a sense of control, of mastery of life and self, which will become more evident. This new inner strength will aid you in facing difficulties, including temptations concerning eating and your new eating behaviors. You will also find yourself more forgiving, not only of others, but of yourself as well, and when you slide a little, you will be better able to shrug it off and get back on your path to success.
6. With more progress in your yoga practice, you will begin to experience new feelings of health, strength, and well-being. These feelings will in turn motivate you to take even more control of your life so that you can continue your progress with no desire or temptation to return to the way things used to be.
Nothing is perfect for everyone, but, as you can see, the practice of yoga does have some benefits to offer which may make it valuable in the pursuit of healthy, permanent weight loss.
The author is retired from the Army after 21 years of service, has worked as an accountant, optical lab manager, restaurant manager, and instructor. He has been a member of Mensa for several years, and has written and published poetry, essays, and articles on various subjects for the last 40 years. He developed an interest in health and fitness in the '70s after reading numerous books, including Dr. Kenneth Cooper's "Aerobics". This has led him to continue his personal research into health and fitness for over 30 years, and to pursue course work on the subjects of health and fitness, including yoga, which he practices regularly. Learn more about Yoga and Weight Loss.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donovan_Baldwin
while a someone might temporarily lose a few pounds with a "diet", diets are not successful when it comes to permanent weight loss and healthy weight loss.
As they say, I have some good news and some bad news.
The good news is that there IS a known and proven way to achieve significant, healthy, permanent weight loss. More good news is that, although some modification to what you presently like to eat will be necessary, extremely drastic changes are seldom required. Oh, yes, you might have to learn to substitute something you don't like that much right now for something you do like, but, in time, you can get accustomed to this, and even learn to like the new flavors and foods. I know. I've been there.
The bad news is that, along with modifications to your eating habits, you are going to have to become more active. Dare I say it....?
You will have to exercise! The benefits of exercise is an article in itself, and I have written elsewhere about how exercise can take many forms, so there is no need to lock yourself into an unpleasant or painful exercise regimen. What I really want to do here is give a small pitch for the practice of yoga as my exercise program of choice. Remember, however, my exercise program of choice might not be yours. As much as I like yoga, you will have to decide if yoga is right for you.
Before I speak specifically about yoga, let's just list some of the known benefits of regular exercise in general. Exercise...
Reduces the risk or affects of many illnesses and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis to name a few. Some studies even show possible reductions in the risk for some cancers.
Elevates mood and reduces depression.
Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, joints, and nervous system.
Delays affects of aging, making seniors more mobile and self sufficient and less likely to fall prey to injury or illness.
Reduces risk of premature death (sounds like a big one to me).
Helps maintain a healthy weight.
Okay, since any good exercise program can provide these benefits, what does yoga have to offer that makes it special?
In addition to providing the basic benefits of exercise in general, yoga does have a few specific things going for it.
1. Despite the apparently agonizing contortions seen in every yoga book, the benefit is in the attempt to achieve the position. The models in the books arrived at their present level of ability over time, and many a skilled practitioner of yoga today began in the same shape you're in right now. It is okay to modify a position or to come out of it a little early if your body is not ready yet. The regular practice of your best version of the movement or position (asana), combined with yoga breathing techniques (easily learned) will produce progress over time.
2. No personal trainer or special equipment is needed, nor is it necessary to go to the gym or even out in public at all. You can do yoga naked if you don't have a pair of gym shorts, and a carpet is just as good as a yoga mat...at least at first. Yoga is actually so simple that it CAN be learned from a book, although it certainly wouldn't hurt to get guidance or training from a certified instructor.
3. Yoga is relaxing and relieves stress. Not only is this of great personal value in today's world, but if any part of your weight loss problem is stress related, and I can almost guarantee some relationship, the stress relief offered by yoga can ease that portion of your weight loss journey.
4. In addition to being good for your health for several reasons, simply learning yoga breathing and practicing it regularly can help you burn fat.
5. As you begin to progress in your ability to better perform yoga poses (asanas) you will notice a sense of control, of mastery of life and self, which will become more evident. This new inner strength will aid you in facing difficulties, including temptations concerning eating and your new eating behaviors. You will also find yourself more forgiving, not only of others, but of yourself as well, and when you slide a little, you will be better able to shrug it off and get back on your path to success.
6. With more progress in your yoga practice, you will begin to experience new feelings of health, strength, and well-being. These feelings will in turn motivate you to take even more control of your life so that you can continue your progress with no desire or temptation to return to the way things used to be.
Nothing is perfect for everyone, but, as you can see, the practice of yoga does have some benefits to offer which may make it valuable in the pursuit of healthy, permanent weight loss.
The author is retired from the Army after 21 years of service, has worked as an accountant, optical lab manager, restaurant manager, and instructor. He has been a member of Mensa for several years, and has written and published poetry, essays, and articles on various subjects for the last 40 years. He developed an interest in health and fitness in the '70s after reading numerous books, including Dr. Kenneth Cooper's "Aerobics". This has led him to continue his personal research into health and fitness for over 30 years, and to pursue course work on the subjects of health and fitness, including yoga, which he practices regularly. Learn more about Yoga and Weight Loss.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donovan_Baldwin
Adding A Little Variety To Your Treadmill Workouts
Treadmills offer lots of features and options. With high tech electronic consoles and adjustable incline settings, there are lots of ways to use your treadmill. But, there are some simple routines you can do to spice up your treadmill workouts without all the fancy buttons and gadgets. Here are some ideas to add some variety to your routine.
Walk Backwards
Here's a simple idea that's never occurred to most treadmill users. Why not turn around and try it backward for a while?
Going backwards on the treadmill can do wonders for your coordination and balance. At first, it's awkward, but after a while you're balance improves and it's a piece of cake. Walking backwards can also build strength in some of the leg muscles you don't use often in ordinary walking.
Count Your Steps
You may be taking shorter or longer strides during your workout and not even realize it. The most exercise efficient walking is a consistent pace. When we start to get tired, we may cut corners and slow it down without slowing down the actual speed of the treadmill.
To make sure you are maintaining the same pace throughout, count your steps. Keep track of how many steps you take in one minute. Every now and then, count for a minute and see if you're consistent or not. It's better for your workout to take small, fast steps. Challenge yourself and see if you can beat your high score!
Let The Networks Time Your Workout
Here's a fun and entertaining way to time your workout: watch TV. Lots of people watch TV while doing their treadmill exercises, and find that using the TV to time their breaks and changes of routine work well.
It's best if you're a sports fan. Sports games are timed to the second, and you can use them to time your workout to the second. If you aren't into sports, you can watch your favorite sitcom or drama and use the commercial breaks for your own break. You probably never looked forward to the commercials before, did you?
If you're up for a long run, put on a movie. If you'd rather listen to music, time your workout to your favorite songs.
Mix It Up
Mixing up your treadmill routine with stretches and other exercises like stomach crunches or aerobics is great. It's good because it provides an overall workout that is well-balanced and includes your whole body. It's also good because it gives you some variety and lets you step off the treadmill for a while. Using your treadmill with other exercises is recommended by health fitness experts.
Work Out Naked!
The latest health research shows that exercising naked is the best way to stretch your muscles and take off extra weight. Just kidding! You don't need any scientific evidence; you can do whatever you want to in the privacy of your own home. Whatever it takes to liven up your exercise routine! Just check to make sure the windows are closed first.
You don't have to just turn it on and run. Combine your machine and your imagination and make some treadmill workouts of your own.
Treadmills offer lots of features and options. With high tech electronic consoles and adjustable incline settings, there are lots of ways to use your treadmill. But, there are some simple routines you can do to spice up your treadmill workouts without all the fancy buttons and gadgets.
You can also find more info on treadmill reviews and Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill. Besttreadmillratings.com is a comprehensive resource to find the best treadmill.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Faulkner
Walk Backwards
Here's a simple idea that's never occurred to most treadmill users. Why not turn around and try it backward for a while?
Going backwards on the treadmill can do wonders for your coordination and balance. At first, it's awkward, but after a while you're balance improves and it's a piece of cake. Walking backwards can also build strength in some of the leg muscles you don't use often in ordinary walking.
Count Your Steps
You may be taking shorter or longer strides during your workout and not even realize it. The most exercise efficient walking is a consistent pace. When we start to get tired, we may cut corners and slow it down without slowing down the actual speed of the treadmill.
To make sure you are maintaining the same pace throughout, count your steps. Keep track of how many steps you take in one minute. Every now and then, count for a minute and see if you're consistent or not. It's better for your workout to take small, fast steps. Challenge yourself and see if you can beat your high score!
Let The Networks Time Your Workout
Here's a fun and entertaining way to time your workout: watch TV. Lots of people watch TV while doing their treadmill exercises, and find that using the TV to time their breaks and changes of routine work well.
It's best if you're a sports fan. Sports games are timed to the second, and you can use them to time your workout to the second. If you aren't into sports, you can watch your favorite sitcom or drama and use the commercial breaks for your own break. You probably never looked forward to the commercials before, did you?
If you're up for a long run, put on a movie. If you'd rather listen to music, time your workout to your favorite songs.
Mix It Up
Mixing up your treadmill routine with stretches and other exercises like stomach crunches or aerobics is great. It's good because it provides an overall workout that is well-balanced and includes your whole body. It's also good because it gives you some variety and lets you step off the treadmill for a while. Using your treadmill with other exercises is recommended by health fitness experts.
Work Out Naked!
The latest health research shows that exercising naked is the best way to stretch your muscles and take off extra weight. Just kidding! You don't need any scientific evidence; you can do whatever you want to in the privacy of your own home. Whatever it takes to liven up your exercise routine! Just check to make sure the windows are closed first.
You don't have to just turn it on and run. Combine your machine and your imagination and make some treadmill workouts of your own.
Treadmills offer lots of features and options. With high tech electronic consoles and adjustable incline settings, there are lots of ways to use your treadmill. But, there are some simple routines you can do to spice up your treadmill workouts without all the fancy buttons and gadgets.
You can also find more info on treadmill reviews and Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill. Besttreadmillratings.com is a comprehensive resource to find the best treadmill.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Faulkner
Let's Assess Doing Yoga Without Clothing, Shall We?
If one looks at the other articles I may have written on this site, you will see that I recently wrote about chair yoga. Well, another form of this ancient exercise is one that apparently is gaining a lot of popularity, it’s known as Nude Yoga.
Not that I’m much of a guru to pass judgment, but if I were to be asked what I thought about doing yoga poses without clothing I would say, I think the concept is...okay, especially if privacy is involved.
Heck, on some hot summer afternoons, I’ve done some poses naked…in my room.
Moreover, the word gymnasium is from latin which means to 'exercise nude' and yes without the constriction of clothes, you could derive a lot of benefits from executing some yoga poses without clothing, but folks, really...moderation is still of an essence.
Now, I did look at some sites on the subject of naked yoga and doing yoga poses without clothing and its objective is to enable you to feel free in your body and to do the poses and exercises without restrictions brought about by Yoga clothes.
Needless to say, this poses a new challenge for Yogis, since the concept of practicing Yoga while being naked is hard to grasp for most people,
Let’s face it, not unless one is used to it, doing yoga poses without clothing in a class can be really distracting. Worse thing is the fact that the discomfort may hinder you from getting or feeling the essence of Yoga practice.
Still, those parties who advocate doing yoga positions naked, state that the important thing about Nude Yoga is its principle. It is doing Yoga poses and exercises with freedom from restrictions of clothing. Understanding and accepting this concept can greatly help people in joining a Nude Yoga class without the feeling of discomfort or self-consciousness.
