6 Beginner Yoga Poses: The Secret To Accelerating Your Fitness Goals (These are Good!)

For those who often feel stressed out because of having to juggle so many things in their fast-paced lives, one of the best ways to seek peace and relaxation is to take at least one hour a day to practice yoga. In the recent years more and more people have turned to yoga as a way to find calmness and peace of mind and it has helped many overweight people to shed off a lot of unwanted pounds too. Yoga studios and fitness centers have been popping up everywhere but for those who do not have the means or the luxury of time to go to these places they can just practice yoga at home.
It is best to practice yoga at home in the morning when your mind is still free of any work-related pressures. Find a clear place where you can stretch out properly such as in your spacious living room or even in your back yard. This does not mean that you should completely ignore your neighborhood yoga studio. Supplement your home routine with at least two to four classes a month where a professional instructor can check your alignment and your posture. While you are at the studio you will also be able to practice more beginner yoga poses that you could add to your home routine to keep it more challenging. So pick a nice quiet corner in your home, put on some calming music, start rolling out the mat and try these easy yoga poses. Remember to practice proper breathing as you do the poses.
1.) Mountain Pose - Stand straight facing the light and put your arms on the side. Put your feet slightly apart, close your eyes, take five to ten deep and slow breaths then bring your palms together over head facing each other.
2.) Standing Forward Bend - Exhale then bend forward at the hips. Try to stretch as much as you can to reach your fingertips or your entire palm to the floor.
3.) Four-limbed Staff Pose - Take a deep breath and step your feet into plank position. Exhale then bend your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the floor.
4.) Upward Facing Dog - Inhale then push your chest forward at the same time pushing the top of your feet on to the floor. Simultaneously stretch your arms then stretch your neck with your face facing upward.
5.) Downward Facing Dog - Exhale then use your arms and abs to lift your hips toward the ceiling. Try pushing your heels towards the floor then hold for three breaths.
6.) Warrior 2 - From the downward facing dog position step your right foot between your hands. Turn your left foot parallel to the end of the mat. Take a deep breath then rise to standing position with your legs straight and your arms extended to the sides at shoulder level. Gaze over your right side then exhale.

One of the yoga moves that you should do at least once everyday to achieve maximum results is the sun salutation pose. It is one of many easy yoga poses and will help you achieve a better balance. Always remember to practice proper breathing as you do yoga at home. Who knows, maybe you'll get so far into yoga that you'll want to do Bikram yoga. What you will do is that you'll learn to discover that you do have the time to enjoy the perfect life.

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Is Yoga Addictive?

Yoga feels good and is addictive, millions will argue or rather agree. The question is, Does it grow on you slowly from a casual acquaintance to a loyal partner and friend? Can it move through all aspects of your being? Here's the story of a Yoga addict. It is my story.
When I reached for a 1968 paper back on yoga many moons ago at Montreal's airport, it was the promise in the title that tempted me. It promised: Be Young With Yoga - and at the back it continued to entice - And Never Feel Old and Tired Again. The yellow paperback by Richard L. Hittleman has green and red letters. Pages discolored, cover tattered, it has relocated with me in as many moons.
My body said yes to yoga poses in rare delight. "Restore grace, balance, poise and self-confidence". It beckoned and I followed; an eager youth. Experimenting. Awkward. Intrigued. I read and practiced. Practiced and read.
In the last pages it told of "the infinite wisdom of the mental and philosophical aspects of yoga (particularly Raja Yoga)". My heart craved to taste this ancient wisdom; to be absorbed with more. And my prayer was answered. I found myself drinking from the Yoga Philosophy cup every day. Waking early in the "ambrosial hour of nectar", amrit vela, longing to sit in stillness and be absorbed in the silence once more. Aah, wine for the soul. It brought that elusive inner peace. And after drinking and drinking, peace remained - a garland adorned around the neck.
Back then Yoga was in the shadows. Far from the daylight fast-paced hot activity it is now. Still as it did thousands of years ago, it flowed in your veins and enriched your blood. It softened your eyes, and calmed your heart. It made you stand on your feet, and implanted courage in your backbone. It dared you defy the norm and find your voice.
For sure, sometimes I staggered as I walked; and lost friends along the way. And even family raised their brows and prayed that I'd find their way again and not indulge so much. Instead I grew less inhibited, and chose to do the unthinkable.. to follow my body's way. The drink of Yoga relieved anxiety. I definitely became more lively.
Daily hundreds of thousands of addicts drink from the variety within Yoga's cup. Some look forward to finally relaxing. Some enjoy working up a sweat. Others experience freedom in chanting loudly or silently. How have you experimented with Yoga's drugs? I'd like to know your story.


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The Curing Aspect of Yoga

The practice of yoga all over especially in western world has been going on as another form of exercise. The point is that people are still unaware about the healing effect of this ancient practice. This is a practice that takes the person to some other world and gives a peace of mind irrespective of the current worries that are prevailing in the life of the practitioner. Other than this spiritual effect, the practice is extremely beneficial for the body also. The exercise has existed since a very long time and was the only way to stay fit in the ancient time. The exercises practiced in yoga releases the harmful from within the body and make the body pure to a great extent. It also helps in developing a clear mind that helps in concentrating on different relevant subjects of our life.
This yogic practice helps in activating the inner strength of our body that helps in performing different mental and physical tasks. This exercise also helps in attaining resistant power against the diseases so that the body can fight against the infections and causes of different sickness. The exercises of yoga also help in maintaining a good metabolism that ensures smooth running for body organs for their respective functions. It also helps in increasing the life and making it healthy. Overall, it is one of the best collections of different exercises that make the body and the mind to work in the right direction as it develops the body physically and at the same time helps in improving the concentration of the mind.

