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

Ten Tips On How To Make The Most Of Your Yoga Session

Kevin Pederson asked:

An empty stomach - Yoga pays a lot of emphasis on core conditioning. Hence it is a good idea not to eat a heavy meal a couple of hours before your Yoga class. It will only leave you feeling stuffed and may even result in indigestion or stomach cramps. If you've decided to indulge in a heavy meal just before your class, consider skipping the class instead.

Reach a couple of minutes early

Yoga is not just another workout. It is a form of exercise that places a great deal of emphasis on centering yourself and breath-control. If you rush in at the last minute, gasping for breath, you are defeating the entire purpose behind practicing Yoga. Instead, try to reach a couple of minutes early, take a few deep breaths, calm the mind and empty your mind of all extraneous distractions.

Warm up

Like any other form of exercise, warming up plays an important role in Yoga too. Warming up ensures that you are able to perform the many stretching exercises that are a part of Yoga without straining your muscles.

Take your time

Do not allow your Yoga class to become a race to the finish line. It is more important to take the time to breathe properly while properly performing the various postures and remain centered at all times. You do not have to keep up with the rest of the class.

Quality is better than quantity

All the different Yoga postures have a specific purpose. Performing an exercise half-heartedly or not performing it properly completely negates the benefits of the exercise. Take the time to learn the various postures properly and ensure that you perform them in the correct manner.

Do not proceed on auto pilot

Yoga is not like running on the treadmill. You cannot watch television and perform Yoga at the same time. Yoga seeks to bring the mind and body in harmony with each other. This can only happen when you fully concentrate on each and every exercise.

Shut out the outside world

A Yoga class is your opportunity to shut out the outside world and recharge your mind and body. Leave all your worries outside the Yoga class and concentrate on performing the postures correctly. Live in the moment and for the duration of your class let your thoughts dwell only on your body and how the exercise is making you feel.

Breathe

It is easy to lose track of your breathing techniques while performing Yoga postures. Do not let this happen. Focus on your breathing and ensure that you are inhaling and exhaling as taught. Breath control is an important part of Yoga and skipping it will nullify all the beneficial effects of Yoga.

Do not overstrain

Yoga is not a competition. You do not have to compete with anyone else or yourself. If you get tired or feel pain, stop and rest until you feel better. If you feel continuous pain while holding a posture, inform your instructor. You may be doing something wrong.

Relax

Ultimately, Yoga is about relaxation and peace. Once the exercises are over, lie down with your eyes closed and feel your entire body relax itself. Let the mind also revel in this brief period of relaxation instead of making mental notes of the things you have to do after your Yoga class.

Top 5 Widespread Yoga Myths Exposed

Anmol Mehta asked:


It is not surprising to those of us who are long time yoga practitioners that the popularity of this profound spiritual science is now exploding on a world wide scale. Unfortunately though some of the authenticity and truths about yoga are being lost and some myths are creeping in with regard to what yoga is and how it is to be practiced. In this article I will look to clear up what I find to be the top 5 myths about yoga.

Top 5 Myths About Yoga:

1. Yoga is a Form of Physical Exercise:

This is perhaps the most common view of yoga. That it is a form of physical exercise. This certainly needs to be clarified and I am going to provide some details about true yoga practice in order to do this.

Yoga is actually has 8 parts to it, with the physical aspect being just 1. These 8 parts, include yoga dos, yoga don'ts, physical exercises (asana), breathing exercises, sense control, concentration, meditation and divine union.

So you can see from above that although the physical aspect of yoga, which is called asana, is an important part of yoga, yoga as a whole is certainly more that just a series of postures and movements. Yoga is essentially a spiritual science whose objective is to still the mind of thoughts, so that the truth of Oneness hidden behind the waves of the mind can be clearly seen and embraced.

2. Yoga is a Religion:

The other extreme and incorrect view on yoga is that is it a religion. Commonly yoga is considered part of Hindu religion, but yoga is not a religion. It is a time tested spiritual science with the goal of revealing the true nature of reality. As indicated above, yoga practice is a step by step process with the end goal of calming down the thought waves in our mind and thus prevent them from distorting the truth.

3. To Practice Yoga You Must be Vegetarian:

There is a notion floating around that in order to practice yoga you must not eat meat and be a vegetarian. This is not true. Although there are tremendous benefits to being vegetarian and this is being more and more validated by the mainstream medical community, there is no requirement of vegetarianism in order to practice yoga.

One point I would like to add here is that, vegetarianism is consistent with the non-violence which yoga advocates and it certainly would be to your benefit to reduce meat intake, nevertheless, you don't have to be vegetarian in order to be a great yogi.

4. You Need to be Initiated by a Guru:

I have also come across this notion that many believe you need to be initiated and have a guru in order to learn and practice yoga. This is not true. According to yoga, the true guru is within and although it would be to your benefit to learn yoga from an accomplished teacher, this is not a requirement.

5. You Have to be Flexible to do Yoga:

Not so. No doubt yoga will improve your flexibility, along with your strength, balance and overall health, but in order to practice yoga you do not have to be flexible. Yoga is designed to be practiced by all.

Different bodies have different degrees of flexibility and in this case one size does not fit all. For most of the complex yoga posture which require great flexibility to do, there are plenty of modifications which allow you to get the same benefits for those who are less flexible. In fact one of the original reasons I took up yoga because I was not flexible and wanted to improve this aspect of my physical dimension.

Summary:

So there you have the top 5 myths about yoga. Essentially, what these myths do is prevent people from taking up this wonderful science. So if you feel you will have to change faiths, find gurus, stop eating meat or are too inflexible to take up yoga practice, you are wrong. Don't pass up the wonderful opportunity to learn and practice this amazing science, which helps you discover your true divine and eternal nature.

Yoga Tips for Great Mornings

James Pendergraft asked:


The perfect and most advisable time to do yoga is early in the morning. It can be done at almost any time of the day but the benefits you get from your Yoga exercises are fully appreciated and will take into effect when done in the morning. It is one of the best ways to start off your day. You can continue to enjoy the relaxing and rejuvenating after effects of your yoga exercise the whole day.

Surrounding Is Important

In performing yoga, make sure that the place where you're performing yoga is calm, peaceful, quiet, and well ventilated. It should be free from distractions. Turning off your cellular phone would be a good start. Make sure that no one would distract you. Tell the members of the household that you need to be by yourself for a while. Find a place to do your yoga routine where you can just hear your breathing, or you can hear the breeze running through your body, the chirping of the birds, and whatever that would make you feel relaxed as you do these yoga routines.

Start with a Warm Up Routine

Before doing the routine, make sure you do some warm up exercises to avoid straining your muscles in the process. Remember that yoga is supposed to be a relaxing experience. If you feel a strain, don't force yourself to do the yoga position. There are advanced and beginner types of yoga exercises. Start from the bottom and work your way up. It is a gradual process and it is a routine. Each day you can try different routines depending on the level of difficulty. If you think you are ready to level up, then you can do so. But remember, take it slow.

