Selecting A Yoga Class - 3 Tips

Mike Singh asked:


If you are thinking about taking a yoga class, please bear in mind a couple of pointers. Not only are all classes not the same, the yoga instructors aren't the same either. In the right yoga class, you will feel comfortable. That means you are more likely to come back time and time again. Secondly, you are better able to get the most out of the class. Third, you get your money's worth out of it. So, what should you look for in the yoga class you plan to sign up for?

The Right Yoga Class Can Change Your Life

1) Experience: The most beneficial aspect of taking a yoga class is the one-on-one attention that the instructor can provide. He/she needs to be experienced. Not only should they have all the right certification(s), but they should tell you where they studied and how they are continuing the learning process. It takes years to become a quality instructor so take all the experience into account.

2) Class size: Being comfortable in your yoga class can really help you get the most out of it. If you aren't comfortable with a large number of people in the class, you will not enjoy the class. Ideally, you should take this class with friends. In this way, you will have your own support group to discuss your progress.

3) Recommendations: As always, feedback from a friend who has taken such classes is the best way to find the good ones in your area. You'll find that people will be glad to tell you about their experiences if you just ask. If you cannot find anyone to tell you about the course, ask to audit the course for one session. This way, you are not paying into a course that you don't like or won't fit well in.

Bonus Tip: Try looking for studios that offer the sessions at different times of the day. So, in case you miss one regular session you can go to one of the other sessions to maintain continuity.

The right yoga class will provide you with the right area and the right environment to enjoy all the benefits from yoga. Don't stop looking until you find the right one for your specific needs and preferences.

Yoga Tips for Managing Anxiety and Cultivating Positive Energy

anonymous asked:


Pranayama is a wonderful method to reduce anxiety. Pranayama originates from two Sanskrit words, Prana, which means "universal energy," and Yama, which means "restraint."

In effect, Pranayama is the cultivation of universal energy through breath. You have the ability, within your being, to make sure the energy you cultivate is positive, with the help of Pranayama and a positive mental attitude.

There are many methods for the cultivation of Prana to choose from, but let's start with a deep natural breath. This is the "breath of infants." When you watch a baby in the crib, notice how the stomach rises as he or she inhales. Then notice that the navel draws to the spine on an exhale.

This is natural breath, but this can often feel unnatural to adults, who have unconsciously been practicing a half breath from the diaphragm to the nose or mouth. The half breath does not allow for complete expansion at the bottom of the lungs.

In effect, the half breath method would not be good for Yoga students, who have high blood pressure. Natural breath has wonderful blood pressure benefits, but could not be considered a cure. Why not?

Most people, who learn the natural breathing technique, will not be able to instill this Pranayama method as a regular daily habit; let alone practice it all day, and every day - especially, if the Yoga student in question has a life full of stress.

So, how many times should someone practice natural breath to reduce anxiety? To achieve tranquility, natural breath should be practiced every day, at least eight times per day for 3 to 5 minute sessions. This should yield optimum results within a week, but it must become a habit.

Another way to cultivate positive energy is to reverse the, "Why me," mindset; how many times have you heard somebody say - "Why me?"

Let's take a close look at "Why me," and put a positive "spin" on it. Why are we so lucky? Why do we have Internet access? Why do we live at a time, so full of opportunities?

Some of the most optimistic people you could meet, are Chair Yoga students. Some of these Yoga students have ailments, diseases, and health conditions such as: Cancer, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, high blood pressure, Parkinson's, Frederick's Ataxia Syndrome, and a variety of heart problems.

To practice any form of Yoga, with such grace, and to the best of your ability, is a monumental task. When I hear anyone, who can walk, or easily stand on two feet, make statements such as, "Life isn't fair" and "I don't have enough time to take care of my health" - it reminds me of Russell Conwell's book, "Acres of Diamonds."

In a nutshell, most people do not see how truly lucky they are. Life's treasures are right under our noses. Those who have faced major obstacles in life are the greatest mentors, guides, and teachers any one of us could ever have.

Copyright 2007 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

7 Important Tips for Yoga Success

Joan Yankowitz asked:


Yoga has been proven to relieve stress by using exercises that unify the mind, body, and spirit. If you are new to yoga, these seven tips will start you on the road to a more centered life.

1. Talk to your doctor and explain what type of yoga poses you intend to practice. Show your doctor pictures of the poses for illustration. Your doctor may rule out specific poses if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, a history of retinal detachment, or heart disease. Make sure you follow your doctor's recommendations. 2. Find a yoga class that best fits your abilities. Talk to prospective teachers, and decide whether of not you can handle a program before you sign up. It's very important to take it one step at a time. Try a few beginner classes before you attempt more vigerous classes. Don't move ahead too quickly. Allow your body to adjust to your exercises.

3. Listen to your body and be aware of your physical abilities. You don't want to hurt yourself. Make sure the instructor understands your level of experience and any limitations you may have. Don't allow anyone to push you ahead too quickly. Remember, this is supposed to be fun and relaxing.