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Are You Too Old For Yoga?

For many people, there are benefits to growing older. You find that you are able to spend more time doing those things you did not have time for before, as well as being able to spend time with family and friends. Unfortunately, however there are also issues that the older person is going to have to face. With age we all become more susceptible to certain conditions that can cause us pain and discomfort. Among these conditions Arthritis, rheumatism, incontinence and high blood pressure are the most common.
In order to combat these ailments that plague so many of us it is essential that we remain fit and healthy, employing certain techniques to keep us supple and flexible. For these reasons many older people choose to undertake some form of exercise whether it be walking, jogging or playing some kind of low impact sport. One of the best things anyone can do to keep themselves healthy, fit and supple is yoga, and older people are recognizing and choosing to reap the benefits of it.
As a form of exercise, yoga is adaptable to each person's needs and abilities. Senior citizens will benefit from it as it enables them to stay fit and active while also helping with their overall emotional wellbeing.
Certain types of yoga help to keep blood pressure at a normal level and also assist in balancing the nervous system. This acts as a preventative when it comes to heart ailments and other nervous system issues. Employing specific breathing techniques results in the senior citizen feeling more refreshed and it assists in cleansing the air passages which in turn can help in preventing certain ailments that affect respiration.
It is wrong to think that just because we age we should take things easy and not be too active for fear of causing some kind of damage to our bodies. Of course we need to remember that our bodies are not what they used to be and so certain considerations must be kept in mind. For instance, a high impact exercise would not be advisable for most senior citizens. This means that for many activities such as jogging would be out of the question.
However, it is now common knowledge that long periods of inactivity, such as sitting for extended periods, results in stiffness and tightness to the muscles. By remaining inactive we ultimately experience joint deterioration and we become less flexible. But this is not all. Inactivity has also been linked to other ailments such as osteoporosis, breathing difficulties, vision problems, pain, weight gain, and even sleeplessness.
When it comes to the health of the elderly yoga is a wonderful means of helping to alleviate many of the health conditions that we experience as we age. Senior yoga classes are becoming more and more available and popular and are being employed much more often in health clubs, senior citizen centers and retirement homes around the world as more seniors reap the rewards of this 4000 year old exercise program. It is never to late to start!

I've been practicing yoga for many years, and now that I'm teaching yoga too, I'm excited about sharing everything I've learned. Of course my own journey as a student continues. I try to learn everything I can about human anatomy and bring that knowledge into my practice and my teaching. I highly recommend that you do the same.

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Hot Yoga - A Great New Way To Lose Weight

Yoga comes in many forms. Originating in India it involves physical and mental disciplines and a practice of controlled positions and movements which improve balance and flexibility.
However hot yoga now introduces a whole new dimension to this practice. It is claimed that doing yoga in a heated room not only improves flexibility but has a number of other benefits. These include stimulating and restoring health to every muscle, joint, and organ of the body... and consuming many calories.
The name hot yoga comes from the environment in which it is practiced. This is ideally a room heated to 105°F (40°C) with a humidity of 30 to 60%. One form of hot yoga known as Bikram yoga consists of a class of exactly 90 minutes. During this period 2 breathing exercises (pranayama) and a vigorous set of 26 postures are performed twice.
The heated environment quickly heats up the body and makes it more flexible. While reducing stress and tension it allows for deeper stretches and prevents injuries. In addition the heavy sweating releases toxins, promotes weight loss, improves muscle tone, builds the immune system and enhances mobility.
Hot yoga improves circulation and digestion and provides an excellent and complete cardiovascular workout.
It is recommended that both during and after the session plenty of water is drunk to prevent dehydration and also to help clear the toxins in the body. It is not advisable to eat for at least two hours before a class.
This form of yoga has been the center of much controversy regarding whether performing demanding exercise at this temperature is safe. In the earlier stages many Bikram practitioners experience nausea and dizziness. If a practitioner is feeling any discomfort they should lie down and rest until they feel better, and then rejoin the class. As it is quite demanding it is advisable to consult your doctor before hand if you have any health concerns.
The Bikram hot yoga sequence is possible for everyone regardless of age, size or capabilities. Even people just starting are delighted to find out how much they can achieve.
Yoga is not just about being flexible but about the goal of creating a union between mind, body and soul.
Beyond the many physical benefits there is something less tangible that makes hot yoga one of the fastest-growing types of yoga internationally. Hot yoga helps in letting go of emotional baggage and connecting with the inner self. 'As you shape physically so you shed emotionally. You will experience a feeling of serenity and well-being at each workout, as your mind and body connect.'
Become a fitter and slimmer more complete version of yourself. Try hot yoga, have some fun and allow it to change your life.

The rewards from boosting your fitness, health and well being are worth the effort. Let Patrick Millerd, (a life long health nut who still, at times, finds exercise a mission!) help you find your path to your lifestyle goals at WeightOffSuccess