Have Everything in Place

Before doing the yoga routine, make sure you have everything you need in place. That way, it would be continuous and you don't need to stop during every exercise. Have a bottle of water nearby, a face towel, your yoga mat or any mat you would need, and other things you might need for your routine.

Breathing Technique

Remember the breathing technique. As you do these yoga routine exercises, do not forget the breathing techniques. Breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. As you start a new position, breathe in and feel every muscle stretch. Hold your breath for a few seconds, breath in and out and as you release, slowly exhale.

Know Your Limitation

Do not force yourself with the position you might find difficult or you might have problems with, especially those that require muscle strength in your back. Know your limitations and abilities. You don't want to have a bruised, strained, and aching body at the end of your yoga exercise.

Enjoy Every Minute of It

Lastly, always remember that yoga is a routine exercise that intertwines your mind, body, and soul. Enjoy the routine so you would want to do it every day. Remember that yoga is a gradual routine process. You take it step by step. No need to rush.

If you take all these tips in mind during your yoga routine, you would surely feel great at the end of it and it would be the best starting highlight of your day.

Learning Basic Yoga Positions

Thomas Choo asked:


traditional form of exercise that came from India centuries ago. The purpose behind yoga is to be at peace with the mind, body, and soul through meditation, breathing, and movement. The physical focus of yoga is holding poses and positions with the proper alignment and posture. There are different yoga positions and some are more challenging than others. When you first start practicing yoga, you should be prepared to see positions that are seated, standing, and lying down. As you progress the positions will get more challenging and will help to build your muscle tone and flexibleness. Seated yoga positions are just some of the most typical yoga positions and are typically simple to maintain. Seated positions usually target the learning of correct breathing techniques, posture and alignment. Seated yoga positions are an introductory way for new learners to acquaint themselves with the principals of yoga. There are many varieties of standing yoga positions. These positions help in improving stamina, flexibility, and target correct spinal alignment whilst still using correct breathing methods. These poses help to lengthen and brace the backbone and increase spinal adaptability. Supine yoga positions can help to alleviate back trouble if done properly, but it is important to find a recommended expert to make certain that you are using correct postures and alignments. There also are yoga positions that are superb for toning the stomach muscles and developing higher body strength. Belly down yoga positions are just some of the positions that are good for this and need learners to lift themselves up from the ground while stretching. Another main focus of yoga is balance, and there are many positions that are designed to improve balance and coordination. Balancing yoga positions help to improve overall muscle tone as well as to achieve correct posture and maintain balance. Holding certain yoga positions while balancing your weight is a great way to improve your overall fitness. Some yoga positions require movement instead of holding a specific pose. Twisting, bending, and using fluid movements are a great way to improve flexibility and will help you to work towards mastering more challenging poses.

2 Important Rules to Avoid Yoga Injuries

Anmol Mehta asked:


It never ceases to amaze me how many time I have seen seasoned yogis injure themselves when practicing yoga. This is independent of the type of yoga they practice and independent of how fit they are as well. So, it scares me to think that if this is the state of expert yogis what might be the state of those who are just beginning this wonderful science.

Well, don't worry in this article I will provide 2 simple guidelines for yoga practice which will go a long way in helping you avoid unnecessary injuries when doing your practice. After all, you decided to do yoga to get healthy and happy, it is totally unacceptable that such a gentle, healing science should become the source of your injury and pain.

2 Simple Rules to Avoid Yoga Injuries:

1. Warm-up:

Although this is common sense, I have noticed the following special occasions when warm-up is unfortunately skipped and the yogi ends up risking injury. Here are these three occasions when you need to be especially vigilant and avoid getting injured due to insufficient warm-up.

A. You are Late to Class:

Many times I see students who come in late to class jump right in and start doing the exercises and postures that the class is doing at full stream. This is a recipe for disaster. If you are late coming into a class which has already picked up steam, you need to start out very slowly and gently till you feel ready to catch up with the rest of the students.

B. You are Giving a Spot Demonstration:

Often if you are a yoga teacher or even just a regular yoga student, occasions arise where you are asked to, or want to, give a quick demo of a pose or exercise. If you encounter this situation, immediately your injury antenna should go up. This type of spot demonstration is perhaps the most common reason for injury. Don't try to show off at this time, but instead do the posture or exercise as gently and safely as you can. Trying to all of a sudden demonstrate Plough Pose, is the best way to injure your back, or worse, break your neck.

C. You Don't Have Enough Time:

Here is another dangerous situation which often leads to skipping a proper warm-up and jumping ahead to a challenging set or routine, when you don't have enough time to fit in your full practice. In this situation it is very important to make an adjustment to any difficult routine and posture and be conservative with regard to how hard you go at it. Tone it down in such situations and live to practice another day.

2. Don't Compete:

Yoga is not an Olympic sport. It is not a tournament. It is not a competition. It is amazing how when you put a bunch of people together for the same activity, comparisons and judgments immediately come into the picture. As a yogi, you have to remember the golden rule that yoga is just about you and you. It does not matter how anyone else is doing, it only matters how you are doing. Forget about competing and comparing with others and just do your practice, intelligently, mindfully and most import of all, safely. Comparing often leads to pushing yourself further than you should have, which is perhaps the number one reason for incurring injury.

Summary:

If you follow these 2 simple rules, of doing your warm-up no matter what and not overdoing it ever, I think you will enjoy a healthy and long-term yoga practice, the benefits of which are immeasurable.

Yoga Your Way To Physical And Mental Fitness

Pompy asked:








Although considered by many simply as an exercise fad, yoga practice has in fact helped thousands of people in improving their physical and mental fitness. Remember the golden rule of never judging a book by its cover; if you think that yoga's all about bending and breathing and nothing else, think again.



The History of Yoga



The practice of yoga has been around for more than four thousand years already. Its origins can be traced back to India where even today, it is considered as a highly valued practice to reach a state of enlightenment. Yoga as a means to receive enlightenment is a central point in several religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Visit now - Picmoney dot com





In other parts of the world, the popularity of yoga is caused by its many health benefits and its associated use with asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga as fitness exercises.



Purpose of Yoga and Its Main Components



Besides reaching a spiritual state of enlightenment, yoga can also help individuals reach a better understanding of not only their bodies but their inner selves as well.



