Yoga for Beginners

You have taken the first step by making the decision to start doing yoga.
This can be very intimidating, as there are many styles of yoga, but please don't let that stop you.

The first thing you will need to do, is select a yoga type that suits you.
Some research will be necessary on your part, as there are many classes that
are available to you. Be sure to choose a class that suits your personality
and your state of physical fitness.
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A gentle hatha yoga is a great start for beginners. This will depend on
whether you want a slow or fast paced class. There are many basic styles and
you may move on to anther style later.

Next you will need to find a class. You can check online for resources to help find a class.
You may also want to search the local newspaper or wellness and fitness magazines. Search
online for yoga and enter your city and zip code.

If you belong to a gym, this may be a good place start, as many of them now offer yoga classes.
Make sure whether it's a gym or yoga studio, that it is close to home or your place of employment, making it convenient to get to.

You will need to wear comfortable breathable clothing to yoga practice and have bare feet.
Most yoga studios will request that you leave your shoes at the door.

You will also need a mat or sticky mat. Mats will create traction for your hands and feet
so that you don't slip and they also provide padding on a hard floor. Most studios rent
mats to students, however these mats are used by many people and you don't know
how often the mats are being washed. Yoga mats can be purchased for as little as $20,
so you may prefer to purchase your own mat.

The following yoga props are usually provided to students during class and there is no
reason to purchase them unless you'll be starting your own beginning practice at home.

Blankets - Used to sit or lie on during class.

Blocks - Props used to make yourself more comfortable and improve alignment, and
standing poses when your hands don't reach the floor.

Straps - Useful for bound poses if your hands do not reach each other for poses where you need to hold your feet and cannot reach them.
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Yoga For Back Pain - Awesome Exercises For A Healthy Spine

Managing chronic back pain is not pleasant. This is because the back makes up much of the body's core. This means that each time you move, your back muscles be combined into the movement. This can cause horrible pain. Luckily, this pain can be helped with practicing yoga.

Yoga entails far more than just stretching and meditating. It is a form of exercise that can benefit the whole body and will improve both physical and mental health. People that are plagued with back problems would surely benefit from a simple yoga exercise routine in their lives.

These advantages are very important to the well being of the spine. When any part of your body is in pain, the quality of life can change significantly. This is the reason why many famous Yogis say that you are only as young as your spine is flexible. When tension, stressed muscles, and lack of flexibility plague the spine, you will experience many problems with your quality of life.

You may be wondering what it is about yoga that can better the state of your back and spinal health. Well, there are many ways it can improve health just through the stretching involved alone. A major reason that back pain exists is that repeated tension may be exited in the back. A big amount of this tension comes from improper posture. When the muscles in the back tighten up, they can pull the spine right out of alignment. Yoga exercises help put the back into its proper alignment because the stretching involved will help reduce much of the tension in the back.

While most people are familiar with the stretching and flexibility benefits of yoga, many are not familiar with the strength enhancing benefits that it brings. When the muscles in the back are made stronger through yoga movements, the vertebrae of the back become well supported by the enhanced muscles. This can dramatically reduce ones pain because the pressure on the vertebrae which, in turn, will alleviate the pain.

Again, it is imperative to incorporate any stretching exercises that help in improving posture. When you do not stretch, it becomes impossible to completely rid of tension in the body. It is a good idea to add yoga to your exercise program since it heavily focuses on tension relieving and stretching, and will definitely alleviate much tension in the back.

When taking part in a yoga program, it is important to focus awareness on the painful area. Yes, one might feel pain at first but it is necessary to stretch these particular pained areas since they are clearly the root of the problem.

It is easy to lessen back pain with yoga over time. If you are practicing yoga regularly, you will find your back becoming more flexible and stronger. This will reduce the pain you are experiencing and rebuild the vertebrae in the back, and will help rid of pain better than any other method.

Article Source: http://www.avidarticles.com

Buying the best yoga mat

Yoga is an ancient Indian art which ensures one to keep oneself healthy. The trend of yoga practices has been catching with the people of the world very fast. The art has reached almost every part of the world now and people love to get indulged into it for their well being. The important factor that distinguishes it from other modes of physical exercise is that it does not require an elaborate set of accessories. It only requires a yoga mat.

There are different kinds of yoga mats that are doing the rounds in the market. However, you require concentrating only on the yoga mats which are high in quality. The true feature of a perfect yoga mat is its traction. It means that you should always make it a point to go for a yoga mat which allows the parts of your body to hold it tightly without slipping. Firm grip is necessary in yoga poses as your body parts may require remaining in the same state for long periods.