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Top 5 Yoga Styles

Have you ever thought about practicing yoga but are confused about all the different types that you have heard about or have seen listed at the gym? Each type is based on the same basic principles of Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga is a physical discipline that uses poses to develop control of the body. Check out this list below to find the style of yoga that best fits your body type and personality.
1. ANANDA: emphasis on meditation
Ananda brings yoga back to its spiritual origins. Its main goal is to raise your level of consciousness by emphasizing the natural effects of the yoga postures. It is also used to harmonize your body, mind and soul. Ananda is perfect for beginners. It is gentle and inwardly directed. It is not aggressive or aerobic. Its primary emphases are; developing correct alignment, being relaxed and using the postures to raise your consciousness
2. ASHTANGA: power yoga
Ashtanga means "8 limbs" in Sanskrit and is the yoga practice with 8 components: Morality, ethics, posture, breath control, sense control, concentration, meditation and absorption. Many yoga studios offer led Ashtanga classes. It is a very popular practice due to its intense athletic style. It appeals to those who like a sense of order and independence.
3. BIKRAM: hot yoga
Bikram yoga is also known as Hot Yoga. Hot Yoga is a series of poses done in a heated room. The temperature is usually between 95 - 100 degrees. The combination of the heat and vigorous poses makes the body very warm and more flexible. Make sure you drink plenty of water before an after class so you don't get dehydrated. This one is not for pregnant women since it raises your core body temperature. Make sure to choose a studio that is certified to teach Bikram yoga.
4. ANUSARA: focused on the heart
Anusara means flowing with grace. This practice of yoga is very popular in the US. Its main philosophy is that all beings are inherently good and emphases heart opening. These classes are fun and have a very positive atmosphere. They contain a lot of alignment work and are great for students of all abilities.
5. INTEGRAL: relaxation
The goal of integral yoga is to realize the spiritual unities in creation and to live harmoniously as members of one family. Integral yoga combines several branches of yoga. It strives to unity the mind, body, and spirit in an attempt to give student the tools they need to live peacefully, healthy with happy productive lives. Integral yoga classes are gentle, accessible and very noncompetitive.

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Yoga in Harvard Square

Recognizing the benefits of yoga, people are now searching for credible yoga studios. While many offer programs on yoga through Internet, it is best to have a personal instructor to guide you through yoga practice. This is because many stunts and postures of yoga can lead to further pain and, worst, injury.
At Yoga in Harvard Square, you can enjoy yoga practice at its maximum because you need not worry about your safety. Located at the heart of Harvard Square, the studio offers comprehensive yoga classes and varied yoga styles and stunts, each suits different ages and body needs.
Yoga both enhances the physical strength and mental focus. The core characteristic of yoga includes proper breathing, postures, and meditation. Several studies have revealed how yoga relieves body pains particularly back, shoulder, and neck pains. Proper breathing is accompanied with postures to enhance circulation of the blood while increasing physical stamina. Postures are set of sequences-stretching for example-that keeps the body in shape. Meanwhile, meditation refreshes and calms the mind.
Portia Brockway, a certified Kripalu yoga teacher, founded the Yoga in Harvard Square. Brockway conducts six classes a week for both regular yoga and pregnant women practitioners - prenatal and postnatal stage. Classes at Yoga in Harvard are small, thus sufficient attention is given to each student, either a beginner or experienced. Before beginning the first class, the studio orients its students on several aspects of yoga that will guide them what set of sequences they might want to pursue.
The ancient origin of yoga came from India through Hinduism practice. Aside from physical exercise, a yoga practice includes diet and meditative routines. However, the physical exercise minus its spiritual origin is widely adapted in the West. Today, yoga is known as an alternative medication to stress and back pain. It is also an advisable exercise to expectant mothers for flexibility enhancement.
As was said earlier, yoga in the west didn't have much spiritual origin, it is now much different depending on the 'types' of yoga practiced. One could say that Anusara yoga, which means follow the heart is of spiritual origin. It takes you to your heart and you therefore follow and express what you feel in your heart - whatever level you are at.
Allow yourself to 'be', and enjoy where you are, experience the 'moment'. Are you in tune with your true self by expressing what you feel in the pose? Are you inspired, in spirit?

Glen Wood - The Yoga Teacher. Glen is a yoga expert whom loves to teach you how to lose your neck, shoulder and back pain with yoga. Dedicated to unlocking the Real Secrets of Back Pain.

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Yoga for Sports People

Yoga as a system of physical exercise with coordinated breathing has been in existence for thousands of years in the east and is finding itself being rediscovered in our modern times. Yoga is now widely accepted as an alternative cure for a range of medical conditions and ailments and also as a stress reliever. For many, yoga is a way of life often enhancing a more spiritual side to people's lives; but yoga itself does not contain any religious rituals.
When it comes to Yoga, there are only two types of people viz
1. Those who know very little or nothing about Yoga
2. Those who have become total converts and have all the praise for the practice of yoga.
It is therefore no wonder that many athletes and sports people are increasingly turning to yoga to supplement their regular exercises to improve their body and mind. The competing athletes know the importance of the body mind balance for achieving peak performance.
One of the cornerstones of yoga is that the exercises are focused around coordination of body and mind with proper breathing techniques. Even though the proper breathing is emphasized in all forms of sports, it not generally followed by most. Proper breathing will result in greater alertness and attention of the mind to give a sportsman that "winning edge".
With regular practice comes increased flexibility. Many yoga exercises also can provide a healing touch to the muscles and joints after improper and strenuous workouts. The yoga system consists of many postures each one particularly good for a muscle group. By following a good system of yoga, a person can remove imbalances in any muscle group thereby healing the muscles and joints. Yoga movements can also be used as a warm up and warm down routines during sports.
Another great benefit of yoga is the improved mental capacity including concentration, good memory, endurance and perseverance, which are of priceless value to any aspiring sports person. People engaged in any competitive sport know very well that the winning and losing depends very much on the state of mind before and during the sporting event. This is another area where yoga is widely used. A yoga session just before the big event relaxes both the body and mind that enables heightened concentration and focus of mind.
And finally regular practise of yoga helps achieve good overall health and happiness - universal goal to most people.

