Yoga

Archive for October, 2009

The only way to really learn yoga and reap its benefits is to have an instructor physically there to teach and correct your poses. Sure, you can learn some things online, but you might not be able to know if you’re doing them correctly–you could end up really hurting yourself!

I’ve been doing 20min pilates in the morning, and 30min weight loss yoga afternoon for 2 weeks, but i don’t see any results.
is this normal?

Both Pilates and Yoga are great exercise regimes they not only provide stretching movement but can be ramped up to use core and whole body strength or targeted to specific body parts at each session. Many people stick with a gentle, stretching form of yoga and Pilates rather than going deeper and finding the net level of a pose, holding a pose longer or increasing intensity.
Each week I spend about 4-5 hours doing yoga (want to do more) and I practice after cardio- running for at least 30 minutes so that my muscles are warm and I can fall into and deepen the poses more readily. For pilates there are tons of movements and exercises to work all parts of the body but you need to commit to increasing the intensity. Do you get warm, work up a sweat at any point? Do you have any cardio in your routine? Have you changed your eating habits? Eating and diet are 70% of the battle.
Try looking up power yoga poses or pilates for strengthening and toning- you should see some great exercises to try.

I’ve been doing 20min pilates in the morning, and 30min weight loss yoga afternoon for 2 weeks, but i don’t see any results.
is this normal?

Both Pilates and Yoga are great exercise regimes they not only provide stretching movement but can be ramped up to use core and whole body strength or targeted to specific body parts at each session. Many people stick with a gentle, stretching form of yoga and Pilates rather than going deeper and finding the net level of a pose, holding a pose longer or increasing intensity.
Each week I spend about 4-5 hours doing yoga (want to do more) and I practice after cardio- running for at least 30 minutes so that my muscles are warm and I can fall into and deepen the poses more readily. For pilates there are tons of movements and exercises to work all parts of the body but you need to commit to increasing the intensity. Do you get warm, work up a sweat at any point? Do you have any cardio in your routine? Have you changed your eating habits? Eating and diet are 70% of the battle.
Try looking up power yoga poses or pilates for strengthening and toning- you should see some great exercises to try.

I;m going to be starting yoga class and would like to know what is appropreate to wear as well as what is the best to wear. I’m currently a runner and have running tights and tops that hep and also compresion shorts. For me they help with easy of movement, comfort and wicking away wetness from the body. I’ve found that the baggerer clothing items seem to be less comfy when active. I’m also a male if that matters. And advice, links, ideas or recomendations whould be very helpful, Thanks!

Tee shrirts or tank tops are okay. They don’t have to be baggy, you just don’t want them to make you feel like you are restricted.

The pants should be comfy to you. Make sure that they cover up the backside- no one wants to see the "moon over miami"! Most yoga pants have a bit of a flair at the bottom of the legs.

I am female and wear a snug shirt and leggings that are not skin tight. As long as you are comfy and can move without losing circulation, you will be fine!

PS: make sure your feet are okay in the event that the class is a barefoot one!

I;m going to be starting yoga class and would like to know what is appropreate to wear as well as what is the best to wear. I’m currently a runner and have running tights and tops that hep and also compresion shorts. For me they help with easy of movement, comfort and wicking away wetness from the body. I’ve found that the baggerer clothing items seem to be less comfy when active. I’m also a male if that matters. And advice, links, ideas or recomendations whould be very helpful, Thanks!

Tee shrirts or tank tops are okay. They don’t have to be baggy, you just don’t want them to make you feel like you are restricted.

The pants should be comfy to you. Make sure that they cover up the backside- no one wants to see the "moon over miami"! Most yoga pants have a bit of a flair at the bottom of the legs.

I am female and wear a snug shirt and leggings that are not skin tight. As long as you are comfy and can move without losing circulation, you will be fine!

PS: make sure your feet are okay in the event that the class is a barefoot one!

Yoga is often recognized as a form of exercise that stretches and strengthens the body using different poses known as ASANAS. For some people, it represents a realization of inner self satisfaction, while others see it as a religion that they believe and feel they must follow. When you think about it, all of these statements make it hard to understand to fully define yoga.

Yoga actually goes far beyond just mere exercises full of awkward routines. It is the union of mind, spirit and body. It is derived primarily from the Hindu philosophy used to attain spiritual insight and harmony and generally refers to the common use of a system of exercises that is practiced as part of this discipline.

The word is derived from the Sanskrit yeung, which means to join. A yoke as used on oxen is closely related, but also the same root gives us join, junction, junta, adjust, joust, and juxapose to name a few.

There are many institutions of yoga that have their own unique practices and beliefs. But in this article we have boiled it down to the five most common yoga practices. However, bear in mind that there are many schools and paths that are not listed here.

HATHA: probably the most popular variety of yoga and one that has been commonly taught for years. For them yoga is perfecting the mind by way of perfecting the body. With this technique many asanas or postures, breathing techniques and meditations are used.

ASHTANGA: another popular style that is much faster than the other schools. For them yoga can be considered as a type of aerobic activity where they instill quick and smooth transitions between poses.