Suffice it to say that one must really be willing to open one’s mind to the possibilities eh?
In Friendship.
Aje
Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. Stop by His Yoga for Beginners Blog today for more information on yoga positions nude.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Foras_Aje
Not that I’m much of a guru to pass judgment, but if I were to be asked what I thought about doing yoga poses without clothing I would say, I think the concept is...okay, especially if privacy is involved.
Heck, on some hot summer afternoons, I’ve done some poses naked…in my room.
Moreover, the word gymnasium is from latin which means to 'exercise nude' and yes without the constriction of clothes, you could derive a lot of benefits from executing some yoga poses without clothing, but folks, really...moderation is still of an essence.
Now, I did look at some sites on the subject of naked yoga and doing yoga poses without clothing and its objective is to enable you to feel free in your body and to do the poses and exercises without restrictions brought about by Yoga clothes.
Needless to say, this poses a new challenge for Yogis, since the concept of practicing Yoga while being naked is hard to grasp for most people,
Let’s face it, not unless one is used to it, doing yoga poses without clothing in a class can be really distracting. Worse thing is the fact that the discomfort may hinder you from getting or feeling the essence of Yoga practice.
Still, those parties who advocate doing yoga positions naked, state that the important thing about Nude Yoga is its principle. It is doing Yoga poses and exercises with freedom from restrictions of clothing. Understanding and accepting this concept can greatly help people in joining a Nude Yoga class without the feeling of discomfort or self-consciousness.
Suffice it to say that one must really be willing to open one’s mind to the possibilities eh?
In Friendship.
Aje
Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. Stop by His Yoga for Beginners Blog today for more information on yoga positions nude.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Foras_Aje
The Purpose of Yoga- Cultivating More Seeds of Success Tips
When a Yoga student is taught how to practice Yoga off the mat, self-realization will change his or her perspective of life. People, who are successful, do not wait for opportunity to come “knocking on their doors.”
This is a major shift in mind-set from the average person, because the average person hopes for an opportunity, instead of pursuing it. The difference between a seeker and a finder is very vast. The seeker searches for opportunities, but the finder locates them.
So where are these hidden opportunities? The fact is - daily opportunities are not hiding anywhere. Most of us are not looking for them, or do not recognize an opportunity when we come face-to-face with one.
If you have difficulty with this concept; watch a person who inspires you, and observe his or her formula for success. There is nothing wrong with imitating success. There is no need to “re-invent the wheel.”
Sages, Gurus, Swamis, and Yoga teachers, are available to guide you in a positive direction. Consult with one who is where you want to be. For example: If I want to be a better tennis player, I need a coach who understands how to improve my game. Coaches, teachers and mentors, help us find our way in life.
As you continue being coached, you should censor your viewing of television, the Internet, books, and information. Why should you do this? Bad news sells lots of copy, but it is not good for the mind. We live at a time, when we know almost every bad news story on the planet. This has a toxic effect on us and our children.
Yet, there is a lot of good news happening, but most of it will not get much coverage. It is up to us to be restrictive in our viewing, listening, and monitoring of the news, and other forms of entertainment.
Use your free time to be entertained and educated in a positive way. Be accountable for your time and focus on yourself. Claim responsibility for your lifestyle. You do not have to make ten major changes today, but one change, in lifestyle, per week, is thirteen changes in three months.
Yoga practice is the same principle - whether you are in a Yoga class, with your teacher, or practicing Pranayama on a bus. When you put Yoga into practice, on a daily basis, it has a positive and cumulative effect on the outcome of your day.
© 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 e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard
This is a major shift in mind-set from the average person, because the average person hopes for an opportunity, instead of pursuing it. The difference between a seeker and a finder is very vast. The seeker searches for opportunities, but the finder locates them.
So where are these hidden opportunities? The fact is - daily opportunities are not hiding anywhere. Most of us are not looking for them, or do not recognize an opportunity when we come face-to-face with one.
If you have difficulty with this concept; watch a person who inspires you, and observe his or her formula for success. There is nothing wrong with imitating success. There is no need to “re-invent the wheel.”
Sages, Gurus, Swamis, and Yoga teachers, are available to guide you in a positive direction. Consult with one who is where you want to be. For example: If I want to be a better tennis player, I need a coach who understands how to improve my game. Coaches, teachers and mentors, help us find our way in life.
As you continue being coached, you should censor your viewing of television, the Internet, books, and information. Why should you do this? Bad news sells lots of copy, but it is not good for the mind. We live at a time, when we know almost every bad news story on the planet. This has a toxic effect on us and our children.
Yet, there is a lot of good news happening, but most of it will not get much coverage. It is up to us to be restrictive in our viewing, listening, and monitoring of the news, and other forms of entertainment.
Use your free time to be entertained and educated in a positive way. Be accountable for your time and focus on yourself. Claim responsibility for your lifestyle. You do not have to make ten major changes today, but one change, in lifestyle, per week, is thirteen changes in three months.
Yoga practice is the same principle - whether you are in a Yoga class, with your teacher, or practicing Pranayama on a bus. When you put Yoga into practice, on a daily basis, it has a positive and cumulative effect on the outcome of your day.
© 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 e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard
Geriatric Yoga
Seniors have a lot to offer our communities. But with the health problems that befall even the strongest among us, it is often difficult for them to continue their lives the way they want. With yoga therapy, these seniors can be back to their active selves in no time at all. Geriatric yoga is a great option for many looking to restore their health to a more youthful state.
Geriatric yoga has many benefits. With an improved flexibility and core strength, yoga offers excellent blood and tissue vigor as well enhanced balance. All these improvements combined makes yoga for seniors a wonderful health option. In addition, many problems that occur with age can be avoided altogether if a geriatric yoga program is regularly engaged in.
Reaching beyond the physical benefits makes geriatric yoga different and more beneficial than other senior-specific health plans. Relaxation is very important when it comes to retaining memory and improving brain function, especially in those of a certain age. With its restful properties, yoga can restore many essential brain functions in those that need them most.
In addition to health benefits, yoga offers a healthy environment for seniors. With more and more of our elderly remaining independent into their later years, it is important for them to be a part of a strong community. Yoga centers all over the country offer geriatric yoga. These centers mean seniors can engage socially while they improve their overall mental and physical health.
Whether you are a senior looking for a dependable health plan, or the friend or family member of a loving elder, consider geriatric yoga. With so much to offer, yoga for seniors can truly be everything you are looking for in a healthier lifestyle for your or your loved one.
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 styles of yoga, postures and the history of yoga. If you are interested in becoming a yoga teacher learn more about yoga instructor certification courses in your city or state.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland
Geriatric yoga has many benefits. With an improved flexibility and core strength, yoga offers excellent blood and tissue vigor as well enhanced balance. All these improvements combined makes yoga for seniors a wonderful health option. In addition, many problems that occur with age can be avoided altogether if a geriatric yoga program is regularly engaged in.
Reaching beyond the physical benefits makes geriatric yoga different and more beneficial than other senior-specific health plans. Relaxation is very important when it comes to retaining memory and improving brain function, especially in those of a certain age. With its restful properties, yoga can restore many essential brain functions in those that need them most.
In addition to health benefits, yoga offers a healthy environment for seniors. With more and more of our elderly remaining independent into their later years, it is important for them to be a part of a strong community. Yoga centers all over the country offer geriatric yoga. These centers mean seniors can engage socially while they improve their overall mental and physical health.
Whether you are a senior looking for a dependable health plan, or the friend or family member of a loving elder, consider geriatric yoga. With so much to offer, yoga for seniors can truly be everything you are looking for in a healthier lifestyle for your or your loved one.
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 styles of yoga, postures and the history of yoga. If you are interested in becoming a yoga teacher learn more about yoga instructor certification courses in your city or state.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland
Thursday
Introduction to the Science of Kundalini Yoga
This article will provide a basic overview of what Kundalini Yoga is and how Kundalini Yoga works. At the core of Kundalini Yoga lies Kriyas and the best way to understand the methodology of Kundalini Yoga is to understand Kriyas and their functioning. Kriyas are a set of exercises done in a particular sequence to work on a specific theme. There are a wide range of Kriyas available, each refined over thousands of years to optimize their effectiveness. Kriyas utilize all the available Kundalini Yoga mechanisms to work their magic. They employ asans (postures), movement, pranayam (breathing exercises), bandhas (body locks), mantras (sound vibrations), mudras (hand positions), laya yoga (yoga of rhythm and sound), mental focus and meditation to do their work.
Dynamic movement and asans bring expanding and contracting pressure via multiple angles to various areas of the body, this is accompanied with powerful pranayams, the combined effect of which is that the target regions are saturated with highly charged and oxygenated blood. This nutrient rich blood fills the capillaries forcing them to discharge toxins and other harmful elements, which are then eliminated, neutralized or expelled by the body. The health of the region thus improves and the nerves fire more completely, the glands and organs are invigorated and regain their natural voltage and secretion levels are returned to a condition of strength and vitality. The key here is the removal of blockages (granthis) that is taking place on many levels of the organism thus facilitating the flow of energy. There are Kriyas designed for working on almost every part of the human system (Immune, Glandular, Circulatory, Digestive, Nervous, Respiratory, Sexual, etc . . . ), working on our various traits and characteristics (Awareness, Intuition, Willpower, Confidence, Compassion, Charisma, etc . . . ) and also for healing many different types of ailments and diseases. Lets now see how this ties in with the Chakra (energy vortex) system.
There are 7 primary chakras that lie all along the spine from the base to the crown of the head. Associated with each chakra are the primary nerve junctions and organs of that region. Furthermore, each chakra is responsible for certain traits and characteristics that make up our personality. When we strengthen and rejuvenate the nerves and organs in a particular region, we are in fact activating these energy centers that reside there and are thus working on ourselves not only at a physical level, but also at an emotional and mental level (by affecting our traits and characteristics). Practiced over time, the chakras become charged and come into balance with each other, bringing us into physical, emotional and mental well being. Again, it should be noted that the work being done is primarily about dissolving granthis (blockages) in these regions which introduce disease and imbalance into the system by preventing the chakras from functioning at their optimum level. Finally, let see how this relates to Kundalini Shakti.
Kundalini is energy. It is the fundamental energy whose flow through the organism allows for all its systems to operate, at all levels of consciousness. It is the energy of awareness, it can be said that where your awareness is, that is where Kundalini is flowing or that where Kundalini is flowing is where your awareness is. To awaken Kundalini means to dissipate blockages in the gross and subtle systems in your being and allow for greater and greater flow of energy and awareness. As blockages are cleared trapped energy is released and pathways are cleared. Kundalini then is able to flow freely though those regions, healing, nourishing, rejuvenating and balancing them. The dissipating of blockages can also be thought of as the clearing away of the subconscious mind, the collection of unresolved emotional and physical disturbances, where lies the root of many of our attachments and fears. So overall Kundalini Yoga is a system by which one, through the process of dissolving the past, allows the infinite to shine through into the present.
Anmol Mehta is a Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Zen Expert and creator of profound meditation and yoga programs. These FREE Online Meditation and Kundalini Yoga Programs are available at Mastery of Meditation, Chakra Yoga and Zen. You will also find a wealth of insightful articles at the Mastery of Meditation, Kundalini Yoga and Zen Blog, all geared to help you achieve your highest potential.