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Yoga - The Ideal Route to Health and Happiness

Yoga, the roots of which lie in India and the Hindu philosophy, is a vast, complex and integrated system designed to provide mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. If you are a beginner to this ancient practice, then you can easily get overwhelmed with the vastness and expanse of yogic philosophies, practices and the literature available on the subject.
Yoga is not just a couple of exercises or poses to attain health and wellbeing; it is all rounded discipline which aims at healing the entire body at psychological, physical and spiritual levels. There are a few key principles that you need to understand to grasp the essence of this ancient health practice.
'Liberation teaching' is what experts say yoga is all about. The end result of yogic training should be to liberate your mind and body from all the limitations that you had and attain a greater, wiser and better you. It is best to learn the practices of this ancient form from an instructor or with the help of live videos. But having said that, there are also books and CDs which can be used to learn yogic poses and are helpful in the long run. Learning from an instructor or guide gives you the advantage of understanding the complete meaning of the particular pose and you can also get corrected instantly if you are making a mistake.
There are different styles of yoga which have been designed in accordance to the strengths and weaknesses of each human body. Hence you must first understand what your body requires and then adopt the styles best suited for you.
One important style is Raja yoga or the Royal yoga, the main philosophy of which is to liberate the mind and soul through the practice of meditation. This is best suitable for people who have the capability of immense and intense concentration. Hatha yoga has been designed to use physical exercises and transformation to achieve liberation. Mantra yoga is another style which makes use of powerful sounds like 'Om' and 'hare Krishna', the repetition of which is used to attain liberation of the mind and soul.
Yoga is an equal mixture of theory and practice and hence understanding the principles and practicing the yogic postures regularly is important for good and sound physical and mental health. The yogic philosophy is deeply rooted in good moral values like truthfulness, sincerity, nonviolence and kindness; hence to achieve real liberation, it is important to inculcate these moral values. Self-discipline is an important concept of this ancient form and a positive change should be adapted in every walk of your life to imbibe the real goodness of yogic practice.
Self-transformation at a physical, mental and spiritual level is the main principle behind yoga and for this, the first value that you must learn and practice is patience. Leave behind old and unwanted habits to untangle the complexities of your life; a simple and humble approach to every aspect of life is the essence of yoga which in turn gives us good health, peace of mind and happiness.

We love Yoga! Get all your Yoga Sydney info right here.

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Top Five Benefits of Yoga

Regular practice of yoga can result in permanent and amazing effects, which you can see instantly. If you practice Hatha Yoga (the form of Yoga that deals specifically with the body), you may first notice an improvement in your flexibility, muscle tone, and overall fitness. Certainly, expect to feel better. Various other benefits of yoga practices will come along as you practice regularly by going deeper into yoga.You have every reason to proceed with confidence!
1. Yoga practice to maintain, recover and improve health condition
Yoga is an astonishing stress buster. When you consider that most of the people who visit doctors are related to stress related issues, yoga practices become the sensible choice for better well-being. Through its relaxation, postural, breathing, and meditation exercises as well as dietary rules, Yoga can effectively lower your level of tension and anxiety. Therefore, these practices help to develop and improve your immune system, keeping away diseases and developing the self-physical healing process in case of diseases. Research demonstrates that yoga is the best method to treat various health conditions such as sleep disturbances, chronic headache, back pain, diabetes, hypertension and respiratory illnesses like asthma.
2. Yoga helps to remain fit and energetic
Yoga is the best method to relax your body and mind, therefore helping to mobilize the energy needed to effectively deal with the challenges faced every day at home and work. Yoga is a good practice to help you to increase the body's flexibility, stamina, strength and fitness. Along with that, yoga can also reduce the extra pounds.
3. Yoga - Method to balance your mind
The effects of yoga are not restricted with the maintaining and developing your physical fitness, it has a great deal of influence on your mind. Mind is the source for much trouble that makes your body to have wrong attitudes, negative thoughts and emotional imbalances. Yoga is a powerful tool for clearing your mind and freeing you from mood swings. The effects of yoga are better than tranquilizer or drugs without any harmful side effects. It can balance you without troubling the mind.Yoga remains as the best method to remain alert and calm.
4. Yoga Is a Powerful Aid for Personal Growth
Yoga is a natural method that can help you to explore the hidden features of your body. Your body is an excellent instrument but you have to play it properly to create better and beautiful melodies. Apart from that, yoga can also help you to explore the hidden features of your mind mainly in the state of consciousness. It gradually removes away the misconceptions about yourself and life in general helping you to expose your true nature that is not complicated and is blissful.
5. Yoga Helps You Harmonize Your Social Relationships
By giving you a new outlook on life, Yoga can help you improve your relationships with family, friends, co-workers, and others. It gives you the fuel to develop compassion, patience, tolerance and forgiveness.Yoga techniques help you to gain control of your mind and free you from the fascination of undesirable habits that stand in the way of happy relationships. Apart from that, it lets you live in peace with the world and tune yourself with the essence of nature and spirit. Finally, it gives you all the necessary aspects to beautify and tone your life.

Find more benefits of yoga to be aware of yoga benefits for children.

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Are You Afraid To Teach Yoga Classes?

I've always loved yoga and when my teacher told me his wife was doing a teacher training program ten years ago, I was very interested. I didn't want to teach, but just have the opportunity to go deeper into meditation and yoga for my own personal growth. The first question I asked her was if I could just take it for my own growth and not become a teacher. She told me that it was fine to do that, but to keep an open mind.
The training was excellent and I also connected to others interested in turning inside for peace and calmness, rather that focusing on external stimulants. There was never any pressure to have to teach classes and my idea was that I could show family members or friends if they showed an interest. Towards the end of the training we had to conduct a class. I was very nervous but received nice feedback later. We were each paired up with someone for leading the class so it was helpful in preparation.
A few months after class ended, my teacher was going to India for a month and asked me to substitute for her class. I was reluctant, but also curious. It turned out to be very fulfilling. A lot of my fears revolved around having to be very flexible. I found that people weren't interested in that part and it is not the essence of yoga. Other fears had to do with forgetting the sequence I was teaching.I brought some cards with me and it went very smoothly. I was very surprised to later be offered a class at the center and it has
been extremely fulfilling.
Do not let your fears get in your way. If you love yoga and have found benefits for your own life, you'll be able to communicate this to others. Think about how you feel after a class. I always feel lighter, less worried about things and find my busy mind has gotten more quiet. This is a wonderful thing that others will also appreciate discovering.
Remember that yoga is not a competition and it is about inner transformation. It isn't about special clothing or having the prettiest mat in class. It's about finding a place inside that deepens and is able to stay peaceful even when there are challenging external situations and circumstances. This is a gem that we don't learn in school and opens up the heart.

