Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Relaxing Into Your Workout: Yoga for Weight Loss

Once again, you see that there is a specific diet that is known
to solve all your problems. Of course, it comes from a new
state, has a new name, and works by eliminating all of those
things you don't need to stay healthy. You've heard it before,
and you know that you will hear it again.

If you are not interested in knowing about the latest fad diet,
why not turn to a program that has been used for centuries?
Yoga for weight loss is a method that has been used to repair your body into a natural state and help to developevery area of your body. If you want to find a relaxing way toloose weight, as well as help with the overall health of your
body, than understanding how Yoga works is a great place to
begin.

When looking at Yoga as an exercise, one will be able to see
that it is built for an overall increase in better body
functioning. This doesn't stop with weight loss. It also
includes strength training, flexibility, balance and help with
internal health. Whether you are beginning new workout routines,
or are a triathlon, Yoga is a recommended form of exercise to
continue to push your body to new levels of balance and health.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Relaxing Into Your Workout: Yoga for Weight Loss

Monday, January 29, 2007

Benefiting From Your Yoga Practice

Yoga is not only an extremely popular form of exercise, but depending on the form you practice, can be exciting or calming, social or meditative, energizing or relaxing. No matter which of these best describes your yoga class, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of every class you attend.


* Go to yoga class with an empty stomach. Yoga is full bending, twisting, lengthening, stretching, and strength moves. Eating a big dinner before that kind of movement could result in you cramping up or feeling nauseous and having to leave the class or not participate as fully as you’d like.

* Communicate with your yoga instructor. If you have a bad back or a sprained ankle, let your instructor know before class. She or he will offer you adjusted versions of poses or give you a nod when you should skip a pose that could make your condition worse.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Benefiting From Your Yoga Practice

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

VIDEO: Stress relief Yoga - Final Relaxation

Yoga And Meditation: A Healthy Combo For Healthy Life

Yoga for most of the people happens to be a great source of
keeping themselves fit with its incredible body postures called
asana. However these asanas are only a small part of the yoga.
This ancient practice of yoga boasts of its origin from ancient
Vedic testaments. We tend to limit the scope of yoga by
considering it a mere collection of exercises. But Vedic
testaments say that it was originally meant to serve much
greater purpose of unifying human souls with eternal power or
God. And yoga meditation happens to be the only way of elevating
your spirit so that you could unify yourself with Almighty. Your
soul's unification with Almighty brings eternal peace and
tranquility to you.

If you are not performing meditation instructions of yoga along
with your daily asana practice, you are likely to not get much
of the yoga benefits. Different yoga practices don't offer you
separate solutions instead yoga works well when all its integral
parts are practiced simultaneously in an orderly manner. This is
the way yoga offers holistic health improvement. That's why
meditation must be incorporated in your yoga routine, it works
as a stress buster and brings in mental rejuvenation.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Yoga And Meditation: A Healthy Combo For Healthy Life

Monday, January 22, 2007

VIDEO: Stress Relief Yoga - Cat Position

Yoga For Asthma

Yoga Therapy for Asthma

Tests carried out at Yoga Therapy Centers, across the world, have shown remarkable results in curing asthma. In some cases it has also been found that attacks can actually be averted, without the aid of drugs, just through yogic practices. There is ample research evidence to substantiate the fact that Yoga Therapy makes the treatment so much more successful. Nowadays, even allopathic and homeopathic doctors have arrived at the consensus that Yoga is an excellent alternative therapy for Asthma.

Since Yoga believes that the mind is central to a diseased condition, pacifying and placating it would, in itself, help cure the disease to a great extent. The practice of yogasanas, yogic kriyas, pranayamas, relaxation and meditation calm down the whole system. This, in turn, facilitates proper assimilation of food and strengthens the lungs, digestive and circulatory system. Over a period of time, that checks attacks and even cures the condition.

This is because Yogic practices result in more anxiety reduction than drugs do. Yoga gives patients access to their own internal experience and helps them pin-point the cause of their ailment, i.e find their own triggers. This comes through increased self-awareness. Simple Yogic practices help regulate breathing patterns, as well as enhance lung functioning. Result: Most patients are able to manage their condition by simply allaying their fears and anxieties.

Continue To Read More Here : Yoga For Asthma

Sunday, January 21, 2007

VIDEO: Stress Relief Yoga - Breathing

Ashtanga Yoga Basics

The word yoga originates from Sanskrit, which is an ancient
language from India. It means union particularly of the body,
spirit and mind. The yoga that we know today is what is termed
as asana, which pertains to postures and poses.

Asana is just one of the eight types of yoga. It is more
physical compared to the other types of yoga, which are more
directed towards the development of mental and spiritual aspect
of an individual. At present the word yoga is used synonymously
with asana.