This article is available for reprint on your website and/or newsletter, provided it is not changed and you include the author’s signature.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anmol_Mehta
Dynamic movement and asans bring expanding and contracting pressure via multiple angles to various areas of the body, this is accompanied with powerful pranayams, the combined effect of which is that the target regions are saturated with highly charged and oxygenated blood. This nutrient rich blood fills the capillaries forcing them to discharge toxins and other harmful elements, which are then eliminated, neutralized or expelled by the body. The health of the region thus improves and the nerves fire more completely, the glands and organs are invigorated and regain their natural voltage and secretion levels are returned to a condition of strength and vitality. The key here is the removal of blockages (granthis) that is taking place on many levels of the organism thus facilitating the flow of energy. There are Kriyas designed for working on almost every part of the human system (Immune, Glandular, Circulatory, Digestive, Nervous, Respiratory, Sexual, etc . . . ), working on our various traits and characteristics (Awareness, Intuition, Willpower, Confidence, Compassion, Charisma, etc . . . ) and also for healing many different types of ailments and diseases. Lets now see how this ties in with the Chakra (energy vortex) system.
There are 7 primary chakras that lie all along the spine from the base to the crown of the head. Associated with each chakra are the primary nerve junctions and organs of that region. Furthermore, each chakra is responsible for certain traits and characteristics that make up our personality. When we strengthen and rejuvenate the nerves and organs in a particular region, we are in fact activating these energy centers that reside there and are thus working on ourselves not only at a physical level, but also at an emotional and mental level (by affecting our traits and characteristics). Practiced over time, the chakras become charged and come into balance with each other, bringing us into physical, emotional and mental well being. Again, it should be noted that the work being done is primarily about dissolving granthis (blockages) in these regions which introduce disease and imbalance into the system by preventing the chakras from functioning at their optimum level. Finally, let see how this relates to Kundalini Shakti.
Kundalini is energy. It is the fundamental energy whose flow through the organism allows for all its systems to operate, at all levels of consciousness. It is the energy of awareness, it can be said that where your awareness is, that is where Kundalini is flowing or that where Kundalini is flowing is where your awareness is. To awaken Kundalini means to dissipate blockages in the gross and subtle systems in your being and allow for greater and greater flow of energy and awareness. As blockages are cleared trapped energy is released and pathways are cleared. Kundalini then is able to flow freely though those regions, healing, nourishing, rejuvenating and balancing them. The dissipating of blockages can also be thought of as the clearing away of the subconscious mind, the collection of unresolved emotional and physical disturbances, where lies the root of many of our attachments and fears. So overall Kundalini Yoga is a system by which one, through the process of dissolving the past, allows the infinite to shine through into the present.
Anmol Mehta is a Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Zen Expert and creator of profound meditation and yoga programs. These FREE Online Meditation and Kundalini Yoga Programs are available at Mastery of Meditation, Chakra Yoga and Zen. You will also find a wealth of insightful articles at the Mastery of Meditation, Kundalini Yoga and Zen Blog, all geared to help you achieve your highest potential.
This article is available for reprint on your website and/or newsletter, provided it is not changed and you include the author’s signature.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anmol_Mehta
A Brief Introduction To The Science Of Yoga
Yoga is basically a science of correct living. When it is incorporated into daily life, it works on every aspect of the individual. The physical, mental, spiritual, psychic and emotional levels are all affected and strengthened through practice of Yoga. The word 'yoga' means oneness or unity and comes from the Sanskrit word 'yuj' which means has the meaning of joining together.
Yoga is not magic or sorcery, neither is it mental or physical debauchery. Those practicing yoga believe that the human mind is guilty of five wrong beliefs which must be corrected before the person can live at peace. The five defects are
wrong ideas of the external worldwrong ideas of oneselfattachment and longing for things of the senses or for objectslike and dislike of objects or personslove of life
By practicing introspection and constant meditation, the mind can be rid of its flaws.
It's important to note that yoga is a science, not imagination. Yoga is a science that is demonstrable. It has a unified system of laws to follow which will accomplish a desired result.
Yoga is also a practice. Using techniques of meditation and focusing of the mind are important in being able to rid the mind of the wrong beliefs mentioned earlier. Proper breathing, proper exercise, proper relaxation and positive thinking all play a part in retraining the belief system.
Most people in the West think of unusual and difficult to maintain positions when yoga is mentioned, but this is a small part of the total package. Nevertheless, the gentle exercises of yoga have become very popular in recent years. Used in this way, yoga is an excellent way to tone and strengthen the body, improve respiration and blood circulation and reduce stress factors in your life. Yoga exercises are gentle, yet focused on the stretching of the body to relieve tension and anxiety.
Boost your health with goji juice. See goji Australia and goji Canada.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_J._Adams
Yoga is not magic or sorcery, neither is it mental or physical debauchery. Those practicing yoga believe that the human mind is guilty of five wrong beliefs which must be corrected before the person can live at peace. The five defects are
wrong ideas of the external worldwrong ideas of oneselfattachment and longing for things of the senses or for objectslike and dislike of objects or personslove of life
By practicing introspection and constant meditation, the mind can be rid of its flaws.
It's important to note that yoga is a science, not imagination. Yoga is a science that is demonstrable. It has a unified system of laws to follow which will accomplish a desired result.
Yoga is also a practice. Using techniques of meditation and focusing of the mind are important in being able to rid the mind of the wrong beliefs mentioned earlier. Proper breathing, proper exercise, proper relaxation and positive thinking all play a part in retraining the belief system.
Most people in the West think of unusual and difficult to maintain positions when yoga is mentioned, but this is a small part of the total package. Nevertheless, the gentle exercises of yoga have become very popular in recent years. Used in this way, yoga is an excellent way to tone and strengthen the body, improve respiration and blood circulation and reduce stress factors in your life. Yoga exercises are gentle, yet focused on the stretching of the body to relieve tension and anxiety.
Boost your health with goji juice. See goji Australia and goji Canada.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_J._Adams
Better Breathing, Relaxing and Asthma with Yoga
Many people find that they can improve the basic quality of their lives with yoga, a regimen of using a combination of physical and mental practices that many believe began in India over three thousand years ago. And among these basic life improvements noted are better breathing, relaxation and asthma relief, as yoga seeks to help you get back to a more natural state where your body and mind are not stressed.
Deep breathing and relaxation go hand in hand. Both help you to calm down your system and thoughts and re-energize. What happens is that when you spend a few minutes taking slowed, controlled, careful breaths, the breaths are not nervous, hyper action, but instead steadier, calming actions that help supply much needed energy to the system, sending calming messages throughout.
Take five and reclaim some energy with this sample Breathing / Relaxing Exercise. Make sure to read through the entire list of instructions a couple of times first before you give it a go.
1. With or without a chair, sit with good posture, your spine as straight as possible. Have your feet flat on the floor, your knees directly over your feet, placing something under your feet like a pillow or book, if they are resting comfortably on the floor. Place your hands atop your legs.
2. Gently close your eyes, allowing them much needed rest.
3. Focus your thoughts on your ribs and your lungs behind your ribs. As you inhale slowly and deeply, feel your lungs fill up, your ribs expand outward and upward. As you exhale in a similar manner, feel your lungs release, your ribs go back in and down.
4. Repeat for up to 3 minutes when you first start out, once a day. Then increase up to 5 through 10 minutes throughout your day as needed.
Helping Asthma with Yoga
Yoga breathing exercises have been known to help some sufferers of mild asthma. Although asthmatics should never stop using their medications and any health devices as prescribed by their doctors, they want choose to try yoga breathing exercises, as approved by their doctors. Yoga breathing exercise may help with the reduction of the use of low-dose drug inhalers, especially during wheezing attacks.
Learn more about yoga and how it may help with your breathing, relaxation and asthmatic conditions. More studies are being done all the time. And people using different yoga practices are reporting positive feedback.
Download your free report entitled "Natural Cures The Pharmaceutical Compnaies Don't Want You To Find Out" from http://www.secretnaturalremedies.com and discover natural remedies for a number of conditions, illnesses, infections and diseases, including natural asthma remedies, acne, high blood pressure, heartburn, depression, headaches, constipation, diabetes, anxiety, insomnia, snoring, urinary tract infection, hairloss, ADHD, yeast infection, sinus infection and much much more
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Penn
Deep breathing and relaxation go hand in hand. Both help you to calm down your system and thoughts and re-energize. What happens is that when you spend a few minutes taking slowed, controlled, careful breaths, the breaths are not nervous, hyper action, but instead steadier, calming actions that help supply much needed energy to the system, sending calming messages throughout.
Take five and reclaim some energy with this sample Breathing / Relaxing Exercise. Make sure to read through the entire list of instructions a couple of times first before you give it a go.
1. With or without a chair, sit with good posture, your spine as straight as possible. Have your feet flat on the floor, your knees directly over your feet, placing something under your feet like a pillow or book, if they are resting comfortably on the floor. Place your hands atop your legs.
2. Gently close your eyes, allowing them much needed rest.
3. Focus your thoughts on your ribs and your lungs behind your ribs. As you inhale slowly and deeply, feel your lungs fill up, your ribs expand outward and upward. As you exhale in a similar manner, feel your lungs release, your ribs go back in and down.
4. Repeat for up to 3 minutes when you first start out, once a day. Then increase up to 5 through 10 minutes throughout your day as needed.
Helping Asthma with Yoga
Yoga breathing exercises have been known to help some sufferers of mild asthma. Although asthmatics should never stop using their medications and any health devices as prescribed by their doctors, they want choose to try yoga breathing exercises, as approved by their doctors. Yoga breathing exercise may help with the reduction of the use of low-dose drug inhalers, especially during wheezing attacks.
Learn more about yoga and how it may help with your breathing, relaxation and asthmatic conditions. More studies are being done all the time. And people using different yoga practices are reporting positive feedback.
Download your free report entitled "Natural Cures The Pharmaceutical Compnaies Don't Want You To Find Out" from http://www.secretnaturalremedies.com and discover natural remedies for a number of conditions, illnesses, infections and diseases, including natural asthma remedies, acne, high blood pressure, heartburn, depression, headaches, constipation, diabetes, anxiety, insomnia, snoring, urinary tract infection, hairloss, ADHD, yeast infection, sinus infection and much much more
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Penn
Losing Weight With Yoga
When you are getting larger, you are within the realm of company. Because of the lifestyles we live, many more people eat the foods that are holding more calories. The days of the active person are slipping away and the television is taking up the hours and providing a place for more food to be eaten. The bad habits of eating, the stress of the everyday life, the missing ability to exercise, is all the problems that are leading to the extra weight that a lot of us now have. Only when the lifestyle is changed for the better is it to become a healthier life and giving you the ability to be more physical, mental and emotional in your strength.
Now, more find that the way to stop the problems with their weight is within the yoga realm. It is not an easy task for anyone to change habits that have been practiced for years. This is especially true when you are talking about the food you eat including the change to the vegetarian way of life and the exercises that come within the yoga practice. The yoga is a way for you to burn the fat you have and speed up your metabolism. Be prepared to take your time when loosing weight with yoga because it is healthier for you. You will be glad that you took the time to loose slowly because for the benefits to you and the skin having time to shrink on its own back into the right place.
Using yoga to loose weight has a few different poses including the Asanas. They can be used for a part of the body that you choose to work on. Below are some of the Asanas that you can use.
1. Asana for a tight stomach - use of the child’s pose, wind releasing pose, abdominal lift, cobra pose, spinal twist, yogic seal pose, naval move position (lying on back), and baat pose are all a part of this asana.