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Power Yoga - East Meets West

An ancient Indian holistic health discipline, is what best defines yoga. However, the system has often been associated with the older generation in yester years. Most gym goers have been rubbishing the concept of yoga, until lately the entire world seems to have woken up to its benefits. This is mostly due to the discovery of 'power yoga' and its various advantages.
Yoga combines the traditional yoga asana with weight training, in order to create dynamic exercises that have known to produce phenomenal results. Yoga centers are mushrooming all over the globe. Those who have adopted the system claim to have benefited in more ways than one. The system does much more than simply target weight loss, though weight loss is a huge bonus that comes along with the other benefits.
Immune system: Yoga helps tremendously in building the immune system and is therefore highly recommended for those who may suffer from frequent bouts of fever or common colds. In fact, doctors highly encourage their patients to undertake power yoga, especially if they are unable to follow the other systems of exercising.
Strength building: Right from the body builder to the pregnant lady, power yoga helps everyone build their strength quotient. The combination of flexibility and resistance training is a great mix for the body muscles and ensures that they do not suffer from stiffness.
Body toxins: One of the most crucial advantages of power yoga comes in the form of release of body toxins. The asana help in expelling toxins from the body and cleansing the system thoroughly. This release also helps control stress in our body and allows tensions and other similar negative vibes to flow out of the system.
Spiritual gain: It is wrong to imagine that the body can thrive while the mind suffers. Power yoga understands this concept well and therefore adopts a holistic approach to achieving good health. The mind is therefore also given full attention by power yoga teachers, who help their students understand the spiritual aspects of life too.
Weight loss: Though not the most important advantage of power yoga, weight loss is definitely the most desired one. Power yoga helps loose weight without any side effects and ensures that the body is not damaged in any way during this process. Indeed, this is one of the main reasons that the discipline has achieved such fame.
While weight lifting is not recommended for growing children and the older generation, cardio does not do much for women who may suffer from osteoporosis. Amazingly, unlike other exercise concepts, power yoga works for everyone. Power yoga has no gender, age or ailment restriction. In fact even women who are pregnant can join power yoga and reap its benefits.
Do keep in mind that like other exercise routines, power yoga also demands a trained teacher who knows the various techniques and asana and can deliver customized solutions to the students.

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Taking Part in Your First Yoga Class

There is only a very slim chance that you have not heard of Yoga. Yoga is an ancient spiritual/exercise practice that involves that is a bit like an aerobics class. If you are up for trying something new and you like to keep fit, or if you would like to start to get fit but don't want to start pounding the pavement just yet, yoga may just be perfect for you.
When you practice Yoga you are taught to breath properly, to stretch and work your muscles in a safe and natural way that builds strength, tones muscles and (if you want to get into it at a deeper level) works on your spiritual muscles too. Here is basically what your first class will involve:
Yoga Teacher
You will be able to find a yoga teacher or class through maybe an advert, a website, a local community centre noticeboard or maybe through a friend. There are many classes in most cities so you shouldn't find it a problem. There are different stages of yoga difficulty which you will soon appreciate when you start, so of course it is best if you start with a beginner's class. This will teach you all the basics and not ask you to push your body too far or get at all complicated.
Equipment
When you get to the classroom you will be with maybe up to a dozen people with your teacher at the head of the room. You will be issued with a mat, a soft block and maybe a rug. Most of your exercises will take place on the mat and the block is for helping you to sit comfortably if you have stiff joints. In some types of yoga there is a relaxation section of the class where you can cover yourself and practically fall asleep.
Exercises
Your teacher will have set the room up with pillar candles and perhaps with a relaxation CD on or something. They will mix relaxation exercises with a range of stretches which build up gradually so that you don't hurt yourself. You may be on your knees stretching your back or standing on one leg reaching for the ceiling. There are countless poses in yoga.
Don't be afraid to lose balance, to take a break or to ask for help. Yoga is not easy in the beginning so if you want to get it right you need to give yourself the best chance from the start.


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Yoga and Weight Loss

Yoga offers much more than just a way to exercise the body. Yoga helps us cultivate an inner state of body-centered consciousness that allows us to walk calmly amongst the chaos. Yoga teaches us both to let go and to have exquisite awareness in every moment. Even if yoga only enhanced our physical fitness, the time spent in practice would be fully justified and a great start towards a lifestyle of vitality.
Obesity could be handled better if people understood how toxic and fattening common foods like white bread, white sugar, white pasta, processed foods and and junk sodas can be. The FDA does not do it's job in protecting us from ingredients that cause cancer, heart disease and other health impediments. We need to monitor our own food consumption and lobby for an objective government agency that can produce unbiased independent food research. If you don't understand what an ingredient is in a food, then it's probably not nourishing for you. If you don't know what disodium inosinate is, then it's best to limit or avoid consumption.
Eating foods with unprocessed and wholesome ingredients is a smart start. Yoga helps us become aware of how we react and process stimuli in our environment. After you eat something, do you feel full of vitality or do you feel sluggish and edgy? One you start to notice the effects food has, you have begun traveling on the path to making more nourishing food choices. Try eating only cookies and soda for two days straight and you will realize how devitilizing these foods are.
Yoga has been demonstrated to be an effective practice for children of all ages. An active yoga practice helps children calm the mind, improve focus, increase balance and attentiveness, gain a heightened level of responsibility, while learning more effectively. Additionally, it promotes self-discipline and self-control. It rewards children for being more empathetic and caring, more connected to their community and understand earth-consciousness. It helps them learn to deal with fear and anxiety objectively and they also learn to respect themselves and others more easily. It can aid in the functioning of all bodily systems, such as their immune, nervous, circulatory, skeletal, lymphatic and respiratory systems.
Yoga is a powerful strength-building exercise for every part of the body, including the muscles of your core, back, legs, chest, and arms. This can reduce problems such as back pain and arthritis. As you strengthen your body, you also gain discipline, self-confidence, and build your inner fortitude to deal with life's challenges.