KUNDALINI: This school is focused on awakening and focusing on what is known as
kundalini energy. Kundalini energy is most easily compared to life energy that lies
dormant in our bodies. It is commonly represented by a coiled snake.

MANTRA: focused on calming the mind and body through the use of words and sounds. The well known om chant is commonly heard in this school.

TANTRA: well known by way of its focus on sexual spirituality. They also focus on kundalini energy, although their intent for awakening it is much different from the Kundalini practice.

Yoga is a very diverse practice, regardless of which school you choose. People young and old can gain many benefits from regular practices, and asanas can be adjusted to fit physical limitations and other complications.

If you want a break from treadmills, weight rooms, or the pool, why not consider yoga?
Not only are you striving towards physical well being, you are also striving towards spiritual well being.

Traditionally, there are eight fundamental paths: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga,
Jnana Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Purna Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Maha Yoga and Ashtanga or Raja Yoga. In the western world, the term yoga often refers to Hatha yoga and its postures, movements, and breathing techniques.

The ultimate goal of yoga is the attainment of liberation from worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death. It demands mastery over the body, mind, and emotional self, and transcendence of desire. It is said to lead gradually to knowledge of the true nature of reality.

Charles Cox
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/what-is-yoga-and-what-are-its-origins-51838.html

Weight loss spas are places where people can have a relaxing holiday whilst they learn how to eat healthily and what exercise is good for them. The focus at these spas is on the physical health and well being of the people who visit them. As well as providing these people with an education in regarding to their habits and changes that they need to make to their life’s in order to help control their weight once their trip to the spa has ended. Weight loss spas are different from weight loss programs and boot camps as they generally do not follow trendy diets but instead set up programs which will help people to lose weight naturally and healthily as well as helping them to keep the weight off.

One a person first visits a weight loss spa they will have a meeting first with a weight loss counselor. This person will evaluate and decide upon the necessary measures that will need to be taken in order for the visitor to lose weight healthily. When the counselor is evaluating the person they will consider their family history, what body type the person is and any medical issues they may have. In some cases these counselors will inform the person that their weight loss goals are unrealistic for they body type and it is often these unrealistic goals that set people up for failure when dieting.

At a weight loss spa you will offered fitness classes, cooking and dieting classes as well as meditative activities. These classes teach people how to limit their fat and sugar intake when preparing meals at home without making them bland. The fitness classes offered by these spas vary from one spa to another but in general they focus on fitness which people will find fun to participate in. Many more people are likely to pursue a fitness regime on leaving a spa if they have enjoyed participating in it whilst there. At a weight loss spa the types of fitness activities they include are golf, hiking, horse riding, tennis and swimming as well as many others.

Most weight loss spas teach their clients about different and alternative ways of improving their weight loss chances by taking Vitamins or drinking herbal teas. These can help guests to improve their digestive system, heal damaged cells as well as encouraging the body to absorb vitamins but at the same time removing toxins and bacteria from it.

Generally weight loss spas offer their clients classes in yoga and other similar kinds of activities as yoga can not only help improve your posture, but will reduce stress and improve the circulation of blood around the body.

But perhaps the best benefit of a weight loss spa is that there is a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere for those that visit one. As a visit to a weight loss spa is a holiday more people are likely to repeat the activities they took part in even when they go home and this will lead to a greater chance of them achieving diet success.

Lee Dobbins
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/discover-the-benefits-of-a-weight-loss-spa-103882.html

yoga basics and Variations. While Yoga originated as a spiritual endeavor tied closely to the Eastern religions of Buddhism and Hinduism, modern society has adopted many of its basic tenets as a low impact physical fitness workout. Combining breath control, balance and stretching, practicing Yoga is a great way to enhance flexibility, posture and muscle tone. There are many options available in Yoga-based workouts, from those designed for stress release to more strenuous workouts intended to supplement weight loss. Whether you are interested in exploring the spiritual side of Yoga, or just want to increase your flexibility and control, there are a wide range of Yoga programs that can be incorporated into any lifestyle.

Exercise Specific Yoga Styles

Power Yoga. One of the most prevalent forms of exercise intensive Yoga is often referred to as Power Yoga. Geared toward toning muscle groups and enhancing control, Power Yoga offers a more intense workout than most other types of Yoga. Based on the Indian Yoga technique known as Ashtanga, Power Yoga is generally comprised of a two hour workout that cycles through several series of postures. The intense aerobic nature of the workout may make this style of Yoga difficult for beginners, but it also provides the most opportunity for body sculpting and muscle toning.

Core Yoga. A relatively new form of exercise-based Yoga, Core Yoga is designed to work on toning the abdominals, thighs and bottom. Many practitioners of Core Yoga use it as an addendum to their regular workout to target problem areas where weight can collect. Like other forms of Yoga, stretching and breath control are the focus of most exercises. This form of Yoga is also thought to help alleviate back pain, and many exercises originate from the spine. By actively participating in Core Yoga classes, you can expect to lose inches around your waist, bottom and hips.