When practicing yoga, you'll notice that you'll be concentrating on three main points:



Body Positioning or Posture


Breathing Techniques


Meditating Techniques



Advantages of Yoga



Treating Back Injuries - yoga can heal back injuries that you may have by increasing the blood circulation for your injured tissues to heal faster and strengthening your lower back muscles; yoga may also in several cases heal other types of injuries as well



Prevention - Yoga also has the power to reduce chances of re-injuring yourself, shorten the time needed to recover from injuries and serve as a regular exercise technique to prevent disabilities



Mental Clarity and Improved Stress Control - The quiet and deeply relaxing techniques used in yoga would help you have a better state of mind every day at work and better control of your stress levels



Greater Self-Understanding and General Well-Being - Find yourself amazed with how much at peace you feel with yourself when you start practicing yoga regularly



Generally Better Physical Health - Besides getting that ideal toned figure you've been aiming for, yoga will also help in refreshing your kidneys and maintain a better posture



Better Sleep - Rediscover the simple pleasures of sleeping with the help of yoga.



Beginner's Tips for Yoga Practice



Consult Your Doctor - Before launching on to the first yoga step you encounter, make sure that your doctor gives you the go-ahead to do so. Yes, it's true that anyone can technically do yoga but there are certain difficult poses that would be impossible or dangerous to attempt if you are troubled with past injuries or disabilities.



Just to be on the safe side, talk to your doctor and ask him if you can yoga your way to having a sexy figure or not.



Classes or Private Lessons - When you're determined to join a yoga class, make sure that you're joining a class whose level fits yours. Make sure that you join the class on the first day as well to avoid feelings of insecurity when you see others being able to tackle new yoga poses that boggle the mind. Secondly, choose a class schedule that you can regularly adhere to. If you only attend a class or two every two months, that's sort of defeating the point of joining a class in the first place. Lastly, choose the type of yoga class that fits your taste and abilities.



On the other hand, if you're not the social type, you can always attempt yoga practice at home and with the comforts of privacy. The only disadvantage to this however is the chance that you're not doing something right and the possibility of causing harm to yourself. The best compromise, in this case, would be to hire a private teacher for a lesson or two or until you know enough to practice on your own.

Basic Yoga Tips and Tricks

Jimmy Cox asked:


What is the basic difference between concentration and meditation? In concentration, one involves only the mind; in meditation one involves the heart and the whole being as well.

The ability to concentrate is the mark of genius; the ability to meditate is the mark of saintliness.

A person who has mastered the art of concentration usually also develops a magnetic, vibrant, and inspiring personality to which people are easily drawn.

It has been my experience that for a beginner the most suitable object for concentration is the light of a burning candle. Before you begin, select a quiet place where you are not likely to be disturbed. Then choose a comfortable position in which you can sit at ease, keeping the spine erect. You may assume any meditative pose or merely sit cross-legged. Use a chair if you prefer, but remember to straighten your back.

Then light a candle and, your gaze fixed steadily upon the light, start on some rhythmic breathing. Look at nothing except the flame - neither at the candle itself, nor at the wall behind, nor at any other object. Do not stare, however, and do not tense up - remain inwardly relaxed though motionless.

Let a minute pass, then close your eyelids but continue to envision the flame with your inner eye. In other words, you must be able to see the flame uninterruptedly, even with your eyes closed. If you cannot successfully capture the vision of the flame, or if it vanishes too quickly, immediately reopen your eyes, look at it, then close them again. Repeat this several times until you are able to capture and hold the vision of the flame. Resume your rhythmic breathing from time to time.

Now begin reflecting upon the qualities of the flame, upon its color, its shape. Look at it with a warm feeling of affection.

Ponder on its symbolical meaning as representing the eternal divine Light. Thus you begin to meditate on the light.

After a few days it will no longer be necessary to light the candle. You will be able to visualize the flame by simply closing your eyes and concentrating on it. To start with, set aside some five to ten minutes a day for the practice of concentration.

The next stage of meditation is more difficult: You start by concentrating on the light as you have been doing so far. Then dismiss it and do some rhythmic breathing for about half a minute. Imagine now that the light which you have been contemplating is no longer outside but within you.

Place it right in the sacred chamber of your heart and let it shine there, brightening every dark corner, sending out warmth and friendliness in all directions, to every living being. Let the flame in your heart grow bigger and brighter all the time, dispelling the darkness of loneliness, fear, hatred, anger, envy, jealousy, greed and lust . . . dispersing disease and pain . . . giving you health, strength and courage, becoming the source of love, compassion, and happiness.

When finally the light in your heart permeates your entire being and you have become one with it, you will attain a union with the eternal divine Light which is Love, which is Truth, which is God. In a week or so, after you have succeeded in visualizing the candle flame without difficulty, you may change to something else or take up another object in addition to it.

It is not advisable, however, to make this change before you are able to concentrate successfully or meditate on the first object you had chosen. Abandon it only when you find that it is too hard for you to hold your attention on it.

Always choose something beautiful and pleasant to concentrate on.

When you notice that you have begun to make good progress, you can start concentrating and meditating on abstract matters, on various qualities and ideas. But be doubly careful to select only those which are positive, right, noble and elevating.

With a little practice, you will find meditating easier, and will derive enormous benefits from it.

Best Clothes For Your Yoga Class - Some Tips

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


Yoga is fast catching up as one of the most popular forms of exercise today. Many people are turning to yoga because they feel it can help them to become physically, mentally and spiritually strong.

Yoga can be done by anyone no matter their age and lifestyles. There are different types of yoga which can suit anyone who wants to pursue it. There is certainly no restriction when it comes to yoga. Many people take to yoga because of the benefits it brings to their body and mind over a period of time.

When someone is inclined to start a course on yoga what they need is comfortable clothes to wear so that they can do the postures or asana with ease. Wearing proper clothes helps people to move their limbs freely. So when you look for clothes to wear while practicing yoga keeps in mind the word comfort. It is necessary that we should feel comfortable in the clothes we wear when we practice yoga.

When you are out shopping for yoga clothes keep these points in consideration. The most important thing is comfort. In Yoga you are going to be doing different types of postures which would need you to move in all sorts of awkward movements. The clothes that you wear should in no way restrict or hinder your movements. The clothes that you wear should allow you to move your body parts easily to suit the various stretches and twists that you would be performing.

Pure organic cotton is the best material that would be ideal as it provides maximum comfortable. Pure organic cotton allows the body to breathe freely while you do the postures. It is also necessary that the clothes you wear while doing yoga should be able to absorb the sweat so that you do not end up feeling sticky and moist while working through the postures.

You will find that there are many different kinds of yoga clothes in various attractive and appealing designs. When you shop for yoga wear you will be surprised to find that they have clothes in so many different materials. But what you should keep in mind is to get the right kind of apparel that gives you the right body fit.

You should also consider the cost aspect when buying your yoga clothes. Do buy clothes that are more practical than those which look trendy and expensive. So find a pair of yoga pants that is inexpensive and yet comfortable and attractive to look at. You can also look for clothes that can be worn for everyday activities when you are not practicing yoga.