For free images of yoga poses with tips on how to do them, email info at jasminepartneryoga.com with "Request Yoga Poses and Tips" in headline. Throughout her 15 year yoga practice and teachings, Jasmine Kaloudis has experienced how yoga is a tool which allows us to experience our selves more fully and more richly. http://twitter.com/synergyjasmine - Follow us for inspiring quotes, vitality, meditation, yoga and stress-management

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The Origin of Kundalini Yoga

The true origin of Kundalini Yoga is shrouded in the mysticism of ancient India. With research, the connection between the practice of Kundalini Yoga and the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism becomes more apparent. Shiva himself is reputed to be the first Guru in the Kundalini Yoga tradition as based on Kashmir Shaivism. Most historians agree that this practice of Yoga, which is designed to raise the Shakti energy, is based on the philosophical treatise of Patanjali called the Yoga Sutras.
These sutras are believed to date back to the second century BCE. Patanjali provides us with a very scientific and systematic way of awakening and nourishing the Kundalini energy. He developed an eight-limbed system of Yoga that provides the adherent with ethical, moral, and physical guidelines for obtaining and maintaining a state of oneness with the Divine.
The ancient tantric philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism arose in the seventh and eight centuries BCE in Kashmir. According to this tradition, Shiva appeared in the form of Srikanthanath to elucidate the sacred knowledge that was lost during the Kali Yuga or time of darkness.
Shiva's three-pronged trident is representative of the three aspects of mystical knowledge that he illuminated: abheda, which means existence without differentiation, bhedabheda, existence with and without differentiation, and bheda or the experience of existence as a differentiated being. These three states of the experience of existence are described in the scriptural texts, the Tantras Bhairava, Rudra Tantras, and the Shiva Tantras.
Kundalini was introduced to the West in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan. Yogi Bhajan was a well-known master of Kundalini Yoga in India. When he traveled to the West, he introduced the practice of Kundalini Yoga to the American mainstream as an integrated system of spiritual growth. He offered the mystical practice of Kundalini Yoga, in part, as an antidote to the maelstrom of drug abuse in the late sixties.
It is a great gift that the esoteric knowledge of Kundalini Yoga has become accessible to the West. A regular practice of Kundalini Yoga is said to directly affect human consciousness by the power of the awakened Kundalini Shakti. Kundalini practices focus in particular on the role of the balance of the endocrine system on a human being's vitality and well-being. The ultimate goal of this form of Yoga is to prepare the energy system of a human being to hold the power of the awakened Kundalini Shakti. She, in time, will merge the consciousness of the Yogi or Yogini directly into the consciousness of God.


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The Benefits of Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga is set of Yogic practices that uses a holistic and balanced approach to create and sustain physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and well-being. The practice of Kundalini Yoga originated in India approximately 5,000 years ago. The Kundalini style of Yoga incorporates the movement between asanas, chanting, meditation, and pranayama techniques to awaken and nourish the Kundalinii Shakti energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine.
According to ancient Vedic wisdom, the Kundalini Shakti energy is coiled three and a half times at the base of the spine of every human being. When the Kundalini Shakti energy is awakened, great joy, wisdom, peace, creativity, and energy are released. The Kundalini energy is healing and transformative by its very nature and can lead us to oneness with the divine essence of all reality.
The ultimate goal of the Kundalini form of Yoga is to awaken the Kundalini energy and to nourish the energy as it rises through and penetrates the seven chakras, culminating in the seventh chakra, the Sahasrara, at the top of the skull. When the Kundalini Shakti pierces the Sahasrara Chakra great bliss arises, as well as a profound knowledge of the Divine.
There are also many other benefits to the practice of Kundalini. One of the most important physical benefits you receive from a regular practice of Kundalini Yoga is an optimally-balanced endocrine system. As your hormones balance, a sense of well-being quickly ensues.
The Kundalini form of Yoga also helps to combat fatigue from stress, anxiety, and anger, by lowering high levels of adrenalin and cortisol. Both the pranayama or breathing exercises and the movement help to improve the circulation of blood throughout the body and also help to ease physical pain. Some of the more pronounced physical ailments that Kundalini Yoga is effective at relieving are hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities, heart disease, chronic headaches, depression, and asthma.
Additionally, there are emotional and spiritual benefits of a regular practice of Kundalini Yoga. Some of the emotional benefits are the elimination of negative feelings such as depression, guilt, sadness, anger, helplessness, and jealousy.
As you engage in the physical practice, deep breathing practices, meditation, and the recitation of slokas or sacred verses, your whole being is cleansed and rejuvenated. A regular practice of Kundalini Yoga will ease aches and pains, improve your energy level, and reduce stress. As your sadhana or spiritual practice continues to deepen, you will experience a profound sense of well-being, joy, lightness and love at the core of your own being.