2. Asana for the limbs - use of the upward dog pose, and the downward facing dog, tree pose, swinging lotus pose, hero pose, upward facing and downward facing bridge pose, squat and rise pose, and celibacy pose all help with the limbs.
3. Asanas for making the chest tighter include the baat pose, triangle pose, and hero pose, wind releasing pose, cobra pose, spinal twist, lumbar wheel pose, upward facing dog, and the downward facing dog.
4. Asana for the firming of the hips and the thighs incorporate the triangle pose, sun salute, angle pose, butterfly pose, celibacy pose, hero pose I and II, advanced wind releasing pose, and upward facing dog pose, and downward facing dog.
Yoga for losing the weight you want to a great thing to tone your body and dong it in a regular way, which is not in any way like to other weight loss routines that say they will get rid of the inches and cause you bad effects from it. Loosing weight with yoga can be done by anyone of any age group to keep the body healthy.
You can also find more info on Yoga Apparel and Yoga Certification Videos. Ezyogaguide.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Yoga and its importance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Wellsworth
Now, more find that the way to stop the problems with their weight is within the yoga realm. It is not an easy task for anyone to change habits that have been practiced for years. This is especially true when you are talking about the food you eat including the change to the vegetarian way of life and the exercises that come within the yoga practice. The yoga is a way for you to burn the fat you have and speed up your metabolism. Be prepared to take your time when loosing weight with yoga because it is healthier for you. You will be glad that you took the time to loose slowly because for the benefits to you and the skin having time to shrink on its own back into the right place.
Using yoga to loose weight has a few different poses including the Asanas. They can be used for a part of the body that you choose to work on. Below are some of the Asanas that you can use.
1. Asana for a tight stomach - use of the child’s pose, wind releasing pose, abdominal lift, cobra pose, spinal twist, yogic seal pose, naval move position (lying on back), and baat pose are all a part of this asana.
2. Asana for the limbs - use of the upward dog pose, and the downward facing dog, tree pose, swinging lotus pose, hero pose, upward facing and downward facing bridge pose, squat and rise pose, and celibacy pose all help with the limbs.
3. Asanas for making the chest tighter include the baat pose, triangle pose, and hero pose, wind releasing pose, cobra pose, spinal twist, lumbar wheel pose, upward facing dog, and the downward facing dog.
4. Asana for the firming of the hips and the thighs incorporate the triangle pose, sun salute, angle pose, butterfly pose, celibacy pose, hero pose I and II, advanced wind releasing pose, and upward facing dog pose, and downward facing dog.
Yoga for losing the weight you want to a great thing to tone your body and dong it in a regular way, which is not in any way like to other weight loss routines that say they will get rid of the inches and cause you bad effects from it. Loosing weight with yoga can be done by anyone of any age group to keep the body healthy.
You can also find more info on Yoga Apparel and Yoga Certification Videos. Ezyogaguide.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Yoga and its importance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Wellsworth
Yoga and Diabetes
Studies show that up to five percent of the world’s population suffer from diabetes in some form. In fact, an estimated 11 million people in Western Europe alone are reported to be diabetics. And yoga has shown to offer beneficial results in curing diabetes.
Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is probably the most common form of diabetes found today out of the many different ways in which diabetes presents itself. And NIDDM or Type II diabetes is known as multi-factorial, dependent on environmental factors as well, like sedentary lifestyles, obesity and negative nutritional issues.
Yoga exercises that many prescribe for helping to heal diabetes are different from basic yoga exercise style as it involves positions tailored to treat certain conditions, as well as relaxation, meditation and stretching exercises.
Case Study
The Yoga Biomedical Trust, founded in 1982 by biochemist Dr Robin Monro and an Indian yoga research foundation, discovered that if people practiced yoga for 30 minutes a day for one full month, the activity helped reduce blood glucose levels in some diabetics.
One of the studies conducted to cure diabetes was the one set up where yoga patients participated in one or two 90-minute weekly sessions for 12 weeks. Participants worked out with certain yoga classes in their homes; including the bow, the spinal twist and some abdominal breathing.
Near the close of the session, the participants’ blood sugar levels decreased greatly across the board and were only somewhat elevated in the control group, a group who had not participated in the yoga sessions. Notable also was that three yoga students were even able to reduce their own medications they’d been on, including a person who had been on the same drug regime for nearly 20 years.
In summary, medical science has known for quite awhile that exercise is very helpful for diabetics. And the ability of yoga therapy to help lower stress levels may play a part in maturity onset diabetes. However, some patients might find it hard to keep up the regular sessions necessary to reap the full benefits. And many wouldn’t have the money needed for or means to get out to continuing yoga classes.
Note also that you do not need classes outside the home to put yoga into practice. What are important are the techniques, the actual physical exercise itself and the overall benefits – both physically and mentally - from the stabilization that yoga brings about. These are all factors that can help improve the health of the diabetic.
Download your free report entitled "Natural Cures The Pharmaceutical Compnaies Don't Want You To Find Out" from http://www.secretnaturalremedies.com and discover natural remedies for a number of conditions, illnesses, infections and diseases, including natural remedies for diabetes, acne, high blood pressure, heartburn, depression, headaches, constipation, anxiety, insomnia, snoring, urinary tract infection, hairloss, ADHD, yeast infection, sinus infection and much much more
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Penn
Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is probably the most common form of diabetes found today out of the many different ways in which diabetes presents itself. And NIDDM or Type II diabetes is known as multi-factorial, dependent on environmental factors as well, like sedentary lifestyles, obesity and negative nutritional issues.
Yoga exercises that many prescribe for helping to heal diabetes are different from basic yoga exercise style as it involves positions tailored to treat certain conditions, as well as relaxation, meditation and stretching exercises.
Case Study
The Yoga Biomedical Trust, founded in 1982 by biochemist Dr Robin Monro and an Indian yoga research foundation, discovered that if people practiced yoga for 30 minutes a day for one full month, the activity helped reduce blood glucose levels in some diabetics.
One of the studies conducted to cure diabetes was the one set up where yoga patients participated in one or two 90-minute weekly sessions for 12 weeks. Participants worked out with certain yoga classes in their homes; including the bow, the spinal twist and some abdominal breathing.
Near the close of the session, the participants’ blood sugar levels decreased greatly across the board and were only somewhat elevated in the control group, a group who had not participated in the yoga sessions. Notable also was that three yoga students were even able to reduce their own medications they’d been on, including a person who had been on the same drug regime for nearly 20 years.
In summary, medical science has known for quite awhile that exercise is very helpful for diabetics. And the ability of yoga therapy to help lower stress levels may play a part in maturity onset diabetes. However, some patients might find it hard to keep up the regular sessions necessary to reap the full benefits. And many wouldn’t have the money needed for or means to get out to continuing yoga classes.
Note also that you do not need classes outside the home to put yoga into practice. What are important are the techniques, the actual physical exercise itself and the overall benefits – both physically and mentally - from the stabilization that yoga brings about. These are all factors that can help improve the health of the diabetic.
Download your free report entitled "Natural Cures The Pharmaceutical Compnaies Don't Want You To Find Out" from http://www.secretnaturalremedies.com and discover natural remedies for a number of conditions, illnesses, infections and diseases, including natural remedies for diabetes, acne, high blood pressure, heartburn, depression, headaches, constipation, anxiety, insomnia, snoring, urinary tract infection, hairloss, ADHD, yeast infection, sinus infection and much much more
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Penn
Wednesday
Power Yoga: Great For Core Fitness
Do you have any previous experience in martial arts? Perhaps you once tried a little karate in high school, or checked out a tae kwon do class at your local YMCA. Anyway, you may have dabbled in martial arts a little. That’s a good thing, since most people have never had any experience in a self-defense discipline and have little understanding of what the training is like. But even if you have minor experience, you may not be prepared for the training required for a similar type of fitness discipline. That is something you must consider if you are thinking of trying out power yoga. It is a discipline that requires commitment if you are going to achieve results, and the training involved can actually be quite intense.
Yoga is not only about calmness and relaxation. When I speak of power yoga, I’m talking about using yoga as a means of achieving fitness, especially core fitness--that is, exercising the central muscles of your body, as opposed to focusing on your arm and leg muscles. Power yoga has the benefit of giving you a total body workout, so that the development in all areas of your body takes place more or less simultaneously. This is an excellent way of getting fit. And the stretching, balance, and concentration involved in yoga improve your body’s regulation of your blood circulation, pumping more oxygen to your muscles and increasing your overall energy.
Power yoga is a great discipline to help you stay in good shape as you grow older. It is a physical art that teaches the body how to age gracefully, not quickly. Power yoga also requires a lot of devotion, just like a martial art or indeed any fitness program in general. You need to not only learn and master the techniques of power yoga but put them into continuous practice. It is like being a boxer or a martial artist, if you do not train your skills regularly, you will become rusty and your fitness development will suffer. If you are serious about doing power yoga, you must be devoted to a regimen that you must strive to follow every day in spite of the many distractions that life brings. That, after all, is one of the keys to this discipline. In the end, it is important that you see it not as a tool for exercise, but as a way of life.
Did you find my tips on power yoga helpful? You can get more answers to your questions about fitness and weight loss here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Ducat
Yoga is not only about calmness and relaxation. When I speak of power yoga, I’m talking about using yoga as a means of achieving fitness, especially core fitness--that is, exercising the central muscles of your body, as opposed to focusing on your arm and leg muscles. Power yoga has the benefit of giving you a total body workout, so that the development in all areas of your body takes place more or less simultaneously. This is an excellent way of getting fit. And the stretching, balance, and concentration involved in yoga improve your body’s regulation of your blood circulation, pumping more oxygen to your muscles and increasing your overall energy.
Power yoga is a great discipline to help you stay in good shape as you grow older. It is a physical art that teaches the body how to age gracefully, not quickly. Power yoga also requires a lot of devotion, just like a martial art or indeed any fitness program in general. You need to not only learn and master the techniques of power yoga but put them into continuous practice. It is like being a boxer or a martial artist, if you do not train your skills regularly, you will become rusty and your fitness development will suffer. If you are serious about doing power yoga, you must be devoted to a regimen that you must strive to follow every day in spite of the many distractions that life brings. That, after all, is one of the keys to this discipline. In the end, it is important that you see it not as a tool for exercise, but as a way of life.
Did you find my tips on power yoga helpful? You can get more answers to your questions about fitness and weight loss here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Ducat
Yoga for Fun and Profit
Stress levels around the world are on the rise. In order to deal with this, relaxation and stress reduction therapies have sprung up from everywhere. Yoga instruction is no longer just a fringe population idea. It is now a mainstream fitness methodology. Yoga certifications are now available from many places in North America. As a result of this, yoga instructors are now available everywhere. Each gym now offers yoga classes from certified yoga instructors. It’s time we understood what this is all about and where we are going with respect to the fitness industry.
The word yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning joining or union. What are we joining? The human being consists of several entities commonly referred to as body-mind-spirit. An integrated human being is the goal of yoga. We are joining the different pieces of the human being to make an integrated, holistic being that is attuned to one goal. The body, mind and spirit are all integrated with a common attitude and viewpoint. This is different from the state of being where the body wants to satisfy one need and the mind another and the spirit yet a third. This is the state during which mental storms occur and the body responds in turn with a manifestation of that mental vortex.
Yoga seeks to align the human being using its own tool of breathing. When we breathe rhythmically, our body is more in tune with itself. We function better as an integrated being in a holistic way. Yoga was invented in India, about 5000 years ago, precisely to achieve the goal of integration. When our being is aligned our interaction with the world will be more efficient. We perform better at work and in our home life. Rela-tionships become easier. This is what yoga achieves.