Basic Yoga Poses If you want to try some basic yoga stances just
to see whether you can do it or not, then the sun salutation is
the way to go. It is easy to follow and very relaxing. Since
this is your first time make sure that you focus on your
breathing and then follow the following procedures one at a time
carefully and slowly:

Breathe in again while looking up. Bend your left knee and put
your left foot in front while lunging forward. By the way your
right leg should be behind you and your knee should be resting
on the floor. While breathing in, position yourself in a push-up
pose keeping your head and your hips off the floor.

Continue To Read More Here : Ashtanga Yoga Basics

Thursday, January 18, 2007

VIDEO: Stress Relief Yoga - Shoulder Stretch

Drishti: A Single Point of Focus in Your Yoga Practice

Yoga is a family of ancient spiritual practices originating in
India. It is one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy. In
India and across the World, Yoga is seen as a means to both
physical health and spiritual mastery. Outside India, Yoga has
become primarily associated with the practice of asanas or
postures of Hatha Yoga.

In the United States the American Fitness Professionals &
Associates offers Yoga Certification for intructors.

Yoga is a form of exercise that stems from Eastern religions
based on mediation. Because of yoga's origins, many of the words
used in atypical yoga session are Sanskrit, and beginning yoga
students may have a difficult time remembering their meanings.
One such word is "drishti" and as you become a more advanced
student, you will learn the power of drishti, or view. Most yoga
teachers stress that drishti can help improve your posture
during poses, and it can also help you with your meditation
practices as you learn to use yoga for this purpose. By
understanding the power of drishti, you can better understand
how yoga works on both physical and spiritual levels.

Did you know?

Buddha, who is estimated to have lived 563 to 483 BC, is
believed to have studied what was known of yoga at that time as
part of an extensive education in Hindu philosophy. It is also
very likely, given the rapid growth of Buddhism after his death
and before the Bhagavad Gita was composed, that Buddhism had
some influence on that work. There is a considerable overlap
between the Hindu yoga tradition and Buddhism.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Drishti: A Single Point of Focus in Your Yoga Practice

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

The Heart of a Yoga Practice: Dedicating your Efforts

There are a variety of reasons people begin practicing yoga. Many wonder what all the fuss is about, some have heard that it can help with flexibility and strength, and others wonder about the stress relief benefits. More than fifteen million Americans have stepped on the mat and have explored how yoga can enrich their lives, but many only see the physical benefits. Despite the growing popularity of yoga, many instructors are left wondering if many people are really missing the true purpose of the practice.

What are yoga students missing when they are only taking class to lose weight, become fit, or relieve stress? They are missing the heart of the practice and the chance to make significant positive changes in their lives. When going to a yoga class becomes something greater than just something you do for yourself every now and again, you begin to realize that it is not just about you anymore. Dedicating the practice to something greater than yourself is what draws the distinction between just doing exercise and practicing yoga.

These days, it seems that the mention of dedication, or devotion, can be a tricky subject in yoga class. People tend to be unresponsive when the idea of the divine is mentioned. It is important for yoga practitioners to know that the philosophy of yoga is inextricably linked with divinity, no matter what name is given to it or how it is incorporated. Yoga was built on the idea that there is a force greater than ourselves, and yet we are still connected to it.

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Sunday, January 14, 2007

Yoga - Benefits for Body and Mind

Yoga is, basically, a series of ancient practices that started
in India. Since its beginnings and regardless of what branch of
yoga is involved, the final purpose of yoga refers to achieving
freedom from worldly pain as well as reaching an ongoing cycle
of life and death. However, it has obviously shifted its sense
of mainly being a spiritual practice through its widespread
popularity and with the help of a yogi anybody has access to the
health benefits and relaxation that yoga offers.

This is probably one of the best options nowadays in terms of
relaxation for people with a stressful schedule. Yoga does,
however, require that you perceive it seriously and rigorously.
First of all, there's more to it than people in spandex you see
on TV in complicated, twisted positions. It's a demanding
process that's linked to more than a single aspect of one's
lifestyle. It requires a lot of discipline and commitment.
However, if you decide to take the yogi's advice and realize the
implications of yoga as to a safe diet, mental relaxation and so
on and so forth, you'll surely make the best of the health
benefits it has to offer. In any case, remember to undertake
plenty of documentation and explore all possible means of
informing yourself before jumping to any conclusions and
deciding in favor of one yoga style or another.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Yoga Benefits for Body and Mind

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

The Benefits And Joys Of Yoga

There are a lot of people who are crazy about yoga. The reason
why most people do yoga is that it makes them feel better and in
shape. The different poses and postures make their body healthy.
Yoga for most is the best way to relax and unwind. If you want
to keep your body in shape, this might be the best exercise for
you. Did you know that yoga is good to fight certain illness
that may come? There had been researches which proved that yoga
helps you to control anxiety, reduces asthma, arthritis, blood
pressure, back pain, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue,
epilepsy, diabetes, headaches, stress and many more.