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The Yogic Path: The Upanishads and Yoga

As the various forms of Yoga continue to spread from India to the outside world, there will be more and more individuals that will be drawn to the ancient practice and become increasingly involved in not only the physical aspects of Yoga, but to the philosophical and spiritual aspects of it as well.
The farther one explores the Vedic literature or Hindi culture, the more frequently one may come across significant religious scriptures, such as the Upanishads. What are the Upanishads and are they necessary to be known by modern Yoga students?
What Are The Upanishads?
The Upanishads are part of Vedic literature and one of the most important collections of texts that belong to those that follow the dharmic religions of Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism and more. While many of the texts in the Upanishads do discuss religious subjects, there are a fairly large amount which deal with secular topics including philosophy, psychology, rules of society, and guidelines for traveling along the path to unity, which is known as Yoga. The Upanishads may seem to only have religious undertones, but many scholars argue that the collections can also be seen as some of the earliest records that have shaped Indian government and society in addition to religion.
How Do They Connect to Yoga Practice?
All Yoga styles seek to achieve the same thing: Balance and unity with the body, mind, and soul. For centuries, Yogis and their students utilized the teachings of the Upanishads to further achieve greater understanding about themselves, the world, and the purpose of it all.
The Upanishads offer insight as to why one practices the stances, why one meditates during the day, and why one must balance the mind and body in order to create a more harmonious being. The Upanishads can act as a catalyst to deepen ones resolve and drive to practice the art of Yoga.
Do I Need to Study The Upanishads If I Practice Yoga?
No, although the Upanishads are incredibly rich in knowledge and give insight into Indian culture, it is not necessary to read the Upanishads for one to practice a Yoga lifestyle. Many Yoga teacher training programs briefly cover the surface of the Vedas, and some Yoga certification courses don't discuss them at all.
One of the reasons Yoga is so appealing to many people is that it does not have one set path or direction: Yoga simply means the path to unity, and how an individual achieves that unity is entirely their own path. While some people may find guidance within the scriptures, others may find it from asana, mantra, pranayama, meditation, Nidra, or something else.

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A Yoga Instructor Can Make You Love Or Hate Your Workout

Yoga's benefits extend across several areas of life, promoting a healthy lifestyle. It builds core body strength and flexibility. It develops balance, both physically and mentally. In addition, it serves an effective relaxation technique for controlling stress and promoting mental health.
Poses can be done at home for getting daily practice, but it is best to take classes periodically for better learning. By practicing in a yoga studio with the guidance of a certified yoga instructor, you will learn proper posture and avoid injury.
Instructor
Finding a certified yoga instructor is important for a successful practice. A good teacher can teach anyone yoga and can provide guidance for individuals to get the most out of their practice for their specific situation and abilities. A yoga instructor is trained to teach a variety of people, from children to the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Certified teachers know how to modify poses so that they are manageable, safe, and provide maximum benefit and will demonstrate both proper and modified poses in class.
Yoga Studio
A certified yoga studio provides a pleasant, instructional environment to practice, free from distractions that may be present at home. Studios offer a range of classes suitable for a variety of levels, from beginning to experienced students. Special classes for children, mommy-and-me and prenatal classes are offered at many studios.
Fitness
Asanas require flexibility and strength in the core body, large muscle groups and small muscles that help us keep our balance. As your instructor helps you progress, you will become able to go deeper into poses, hold poses for longer periods of time and increase your strength, balance and flexibility. An advantage of classes is that people of any level can begin and benefit from them, no matter their current fitness level. Asanas also provide a gentle exercise beneficial for injury rehabilitation.
Meditation
In addition to offering physical benefits, it improves mental fitness. Yoga meditation helps relieve stress, improve focus and rejuvenate mental balance. It can even indirectly alleviate some health issues through stress management. Some classes include meditation as part of the instruction in which the teacher will lead a guided meditation for the class.
Yoga benefits many areas of life, but in order to be effective, it must be practiced regularly. It is a good idea to take classes in a yoga studio from a certified yoga teacher. Regularly attending yoga classes will provide greater benefit than practicing without a yoga teacher. Namaste.

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Can Yoga Be Used To Treat Medical Conditions?

While many people are aware of benefits of yoga such as relaxation, improved flexibility, and muscle tone, few may know about additional positive results that can be achieved. Researchers are currently exploring how yoga affects medical conditions like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, heart disease, and other medical conditions. In the future, this form of exercise may be prescribed by physicians as part of the treatment routine for sufferers of these diseases.
Elevate your mood
Though this is not widely backed by science, yoga students report their mood improves when engaging in the exercise. Students feel more content and happier after leaving a yoga class. Researchers have recently begun investigating the effects of yoga on mood-related conditions like depression. Yoga increases the level of oxygen to the brain, which can help to elevate mood. This effect can be felt even after leaving the yoga studio.
Relieve OCD symptoms
The exercise is also being studied as possible adjunct therapy to relieve obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms, due to its breathing techniques. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego are studying the effects of the Kundalini form of yoga in treating OCD. They studied a system of Kundalini that included breathing techniques developed specifically for the condition. Breathing through the left nostril was included, which is thought to stimulate the right hemisphere within the brain. According to yogis, multiple psychiatric functions are controlled by the right hemisphere.
Benefits for heart disease
The effect of yoga on heart disease is one of the most investigated areas. Dr. Dean Ornish designed the first heart disease program to partly reverse the condition through diet and lifestyle rather than surgery. A key component of his program was yoga because it slows the heart rate and lowers the blood pressure. Biochemical benefits from yoga include a reported antioxidant effect. The exercise has also been shown to decrease triglyceride and cholesterol levels and boost the functioning of the immune system. Each of these aspects can make a positive impact on the heart.
Yoga as therapy
Medical researchers are now exploring benefits of the exercise called therapeutic yoga, which is also referred to as integrative yoga therapy (IYT). This practice is sometimes recommended as an adjunct treatment for various medical conditions. Most of these studies are being conducted outside the U.S. but the National Institute of Health is involved in trials regarding the effect of yoga on multiple sclerosis and insomnia.
Help with asthma and arthritis
IYT is being further explored concerning conditions like asthma and arthritis. Integrated yoga programs like Pranayama and Yogasana reduce the construction of bronchial tubes, helping to reduce frequency of asthma attacks. The inflammation in the joints that characterizes arthritis results in stiffness and pain. With the modification of some poses, forms of yoga like Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Lyengar, and Bikram can be used to treat arthritis pain.
Some researchers are event exploring whether practicing yoga slows the process of aging. If this is found to be true, there will likely be many more people practicing this form of exercise in the future.
The best way for a person to learn about positive effects of yoga on medical conditions is to do research and discuss this with professionals.