In India, yoga is taught and researched as a science at a place in Bangalore called the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusamdhana Samsthan (SVYASA). This means Yoga Research Institute. One can obtain intensive instruction in yoga and therapy techniques using yoga. Recently, I completed a month long certificate course for yoga instructors at this institute. The yoga that is taught here is not just about the physical poses. The idea of yoga from the original meaning is to really integrate the whole human being. This involves all of our activities in life. We must be aligned and integrated during all of our tasks during the day. All of our activies can be divided into several broad categories. All actions like going to work, eating breakfast are classified as Karma yoga. All philosophical discussions are classified under Jnana yoga. Any devotional activities such as the singing of hymns or prayers are considered part of Bhakti yoga. The physical poses of Western ideas of yoga are a part of Raja yoga, which includes other methods for gaining mastery over the physical body. This is the original concept of yoga from India and is taught in that form at the SVYASA Institute.
The institute is named after Swami Vivekananda who was a monk and scholar of Indian philosophy. In 1893, Swami Vivekananda was invited to speak at the Parliament of Religions, held in Chicago, on the topic of Hinduism. His speech became famous for explaining the unity of religions as many paths to God, and that Hinduism in its original sense encompassed that view. Swami Vivekananda wanted the Western world to understand Indian spirituality in the correct view, as a synthesis of the four types of yoga, which ultimately leads to the goal of spiritual evolution. SVYASA is dedicated to the education and research of yoga in this context. The school retains strict attention to the original sources of yoga from Sanskrit scripture.
The teaching styles of the school and environmental factors do not cater to the Western lifestyle. Those who come from abroad must acclimatize themselves to the pure Indian way. Meals are served on the floor and must be eaten using the hands. Vegetarian Indian food is served. No cutlery is provided. Footwear must be left outside of all classes. Be prepared to literally be on your feet for long amounts of time. While the majority of the students are comfortably able to sit on the floor during the long lecture sessions, chairs are available for those who will not be able to survive in that position. The philosophy of discipline is everywhere, starting from the boot camp like nature of the roll call before each session. Students who miss a portion of the attendance will not receive their certificate. Attendance is considered a very important factor of the study. In addition, a strict code of uniforms is enforced. Women must wear the Indian dress of salwaar kameez, which is a tunic, and pant set made of 100% cotton. This dress could be modified to be more forgiving for yoga poses. Men must wear loose fitting track pants and t-shirt. This is more conducive to rigorous physical activity. It must be noted that everywhere the students of the yoga instructors course can be identified by their uniform.
As attendance is strict, so is the keeping of students on the grounds. While exceptions can be made for justifiable reasons, students cannot usually leave the campus for any reason after the start of the course. The campus is 32 km north of the major city of Bangalore. Fortunately, Bangalore boasts many amenities including an international airport. The city of Bangalore itself is very multicultural. One can find the modern world mixed with the original flavour of India everywhere. The SVYASA institute has a city office in Bangalore from where a bus is arranged to take travellers to its campus outside the city in a place called Geddallahalli. The name of the campus is Prashanti Kutiram, which means abode of peace. While the name is very amenable to yoga studies, I found that one needs to practice yoga in sincerity to find the true peace, which is only inside the human being.
A variety of personal interests and professional paths have led the author to her current role as a personal trainer and lifestyle consultant with over 20 years experience. Siva is an author, lecturer and Can-Fit-Pro certified personal trainer who specializes in body-mind-spirit consulting and training women. Currently she is writing a book entitled Body, Mind, and Spirit Fitness, which discusses her particular style of training the complete being, rather than just the physical body.
Siva is a yoga instructor, an expert on East Indian Philosophy and teacher of Sanskrit. She holds a doctorate in engineering from the University of Toronto and has balanced her time between personal training and engineering for over 20 years. In February 2005, Siva spent an intensive month studying a course for Yoga Instructors, at the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Institute in Bangalore, India to further her interest in yoga as a science of holistic living and not merely as yoga postures.
For more information on yoga visit http://www.getshanti.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Siva_Parvati
The word yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning joining or union. What are we joining? The human being consists of several entities commonly referred to as body-mind-spirit. An integrated human being is the goal of yoga. We are joining the different pieces of the human being to make an integrated, holistic being that is attuned to one goal. The body, mind and spirit are all integrated with a common attitude and viewpoint. This is different from the state of being where the body wants to satisfy one need and the mind another and the spirit yet a third. This is the state during which mental storms occur and the body responds in turn with a manifestation of that mental vortex.
Yoga seeks to align the human being using its own tool of breathing. When we breathe rhythmically, our body is more in tune with itself. We function better as an integrated being in a holistic way. Yoga was invented in India, about 5000 years ago, precisely to achieve the goal of integration. When our being is aligned our interaction with the world will be more efficient. We perform better at work and in our home life. Rela-tionships become easier. This is what yoga achieves.
In India, yoga is taught and researched as a science at a place in Bangalore called the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusamdhana Samsthan (SVYASA). This means Yoga Research Institute. One can obtain intensive instruction in yoga and therapy techniques using yoga. Recently, I completed a month long certificate course for yoga instructors at this institute. The yoga that is taught here is not just about the physical poses. The idea of yoga from the original meaning is to really integrate the whole human being. This involves all of our activities in life. We must be aligned and integrated during all of our tasks during the day. All of our activies can be divided into several broad categories. All actions like going to work, eating breakfast are classified as Karma yoga. All philosophical discussions are classified under Jnana yoga. Any devotional activities such as the singing of hymns or prayers are considered part of Bhakti yoga. The physical poses of Western ideas of yoga are a part of Raja yoga, which includes other methods for gaining mastery over the physical body. This is the original concept of yoga from India and is taught in that form at the SVYASA Institute.
The institute is named after Swami Vivekananda who was a monk and scholar of Indian philosophy. In 1893, Swami Vivekananda was invited to speak at the Parliament of Religions, held in Chicago, on the topic of Hinduism. His speech became famous for explaining the unity of religions as many paths to God, and that Hinduism in its original sense encompassed that view. Swami Vivekananda wanted the Western world to understand Indian spirituality in the correct view, as a synthesis of the four types of yoga, which ultimately leads to the goal of spiritual evolution. SVYASA is dedicated to the education and research of yoga in this context. The school retains strict attention to the original sources of yoga from Sanskrit scripture.
The teaching styles of the school and environmental factors do not cater to the Western lifestyle. Those who come from abroad must acclimatize themselves to the pure Indian way. Meals are served on the floor and must be eaten using the hands. Vegetarian Indian food is served. No cutlery is provided. Footwear must be left outside of all classes. Be prepared to literally be on your feet for long amounts of time. While the majority of the students are comfortably able to sit on the floor during the long lecture sessions, chairs are available for those who will not be able to survive in that position. The philosophy of discipline is everywhere, starting from the boot camp like nature of the roll call before each session. Students who miss a portion of the attendance will not receive their certificate. Attendance is considered a very important factor of the study. In addition, a strict code of uniforms is enforced. Women must wear the Indian dress of salwaar kameez, which is a tunic, and pant set made of 100% cotton. This dress could be modified to be more forgiving for yoga poses. Men must wear loose fitting track pants and t-shirt. This is more conducive to rigorous physical activity. It must be noted that everywhere the students of the yoga instructors course can be identified by their uniform.
As attendance is strict, so is the keeping of students on the grounds. While exceptions can be made for justifiable reasons, students cannot usually leave the campus for any reason after the start of the course. The campus is 32 km north of the major city of Bangalore. Fortunately, Bangalore boasts many amenities including an international airport. The city of Bangalore itself is very multicultural. One can find the modern world mixed with the original flavour of India everywhere. The SVYASA institute has a city office in Bangalore from where a bus is arranged to take travellers to its campus outside the city in a place called Geddallahalli. The name of the campus is Prashanti Kutiram, which means abode of peace. While the name is very amenable to yoga studies, I found that one needs to practice yoga in sincerity to find the true peace, which is only inside the human being.
A variety of personal interests and professional paths have led the author to her current role as a personal trainer and lifestyle consultant with over 20 years experience. Siva is an author, lecturer and Can-Fit-Pro certified personal trainer who specializes in body-mind-spirit consulting and training women. Currently she is writing a book entitled Body, Mind, and Spirit Fitness, which discusses her particular style of training the complete being, rather than just the physical body.
Siva is a yoga instructor, an expert on East Indian Philosophy and teacher of Sanskrit. She holds a doctorate in engineering from the University of Toronto and has balanced her time between personal training and engineering for over 20 years. In February 2005, Siva spent an intensive month studying a course for Yoga Instructors, at the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Institute in Bangalore, India to further her interest in yoga as a science of holistic living and not merely as yoga postures.
For more information on yoga visit http://www.getshanti.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Siva_Parvati
Monday
The Basics of Yoga
The purpose of Yoga is mental, physical and spiritual development meant to create harmony in the mind and body. The dictionary definition is that yoga is a system of exercises practiced to promote control of the mind and body. Yoga originated in India and is thought to be 5000 years old. It is classified into eight limbs. Mental and physical exercises make up four of the limbs, with meditation comprising the other four limbs. In yoga, breath is the most important part of health since it is the life source. Many people think yoga is just stretching. Yoga is more about creating balance between the mind and body using strength and flexibility.
A typical yoga routine can last anywhere from twenty minutes to two hours. It consists of poses, which can be done quickly to create heat in the body, or slowly to increase stamina. The difficulty of the routine can vary from simple breathing exercises, while doing light stretching, to full blown strenuous workouts. For best results, daily yoga workouts are recommended. While performing basic positions has an immediate effect on well-being, strength and flexibility, it takes years of daily practice to achieve the deep stretches that many people strive for.
Yoga can be learned in a gym setting by a yoga teacher, or at home from yoga books. No equipment is needed other than perhaps a mat to sit on. There should be plenty of flat floor space to stretch out on and enough room above the head to raise the arms. Yoga is best done on an empty stomach while wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing.
The health benefits of yoga are numerous. Yoga aids in sleep and digestion. It can make people look and feel more youthful. It increases overall well being and help the mind achieve a state of relaxation. It makes the body more flexible. It also strengthens the immune system and decreases chronic pain. Yoga stimulates and massages the internal organs, which helps keep away disease. The stretching of muscles and joints encourages optimum blood flow to all of the organs, which in turn has the effect of flushing out toxins. In terms of weight loss, yoga helps to speed up metabolism and that aids in burning calories. Yoga also helps to strengthen and tone muscles.
Anyone can do yoga, regardless of age. Women who are pregnant or nursing can do yoga, as well. It is important to consult a physician prior to beginning a yoga regime if injuries, spinal problems, or other medical conditions exist. There are no side effects of doing yoga. Beginners may experience soreness and fatigue. It is important for beginners not to stretch too much too fast.
Yoga should not be confused with Pilates. Yoga focuses on flexibility and toning the entire body. It has a greater emphasis on mental and spiritual enhancement. Pilates is more geared towards toning the core and improving posture with less emphasis on flexibility. Pilates has more of an emphasis on the physical than spiritual. There are classes that combine the principals of both into one class called “Yogalates”.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Yoga
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
A typical yoga routine can last anywhere from twenty minutes to two hours. It consists of poses, which can be done quickly to create heat in the body, or slowly to increase stamina. The difficulty of the routine can vary from simple breathing exercises, while doing light stretching, to full blown strenuous workouts. For best results, daily yoga workouts are recommended. While performing basic positions has an immediate effect on well-being, strength and flexibility, it takes years of daily practice to achieve the deep stretches that many people strive for.