Yoga has a lot of benefits and advantages. All in a day's work,
it can reduce tension and stress. Of course after a heavy day,
you will feel that your muscles have been stuck up and you will
feel wasted. If you do yoga, your self esteem will be higher. It
is important to gain more confidence inside and out so that you
can face people with no worries. Yoga is good for the body in
increasing your muscle tone, strength, stamina and flexibility.

If you are too fat and conscious about your body figure, yoga
can help you lower your fat and keep your body in shape. Yoga
exercises can burn excess fat and give you the desired figure
that you want. If you need time to relax and forget your
responsibilities, yoga will be good to improve your
concentration and enhance your creativity.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : The Benefits And Joys Of Yoga

Monday, January 08, 2007

Arthritis Patients Try Yoga

Doctors strongly suggests people who have been diagnosed with
arthritis to keep on regulating their body functions by
exercising. In doing so, the deterioration of their joints won't
be as grave. By exercising on a daily basis, a person diagnosed
with arthritis combats the bacteria that are slowly inflaming
his joints and tendons.

Normally, hospitals recommend arthritis patients to sign up for
an arthritis exercise fitness programs. These programs encourage
them to walk for a good solid hour three times a week. Other exercises
include weight lifting. It is an arduous task but in doing so,
this benefits the patient to be stronger.

Studies show that by exercising, the arthritis patient continues
to be dependent and function on a normal state. As opposed to
those who mope around and dwell on the fact that they have
arthritis, they eventually became immobile and seek out the help
of others to do simple personal activities such as getting out
of bed, taking a shower and dressing.

Yoga, brought to mainstream attention by pop icon Madonna, is an
alternative exercise arthritis patients can consider.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Arthritis Patients Try Yoga

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Learning Yoga Postures For Increased Health And Vitality

In today's chaotic world, more and more people are turning to
the practice of yoga to improve their physical wellness as well
as increasing mental sharpness and emotional well being. Yoga -
an exercise practice that establishes a strong mind/body
connection - includes a variety of yoga postures to be learned.

Practicing and eventually mastering these yoga postures can mean
the acquirement of a lifetime tool for maintaining flexibility,
strength, and overall health. There are literally hundreds of
yoga postures in existence; each yoga posture benefits a
particular part of the body - strengthening abdominal muscles,
the muscles surrounding the spinal column, and much more.

These yoga postures combined with focused and measured breathing
techniques helps the person practicing yoga to be more relaxed
thus improving flexibility, mental concentration, and overall
health. Many who practice dedicated yoga postures report a
larger immunity to a number of health afflictions. It can truly
be your ticket to lifelong health no matter what your age.


Continue To Read Full Article Here : Learning Yoga Postures For Increased Health And Vitality

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Ujjayi

There is sure to be a grin on your face once you get to read this article on yoga. This is because you are sure to realize that all this matter is so obvious, you wonder how come you never got to know about it!

So after reading what we have mentioned here on yoga, it is up to you to provide your verdict as to what exactly it is that you find fascinating here.

Quality is better than quantity. It is of no use writing numerous pages of nonsense for the reader. Instead, it is better to write a short, and informative article on specific subjects like yoga. People tend to enjoy it more.

Also known as the loud breathing technique, the Ujjayi is performed by breathing through both nostrils while keeping the glottis closed to a degree. This technique is used in order to increase your control over the activity of your lungs. It also functions as a method of clearing the throat. The name comes from the fact that the air passing through the partially closed glottis makes a constant and fluent sound. Yogis try to eliminate nasal sounds and to keep the constant flow of air and sound on a harmonious tone.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Ujjayi

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Establishing a Strong Foundation - Beginner Poses in Yoga

Yoga is a family of ancient spiritual practices originating in
India. It is one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy. In
India and across the World, Yoga is seen as a means to both
physical health and spiritual mastery. Outside India, Yoga has
become primarily associated with the practice of asanas or
postures of Hatha Yoga.

Like many things in life, yoga poses are cumulative. Beginner
poses provide a foundation for later yoga poses. Though the only
way to adequately learn a pose is from an instructor, although
some can be described as examples.

The base for all standing poses is the "Mountain Pose," which
strengthens your thighs and improves your posture. Stand with
your big toes touching and evenly distribute your weight
throughout your feet. Press your feet into the floor, while
tightening your thighs to raise them. Draw in your belly, tuck
in your tailbone, stack the shoulders above the pelvis, and
widen your collarbones. You might want to practice against a
wall to feel how the pose aligns.

The "Staff Pose" is the foundation for all seated poses and can
be thought of as a seated version of the Mountain Pose. This
pose strengthens legs and improves bodily alignment. Sit with
your legs straight in front of you, engage the thighs, and flex
your feet (your heels might leave the floor). Lengthen your
spine and stack your shoulders over your hips. You might want to
start while sitting on padding, and if your hamstrings are too
tight, you'll have to bend your knees some.

Continue To Read Full Article Here : Establishing a Strong Foundation - Beginner Poses in Yoga