See that the clothes you get for your yoga classes serve a number of purposes and that which are not only cool looking wear but also inexpensive. If you look shop carefully then you will be able to find clothes that are not only trendy to look at but also the do not cost you much. Make sure that when you buy yoga clothes that they are from a reputed manufacturer as some can shrink after their initial machine wash. Avoid buying yoga apparel that come cheap as they are sure to go out of shape soon. Look for clothes that have been made from organic cotton materials as these are guaranteed to maintain their original shape no matter after how many washes. Wearing a good sport bra will help provide the support you would need while you do the yoga postures. They should not only be appropriate but they should also make you feel comfortable.

Enjoy the Thrill of Different Poses of Yoga Workout

Bertil Hjert asked:


As we all know, yoga has gained tremendous popularity since last few decades. The different types of postures of yoga have helped many people to promote healthy mind, body, and soul. It has been proved as an excellent means of relaxation, which proffers a sense of inner peace and balance.

As per the various studies, it has been found that yoga has been proved fruitful in controlling various disorders including anxiety, asthma, arthritis pain, low blood pressure, back pain, chronic fatigue, stresses, diabetes, headaches, etc.

Not only this, yoga enhances the flexibility, stamina, and strength of the body by toning up the muscles. Therefore, yoga has blessed the humankind with endless benefits.

A) Different poses of yoga workout

The following are the few poses of yoga workout, which have always benefited in achieving the state of physical and mental balance.

a) Mountain Tilt

While performing Mountain Tilt, you have to stand with your arms on your sides and feet hip-width apart. Make sure to have the toes facing forward. Now slightly raise your arms up above your head with the finger pointing upwards. Then, start bending sideways at the waist on your left. Hold your body in this position for few seconds and restore the original position. Now repeat the same for the right hand side. Perform it for 3-5 times for better results.

b) Torso Stretch

In Torso Stretch, you have to lie on your belly with the hands lying flat on the floor close to your chest. Now, slowly lift the upper portion of your body by pressing the tops of your feet and shins over the floor. Then, start pressing your hands into the floor followed by the straightening of your arms. Hold this position for 40 seconds.

c) Bending Forward Pose

Stretch your legs straight in front while sitting and point your toes. Now, breathe in and start stretching your toes and finger tips slowly while maintaining your body in a long and extended position. Then, try to hold this position for 30 seconds and start breathing normally. Restore the original position and repeat it for 3-5 times.

d) Locust Pose

It involves the lying of your stomach and chin on the floor with your arms extended in front. Now slowly, start lifting your arms, chest, head, legs, and feet off the floor along with inhalation. Hold this position for 3 seconds and restore the original position gradually. Repeat it for 5 times to obtain best results.

B) Tips to be considered while practicing yoga

The following are the certain tips which should always be considered while practicing yoga exercises.

a) It is always recommended to perform the actions in a slow and controlled manner while practicing yoga, as this will always result in more effective outcomes.

b) The process of breathing plays a significant role in practicing yoga exercises. Therefore, it is always advisable to go for deep inhalations and exhalations which will further enable your muscles to be stretched deeply. Not only this, breathing also stabilizes and strengthens your body for other bodily movements.

c) Last but not the least tip is to concentrate on maintaining the mind-body connection while performing yoga asanas.

Yoga Poses for Insomnia : Yoga Tips for Insomnia

expertvillage asked:

Aside from yoga poses, there are several yoga tips to help with insomnia. Learn about recommendations from yogis in thisfree yoga video. Expert: Elizabeth Rose Contact: www.artanayoga.com Bio: Elizabeth Rose is a registered Hatha yoga teacher with a background in modern dance, gymnastics, martial arts, and circus arts. Filmmaker: randy primm

Yogaseekers Your Door To Start Good Yoga Exercises

Pompy asked:










With all the new television infomercials on gadgets and videos on improving one's health and wellbeing there is one strong hold on low impact exercise that not only improves your body but also improves the psychological state which give your entire being the sense of positive well being. By being involved in Yoga on a regular basis one can expect to feel better and more alive. Yoga does promote positive energies within the body which in turn will create positive energy in the mind increasing your total well being.



One of the physical benefits you will experience is increased flexibility. As most people know Yoga consist on many movements, stretches and poses which act on various joints in your body. Many of these joints are joints that are rarely used. So the stretching and use of these joints, ligament and tendons help to increase your flexibility. These movements also provide flexibility to the supporting joints, ligament and tendons. Visit now - Picmoney dot com





Yoga provides massage to all your organs and glands including the prostate which never gets external stimulation. The gent stretching of your muscles and joints when doing yoga maximizes blood flow in your body enabling your body to flush toxins, provide nourishment to your body and in turn slows aging and increases energy.



By stretching and using muscles to hold many of these positions, Yoga helps to tone the body provide correct posture and keep your body tone and firm.



Yoga is an excellent exercise which helps with all aspects of your life both mentally and physically. Yoga has been used to improve sleep, decrease pain in joints, increase energy, range of motion and also has many psychological benefits.



An exercise like Yoga through the bending and stretching of the spine builds strength, endurance and lowering the stress hormone that cause aging. The reduction of stress will reduce the acid conditions within the body and enabling your body to intake more oxygen. It also balances the nervous system helping to reduce depression and anxiety and increases your concentration and enhances your mood.



Yoga when practiced regularly puts your body in a positive healthy state. This in turn puts you mind in a positive healthy state which helps to keep your body looking and felling good. Yoga provides a continuous loop of positive well being and continual rejuvenation. The stretching also contribute to improving your posture allowing you to stand straighter with your back erect and your hamstrings fully stretched and flexible leaving you in a alert and confident state.



Yes it is true that people are living longer today but the real question is what is their quality of life? If you have the option to start now and exercise your body using a low impact stretching and toning exercise, enabling your body and mind to get into a place of optimal health and well being or to have to rely on doctors to poke and prod at you and prescribe medications after medication what would your choice be?



Hopefully as yoga grows in popularity citizens of the world will enjoy the benefits of this low impact exercise and increase the positive energy in their mind and bodies enabling them to live longer and healthier lives.







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Inexpensive Yoga Tips

DiscountTrendsetter asked:

Spring is almost here. Tune in this week episode of "The Discount Trendsetter Show" to learn some very inexpensive yoga tips

Clever Yoga Tips for Busy People

Anmol Mehta asked:


Most of us live very busy and hectic lives. If you are married, have children, have a job, you are going to be busy and even if you don't have all these commitments, you are probably busy nonetheless. Throw in other activities you may be participating in, such as higher education, a fitness routine, other hobbies & interests, sports, blogging etc., and 24 hours starts to seem like awfully little time per day. Unfortunately, what seems to often get sacrificed in keeping up with the rat race is the one thing that should not, your daily spiritual practice. So in this article I will give some handy tips on how you can get more Yoga and Meditation practice into your busy lives by doing some clever multitasking.