Gill Owen is a respected yoga and Pilates teacher and busy mother of two. She brings her long-time love and respect of yoga to her position as founder of Lovestretch, which proudly stocks a carefully chosen range of performance yoga clothes for women as well as other comfortable stretchwear. If you have a website and would like Gill to write more free articles like this one for you, click here to get in touch.

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Decreasing Depression Through The Practice Of Yoga

Depression effects over 120 million people worldwide and 80% of people who struggle with depression also suffer from anxiety.
Yoga can be a good practice for people affected by depression or anxiety disorders as it reminds us that when we are feeling alone or isolated, we have lost our sense of connection with who we are.
There is also scientific research to show that yoga has a positive effect on mood and anxiety levels.
Recent research has also shown that yoga may be better than other types of exercise in the way it increases mood and decreases anxiety and depression. Studies found that there is an association between yoga postures and an increase in brain gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) levels and a reduction in anxiety. Lower GABA levels are linked to depressive illnesses and anxiety type illnesses. It was found that GABA levels increase with yoga practice and corresponds to elevation of mood. Researchers found that the levels of GABA are much higher in those that practice yoga than people who do the equivalent amount of a similar exercise such as walking.
It has also been found that people who practice yoga regularly, find a decrease in the impact of day to day stresses, and feel more in control of their emotions.
Yoga is very good for improving mood and self esteem. Yoga helps you feel good and look good, both of which help create a positive self image. Yoga is also a relaxing exercise and is a great way to take care of yourself and start listening to your body and your thoughts and feelings, all of which help increase self esteem and feelings of well-being.
Yoga can be done in private, in your own home or you could join a class which is also another great way to meet other people, especially if you are feeling lonely.
Yoga is one of the few approaches to depression and anxiety that offers a holistic approach, dealing with mind, body and spirit. Yoga addresses all aspects of the illness.
One of the core ideas of all types of yoga is being aware of the breath. Being aware of the breath helps you to become more aware of the present moment and helps slow down racing or anxious thoughts, as well as offering a whole host of physiological benefits.
Just an hour of yoga per week can also make a big difference in improving energy, composure, enthusiasm and calmness and improving your overall sense of well-being.

 

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How Women Benefit From Yoga

People have been practicing yoga for more than 5,000 years. Nearly 11 million people in the U.S. alone have caught yoga fever and are regular practitioners. This makes yoga more of a lifestyle than a trend. Women in particular enjoy this type of exercise because it does not require them to be in a workout room alongside sweaty, beefed up men that cannot form complete sentences. In all seriousness, though, yoga benefits the female body in many ways.
Yoga classes in the Western world usually involve breathing and meditation techniques paired with physical poses called asanas. There are different styles of yoga, some of which focus on relaxation and others designed to work muscles and enhance body movement. Practitioners develop balance, strength, and flexibility. The health benefits from these are numerous and worth exploring in more detail.
Women who are older often worry that they are not fit enough to practice yoga. They think of stretching like a gymnast and believe they are unable to do it. In reality, it is never too late to improve flexibility.
Asanas safely stretch the muscles, releasing the buildup of lactic acid that causes fatigue, pain, tension, and stiffness. Muscle stretching can also increase the lubrication within the joints. The result is that the entire body feels fluid and at ease.
In addition to the muscles, yoga stretches the soft tissues within the body. This includes tendons, ligaments, and the sheath of fascia that surrounds the muscles. After just eight weeks of practice, participants can experience an up to 35 percent improvement in their flexibility. These benefits are mostly seen in the trunk and shoulders. Flexibility benefits can be experienced no matter what level of experience the woman has with performing yoga.
Power yoga and ashtanga are two of the more vigorous styles of yoga. Practicing these helps to improve muscle tone but even the less vigorous forms like lyengar yoga can benefit practitioners in terms of endurance and strength. Upper body strength is developed through poses like plank, upward dog, and downward dog. Standing poses build abdominal, quad, and hamstring strength. Chair and upward dog strengthen the lower back. Muscles deep in the abdomen benefit from nearly all yoga poses.
When strength and flexibility are improved, so is posture. A stronger core enables a person to sit and stand taller.
When practicing yoga, women are more aware of their bodies. This allows them to quickly identify when they are not exhibiting ideal posture so they can correct it. During a workout, instructors inform participants when a pose is not being executed correctly. By properly exhibiting a pose, the practitioner receives the most benefit from the move.
Other benefits from practicing yoga include improved lung capacity due to deep, focused breathing and an increased level of calmness. Biochemical responses lower stress levels and allow practitioners to feel relaxed. The heart rate is slowed and blood pressure is lowered, resulting in benefits to the heart. Yoga students also claim to experience improved mental focus and elevated mood.

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