The yoga mats are stretched and spread on the floor after being unfolded. The mat which you have bought must be as soft as to provide cushion to your body while you are engrossed in the practice of yoga. Other feature of a yoga mat is that you must be able to clean it at conveniently. Generally, yoga mats are very thin and their main aim is making the floor or the ground more comfortable for your sitting as well lying yoga postures.

Yoga mat is one of the first accessories which you require buying before you venture into the realm of this ancient Indian art. Buying a yoga mat is also believed to be good investment. In today’s market, you can come across various kinds of yoga mats and yoga rugs. These include deluxe yoga mats, classic yoga mats, cotton yoga mats, chemical free yoga mats, organic Ashtanga yoga mats, OM Logo mats and roll Utopian yoga mats.

Always opt for the natural or synthetic yoga mat whenever you venture out to buy one. For making natural yoga mats, natural materials such as cotton or jute are used. These types of yoga mats are known as yoga rugs. Synthetic materials like latex or PVC are used for making synthetic yoga mats. These types of mats are also referred to as yoga rugs. Apart from all these, yoga mats are also made with the help of jute and natural rubber blend.

As a rule, yoga physical exercises are performed on ground or floor bare feet. The postures of yoga may lead someone to lose his or her balance at the very onset of the practice. At this, you require something that may avoid you having direct contact with the bare floor. If you do not have anything between the floor and your body, you may end up having injury in case you lose your balance and fell.

If you are giving a serious thought to venture into yoga for ensuring good health, you must equip yourself with yoga mat. You can have the best deal at Yoga-Mad. It is the UK-based Yoga and Pilates equipment specialists.

Article Source: http://www.articlesarticles.net

What is Yoga? A View At An Ancient Practice

The question What is Yoga? is not the type of question that is answered simply or in depth in such a short space. The practice of yoga has numerous unique schools of thought and varying opinions. In ancient Hinduism, the term yoga is more or less a general one, similar to the word biology or physics.

For the vast majorities of Hindius, the word yoga stands for a type of technology of the spirit (even though it doesnt actually translate directly into that), which involves meditation, asceticism. The main goal of yoga in this type of circumstance is to get a more beneficial understanding of yourself, of nature, and of the various concepts of existence itself.

Ideas as well as beliefs have been influenced outside of the Indian subcontinent by yoga. Buddism in all of its various forms has been highly shaped by the constructs behind yoga, as has the numerous other asian philosophies and religions. For disciples of other religions, the question of what is yoga will be different in a significant way. There are many people who will carry out practices that are highly influenced through the use of yoga without really knowing what it is.

What is Yoga in the Western Environment?

For western culture yoga is a relatively new introduction. It was first introduced in the latter half of the nineteenth century by Swami Vivekananda, an Indian spiritual philosopher and spiritual leader whose speeches on the philosophy behind Indian culture and yoga mesmerized audiences in both the United States as well as the United Kingdom.

He passed away at a relatively young age in his late 30s, however the seeds of ideas that he planted would later develop into the current day practice of yoga in Western society. The counter-culture of western society that sprung up in the latter half of the twentieth century. Its assorted interests in many things Eastern furnished the practice of yoga with the drive it required to arise into the prevalent practice in western culture that it is today.

Yoga in the context of western culture affiliated with Hatha Yoga postures or asanas as a type of exercise. Even though there are traditionally only 6 styles of orthodox yoga, (Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga) people in western culture have integrated various ideas from these types of schools of thought with each other or even with completely foreign concepts to arrive at other types of styles which might arguably be named yoga. Amongst these are laughing yoga and chair yoga.

In the west yoga is very well liked, particularly in the United State of America. People in America spend in excess of 3 billion dollars each year on classes for yoga as well as associated accessories. Whether or not this Commodification of a ritual that is ancient is helpful or not to the overall practice is debatable; however it does beg more in depth questions on what is yoga and what its practices stand for.

What is Yoga And How Does It Benefit a Person?

There have been many different benefits that have been shown to the practitioners of yoga. Firstly, the traditional forms of practices pf yoga have shown to enhance strength, flexibility, endurance, as well as general well being and lower the psychological stress and trauma.

Helpful effects on people suffering from asthma as well as individuals with heart conditions who practice yoga breathing techniques have also been demonstrated. There have also been numerous other advantages to using yoga that have been claimed, however unfortunately, not all of them have been proven.

The question What is Yoga? is not the type of question that is answered simply or in depth in such a short space. The use of yoga has numerous unequaled schools of thought and varying opinions. In ancient Hinduism, the term yoga is more or less a general one, similar to the word biology or physics.

For the vast majorities of Hindius, the word yoga stands for a type of technology of the spirit (even though it doesnt actually translate now into that), which involves meditation, asceticism. The main goal of yoga in this type of circumstance is to get a more beneficial understanding of yourself, of nature, and of the various concepts of beingness itself.