Of the many yoga pranayama breathing exercises there are, I think the following 2 stand apart: Breath of Fire Yoga Pranayama & Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama. These 2 pranayamas have an encyclopedic list of benefits and what's best about them is that they are both simple to do and easy to incorporate into your daily life, specially when you are driving!

Yes that's right, driving. Obviously DO NOT do these breathing exercises if it at all affects your driving, but, generally speaking since driving is mostly automatic for most of us, it provides the perfect opportunity for getting in some additional spiritual work.

A car really is pretty conducive for such pranayama practice. You are already sitting up, so just straighten your spine (use a lumbar cushion if you need to), you have music available so put on some inspirational tunes, you have a clock to time yourself and you even have a fan to stay cool. What more can you ask for?

If you have family in the car with you, great, you can all practice together, why not :-). Both Breath of Fire pranayama and Kapalbhati pranayama are breathing exercises that activate energy pathways within you and increase your energy, so there is no risk of them making you sleepy or drowsy. Really, no significant modification is needed to practice either pranayama while driving so take advantage of this time and give it a try.

To practice Breath of Fire, begin to breathe rapidly through the nose putting equal emphasis on the inhalation and the exhalation. Allow the stomach and diaphragm to stay relaxed and simply pulse to the rhythm of the breath. It is important in breath of fire to not force the air in very deep, but instead keep it at the tip of nose and just breathe rapidly.

To practice Kapalbhati pranayama, again keep everything relaxed and simply expel the air forcefully through your nose, then allow the inhalation to take place as a simple passive recoil. As you exhale forcefully, pull your abdominal muscles in towards your spine, and as you inhale just allow them to re-expand naturally.

If there are other pranayama exercises you are doing, they too might be suitable to do while driving. So be creative and see if driving is conducive to incorporating them. So as you are getting to your physical destination continue to make progress towards your spiritual destination as well.

Standing Yoga Poses & Stretches : Basic Yoga Tips: How to Sit Down

expertvillage asked:

There is a right and wrong way to sit or lie down in yoga, and breathing is at the core. Practice sitting and lying down from a standing position withtips from an experienced yoga instructor in this free video on yoga exercises. Expert: Lynn Nicole Smith Contact: www.yogaqigongdance.com Bio: Lynne Nicole Smith is a certified yoga instructor and registered yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance. She is also a certified integral qigong and tai chi teacher and dance instructor. Filmmaker: Christian ...

5 Essential Tips for Yoga Beginners

Jay Franco asked:


If you’re just starting a Yoga practice then you probably haven’t had time to figure out some of the tips and tricks that will make it easier to get started with a regular Yoga practice. These 5 tips from experienced Yoga practitioners will help you as you start your own regular Yoga practice:



1. Buy a good mat – Your Yoga mat will help protect your joints and will also be an important part of your yoga practice. Don’t buy a poor quality mat just because it’s inexpensive. When you are sure that you are going to start doing Yoga on a regular basis then it’s time to invest in a high quality mat. It’s a better value to buy a high quality mat that will last than to buy something cheap that will need to be replaced quickly.



2. Wear clothing designed for Yoga – When you’re doing Yoga you’ll be moving in ways that can put a lot of stress on clothing. You need to have clothing that is loose enough to be comfortable but tight enough to not get in the way of your movement. You also need to wear clothing that will stand up to a lot of movement and stretching. Resist the urge to buy normal gym clothes and buy some clothes that are specifically designed for Yoga.



3. Practice at home – Even if you’re taking a class at a Yoga studio you should set aside some time to practice your Yoga at home until you get the hang of the poses. Practicing at home will also help you increase your flexibility and agility.



4. Compare Yoga studios before you commit – There are lots of Yoga studios and holistic centers that offer Yoga classes. Before you commit to one particular studio you should attend classes at three or four different places so that you can compare the prices, the class sizes, and the teaching styles to which one is the best for you.



5. Give it time – It might take some time before you are as flexible as some of the other people in the class. It also might take some time for you learn the poses and the meditations. Don’t give up. There’s always a learning curve when you’re learning something new and the other people in the class and the teacher won’t expect you to be to be perfect from the start. Join a beginner’s Yoga class at first so that you will be other people who are also just learning.

Beginning Yoga Poses : Beginning Yoga Tips

expertvillage asked:

Yoga uses the breath to connect the mind and body. Learn more tips for beginning yoga with information from acertified yoga instructor in this free yoga lesson video. Expert: Nora Forziati Contact: www.half-moonyoga.com Bio: Nora Forziati has been practicing yoga and meditation for over 20 years. She is a certified yoga instructor and owner of Half Moon Yoga and Wellness in Contoocook, NH. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Yoga Positions - A Few Tips

Rebecca Prescott 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.

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.

Tips For Choosing Yoga Training Courses

[More...]
Rebecca Prescott asked:


Yoga in Western countries may have started life as a something of a hippy niche, but over the last 20 years, it has entered the mainstream at a phenomenal rate. With this popularization of an ancient Indian tradition, there has been a huge growth in organizations offering yoga teacher training. Gone are the days when students had to travel to India to gain qualifications. But the plethora of courses has created its' own problems - not least in the question of quality and whether a course is recognized by the appropriate local and international associations. The prospective student must also ask themselves a number of important questions, the most fundamental of which is the type of yoga they wish to be trained in. But also, the wider question of what direction they wish to take their training in once completed. This article will address all of these points, and help provide a framework with which students may better choose amongst the many courses offered.

There are more styles of yoga available today than there has possibly been ever. Some represent a continuation of older traditions, that are relatively unchanged. This includes hatha yoga, and styles by Desikachar and Iyengar. Others represent a synthesis of different methods, even whilst being shrouded in mystical origins. For example, some have suggested that Ashtanga yoga is not derived from the yoga Korunta, but from a synthesis of traditions that may have included early acrobatics!

Some styles of yoga are very modern, and evolved more out of an adaptation to the West. Bikram yoga is a good example of this - and perhaps a very extreme one, given that Bikram copyrighted 'his' yoga poses and they way they were taught, despite yoga being essentially in the public domain.

Most people who train as teachers in yoga do so in a discipline that they have been practising already. This does make logical sense, as it's important to be passionate about what you do for a living. There is the additional experience that people will have with a particular style of yoga that no doubt makes it easier than starting from scratch in a different style.

But other issues may come into play when choosing a yoga school. Is the style of yoga you like well supported in your area? Is there sufficient demand for that style? Understanding who these particular styles of yoga appeals to will help later on when you set up your own yoga business, as it will guide your marketing, choice of location, logo, and business identity. It's worth thinking a little bit about these things before you make a time and financial commitment to getting qualified.