Yoga can be learned in a gym setting by a yoga teacher, or at home from yoga books. No equipment is needed other than perhaps a mat to sit on. There should be plenty of flat floor space to stretch out on and enough room above the head to raise the arms. Yoga is best done on an empty stomach while wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing.
The health benefits of yoga are numerous. Yoga aids in sleep and digestion. It can make people look and feel more youthful. It increases overall well being and help the mind achieve a state of relaxation. It makes the body more flexible. It also strengthens the immune system and decreases chronic pain. Yoga stimulates and massages the internal organs, which helps keep away disease. The stretching of muscles and joints encourages optimum blood flow to all of the organs, which in turn has the effect of flushing out toxins. In terms of weight loss, yoga helps to speed up metabolism and that aids in burning calories. Yoga also helps to strengthen and tone muscles.
Anyone can do yoga, regardless of age. Women who are pregnant or nursing can do yoga, as well. It is important to consult a physician prior to beginning a yoga regime if injuries, spinal problems, or other medical conditions exist. There are no side effects of doing yoga. Beginners may experience soreness and fatigue. It is important for beginners not to stretch too much too fast.
Yoga should not be confused with Pilates. Yoga focuses on flexibility and toning the entire body. It has a greater emphasis on mental and spiritual enhancement. Pilates is more geared towards toning the core and improving posture with less emphasis on flexibility. Pilates has more of an emphasis on the physical than spiritual. There are classes that combine the principals of both into one class called “Yogalates”.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Yoga
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Beginning Yoga
If you are thinking about starting yoga, whether at home or in a class, you will need to consider some simple things to start with that you should be able to comprehend to the fullest and also be able to enjoy the benefits of. This will allow you to get the physical and emotional side along with the learning that you will also have.
The beginning yoga will begin with the simplest learning of what it is to do yoga. What does yoga mean? It is most commonly known to be a part of the Hindu religion, yoga is much older than that and is one of the oldest forms of discipline out there. The main idea is the breathing than is involved and the poses that will give you the calming and relaxing you need to become stable and get you into the right frame of mind for you to meditate deeply.
Beginning yoga will also go thought the many levels of the yoga itself and give you the ability to see the learning that those who do it will be getting at the height of the instructions. There are eight levels to yoga and are guides for living life to the fullest and with the most meaning behind it. You will find ethics and morals and these are necessary for a healthy person and bring one closer to the spiritual side of nature.
There are four main guides to the levels that are necessary for changing a personality and creating an awareness of the energy inside of us. You will also be able to master your own body and this will give you the ability to move into the second part of the levels that are directly related to the mind, senses, and conscious thought. The first of the four levels to this are know as the Yama, the Niyama, The Asana, and the Pranayama. The second part is the Pratyahara, the Dharana, the Dhyana, and the Samadhi. Each of these correlates to an awareness level.
Beginning yoga or any kind of yoga will give you a healing and curing abilities and a mental and physical attributes for the body and mid. The physical attributes are giving you an ability to move around better and being more flexible. You will become stronger, more tone, and have larger muscles. You will have a better posture, relieve your back pain, make your spine stronger, and raise your stamina, giving you an elegance and balance etc. the mental attributes are getting rid of stress, making your body more aware of itself, calming the body and mind, having sharper focus, and giving the body a new start with the relief of stress and pain.
Beginning yoga is the first thing to get you started on the journey to the deep places of yoga. Most of those that have only been doing yoga for a few years will tell you that they are beginners because of how hard and intriquite it is.
You can also find more info on Yoga Pants and Yoga Supplies. Ezyogaguide.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Yoga and its importance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Wellsworth
The beginning yoga will begin with the simplest learning of what it is to do yoga. What does yoga mean? It is most commonly known to be a part of the Hindu religion, yoga is much older than that and is one of the oldest forms of discipline out there. The main idea is the breathing than is involved and the poses that will give you the calming and relaxing you need to become stable and get you into the right frame of mind for you to meditate deeply.
Beginning yoga will also go thought the many levels of the yoga itself and give you the ability to see the learning that those who do it will be getting at the height of the instructions. There are eight levels to yoga and are guides for living life to the fullest and with the most meaning behind it. You will find ethics and morals and these are necessary for a healthy person and bring one closer to the spiritual side of nature.
There are four main guides to the levels that are necessary for changing a personality and creating an awareness of the energy inside of us. You will also be able to master your own body and this will give you the ability to move into the second part of the levels that are directly related to the mind, senses, and conscious thought. The first of the four levels to this are know as the Yama, the Niyama, The Asana, and the Pranayama. The second part is the Pratyahara, the Dharana, the Dhyana, and the Samadhi. Each of these correlates to an awareness level.
Beginning yoga or any kind of yoga will give you a healing and curing abilities and a mental and physical attributes for the body and mid. The physical attributes are giving you an ability to move around better and being more flexible. You will become stronger, more tone, and have larger muscles. You will have a better posture, relieve your back pain, make your spine stronger, and raise your stamina, giving you an elegance and balance etc. the mental attributes are getting rid of stress, making your body more aware of itself, calming the body and mind, having sharper focus, and giving the body a new start with the relief of stress and pain.
Beginning yoga is the first thing to get you started on the journey to the deep places of yoga. Most of those that have only been doing yoga for a few years will tell you that they are beginners because of how hard and intriquite it is.
You can also find more info on Yoga Pants and Yoga Supplies. Ezyogaguide.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Yoga and its importance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Wellsworth
Friday
Nude-Yoga, The Beginning
How did it all start ?
The concept of nude yoga has been derived from the Ancient Indian - Tantra Yoga. This yoga ensures your holistic health improvement like other forms of yoga. Shedding clothes puts the person in a liberated mental and physical state for enhancement of satisfaction while it also greatly ensures your desired attainment from yoga practices.
Apollo and Herakles, the male Greek Gods and ancient patrons of sport, were often depicted as naked.
In the city of Sparta it was considered the norm for adult men to be attracted by the beauty of young boys. The question was how to express these desires ? and so the custom of exercising in the nude came in. The association with pedasty is obvious.
This custom spread throughout Greece and the Olympic games were almost totally conducted in the nude. As a result, foul play was hard to disguise but if discovered the culprit was immediately chastised in full public view. The chariot race, however was one of the few disciplines to escape such exposure owing to the fact that the body wasn’t available to be aesthetically admired. It is believed that religion played a very important role in the nakedness of the competitors as the winners would often be represented as a nude statue in temples.
I am not sure it would go down too well if our athletes were encouraged to participate in their chosen field disrobed. After all, who wants to watch a load of sweaty young men running across a field after the ball or hitting the ball to each other across the net. (No puns intended on any word) Where would you look? Swimming is an obvious recreation that is much nicer done naked without the restrictions of swimwear. Naked aerobics is of course, in the vogue too.
Nude yoga is also connected with metaphysics. Its practitioners claim that they get much needed tranquility and salvation by practicing nudist yoga. It is no accidental nudity.
The practice of Yoga requires only the barest of essentials and is often a preferred way to attain total absorbtion
~~~~~~~~~~~
Uma Charan is an avid reader and writes on a variety of subjects with a view to share knowledge and help citizens of this world live a harmonious happy life. STAY HEALTHY. Also check out my ARTICLE DIRECTORY on various topics. Dialogues welcome at prawnsl@hotmail.com
Reprint of this article permitted without any modification and keeping all content with links and author’s name intact
The concept of nude yoga has been derived from the Ancient Indian - Tantra Yoga. This yoga ensures your holistic health improvement like other forms of yoga. Shedding clothes puts the person in a liberated mental and physical state for enhancement of satisfaction while it also greatly ensures your desired attainment from yoga practices.
Apollo and Herakles, the male Greek Gods and ancient patrons of sport, were often depicted as naked.
In the city of Sparta it was considered the norm for adult men to be attracted by the beauty of young boys. The question was how to express these desires ? and so the custom of exercising in the nude came in. The association with pedasty is obvious.
This custom spread throughout Greece and the Olympic games were almost totally conducted in the nude. As a result, foul play was hard to disguise but if discovered the culprit was immediately chastised in full public view. The chariot race, however was one of the few disciplines to escape such exposure owing to the fact that the body wasn’t available to be aesthetically admired. It is believed that religion played a very important role in the nakedness of the competitors as the winners would often be represented as a nude statue in temples.
I am not sure it would go down too well if our athletes were encouraged to participate in their chosen field disrobed. After all, who wants to watch a load of sweaty young men running across a field after the ball or hitting the ball to each other across the net. (No puns intended on any word) Where would you look? Swimming is an obvious recreation that is much nicer done naked without the restrictions of swimwear. Naked aerobics is of course, in the vogue too.
Nude yoga is also connected with metaphysics. Its practitioners claim that they get much needed tranquility and salvation by practicing nudist yoga. It is no accidental nudity.
The practice of Yoga requires only the barest of essentials and is often a preferred way to attain total absorbtion
~~~~~~~~~~~
Uma Charan is an avid reader and writes on a variety of subjects with a view to share knowledge and help citizens of this world live a harmonious happy life. STAY HEALTHY. Also check out my ARTICLE DIRECTORY on various topics. Dialogues welcome at prawnsl@hotmail.com
Reprint of this article permitted without any modification and keeping all content with links and author’s name intact
Nude Yoga
Try Nude Yoga and have that nice feel.
We all came in our birthday suits - That’s how God made us ! Nudity is completely natural. In fact clothes can be disturbing, certainly so in aerobics – it prevents airflow around the body. Clothes also invite / encourage growth of germs – microscopic fungi and bacteria, especially in warm humid areas. People who do naked aerobics can sweat freely people who perspire in clothes are not pleasing to our nose. Those who perspire naturally smell better !
There are benefits of being nude too. For instance, wearing shorts and trousers will raise the temperature of the testicles (in males, of course). This then results in hindrance of sperm growth thereby reducing the sperm shack and male hormones which in turn reduces fertility. It can also cause impotence in both genders. Not just accidental nudity, this is purposeful.
More advantages : No sweaty clothes to wash; Cheaper designer-competitiveness; no fighting for a place with Peter Alexander fashion designer (though I love designer clothes myself). In fact this is goal-orientated, if I may say so because you can concentrate more on building those muscles or firming those gluts.
Naked aerobics yoga is a good exercise and does exist. In fact, quite a few people really prefer doing nude yoga. It helps articulate your natural emotions and let you speak for yourself. Nudity adds to the physical and emotional health of the individual. After all, it’s nice to feel the natural air slapping on your skin and feeling the sweat roughly come out of the inside. As long as you don’t mind dangly bits sometime getting in the way or seeing the nether regions that would be exposed in a simple exercise such as ‘touch your toes’.
Nude Yoga is nourishing and exfoliating. You will feel its effect on your body and notice that the body has changed because you have bared it all.
We all came in our birthday suits - That’s how God made us ! Nudity is completely natural. In fact clothes can be disturbing, certainly so in aerobics – it prevents airflow around the body. Clothes also invite / encourage growth of germs – microscopic fungi and bacteria, especially in warm humid areas. People who do naked aerobics can sweat freely people who perspire in clothes are not pleasing to our nose. Those who perspire naturally smell better !