Ideas as well as beliefs have been influenced external of the Red Indian subcontinent by yoga. Buddism in all of its various forms has been highly shaped by the constructs behind yoga, as has the numerous other asian philosophies and religions. For disciples of other religions, the question of what is yoga will be different in a significant way. There are many reside who will carry out practices that are highly influenced through the use of yoga without really learned what it is.

What is Yoga in the Western Environment?

For Western culture yoga is a comparatively new introduction. It was first introduced in the latter half of the nineteenth century by Swami Vivekananda, an native American Negro spiritual philosopher and spiritual leader whose speeches on the philosophy behind Red Indian polish and yoga mesmerized audiences in both the united States as well as the united Kingdom.

He passed away at a comparatively young age in his late 30s, however the seeds of ideas that he ingrained would later make grow into the current day practice of yoga in Western society. The counter-culture of western society that sprung up in the latter half of the twentieth century. Its assorted interests in many things eastern furnished the praxis of yoga with the drive it required to arise into the prevalent recitation in western refinement that it is today.

Yoga in the context of horse opera culture connected with Hatha Yoga postures or asanas as a type of exercise. Even though there are traditionally only 6 styles of Jewish-Orthodox yoga, (Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga) dwell in horse opera finish have integrated various ideas from these types of schools of thought with each other or even with completely foreign concepts to get at other types of styles which might arguably be named yoga. Amongst these are laughing yoga and chair yoga.

In the west yoga is very well liked, peculiarly in the cooperative State of America. Masses in US spend in surplusage of 3 billion dollars each year on classes for yoga as well as associated accessories. Whether or not this Commodification of a rite that is ancient is helpful or not to the overall recitation is debatable; however it does beg more in depth questions on what is yoga and what its practices stand for.

What is Yoga And How Does It Benefit a Person?

There have been many different benefits that have been shown to the practitioners of yoga. Firstly, the traditional forms of practices pf yoga have shown to enhance strength, flexibility, endurance, as well as worldwide well being and lower the psychological stress and trauma.

Helpful personal effects on people suffering from asthma as well as individuals with heart conditions who practice yoga breathing techniques have also been demonstrated. There have also been numerous other advantages to using yoga that have been claimed, withal unfortunately, not all of them have been proven.

Article Source: http://www.aword2thewise.com

Doing Yoga To Stay Healthy

Yoga is an ancient proven tradition that exists for thousands of years and also one of the most ancient cultural heritages in India. The word yoga means, "to unite". But it does not only mean contemplation but also communion and yoking all powers of the body, mind and soul to God. It is a very ancient and efficient system of disciplines and controls designed to produce the integration of the body, mind and spirit. It also achieves higher states of awareness and self-realization by methodical efforts to attain perfection. Even at the workplace, yoga has become extremely popular in many companies, worldwide. Working eight hours a day, five to seven days a week is really stressing. And yoga can just be the answer to this. Yoga reduces stress. It improves flexibility and muscle tone, increases circulation, relieves chronic pain and alleviates anxiety-related disorders. Best of all, it cultivates physical awareness, refreshes your energy, and offers a little vacation from the everyday grind.

There are seven divisions of yoga. Hatha yoga is concerned primarily with the body and the asanas. Bhakti yoga focuses on the path of love and devotion. Mantra yoga has something to do with recitation and repetition of words and verses. Karma yoga is a service through action and work. Janan yoga is on the intellectual path. Raja yoga is a synthesis of Bhakti, Karma, and Janan. And Laya yoga is the secret path or known as the "Yoga of Dissolution".

Yoga has many advantages over other methods of maintaining health, such as aerobics, athletics, gymnastics, games, and various other forms of exercise and is often described as the best form of health insurance for all from the age of seven to seventy seven or more because it has a lot to offer to everyone. The two main advantages of yoga are prevention of disorders and ailments and maintenance of health and fitness in daily life. Other advantages include supple joints, flexible muscles, relaxed and tension-free mind and efficiently working vital organs such as the heart, lungs, endocrine glands, liver, pancreas and good balance between various functions. When doing yoga, you will not need any costly equipment and materials, or playgrounds, gyms, etc. And you don't have to worry when is the right time to do it because you can do yoga all throughout the year. It can also be practiced inside the house or in the open, just alone or if you want, in groups. The only thing you need is a thick carpet spread on the floor and covered with a clean sheet of cloth. Remember that yoga should only be practiced on empty stomach although you can do it at any time during the day.

Everyone can benefit from yoga. It will benefit you irrespective of whether you are young or old, lean or heavily built, highly educated or unlettered, rich or poor, from higher or lower middle class, busy, over busy, or retired or worker in the factory or in the field. However, this benefit may not be possible if one does not practice the correct technique of yoga or practice it irregularly. Yoga has a wide range of technique and this can fulfill needs in almost people especially those who really have the determination and the motivation to do the techniques in a regular basis. Yoga can fulfill this need irrespective of your work, or your lifestyle. This can help everyone play his or her roles more efficiently, more smoothly and more comfortably.