Finding out whether your course is accredited nationally and internationally is an important step. There are various governing associations at different levels around the world. For example, in the UK there is the British Wheel Of Yoga. In Australia, the government keeps a list of accredited training courses through the Australian National Training Authority. For a yoga specific association, try the Yoga Teachers Association of Australia. Globally, there is the International Yoga Teachers Association, which is available in many countries. There is also the American Yoga Association, Yoga Scotland, and the European Union Of Yoga.

Each of these organizations may have different standards by which they measure courses. But they do provide a good guideline for selecting providers with a minimum level of professionalism, integrity, and quality. You could look at contacting teachers who have gone through their training to find out what they thought of the course, and perhaps go to a few of their classes to get a feel for what is being taught.

Before going into any course, it's a good idea to have some sense of the bigger picture. For example, are you looking at combining yoga with other healing modalities, such as massage, nutrition, meditation, or some combination of all of these. There are some teaching colleges that integrate yoga with other modalities, both locally and abroad in India. For the sake of continuity, and ease of integration, it may be easier to look at this before any study is actually done. It may prove easier to study with an all-in-one provider who will provide a clearer way to integrate these different aspects of health.

In some ways, this broad integration of yoga with health is more closely aligned with the true nature of yoga, according to some teachers such as Desikachar. But Indian style yoga is not the only one that offers this approach, with the Japanese ki, or Ki yoga often integrated with macrobiotics and shiatsu.

If you're interested in going more deeply into yoga training for your own personal practice, as opposed to a prelude to teaching, studying abroad can be a truly rewarding experience. If you're looking for teaching qualifications, it may be wiser to choose an institution in your own country, at least initially. Because it should be adapted to Western learning styles, the structured environment it provides will be easier to learn in.

Yoga training can be intensely rewarding, and life changing in many ways. Provided you choose a course that is accredited, in a style of teaching you like, and that has good community support, it could be the start of a great new career.

How to Start Beginner Yoga Exercises

Maurice Tate asked:


Learning yoga has many heath benefits apart from increasing your flexibility. Yoga is a lot of fun and its healthy and very calming of the mind. Just a little practice will bring you freedom and peace of mind. Yoga has been handed down over several thousands of years and has a very long tradition.

Most beginner yoga poses are easy to learn and you can get audio or video tapes that teach yoga along with the breathing instruction and teach yoga relaxation techniques at health food stores, bookstores, online and by mail order. It's probably fine to learn basic yoga poses and the yoga relaxation from a tape or booklet, but don't try the advanced yoga exercises without a skilled teacher. He or she can make corrections to your mistakes and caution you when necessary, and help you to adapt poses, if you are dong them unsafely.

It will be worth it to you to spend a little time finding an instructor who is right for you. Your doctor or other health care professional may be able to recommend a yoga instructor. Get referrals for a yoga instructor as you would for any professional you might wish to consult. Word of mouth is the best advice to find a good yoga teacher.

Yoga instructors aren't required to be certified at this date, but many now are, through many different yoga teaching programs available in the USA now. Ask prospective teachers if they are certified. A certified teacher isn't necessarily better than someone who isn't certified, but it's something to look at.

Take a class with a few different instructors as their are many ways to teach yoga. Hot yoga is a new fad, and this involves you dong yoga poses in a heated room. This allows the body to become more flexible and also the sweating purifies the body.

Although most people can exercise safely and start a yoga program, any exercise can involve some risk. If you are totally out of shape and have had no yoga experience then is is good to take precautions.

It is a really good idea to obtain a medical test before you begin your yoga program if you have any areas of concern. Discuss this with your doctor and this could include an exercise test with ekg monitoring, especially if you have cardiovascular disease, you are over 35, you have high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels, you smoke, or you have a family history of heart disease.

Discuss with your doctor any unusual symptoms that you experience during or after yoga or any exercise such as discomfort in your chest, neck, jaw, or arms; nausea, dizziness, fainting, or excessive shortness of breath; or short-term changes in vision.

Always warm up and cool down after a yoga session. It's good to not to exercise outdoors when the weather is too hot and humid, or too cold.

Follow these simple tips and start your yoga practice for the great benefits today.

Yoga For Women

keerthana asked:


Yoga has been gaining immense popularity due to the short-term as well as long-term benefits that it provides.

Today Many Women are spending their lifes with stress overload, due to their heavy responsibilities at home and office. This can cause exhaustion, depression, as well as numerous stress-related physical complaints. Taking up yoga can help redress the balance, by instead, engaging the parasympathetic (quietening) nervous system which produces the ‘relaxation response’.

Taking up yoga provides Fitness and Flexibility to the body and provides solutions to the Health Disorders and one can achieve an All-Round Development Of a calm, stress-free mind.

Women can take up yoga at any age and without being in top physical condition. It is a relaxing experience, not an exhausting one and carries with it an overall sense of well being. The psychological benefits of the practice are as marked as the physical changes.

Yoga Benefits Women In Every Life Stage





The Importance of Yoga



Yoga have been developed over centuries of research and experience. They have been found to be extremely effective in Increasing flexibility of the body which leads to a healthier body

Yoga also helps in losing excessing flab and weight which is a major problem which women are facing now.

Yoga routines will vary depending on the purpose for which you seek to do yoga - it may be for better fitness or for specific ailments.

Yoga can be a wonderful antidote to our stressful lives. The deep breathing, stretching, and relaxation techniques not only help release tension in the body, but can also quiet a busy mind.





Here are two simple yoga practices which keeps your mind and body relax.



1. ‘Legs up the Wall’ Pose

In this passive inversion, you can’t help but relax as it nourishes the nervous system and rejuvenates the circulation. Sit side on to a wall and then flip the legs up the wall to lie on your back. Shuffle your bottom in as close as possible to the wall. Have your arms to the side or bent up overhead. Close your eyes and stay here for anywhere between 2 – 15 minutes. Breathe deeply and slowly.



2. ‘Alternate Nostril’ Breath

I’ve coached corporate groups in this breathing technique, and after just a few rounds, people appear so much more relaxed and calm. It’s a great, quick-fix way to centre yourself at any time when you are feeling anxious – before that job interview, or difficult meeting, for example!



Sit up tall in a comfortable position on the floor or in a chair. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then place the index and middle fingers of your right hand at the point between the two eyebrows. Close the right nostril with the thumb and take a slow, gentle breath in through the left nostril, then close the left nostril with the ring finger and exhale without force through the right nostril. Inhale again through the right nostril, and then, closing the right nostril and opening the left nostril, exhale. That’s one round. Complete 5 – 15 rounds in your own time. When finished, lower your hand to your lap and breathe naturally for a few cycles before opening your eyes, and easing back into your day .



To get the maximum benefits of yoga one has to combine the practices of yogasanas, pranayama and meditation.Regular practice of asanas, pranayama and meditation can help such diverse ailments such as diabetes, blood pressure, digestive disorders, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, asthma, varicose veins and heart conditions.