There are benefits of being nude too. For instance, wearing shorts and trousers will raise the temperature of the testicles (in males, of course). This then results in hindrance of sperm growth thereby reducing the sperm shack and male hormones which in turn reduces fertility. It can also cause impotence in both genders. Not just accidental nudity, this is purposeful.
More advantages : No sweaty clothes to wash; Cheaper designer-competitiveness; no fighting for a place with Peter Alexander fashion designer (though I love designer clothes myself). In fact this is goal-orientated, if I may say so because you can concentrate more on building those muscles or firming those gluts.
Naked aerobics yoga is a good exercise and does exist. In fact, quite a few people really prefer doing nude yoga. It helps articulate your natural emotions and let you speak for yourself. Nudity adds to the physical and emotional health of the individual. After all, it’s nice to feel the natural air slapping on your skin and feeling the sweat roughly come out of the inside. As long as you don’t mind dangly bits sometime getting in the way or seeing the nether regions that would be exposed in a simple exercise such as ‘touch your toes’.
Nude Yoga is nourishing and exfoliating. You will feel its effect on your body and notice that the body has changed because you have bared it all.
A sizeable number of men and women in the U.S. find nudist yoga as a source of great relaxation and mental peace. There’s a significant increase in nudist yoga practitioners or seekers; so many nudist yoga classes are conducted the world over. There are many naturist clubs and resorts where nude exercise is encouraged and welcomed. There are videos and books available as well to help you pursue this style of exercising.
If embarrassment be thrown to the dogs would you wear clothes at all times ?
~~~~~~~~~~~
Uma Charan is an avid reader and writes on a variety of subjects with a view to share knowledge and help citizens of this world live a harmonious happy life. STAY HEALTHY. Also check out my ARTICLE DIRECTORY on various topics.
Reprint of this article permitted without any modification and keeping all content with links and author’s name intact
Thursday
The Purpose of Yoga - Building Self Image
Many times, Yoga teachers refer to the inner self or the observer from within. In a Yoga class, you may be instructed to observe without judgment, but how can we stop judging? We judge things all day long.
If you drive a car, you are judging timing, distance, and speed. In this case, judging is a matter of life and death, which concerns you, other drivers, and pedestrians. You have to judge, whether you like it or not, but you are told not to judge yourself in a Yoga class or during a meditation session.
Who do we judge the most harshly in the course of a typical day? For most of us, self-criticism is a large part of the day. We call ourselves uncomplimentary names. We do not forgive ourselves for past mistakes. We forget that we learn from mistakes and we create a negative self-image.
So how does the Yogi or Yogini get in touch with the inner being? This is a journey toward spiritual clarity, where any person can travel. Look at yourself and observe the two sides of your inner being. You can use a mirror, but I would suggest you use a piece of paper and a pen.
When training Yoga teachers, I have found that compiling lists allow them to be impartial. We can classify our traits and qualities as negative or positive, but the “big picture” is not always so clear, because some negative qualities may bring about positive results. The opposite can also be said.
Some people may talk too much, but talking has put them in a prestigious position. Other people do not speak up enough, but they have always “played it safe,” and have no worries.
Karma is not always clear to see. Which trait or path is right, and which is wrong, is not crystal clear, but when you design your list, you may want to have three categories. These categories are positive, neutral, and negative.
Neutral allows for a “gray area,” because life is not simply “black and white.” It may look that way to a child, but as a child learns more, each issue takes on more gray area.
When you classify your personal traits and qualities, you can see what you lack, and you can praise yourself for what you already have. It is most important to see what you have and appreciate it, before going after what you do not have.
When you decide to make positive changes, you may want to focus on one change at a time. Most people cannot learn to appreciate themselves overnight, but you can be thankful for your good qualities and then go after a vital trait to build your self image.
Yoga teaches us to listen from within and to appreciate what we have right now.
© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. Just 20 minutes north of Providence, RI. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard
If you drive a car, you are judging timing, distance, and speed. In this case, judging is a matter of life and death, which concerns you, other drivers, and pedestrians. You have to judge, whether you like it or not, but you are told not to judge yourself in a Yoga class or during a meditation session.
Who do we judge the most harshly in the course of a typical day? For most of us, self-criticism is a large part of the day. We call ourselves uncomplimentary names. We do not forgive ourselves for past mistakes. We forget that we learn from mistakes and we create a negative self-image.
So how does the Yogi or Yogini get in touch with the inner being? This is a journey toward spiritual clarity, where any person can travel. Look at yourself and observe the two sides of your inner being. You can use a mirror, but I would suggest you use a piece of paper and a pen.
When training Yoga teachers, I have found that compiling lists allow them to be impartial. We can classify our traits and qualities as negative or positive, but the “big picture” is not always so clear, because some negative qualities may bring about positive results. The opposite can also be said.
Some people may talk too much, but talking has put them in a prestigious position. Other people do not speak up enough, but they have always “played it safe,” and have no worries.
Karma is not always clear to see. Which trait or path is right, and which is wrong, is not crystal clear, but when you design your list, you may want to have three categories. These categories are positive, neutral, and negative.
Neutral allows for a “gray area,” because life is not simply “black and white.” It may look that way to a child, but as a child learns more, each issue takes on more gray area.
When you classify your personal traits and qualities, you can see what you lack, and you can praise yourself for what you already have. It is most important to see what you have and appreciate it, before going after what you do not have.
When you decide to make positive changes, you may want to focus on one change at a time. Most people cannot learn to appreciate themselves overnight, but you can be thankful for your good qualities and then go after a vital trait to build your self image.
Yoga teaches us to listen from within and to appreciate what we have right now.
© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. Just 20 minutes north of Providence, RI. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard
What Yoga Can Do for Your Health
In the past, yoga has become one of the coolest and trendiest of the exercise and alternative methods that have made a big appearance in the world today. Not only is yoga a fun thing to do, it is also a way for you to loose weight and make yourself more healthy without undo stress on the body. Many people have taken upon themselves to start this wonderful and easy way to get in better health. Thousands of humans that are any age and that are from many occupations now do it. it is a safe thing for even children to start doing on a regular basis. Professionals are now looking into yoga to provide the user with many benefits to your health. can you imagine how great it will be to know that the easy exercises of yoga will also help to cure you of an ailment that has bothered you for years with no relief?
You will definately be able to find a way to use yoga for the bettering of your health and your total life. Yoga will take you to a place where you are stronger and more flexible. You can find a way to prevent or cure a serious illness in your life, even serious ones. You will also get a stress reliever and a way to meditate that is also beneficial to your health.
Several claims have emerged highlighting the health benefits of yoga. Yes, according to several resources, yoga is not only capable of making you feel strong and flexible, but it can also help cure whatever ailments you may be suffering from, even the most serious health conditions. It is exciting to find that results from studies are showing that with a regular schedule of yoga that has breathing deeply, different poses, and meditation, you can help problems with asthma, mental health, and heart diseases, and more. It is not certain what other things that yoga can help you with. Each person who is practicing yoga will give you a story about how yoga has helped them.
We will look at a few of the ways that yoga can help you.
A.) Asthma - yoga can help anyone to heal him or herself of asthma. Deep breathing is involved in yoga and there is also a relaxing of the muscles of the chest that will give you an easier time breathing. There are many people who have problems with asthma today and yoga is helping it. Yoga will help to focus on helping those who have it. The symptoms that are associated with the problems of asthma are reduced in a big way by practicing yoga on a regular basis. The meditation part of the yoga will also give those suffering from asthma a way to control their fear when the asthma attack starts and thus provide themselves a way to not make the situation worse. Those with asthma tend to get more upset when an asthma attack occurs and this will help them to stay calm.
B.) Mental Health - There are some reports that yoga can help those who have a mental health problem. Professionals have had their interest peaked with the strength of the yoga. They have started to work with people of all ages who are known to have obsessive-compulsive disorder. Within the months that the study continued, the group that was practicing yoga has shown to help. It was in the range of forty percent of the people who have started the study doing yoga would continue and have positive results from the disease. Learning to meditate and to release your feelings in a positive way instead of holding them in is a result of the yoga.
C.) Cardiovascular - One other way that yoga can help is with cardiovascular problems. This benefit from yoga comes from the results that yoga is a great way for you to get rid of stress and will make the length of the cardiovascular system better. It has also shown to give you a better blood pressure and rate of heartbeats. The yoga will give you a way to learn to breath deey and it will give you a proper blood flow to all the right places in the body which will ultimately improve the whole system.
Because of these and other things that yoga can give you, it has caused many people to get interested in practicing it. The amount of the classes for yoga have also increased. The positive effects are endless and are different for each person.
You can also find more information at Yoga Equipment and Yoga Pants.
Ezyogaguide.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Yoga and its importance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Wellsworth
You will definately be able to find a way to use yoga for the bettering of your health and your total life. Yoga will take you to a place where you are stronger and more flexible. You can find a way to prevent or cure a serious illness in your life, even serious ones. You will also get a stress reliever and a way to meditate that is also beneficial to your health.
Several claims have emerged highlighting the health benefits of yoga. Yes, according to several resources, yoga is not only capable of making you feel strong and flexible, but it can also help cure whatever ailments you may be suffering from, even the most serious health conditions. It is exciting to find that results from studies are showing that with a regular schedule of yoga that has breathing deeply, different poses, and meditation, you can help problems with asthma, mental health, and heart diseases, and more. It is not certain what other things that yoga can help you with. Each person who is practicing yoga will give you a story about how yoga has helped them.
We will look at a few of the ways that yoga can help you.
A.) Asthma - yoga can help anyone to heal him or herself of asthma. Deep breathing is involved in yoga and there is also a relaxing of the muscles of the chest that will give you an easier time breathing. There are many people who have problems with asthma today and yoga is helping it. Yoga will help to focus on helping those who have it. The symptoms that are associated with the problems of asthma are reduced in a big way by practicing yoga on a regular basis. The meditation part of the yoga will also give those suffering from asthma a way to control their fear when the asthma attack starts and thus provide themselves a way to not make the situation worse. Those with asthma tend to get more upset when an asthma attack occurs and this will help them to stay calm.
B.) Mental Health - There are some reports that yoga can help those who have a mental health problem. Professionals have had their interest peaked with the strength of the yoga. They have started to work with people of all ages who are known to have obsessive-compulsive disorder. Within the months that the study continued, the group that was practicing yoga has shown to help. It was in the range of forty percent of the people who have started the study doing yoga would continue and have positive results from the disease. Learning to meditate and to release your feelings in a positive way instead of holding them in is a result of the yoga.
C.) Cardiovascular - One other way that yoga can help is with cardiovascular problems. This benefit from yoga comes from the results that yoga is a great way for you to get rid of stress and will make the length of the cardiovascular system better. It has also shown to give you a better blood pressure and rate of heartbeats. The yoga will give you a way to learn to breath deey and it will give you a proper blood flow to all the right places in the body which will ultimately improve the whole system.
Because of these and other things that yoga can give you, it has caused many people to get interested in practicing it. The amount of the classes for yoga have also increased. The positive effects are endless and are different for each person.
You can also find more information at Yoga Equipment and Yoga Pants.
Ezyogaguide.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Yoga and its importance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Wellsworth
Bikram Yoga
Yoga is at least about 5,000 years old. The Hindus of the Indus valley civilization developed yoga as a practical device to unite the individual self with the Brahman, the universal self. It was codified about 2,000 years back into a system by Patanjali in his work ‘Yoga Sutra.’