Article Source: http://www.aword2thewise.com

Better Sex With Yoga

Are you seeking to improve your sex life? Don't worry you're not alone. Many people automatically start thinking of new ways to experiment in the bedroom but did you know there is a much easier way? What is it you ask? YOGA!
Many often wonder exactly what the connection is between yoga and better sex. Most women actually think that there is no connection. What you probably don't know is that yoga is recommended by many medical professionals as a way to improve intimacy.
Keep in mind that just being fit alone will boost your self-confidence and ultimately increase your pleasure in the bedroom. The pleasure will automatically increase even if the sex itself doesn't change.
Practicing yoga is a great way to become more aware of your body. Being aware of your body is very important when it comes to having better sex. With yoga you will start understand your body and its limits much better.
Yoga is based around the awareness of your body, the movement of your body and breathing. It is important to have these 3 components working if you want to have a healthy sex life. Taking yoga will improve your sex life even if that wasn't your main goal.
Remember, when you are better aware of your body you will more than likely have better sex. Yoga will help you build better body awareness. With better body awareness comes a better self image. And with that comes better sex.
Yoga will also help you breathe better. This breathing will strengthen your spine and pelvis. As your spine and pelvis become stronger you will be able to move better and try new sex positions with a much greater success rate. You may also be able to have sex for a longer period of time.
Please don't think that yoga is just for women. More and more men are starting to take yoga as they learn the affects it will have on their sex life. After all, we all want to achieve maximum pleasure during sex. Trust me, after a yoga session you will head straight home and straight for the bed.

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com

Read Yoga Books For Wellness

Books have been considered as one of the best sources of knowledge in every possible field. Books can be a mans best friend, when there are no mentors or teachers showing the right path. There are different types of books available in the market on topics like cookery, fashion, general knowledge and even yoga. Yoga, a scientifically proven method for controlling the heart, mind, and body, has become very popular. It is like a practical science, which not only treats various ailments in the human body, but also prepares it for leading a healthy life. Since it is difficult to have a trained yoga teachers supervision all the time, yoga books can be of great help due to their value and content.

Whether you do the simple pranayam practice or raja and hath yoga, authors of yoga books try to provide as much practical and relevant information as possible. Yoga being a practical science, it requires a lot of research before the constituents are compiled into a book. One feature that is very essential in any yoga book is relevance. The authors ability for conveying the essence of yoga in the book is also one of the main pre-requisites.

Aasans, different body postures having different impact on general health, are the most important part of yoga. Every book must cover this part and this is the reason why you will find a lot of diagrams, illustrations and pictures along with simple interpretations. Pranayam, distinct breathing exercises are also essential in yoga. Also, make sure that the author of the yoga book has put the impact and significance of respiratory exercises in detail.

You must be aware of the fact that yoga is an ancient medical practical science and this is why the important chronicles were written in the Sanskrit language. This is a complicated and tough language to understand and in todays yoga books you will find few concepts and theories mentioned in Sanskrit. A good yoga book author will elaborate every concept in detail, so that the readers benefit from it. You can determine the success of a book on the basis of communicability of the content. Even the practicability of the theories is very important.

Yoga books basically consist of content that an interested person would like to know. From different body postures to ways of treating particular ailments, yoga books can teach you a lot. They also describe how a particular posture can help you solve a problem and tone up your body. Yoga has been considered an effective method for achieving nirvana too. It is like a cord between cosmic consciousness and individuals.

Books have been wise as one of the best sources of knowledge in every possible field. Books can be a mans best friend, when there are no mentors or teachers display the right path. There are different types of books available in the market on topics like cookery, fashion, full general cognition and even yoga. Yoga, a scientifically proven method for controlling the heart, mind, and body, has become very popular. It is like a practical science, which not only treats assorted ailments in the human body, but also prepares it for ahead a fit life. Since it is difficult to have a trained yoga teachers supervision all the time, yoga books can be of great help due to their value and content.

Whether you do the simple pranayam practice or raja and hath yoga, authors of yoga books try to provide as much practical and crucial information as possible. Yoga being a practical science, it requires a lot of research before the constituents are compiled into a book. One characteristic that is very essential in any yoga book is relevance. The authors ability for conveyancing the substance of yoga in the book is also one of the main pre-requisites.

Aasans, different body postures having different impact on general health, are the most important part of yoga. Every book must cover this part and this is the reason why you will find a lot of diagrams, illustrations and pictures along with half-witted interpretations. Pranayam, distinct breathing exercises are also essential in yoga. Also, make sure that the author of the yoga book has put the impact and significance of respiratory exercises in detail.