According to medical scientists, yoga therapy is successful because of the balance created in the nervous and endocrine systems which directly influences all the other systems and organs of the body. Yoga acts both as a curative and preventive therapy. The very essence of yoga lies in attaining mental peace, improved concentration powers, a relaxed state of living and harmony in relationships.





Yoga and Diet.Diet also plays a vital role in yoga It is said that our level of development, mental and spiritual, is reflected in the kind of food we take.

Some of the Food to be taken for good health are Fresh fruits,vegetables,whole grains,wheat and oats. Butter, ghee (clarified butter) and all good natural plant-based oils like sesame, olive and sunflower. Dairy products like milk, ghee, yogurt and cottage cheese from dairy animals who`ve been treated well.Avoid taking meat,junk foods,alcohol,tobacco.



Yoga Meditation

Yogic meditation is a means of training the being to tune itself to the workings of the Divine Being. The central principle of such meditation is to concentrate one`s mental faculties upon the object of quest. But it requires long hours of practice for the mind to be able to attain such sustainable levels of concentration and absorption. This discipline, above everything else, is the essence of yoga meditation.



The success of yogic meditation depends largely on the sincerity and strength of the yogi behind it. It is not the duration but the intensity of the aspiring consciousness, which is more important and ultimately effective. Fatigue is to be avoided at all costs, since it weakens the power of concentration and jades the mind.



Yoga meditation puts the being of the meditating yogi in a condition of increased and conscious receptivity to the workings of yoga shakti or the power of yoga. With a deepening of this state of mind there is often a total withdrawal from the external environment.

Yoga and Woman’s Life Stages

A regular yoga practice is beneficial in every stage of life. When an individual goes through changes, such as those associated with pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, illness or injury, yoga helps them approach life with more equanimity. Yoga practitioners with depression, eating disorders, arthritis, or bone loss find that yoga can contribute to their healing. Special sequences of poses are available for a wide variety of health conditions. A yoga practice is healing and preventative of many types of illness. It can be emotionally balancing and spiritually nourishing. Yoga can help women on a day-to-day basis by allowing time for inner focus in a culture that is often hurried and which many women find stressful.



Pregnancy Yoga

In pregnancy, yoga helps bring your whole being into balance. Taking time out from a busy life to process the changes you are experiencing is beneficial. Yoga can also help you prepare emotionally and mentally for the anticipated change in your life when you give birth. Emotions are calmed and quieted with the practice of yoga poses and breathing exercises. Breathing exercises develop your inner awareness and can help you give birth by making it easier to consciously relax the body with breath. Yoga postures help you become more adept at changing positions, which is useful in the process of labor and childbirth. You will feel more comfortable in your body which helps you feel better in pregnancy. Aches and pains of pregnancy can be diminished or alleviated with a yoga practice. You can work with your bodily changes to learn how to move ergonomically, freeing your energy with better posture. You can more easily tap into your instinctual self, which will assist you in the birth process.



If you have ever had a miscarriage, do not do yoga during your first trimester. These early months are the most vulnerable time of pregnancy. Avoid standing poses, inversions, twists, and backbends at this time. You can do forward bends, preferably gentle ones over bolsters or pillows. As you progress to the second trimester, you can vary the poses more. Twists can be done very gently in the last two trimesters. Shavasana, the relaxation pose in which you lie on your mat, can be done lying on your side instead of your back. In the third trimester, modify the yoga poses as your weight distribution changes. Your center of balance is different. Don’t put pressure on or compress the belly to keep the baby safe. The priority in prenatal yoga is not to put stress on the baby-to-be. Learn to use yoga props to adapt poses so they are easier for you to perform. Doing poses next to the wall or with a chair works well, and a prenatal yoga teacher can show you how.



The yoga pose that is considered the best preparation for childbirth is Baddha Konasana, or Cobbler’s Pose, and is also called the Bound Angle Pose. It is a hip opener that also works to open the pelvic area. Sit upright on your yoga mat or a cushion. Place the soles of your feet together and bring the heels toward your pelvic area. Your knees will splay out to the sides. You will feel work in your upper thighs, next to the groin area. Breathe and relax with the intensity so that you can release it. If your knees don’t reach the floor, you can place a pillow under each one. You can sit upright, or you can lean forward with your chest supported on a bolster or two. A third way to do the pose is reclining. Try leaning back onto a couple of bolsters with a small extra pillow for your head. The reclining version helps if you are getting up to urinate frequently at night. If you do this for 10 minutes or more at bedtime, it can help.



Pregnancy and ashtanga yoga are an especially good match since this form of yoga follows a well-defined set of movements to come into and out of poses in a way that completely absorbs the consciousness while stilling the thoughts



Yoga for Menstruation

Women are cyclic in their nature and physiology. Most sequences of poses for menstruation include supported forward bends. Forward bends quiet the brain and are perfect for this time in which one typically feels like going inward. For health reasons, it is suggested that you avoid doing inversions during menstruation. Some women also avoid standing poses or backbends at this time. Having a regular practice with a variety of yoga poses for the rest of the month is recommended for women, keeping them healthy, fit and emotionally centered. Yoga helps a woman deal with heavy or irregular menses and PMS. Special sequences exist for these and other problems. Depending on why she is having difficulty becoming pregnant, certain yoga poses may help women become more fertile.



Overall, a woman can balance her endocrine system, improve her blood circulation, develop better posture, become more toned, have better physical balance, increase her flexibility and strength, and build her immune system through yoga practice. A lifelong and daily practice will cultivate the many health benefits and spiritual growth possible with yoga throughout all stages of life.





Some women have found that a regular yoga routine will even out their periods and alleviate the anxiety and depression common at "that time of the month." Also, by strengthening the abdominal muscles, yoga has been found to decrease painful cramping.

Yoga Tips - Half Moon

pete11721 asked:

Donna Landini provides tips for her students to improve their yoga practice. In this video, Donna demonstrates Ardha Chandrasana, or Half-Moon posture. website: www.silkwindstudio.com

Secret To Breathing And Relaxing With Yoga

Jewel Kessler asked:


Turbaned gurus, sing-song mantras and bodily contortions . . . the promise of true enlightenment and omphaloskepsis (contemplation of the naval) completes the cliche. But don't knock yoga till you've tried it, and then only with respect.

Yoga means to bind together -- variously joining sun and moon, left and right, male and female, and any number of yins and yangs -- through ascetic techniques of meditation and exercise. The goal is physical and mental balance.

Indian Hatha' yoga is best known to Westerners. Double-jointedness isn't a prerequisite, but the classic lotus position, cross-legged on the floor, soles-up on the inner thigh, either comes naturally or doesn't.

Then there are more magical/mystical varieties of yoga for which people quit jobs and polite society and retreat to the Himalayas. But not everyone follows a spiritual guide beyond the Beltway; they'd rather take up the discipline at a local ashram or the Y.