4. If you can't find a class that meets your needs, you can always practice yoga at home. There are many books, programs, and tapes available to help you get started. Search for the best products on the Internet and read reviews. Talk to others for recommenations.

5. Why not try private lessons? You can book some one-on-one sessions with a teacher in your area. Most yoga instructors offer private classes or can help you design your own program. This is a good way to get started. You can always take group lessons or practice at home after you've had private lessons and learned the basics.

6. Find a yoga buddy. It's nice to practice with someone and it will help reduce injuries. It's also a great way to keep up your enthusiasm and interest.

7. Eat lightly before practice. Wait at least two hours after meals before yoga class or practice. An empty stomach is best, but don't let yourself get too hungry to think. You won't be able to focus on the poses or enjoy yourself during the relaxation or meditation exercises.

Now it's time to grab your mat and a towel and get the most out of your yoga exercises.

Yoga for Men

drrony asked:


The entire human race is divided in fact into males and females. There are so many physical, physiological, mental and emotional differences that exist between the males and females. These differences actually make the males and females as unique as they are. These gender differences are not just sexual in the orientation but they make each part of the human species unique in their own way. The general perceptions that exist between the genders and will only be highlighted here for developing a basic insight into the most fundamental differences between the genders.

An indispensable part of the discussion focuses on the fact that the overall nature has created the males to be the providers and the females to be the nurturers. This is why the basic infrastructure of the male body is much stronger than the females. The idea is not to cross paths with any ideologies or groups favouring certain some sensibilities. We shall keep the discussion here by restricted only to the basic infrastructure that defines the differences in the genders.

The essential constitution of the male body is evenly directed towards strength, vigour and vitality. This is because the basic musculature and the skeletal systems are stronger than those of the females.

Yoga for Men

The extra strength of the body has to be developed and by maintained for healthy and disease free life. The various body yoga postures and yoga positions done in the yoga can be very beneficial for men. There are most various yoga postures that enhance the muscles and bones of the body. Also the basic organic functioning of the body can be augmented that by doing yoga. Yoga is an option for healthy lifestyle for people of various age groups.



A daily routine of yoga can be increasingly built up which can be followed as per one's convenience and interest.

It is seen that the men who practice yoga along with the other forms of exercises benefit more. This is because the yoga practices are even designed according to the physical, physiological and even emotional and mental aspects of the different constitution of the body.

Yoga is one form of complete exercise for the entire system not because no other form of physical exercise gives a complete workout to the external and as well as the internal organs of the system. The practice of specific asanas and pranayama can totally develop the internal organs and the respiratory system so that the flow of vital prana is fully regulated in the system. This in turn controls and keeps all the other systems working in to complete coordination and optimum state. Yoga for men can thus prove to be very beneficial for men as it allows them to develop all the faculties of the body simultaneously.

Several problems that men find difficult to discuss and some are a kind of threat to their masculinity can be well tackled with the practice of yoga. The issues of impotency and certain psychological situations can be totally controlled successfully by using certain asanas and practice of yoga nidra. It would be a beneficial exercise to chalk out the certain regime for oneself and practice it for consistent results.

Power Yoga DVD for Beginners and Seniors

Lesley Lyon asked:


All the forms of yoga, including the traditional forms, are intended to build strength and flexibility of a person practicing yoga but the power yoga, in addition, encourages cardio vascular health. The DVD that gives a step by step process of carrying out the process of power yoga workout leaves a person completely satisfied that it is worth buying.

Power yoga DVDs cater to the needs of people of all ages, fitness leaves and weights. The DVDs elaborate and give an in depth instruction to carry out each and every move, coupled with all kinds of tips to achieve the right form and alignment. In addition to it, there are on screen students who demonstrate the asana at various levels of intensity and ability. This is done by various students of different ages and body types. So, the viewer is convinced to believe that power yoga is accessible and can be practiced by anyone.

The DVD not only gives a thorough guidance but also encourages and challenges students to work at their own level, encouraging individuality so that they can attain their optimal health and well being. The power yoga DVD consists of core power which is a thirty minute routine work out that focuses on abdominal work and simple back strengthening and lengthening exercises. Then comes the soul of strength which is a sixty minute routine that brings the inner strength of a person to life.

The power yoga DVDs are a complete guide even for beginners who do not know where to start with, in practicing power yoga. Power yoga has been successfully tried and has yielded dramatic results for athletes and sports persons, alike. Power yoga uses the weight of the body to build up the strength along with the extreme control of the muscles.

Power yoga on DVDs can be practiced by men and women who have a good level of fitness of the body. Those who have practiced power yoga through DVDs have clearly testified that it lowers the blood pressure, strengthens the muscles and gives a kind of mental and physical relaxation.

Power yoga uses extreme breath control and has a constant movement to generate heat; this heat is utilized to give maximum flexibility to the body. It is important to know exactly when to inhale and when to exhale in power yoga and the DVDs take care to explain such information.