You must be aware of the fact that yoga is an ancient medical practical science and this is why the important chronicles were written in the Sanskrit language. This is a complicated and tough language to interpret and in todays yoga books you will find few concepts and theories mentioned in Sanskrit. A good yoga book author will enlarge every concept in detail, so that the readers benefit from it. You can watch the success of a book on the basis of communicability of the content. Even the practicableness of the theories is very important.

Yoga books basically consist of content that an interested person would like to know. From different body postures to ways of treating item ailments, yoga books can teach you a lot. They also describe how a detail posture can help you solve a trouble and tone up your body. Yoga has been reasoned an effective method for achieving nirvana too. It is like a cord betwixt cosmic awareness and individuals.

Article Source: http://www.articlegush.com

How Yoga Helps To Improve Lovemaking?

Yoga helps in a number of ways. It relieves stress and gives mental peace. It keeps us fit and healthy. It also helps in improving lovemaking. Our great ancient yogis, sages and seers have recommended the sensible blending of sex and yoga to experience the divine ecstasy. There is no sex stimulant or aphrodisiac as efficacious and regarding as the yogasanas. For prolongation of sexual union and ecstasy the following asanas and bandhas are of special interest –

Padmasana (Lotus pose) - The padmasana is a basic and versatile pose symbolizing man’s spiritual growth, evolution, purity and peace. Padma means lotus. It is called padmasana because it is in imitation of lotus more in nature than in appearance. This posture is classic for meditation and pranayam.

Techniques –

• Sit erect on the floor with both your legs stretched in front.
• Bend the right knee folding the leg and put the foot high on the left thigh.
• Bring the left foot similarly and place it high on the right thigh.
• Both the knees should touch the ground and keep both the heels near navel. Keep the soles of the feet up turned.
• Spread out the arms and place the palms on the knees. Make a loop of the index fingers joined and stretched.
• Change the legs after some time. Now, keep the left leg first and then the right leg. It helps in developing the legs evenly.
• In the beginning you may feel pain in your knees and ankles, but practice makes it comfortable even for longer sessions.

Effects

• In this posture pelvis gets richer blood supply and tones up coccygeal and sacral nerves.
• It keeps the mind alert and steady and ankles and knees supple.
• For pranayama it is the best and the mind grows calm and clear.
• The erect spine makes one’s concentration strong and lasting. It helps in the awakening of Kundalini as it can be maintained for hours at a stretch without any discomfort.
• This pose also helps in removing constipation. During this meditative pose the production of carbon dioxide is reduced to the minimum.

Mula bandha - Mula literally means the root, source, foundation of the basis. In it, the portion between anus and scrotum is contracted and raised. This prevents apaana escaping from the lower body and draws it up to unite with prana.

Techniques –

• Sit in padmasana or siddhasana. Stretch your hands and fingers in Gyana Mudra
• Inhale deeply and retrain it. Press the chin against the chest in chin lock.
• Contract the region of lower abdomen between the anus and the navel towards your spine and pull it up towards the diaphragm.
• Now, contract and pull upwards the abdominal muscles and remain in the posture for a few seconds.
• Release the grip and sphinec and abdominal muscles, remove the chin lock. Exhale slowly and evenly.
• Repeat the cycle 3-5 times.

Effects

• It prevents apaana escaping from the lower body and draws it up to unite with prana.
• It increases sexual retention power and gives a person of great moral and spiritual power.
• It helps much in awakening the dormant kundalini by preventing the dissipation of pranic energy and changing it into a physical force.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Article Source: http://www.articledirectorylive.com

Yoga helps you grow taller

If you use the internet to search for information on how to grow in height, more than likely you will notice the benefits that yoga registered in this area.
Everyone understands this growing taller process differently and thus the information received may have either a positive or a negative effect. If you’re looking for a successful method to lengthen your bones then yoga is not the answer to your problem.
At least not by itself. Once the puberty period is over, the adult bones cease to grow.
If you want to grow taller and keep the normal length of the bones in the same time then you must definitely follow the yoga road. Yoga will turn you into a stronger and healthier person and your body will thank you for this every second.
First of all, yoga will strengthen your spine by correcting your posture. No more curvatures… your body will be line straight from now on. Many people consider this a height increase because in their eyes you’ll be looking much taller now. And vertically speaking, this is the truth.
On the other hand, yoga stimulated the production of the HGH (human growth hormone). In case you didn’t know, HGH is the main responsible for our heights and if you want to grow taller you should consider this aspect very strongly.
To sum up all the above, yoga will help you correct your posture and will turn you into a taller person very fast. It sounds fabulous but remember: you must only do yoga under the supervision of a professional trainer or by watching some trustworthy lessons stored on a multimedia disk.
Also, you might want to keep a friend or a family member nearby just in case because there are some difficult positions in yoga and the risk of falling or hurting yourself while doing them is pretty high. Don’t worry, there are many other safe exercises that were tested and retested by many people and that won’t put you in any danger. Give them a try!