Committed practitioners claim yoga leads to intuitive awareness, spiritual harmony, perfect concentration. Others use it to lose weight or quit smoking. Some just like the lift they get from yoga asanas (positions) better than breaking into a sweat with pushups. In any case, it can't hurt, if done in moderation and with proper guidance.

You don't need to fall into the stress mode of life. You can use breath to relax, rather than stress, your mind and body. Yoga helps you to relearn that natural state that your body and mind want to be in: relaxation.

Deep breathing is both calming and energizing. The energy you feel from a few minutes of careful breathe is not nervous or hyper, but that calm, steady energy we all need. Slow, steady, and quiet breathing gives a message to your nervous system: Be calm.

Whole books have been written on yoga breathing. Here is one 5-minute Breath Break. (Read through the instructions several times before you try the practice.)

1. Sit with your spine as straight as possible. Use a chair if necessary but don't slump into it. Feet flat on the floor with knees directly over the center of your feet. Use a book or cushion under your feet if they do not rest comfortably on the floor. Hands are on the tops of your legs.

2. Close your eyes gently and let them rest behind closed lids.

3. Think about your ribs, at the front, back, and at the sides of your body. Your lungs are behind those ribs.

4. Feel your lungs filling up, your ribs expanding out and up. Feel your lungs emptying, your ribs coming back down and in. Don't push the breath.

5. The first few times you do this, do it for 2 to 3 minutes, then do it for up to 5 to 10 minutes. At first, set aside a time at least once a day to do this. When you learn how good it makes you feel, you'll want to do it at other times as well.

Just as one stressful situation goes into your next challenge, relaxing for a few minutes every day gradually carries over into the rest of your daily life and activities.

What Type of Yoga Apparel Should You Include in Your Gym’s Shop?

nicole minor asked:


Yoga has proven itself to be the ultimate discipline for transforming the body, and subsequently, has become incredibly popular in recent years. Though on first glance yoga might not appear to especially strenuous, it is indeed a rigorous work out! Yoga is a discipline which is frequently enjoyed by men, women, and children, so it is important that the range of yoga apparel available in a store reflects this level of diversity.



Why Yoga Apparel is Different than Others



Yoga apparel has been specifically designed to accommodate the physical demands of a yoga workout. If yoga apparel is uncomfortable or unsuitable, wearers will not be able to get the maximum enjoyment or benefit from their workout. Our company is able to offer an incredible variety of yoga apparel, which can easily be personalized to make it specific to your company or gym. We are able to personalize yoga apparel in two different ways: embroidery and heat transfer. Whatever your requirements, we will be happy to offer you advice on yoga apparel to fit your students and your budget.



Tips for Buying Yoga Apparel for Your Gym



If you are considering stocking your gym with appealing yoga apparel, you have many options. However, it is important to keep several factors in mind to ensure that you can please your customers.



- Buy comfortable clothing – Yoga students come in a range of shapes and sizes, and our yoga apparel accommodates them all. Our yoga apparel comes in six different sizes because we appreciate that every student wants to feel comfortable when they work out. All of the yoga apparel available contains spandex, which allows the body to expand naturally without splitting or stretching the fabric.



- Buy yoga apparel which absorbs sweat – No yoga student wants to be showered in other people’s sweat, so it is incredibly important to purchase clothing that will minimize this risk. Our performance fabrics feature dry wicking capabilities with added antimicrobial treatment, which will ensure that anyone partaking in yoga or other active pursuits will stay dry and fresh throughout their workout.



- Buy Capri pants – Capri pants make for comfortable and durable yoga apparel. Men and women can wear them, and they are suitable for other activities, such as dance, martial arts, and Pilates. Our yoga pants have side vents at the opening of each leg, which makes the wearer feel much cooler. In addition, these yoga pants have a zipper pocket on the left hip to ensure that valuables stay put during poses.



- Buy a range of colors – Every yoga student has a unique skin tone and body shape. Many people feel self-conscious about buying tight yoga apparel which seems to magnify every bulge, so it is essential to provide a wide range of flattering colors to compliment every wearer. Our company offers a variety of fashionable color combinations in order to make yoga students feel more confident in their bodies.



Yoga apparel changes quickly with fashion trends. Though it is important to offer the latest designs and colors, the mainstay of your gym’s store should be affordable, yoga-appropriate clothing which makes wearers feel happy and confident about their bodies. In addition, consider adding your gym’s logo to yoga apparel, as this serves to promote unity, belonging, and support.

Yoga - Benefits of Yoga

Juliet Cohen asked:


Yoga is an ancient practice that helps create a sense of union in body, mind, and spirit. The most important benefit of yoga is physical and mental therapy. The aging process, which is largely an artificial condition, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning, can be slowed down by practicing yoga. Although yoga has been shown to be beneficial in a variety of conditions, it is not considered a therapy for specific illnesses. Yoga also strives to increase self-awareness on both a physical and psychological level. This allows people to take early collective action, such as adjusting posture, when discomfort is first noticed. Practicing yoga can provide chronic pain sufferers with useful tools to actively cope with their pain and help counter feelings of helplessness and depression. Laboratory tests have proved the yogi's increased abilities of consciously controlling autonomic or involuntary functions, such as temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure. Patients who practice yoga have a better chance of gaining the ability to control their breathing problems.

In general, yoga is a very safe form of exercise for most people. For those with specific back conditions, it is advisable to speak with one's treating physician prior to starting yoga. Yoga is dynamite to make you feel younger with heightened mental prowness. Longer life often result from following yogic ways of health maintenance. Yoga is approximately 4,000 years old and is a scientific methodology aimed at uniting the mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is believed to reduce pain by helping the brain's pain center regulate the gate-controlling mechanism located in the spinal cord and the secretion of natural painkillers in the body. Breathing exercises used in yoga can also reduce pain. Yoga has consistently been used to cure and prevent back pain by enhancing strength and flexibility. Both acute and long-term stress can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate back problems.

Biochemical Benefits of Yoga

Biochemical benefits of Yoga are as follows:

1. Sodium decreases.

2. Triglycerides decrease.

3. Cholinesterase increases.

4. Hemoglobin increases.

5. Total white blood cell count decreases.

6. Thyroxin increases.

7. Vitamin C increases.

Exercise Benefits of Yoga:

1. Rapid forceful movements.

2. Increased muscle tension.

3. Moderate to high caloric consumption.

4. Fatiguing.

5. Imbalance activity of opposing groups.

6. Boredom factor.

Physiological Benefits of Yoga

Some of the Physiological benefits of Yoga are as follows:

1. Pulse rate decreases.

2. Cardiovascular efficiency increases.

3. Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase.

4. Posture improves.

5. Strength and resiliency increase.

6. Immunity increases.

7. Pain decreases.