The menus in the DVD allow for easy selection of the part of the yoga to be practiced after the initial warm up session. There is music on the back ground for those who would like to do the practice without the instruction, not to the extent of distracting one’s attention to stare at the television, while practicing yoga. So, the vocal guidance of the teacher in such circumstance becomes very essential.

Yoga seekers Your Bible to Yoga Positions

Gagan Kainth asked:








Yoga positions and the practice of yoga can be beneficial to your mind, your muscles, and even internal functions like your digestive system. With so many benefits, it is no wonder that yoga's popularity is on the rise. Before you take it up, though, it is a good idea to have in mind the right information to help you succeed and get the most out of the experience. Take these yoga tips into account as you begin your physical, mental, and spiritual journey.



Practice Makes Perfect



Practice your positions often. Yoga offers many benefits to your mind, body, and spirit, and these benefits may be maximized with regular practice on your own in addition to your classes and with your teacher. As a beginner, it is especially important that you practice so that you may see and feel the benefits early on. With yoga, the frequency with which you work on your positions is as important if not more so than the length of the practice sessions. Try to find a few minutes each day to do a little bit of yoga. Visit now - Picmoney dot com





Make sure that you practice your poses correctly. Most anything you read, watch, or listen to about yoga will tell you to practice often, but one of the yoga tips that sometimes get skipped is that you must practice right. Make sure that each practice session extends you. Do not practice only your best poses, but also work on poses you struggle with as well. Such a practice will be more productive and give you the feeling of self-assurance that you seek with yoga.



Maximizing Your Potential



One of the more important tips for beginners is to let go of your ego. In order to fully maximize your yoga experience, you must forget about such things as impressing your teacher and classmates. One of the central ideas of yoga is self-study. To fully study yourself, you must try not to compare yourself to the teacher or other students, but instead, you should strive to maximize your own learning and improvement during each class and practice session.



Finding Yourself



During practice, remember what is important. The depths of your poses are not nearly as important as how deep you delve into yourself. In yoga, you learn about your inner attention. Be sure to use that attention when practicing and when with your instructor to get the most out of your poses even if you cannot get deeply into them physically.



Finding the Right Teacher



No number of yoga positioning tips can compete with having the right teacher. When selecting a yoga teacher, make sure you find someone with whom you feel comfortable. Your instructor should have good knowledge and work through compassion and respect for you as a person. No matter how many books you read or tapes you watch, you will never get the feedback and encouragement that you will with the right teacher.



As a beginner in yoga, there are undoubtedly times that you feel a bit lost. That is okay. Hopefully, though, with these tips you will have an idea of what you need to do to feel more successful in your yoga experience. Yoga is not a religion, but in some ways it does become a way of life, and by following these tip you can start your journey toward that way of life on the right foot.

Back Pain – Causes, Diagnosis and Yoga Tips

Peter sams asked:


If you've ever groaned, "Oh, my aching back!", you are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain is called chronic if it lasts for more than three months.

Most back pain goes away on its own, though it may take awhile. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and resting can help. However, staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can make it worse.

Acute or short-term low back pain generally lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Most acute back pain is the result of trauma to the lower back or a disorder such as arthritis. Pain from trauma may be caused by a sports injury, work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident or other stress on spinal bones and tissues. Symptoms may range from muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain, limited flexibility and range of motion, or an inability to stand straight. Chronic back pain is pain that persists for more than 3 months. It is often progressive and the cause can be difficult to determine.

The lower back is a complex area that connects the upper body (including the chest and arms) to the lower body (including the pelvis and legs). The lower back is composed of several vertebrae, disks of soft cartilage, muscles, joints, ligaments, and nerve tissue.

Diagnosis

Blood and urine tests will make sure the pain is not due to an infection or other systemic problem.

X-rays are useful in pinpointing broken bones or other skeletal defects. They can sometimes help locate problems in connective tissue. To analyze soft-tissue damage, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be needed. X-rays and imaging studies are generally used only for checking out direct trauma to the back, back pain with fever, or nerve problems such as extremity weakness or numbness. To determine possible nerve or muscle damage, an electromyogram (EMG) can be useful.

Structural problems

In some cases, back pain may be caused by structural problems, such as:

Bulging or ruptured disks. Disks act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. Sometimes, the soft material inside a disk may bulge out of place or rupture and press on a nerve. But many people who have bulging or herniated disks experience no pain from the condition.

Sciatica. If a bulging or herniated disk presses on the main nerve that travels down your leg, it can cause sciatica — sharp, shooting pain through the buttock and back of the leg.

Below are some best yoga poses for strengthen the lower back:

1.During the first week, practice the following yoga asanas:

2.Pawan Mukta Asana, Bhunga Asana, Shalabha Asana, Uttanpada Asana, Shava Asana

3.From the second week onwards, the order of yoga practice should be as mentioned below:

4.Pawan Mukta Asana, Bhunga Asana, Shalabha Asana, Uttanpada Asana, Ekpada Uttan Asana, Rechaka-Puraka Pranayama, Shava Asana