Article Source: http://www.articles2use.com

Learning About Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is an ancient hindu system of working with the human nervous system. Because it releases tension and endows one with renewed energy, far too many 20th century people, yoga teachers included, have come to look upon the venerable Indian physical science as solely an exercise for health and vitality of mind and body. It is that, but it is also much more. Hatha yoga practices are more spiritual than physical, more subtle than gross, more a means of understanding than an exotic way to relieve stress or limber up the body.

The sages who developed hatha yoga designed it as a way to gain conscious control of our life energies, a way to go within, to harmonize the external so the innermost Self could be encountered. To them, it was about states of consciousness, about living a divine life, and it was a preparation for meditation.

As you perform the asanas, concentrate on feeling the energies within the nerve currents. Sensitize yourself to knowing when the body has been in each position long enough to tune the nerve currents involved. Then shift smoothly into the next asana. It's like a dance, a deliberate, fluid dance. During all postures, inhale using the diaphragm, not the chest muscles. Do not stretch unduly or force the body. Relax into the poses. Don't worry if you can't perform them all perfectly. In time, you will find the body becoming more flexible and supple. Free the mind of thoughts and tensions. You will be more aware, more alive, more serene.

While there are many more complex hatha yoga routines, these twenty-four asanas provide a balanced system for daily use. For the simple purpose of quieting the mind in preparation for meditation, this is all you will ever need. For best results, hatha yoga should be taught personally by a qualified teacher. These instructions and drawings are meant only as a rudimentary aid. For more elaborate regimens, inquire at a recognized school specializing in hatha yoga.

The scene of hatha yoga has a spiritual purpose - to balance physical and physic energies in preparation for meditation. It is not only meant to make us young, beautiful or creative, but to aid us in quieting the mind, body and emotions that we may awaken enlightened consciousness & know the Self within.

Article Source: http://articles.sites4.info

Reasons to Consider Comfy Apparel for a Yoga Class

"The comfort and functionality of your yoga apparel in Canada plays a vital role in enhancing the experience of your yoga practice. Comfort spells it all in Yoga and Pilates since you’ll be doing a lot of joint and muscle movements.

In most yoga classes in Canada, individuals are required to come in a special type of clothing, which meets the physical demands of the exercise. Research has shown that wearing the proper type of yoga clothes enables one to come up with the best results in the mentioned mind and body exercise. Wearing comfortable clothes allows you to concentrate more on your asanas (positions) instead of your appearance.

Yoga has gained tremendous popularity since the last few decades; therefore the continuous manufacture of an extensive range of yoga clothes for the market of sporting goods.

Below are important things to consider when choosing yoga apparel in North America and the best athletic wear in Canada:

a) It is always recommended to choose yoga clothes that are made of fiber or cotton as well as of spandex. This is so because such types of clothes deliver an excellent flexibility that would enable you to make various movements with ease.

b) Talking about comfort, one should always go for lightweight yoga clothes that are sweat absorbent to enable you to stay cool and fresh in spite of profuse sweating and stickiness of the skin.

c) Choose yoga clothes according to your size meaning they shouldn’t be too tight nor too loose. It should frame your body perfectly so you get to move easily and in style.

After discussing important factors to consider in buying yoga apparel, let’s proceed to the different types of yoga clothing. With the increased demand for yoga clothing due to the tremendous hype of Yoga and Pilates, sporting companies have come up with an exclusive range of yoga clothing to meet the requirements of every individual.

a) Yoga Shirts

Available in a wide variety of materials including cotton, fleece, lycra, and wool, they are sure to guarantee comfort and flexibility in the gym or studio.

b) Yoga Pants

One of the best in yoga apparels as they are extremely comfortable not only for yoga but other activities as well like martial arts, Pilates, aerobics, or dance. They are available in different types of materials including cotton, fleece, lycra, and wool, and they come in a wide range of colors to meet your taste.

c) Unitard

This is a one-piece garment, which offers proper coverage, support and comfort while practicing various yoga exercises. This is commonly associated with acrobats, gymnasts, and dancers. It is one of the most lightweight apparels, which is composed of organic fibers of cotton/spandex. It comprises of double-layered panels at its front and back along with single-layer arms and legs. The most fascinating thing about this clothing is the fact that it is available in an extensive range of colors and sizes."