His yoga, known as Ashtanga Yoga (or eight-limbed yoga) came to be the authority on yogic practice. These eight limbs are to be practiced in sequence to achieve its spiritual end. In the modern age yoga came to be understood as ‘Hatha Yoga,’ which practices the third and fourth limbs of Ashtanga Yoga - Asanas and Pranayama.
Hatha Yoga, meaning sun-moon yoga, aims to unite the active and passing energies of the human beings. It harmonizes the body-mind relationship, and achieves a balance. The body becomes supple and strong. The mind relaxes and the stress eases. The internal systems, such as blood circulation, nervous system, digestive system and the endocrine system, are improved.
There are many systems of ‘Hatha Yoga,’ such as Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Vini Yoga, Integral Yoga, Sivananda Yoga and Bikram Yoga. Basically they hold postures that exercise the system. It is formulated by different teachers, giving importance to different aspects of Hatha Yoga.
Bikram Choudhry, the founder of Bikram Yoga, was born in Kolkatta in 1946. He became a disciple of Bishnu Gosh, the brother of Paramahamsa Yogananda, at the age of four. His mastery of the Hatha Yoga technique was so good that he continuously won the Indian Yoga championship, and retired undefeated at a very young age. Bikram started many training centers for yoga, on the direction of his master Bishnu Gosh. Later, he founded his own system of yoga known as Bikram Yoga.
Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 postures, done inside a heated room. The temperature is maintained at about 90 – 100o. This warms the body naturally, and the postures are easily accomplished. The series starts with standing postures, backward bends, forward bends and twists. Each posture is repeated twice. The full routine takes about 90 minutes.
Bikram has a school in Los Angeles where teachers impart yoga practice. He also travels throughout America organizing workshops and seminars.
Yoga provides detailed information on Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Pilates Yoga and more. Yoga is affiliated with Cheap Yoga Mats.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Bainbridge
His yoga, known as Ashtanga Yoga (or eight-limbed yoga) came to be the authority on yogic practice. These eight limbs are to be practiced in sequence to achieve its spiritual end. In the modern age yoga came to be understood as ‘Hatha Yoga,’ which practices the third and fourth limbs of Ashtanga Yoga - Asanas and Pranayama.
Hatha Yoga, meaning sun-moon yoga, aims to unite the active and passing energies of the human beings. It harmonizes the body-mind relationship, and achieves a balance. The body becomes supple and strong. The mind relaxes and the stress eases. The internal systems, such as blood circulation, nervous system, digestive system and the endocrine system, are improved.
There are many systems of ‘Hatha Yoga,’ such as Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Vini Yoga, Integral Yoga, Sivananda Yoga and Bikram Yoga. Basically they hold postures that exercise the system. It is formulated by different teachers, giving importance to different aspects of Hatha Yoga.
Bikram Choudhry, the founder of Bikram Yoga, was born in Kolkatta in 1946. He became a disciple of Bishnu Gosh, the brother of Paramahamsa Yogananda, at the age of four. His mastery of the Hatha Yoga technique was so good that he continuously won the Indian Yoga championship, and retired undefeated at a very young age. Bikram started many training centers for yoga, on the direction of his master Bishnu Gosh. Later, he founded his own system of yoga known as Bikram Yoga.
Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 postures, done inside a heated room. The temperature is maintained at about 90 – 100o. This warms the body naturally, and the postures are easily accomplished. The series starts with standing postures, backward bends, forward bends and twists. Each posture is repeated twice. The full routine takes about 90 minutes.
Bikram has a school in Los Angeles where teachers impart yoga practice. He also travels throughout America organizing workshops and seminars.
Yoga provides detailed information on Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Pilates Yoga and more. Yoga is affiliated with Cheap Yoga Mats.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Bainbridge
Practice Hatha Yoga for Happiness
Does life feel like a carnival ride? How do we deal with life’s challenges? What do you consider happiness to be? Can Hatha Yoga really open the “Gateway to Happiness?” Let’s look at solutions to happiness, which you can find in your Hatha Yoga practice.
Life is often compared to a carnival ride. The “ups and downs” of life cause us pleasure and pain. To a degree, we all need a certain amount of stress, but Hatha Yoga practice can help you gauge the amount of stress you take.
Picture stress like water: You need some water to live, but too much water can become a flood. Hatha Yoga controls stress, like a dam controls water. We want a steady flow, but not too much.
How do we deal with life’s challenges? Many people want to avoid challenges and stress, but in the proper “dosage,” challenges are what keep us going. Start or finish your day with Yoga, and you will face life’s daily challenges with positive energy in your heart.
What do you consider happiness to be? Is it money, possessions, power, fame, retirement, or something else? All of these things tax our spirit. The more we have, the more we want, the more we are bored, and the more there is to worry about.
Happiness cannot be bought. Look at the lives of the “rich and famous,” if you need proof. Happiness is a choice, and Hatha Yoga can help anyone find the path of happiness.
Can Yoga really open the gateway to happiness? Absolutely! All forms of Yoga teach meditation and Pranayama. In Hatha Yoga, these concepts sometimes become secondary to Yoga postures (Asanas). Yet, all three of these concepts combined will help you feel more cheerful - even during disappointing times.
Yoga can be practiced all day long. When you display acts of kindness, you will feel gratified in knowing you helped someone. Loving kindness is a universal Yogic concept. This is just one of many methods of “Yoga off the mat.”
You can practice loving kindness by giving to others. Let someone in front of you, while you are in traffic, or help someone in need. If you have no money, loving kindness does not have to be material. Karma Yoga is selfless service; all you have to do is help or listen to someone who needs you.
Lastly, every time you give, help, or listen, it “comes back.” This should not be your primary motivation for helping others, but giving is always rewarded in one way or another. This is just one example of the law of cause and effect, which we also know as “Karma.”
© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard
Life is often compared to a carnival ride. The “ups and downs” of life cause us pleasure and pain. To a degree, we all need a certain amount of stress, but Hatha Yoga practice can help you gauge the amount of stress you take.
Picture stress like water: You need some water to live, but too much water can become a flood. Hatha Yoga controls stress, like a dam controls water. We want a steady flow, but not too much.
How do we deal with life’s challenges? Many people want to avoid challenges and stress, but in the proper “dosage,” challenges are what keep us going. Start or finish your day with Yoga, and you will face life’s daily challenges with positive energy in your heart.
What do you consider happiness to be? Is it money, possessions, power, fame, retirement, or something else? All of these things tax our spirit. The more we have, the more we want, the more we are bored, and the more there is to worry about.
Happiness cannot be bought. Look at the lives of the “rich and famous,” if you need proof. Happiness is a choice, and Hatha Yoga can help anyone find the path of happiness.
Can Yoga really open the gateway to happiness? Absolutely! All forms of Yoga teach meditation and Pranayama. In Hatha Yoga, these concepts sometimes become secondary to Yoga postures (Asanas). Yet, all three of these concepts combined will help you feel more cheerful - even during disappointing times.
Yoga can be practiced all day long. When you display acts of kindness, you will feel gratified in knowing you helped someone. Loving kindness is a universal Yogic concept. This is just one of many methods of “Yoga off the mat.”
You can practice loving kindness by giving to others. Let someone in front of you, while you are in traffic, or help someone in need. If you have no money, loving kindness does not have to be material. Karma Yoga is selfless service; all you have to do is help or listen to someone who needs you.
Lastly, every time you give, help, or listen, it “comes back.” This should not be your primary motivation for helping others, but giving is always rewarded in one way or another. This is just one example of the law of cause and effect, which we also know as “Karma.”
© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard
Wednesday
Yoga
Yoga, in Sanskrit, means, “to yoke together”. This is translated to mean the union of individual self, the ‘Atma,’ with the universal self, the ‘Paramatma.’ There are different methods to achieve this union. When we say Yoga in the present-day context, particularly in the Western countries, what we aim for is the harmony between body, mind and spirit.
From archeological sites dated 3,000 B.C., from the Indus valley civilization, it is clear that the yogic practice is at least that old. In the second century A.D., the yoga knowledge was collected and compiled into a treatise named ‘Yoga Sutra,’ by Patanjali.
Patanjali’s ‘Ashantanga Yoga,’ or eight-limbed yoga, taught eight steps of yoga to be done in the same sequence. The first limb is ‘Yama.’ The five yamas are non-violence, truthfulness, not stealing, continence and non-covetousness. The next limb is Niyama. The five niyamas are cleanliness, contentment, spiritual austerities, studying the self and the scriptures, and surrender to God. The third limb is ‘Asanas,’ a set of postures that create a union between the body and the mind so that the aspirant is able to concentrate his mind better. The next one, Pranayama, is a breath-regulating practice. It is not a breathing exercise, though it improves the respiratory system. The main purpose is to direct the ‘Prana,’ or life force, into proper channels. These four limbs prepare the body and mind for the next four, which are spiritual practices.
The fifth limb, ‘Pratyahara,’ practices drawing the consciousness from external objects and direct it inwards. One becomes detached from the world, and observes oneself as a witness. The next yoga, ‘Dharana,’ is a concentration practice to gather the full consciousness and concentrate it to observe its own core. The seventh limb, ‘Dhyana,’ is meditation. In this practice, the mind is made free from thoughts and becomes aware of itself. The eighth and final stage is “Samadhi,” where the practitioner reaches a state of ecstasy.
Through there is no particular religious practice involved in the complete yoga, it is obvious that it is not for everyone. Most of us are interested in Hatha Yoga. The asanas make our body supple and strong, and the meditation relaxes and reduces stress in the mind. The effects of yoga on the body and mind are so good that it is worth taking it up.
Yoga provides detailed information on Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Pilates Yoga and more. Yoga is affiliated with Cheap Yoga Mats.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Bainbridge
From archeological sites dated 3,000 B.C., from the Indus valley civilization, it is clear that the yogic practice is at least that old. In the second century A.D., the yoga knowledge was collected and compiled into a treatise named ‘Yoga Sutra,’ by Patanjali.
Patanjali’s ‘Ashantanga Yoga,’ or eight-limbed yoga, taught eight steps of yoga to be done in the same sequence. The first limb is ‘Yama.’ The five yamas are non-violence, truthfulness, not stealing, continence and non-covetousness. The next limb is Niyama. The five niyamas are cleanliness, contentment, spiritual austerities, studying the self and the scriptures, and surrender to God. The third limb is ‘Asanas,’ a set of postures that create a union between the body and the mind so that the aspirant is able to concentrate his mind better. The next one, Pranayama, is a breath-regulating practice. It is not a breathing exercise, though it improves the respiratory system. The main purpose is to direct the ‘Prana,’ or life force, into proper channels. These four limbs prepare the body and mind for the next four, which are spiritual practices.
The fifth limb, ‘Pratyahara,’ practices drawing the consciousness from external objects and direct it inwards. One becomes detached from the world, and observes oneself as a witness. The next yoga, ‘Dharana,’ is a concentration practice to gather the full consciousness and concentrate it to observe its own core. The seventh limb, ‘Dhyana,’ is meditation. In this practice, the mind is made free from thoughts and becomes aware of itself. The eighth and final stage is “Samadhi,” where the practitioner reaches a state of ecstasy.
Through there is no particular religious practice involved in the complete yoga, it is obvious that it is not for everyone. Most of us are interested in Hatha Yoga. The asanas make our body supple and strong, and the meditation relaxes and reduces stress in the mind. The effects of yoga on the body and mind are so good that it is worth taking it up.
Yoga provides detailed information on Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Pilates Yoga and more. Yoga is affiliated with Cheap Yoga Mats.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Bainbridge
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