Beginners Yoga. If you are new to Yoga, or uncertain whether your current level of fitness is up to an advanced Yoga routine, there are many beginning Yoga programs available on the market. Exploring Yoga for the first time can be an enlightening experience, and most beginners go on to more advanced levels once they are comfortable with the basics. Even beginner Yoga classes will emphasize muscle extension and breath control. Opting for an introduction to Yoga program can provide a low impact workout that will supplement the rest of your fitness workout.

Wendy Wood
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/tap-into-the-power-of-yoga-for-mind-and-body-fitness-112359.html

One of the great advantages of persuing yoga is that it doesn’t require much in the way of gear. In fact, most folks can get by with nothing more than a comfortable pair of sweats and a litte open floor space. But if you’re ready to get more serious about your yoga, there are some items that you might want to add to your routines. Here are just a few for your consideration:

Mats

Sticky yoga mats can provide a safe and comfortable non-slip surface for your yoga routine. Believe it or not, there are mats that are specifically designed for yoga, as opposed to Pilates mats or other exercise mats. A good yoga mat will tend to be thinner and easy to roll up to place in your gym bag for easy transportation and storage. By the way, most places selling yoga equipment can offer you a variety of mat styles and colors, so you’ll be able to express your individuality in the gear you choose.

Yoga Straps

Yoga straps are less common that some of the other forms of gear listed here. In fact, if you’ve been doing yoga for awhile, you still may not be familiar with them. A yoga strap is a simple nylon strap with a plastic or metal buckle. Usually light-weight, you can find them in a number of different colors. How are they used? Most commonly the yoga strap is used as an aid for those people who just can’t quite reach a specific goal in a pose. For example, they can help you with such challenging poses as the Seated Forward Bend (or Paschimottanasana) where you sit with both legs in front of you and attempt to lay your torso flat over your thighs. If your hamstrings are particularly tight, a yoga strap can be looped around your feet to pull your torso gently forward until you feel that distinctive sensation where you know you want to be.

Blocks

Yoga blocks and bricks are used by many yogis to modify poses in their workouts. These blocks can help you to deepen your stretches, reduce the strain on a particular muscle group when you’re beginning to learn a new pose, and provide a better foundation for proper body alignment. Most yoga stores will sell a variety of blocks in sizes that can help you with both simple and advanced poses.

Videos

Not technically gear, yoga workouts on DVD and video have become incredibly popular today, particularly for those who are too busy to attend a regular class, or who no longer feel the need for the guidance of a yoga instructor. You can find DVD yoga workouts for all levels, from beginner to master, including titles such as Crunch – The Perfect Yoga Workout, The Total Body Yoga Workout DVD, QuickFix – Power Yoga Workout, and ZenMama Prenatal Yoga Workout DVD. There’s something for everyone interested in yoga on DVD.

If you have a yoga store near you (or if you poke around the Interent a bit), you’ll also find that there are a variety of yoga “kits” available as well. These packages typically include all the basic yoga gear: one or two blocks, straps, a mat and sometimes even a video or flash cards of different poses. Yoga kits are a wonderful starting point for the yoga enthusiast, especially if you aren’t quite sure where to begin.

David Silva
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/exhance-your-yoga-experience-with-the-latest-gear-108662.html

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 develop every area of your body. If you want to find a relaxing way to loose 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.

Several of the exercises that are used for Yoga are designed to increase blood flow. As this circulation begins to change, it also begins to affect internal organs. There are a variety of inversion moves that are used in Yoga that specifically target on increasing circulation and working with internal organs. These all cause the digestive system to relax and shift. Many who use Yoga will refer to this as a massaging of the organs. Your body will begin to respond by detoxifying, or getting rid of the extra things that are in this part of your body. Over time, you will begin to feel the difference in your energy level, and notice the difference from the size of your clothing.

Not only will the blood flow begin to change to help with a cleansing of your internal organs, but there will also be a shift in cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fat that is used for energy and is necessary for functioning. If there is too much stored in your system, it can cause weight gain. Yoga poses will allow the blood and oxygen to move around the areas in the internal system that has extra cholesterol. Over time, it will remove the extra cholesterol that you don’t need; part of the detoxification process. If you have high cholesterol and practice Yoga daily, you will begin to see the improvements.

Moving beyond these direct affects for the body and weight loss in Yoga, are the other parts of the practice that can help to change the functioning of your body. Often times, weight gain is related to stressful factors in daily functioning and emotional overhauls that occur. Yoga begins with the breath first, and most of the poses are to be done at a slow pace. While you are twisting, you will also learn to relax. Combined with the physical effects of the movements, the mental charge behind this can help to support weight loss.

If you want to find the perfect exercise routine and not become involved in another diet fad, Yoga is a perfect solution. Among all of the other benefits that come with doing Yoga is the ability for it to pose your body into the shape that you want. No matter what your size, yoga for weight loss can become a perfect fit.

Julie Health
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/relaxing-into-your-workout-yoga-for-weight-loss-78663.html