Article Source: http://www.articleszoom.com

Yoga's Healing Powers and Anti Aging Properties

Yoga has countless healing powers and health advantages. Yoga originated from India where yogis were Buddhists who practiced to attain spirituality and harmony. You might have dwelt on the pictures of yogis floating in the air with their legs crossed and eyes closed and pondered over its implication. The idea behind the picture is very simple. Yogis believed that such immense lightness of mind and body was achieved from meditating that the body itself floated in the air like a feather in the wind.

Today yoga is still as popular over there as it was in dark ages but modern yoga does not deal with floating in the air but focuses more on health and fitness of the body as well as that of the mind. Yoga inculcates discipline, harmonizing the body, mind and spirit. The combined efforts of posture maintenance, relaxation, and breathing exercises clear the body of toxins and allow free flow of energy.

Yoga provides immense relief from daily tensions which a person experiences from routine life activities and responsibilities. Yoga postures improve the blood flow to the crucial systems of the body like the spleen, pancreas, urinary system, thyroid, lungs and heart and tones our muscles increasing their efficiency and longevity.

The few main benefits of yoga are highlighted below:
1. Insomnia and asthma attacks are prevented and eliminated to a positive extent
2. It provides relief to sufferers of backache and osteoporosis
3. It regulates blood pressure and blood flow
4. Combats obesity and acidity
5. Cures breathlessness and aids anemic patients
6. The functioning of the ovaries also improves for those women suffering from menstrual disorders
7. Body posture is elevated and firmness of figure is acquired
8. Harmony of the body and mind is ensured

Yoga focuses on unity of mind and body. It is very important to practice the yoga postures
known as asanas with the help of some yoga dvds as some exercises require guidance to follow and exercising in the wrong ways may lead to serious complications.

Courses are available commonly for home practice. More and more people are realizing the benefits of yoga and join yoga classes to derive its multiple benefits.

Yoga is a natural anti aging agent. Different yoga postures ensure that the health of the body is maintained and that the skin remains wrinkle free for longer years. Yoga is a beauty enhancer, toning the skin and keeping the twinkle and glitter of the eyes for a lifetime. The soul of the yogi undergoes tranquility and peace and this contentment is shown on the skin and body. The waves of moods are kept at bay by meditation and relaxation.

There are three styles of yoga which a person can choose from: Hatha yoga, Bikram yoga and Raja yoga. Hatha yoga is the standard style followed commonly as the asanas are very easy to catch on and practice regularly. It does not demand any special qualifications. The answer lies in keeping up with the yoga postures and maintaining a balance in life to get long lasting and effective results.

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How Yoga Stretches Can Help You Lose Weight

With hundreds of weight loss programs out there, it can get difficult to choose one that will actually give you results. So if you are tired of looking around here and there to find the perfect solution for your weight loss problem, it's time you go for some change and try out something different, such as yoga. Yoga can greatly assist you in losing weight since it directly influences and works on the core areas by helping your change your own lifestyle. Along with your dieting plan, start to do a few a simple and easy yoga stretches every day to see amazing results.

1. Look for a Yoga Class for Newbies

To lose weight with yoga you really don't need to be an expert practitioner nor do you require a large amount of effort. You can be at a starting phase and still work towards your weight problems. What really matters here is that yoga works in your favor by changing you from the inside, which will help you melt away those extra pounds over time. It's not a process that you speedup with force, but something that takes place gradually with time. Start away by finding a suitable yoga class for beginners near your place and commit yourself to it by practicing at least twice a week.

2. Spend A Few Minutes Practicing Your Chosen Poses

Yoga consists of 10 primary poses, which have endless variations. Choose two poses that you're comfortable with and find easy to do, and practice them morning/evening. This should not take more than 10 minutes of your time.

For example, let's assume that you went for the cobra and downward dog as the poses that you want to practice at your home. Start the ten-minute session in the mountain pose, while giving extra attention to the alignment, and relax as you're standing in the pose. Then move to the cobra pose. Perform the pose for about five times and make sure you fully relax between each pose.

Finish off the session by performing the downward dog pose, and gradually increase the length of time that you put into the pose, to the point that you're spending close to 90 seconds in the posture.

3. Give Yourself the Opportunity to Lose weight

We all gain weight gradually, it doesn't happen overnight. You didn't have to concentrate or think about gaining the weight you did, it simply happened, because of your very own habits. Altering habits and developing new ones is definitely not easy, especially when you try to bring about the change from the outside. Yoga fills in the gap and helps you change yourself from the inside.

Within just a few days of starting out with your yoga exercises, you will notice that you won't be craving for fast food anymore. However, again, eating fast food is just another habit. You may still find out that you are buying fast food even though you no longer have the craving for it. Don't pressure yourself to stop, don't force, and one find day you will zoom right past your favorite fast food joint and you'll feel absolutely nothing. You won't need to even think about it.

So is it really that easy and simple to lose weight with such yoga stretches each day? Definitely! The main key to success here is to forget about the dieting part and enjoy your yoga practice. Doing this, weight loss will take place a lot sooner than you could possibly think.

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Teach Yoga and make money online

Benefit from home based business. Gain control over your life. You will be your own boss no need to follow anyone. No strict schedules, if you have to attend to urgent needs of your family then do it and go to work after. You do not have to put up with any organizational culture. There are attractive financial benefit gains in this type of trade. Since working at home, you will cut down on gasoline and other transportation expenses. Have more time to bond with your family and reinforce relationships. Both parents can work as a team for their business. Less stress brought about by the demands of private and work life because you set your own deadlines and schedule.

Teaching Yoga is among the popular home based business today. Yoga a form of spiritual practice in India became a beneficial form of exercise for health and fitness. It combines breathing techniques and meditation along with physical exercises. It benefits people with heart disease, back problems, and asthma.

When teaching Yoga you can choose a specialty to target a certain market. Like for instance; Yoga for physical fitness, Yoga therapy, spiritual Yoga, Yoga for seniors, Yoga for couples, Yoga for kids, prenatal or postnatal yoga. If you already have chosen your field, start marketing your business. Submit articles about Yoga benefits in your community’s newspaper. Provide free workshops or talks to homeowners’ organization, schools, sports clubs, and college athletic centers. When talking to athletes emphasize the fact that flexibility would boost their performance.

Prepare marketing materials like brochures, calling cards, and other reading materials. Ensure visibility of your contact details like addresses and phone numbers on these materials. A website is an excellent marketing tool, start up your own website. Fill it with articles about Yoga, how it benefits your health. Include testimonies of happy clients. Learn about financial management. It is still a business and it will cease to exist once it does not make money. It will not require you to be an accounting expert to learn simple financial management. Just to make records of how much you owe, how much they owe you, operating costs like electricity, water bills, equipment costs, consumables like paper and pen, etc.

Include marketing costs for the brochures, business cards, pamphlets, costs for giving free demonstrations and workshops. You should also know how much money you are making, if you plan to make this the main source of your income. Set up your home studio. Buy appropriate CD’s for Yoga. Build shower rooms. Several optional Yoga equipments are available in the market, like back supports, Yoga chairs, and matting, choose whichever is fit for your program. Best for you to learn first aid, just in case difficult poses causes falls or participants fainting after physical exertion..

Help other people improve their overall fitness, strength, and flexibility. Guide other people to the attainment of joy and inner peace. Reap the benefits of working at home. Manage stress; achieve balance between your private, and work life. Do something you really enjoy. Start your Yoga home based business.

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How you can benefit from doing Yoga

Yoga is a very popular form of exercising these days. There are many kinds of Yoga and they are all considered a good way to keep both a healthy body and a healthy spirit. There are many benefits for doing Yoga on a regular basis.

It is estimated that about 6 percent of Americans are doing Yoga once a day. This number increased a lot in the last few years as Yoga came to the front line of what is considered a healthy way of life. Although almost all physical exercise also benefits the mind Yoga is perceived to be unique in its equally important influence on both the body and the mind. The saying healthy mind in a healthy body is synonymous to Yoga.

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years although it became so popular just recently. Yoga was developed with mind and body as one entity that needs to be nurtured. Yoga does not consider the body and the mind to be separate but aims to unite them into one healthy and wholesome entity. Yoga does not put unnecessary physical stress on the body. Instead it brings the body and mind into a harmony that can help delay the aging process and make one feel younger and healthier. Yoga is not the same as meditation and or spiritual ceremonies although many times it is confused to be exactly that.

One of the most important elements of Yoga is breathing. Yoga focuses on breathing on stretching and on using all of the body muscles from the large muscle groups to each small muscle in the body. Breathing helps control the mind. Yoga is usually done in a quiet room or with some soothing music. Yoga is not a competitive sport basically it is everybody to themselves and thus there is no unnecessary competitive stress when practicing Yoga.

Yoga promotes self awareness and meditation quality. By slowly and deeply breathing and by staying in one position for a long time the mind can concentrate and can communicate with each part of the body. Oxygen flow can increase to parts of the body where it otherwise depleted.
It is believed that Yoga can help many illnesses from random pain to diebitis and more. There is no scientific proof for that but it is believed that due to better oxygen flow and better physical and spiritual condition the body immune system gets stronger and the body can fight such illnesses more effectively.

Like any other form of exercise Yoga should be accompanied by a balanced and healthy life style. Doing some Yoga and then running to the local joint to eat a cheese burger is not the recommended way in order to benefit from Yoga. Yoga looks at a person as a wholesome entity. In order to benefit from Yoga and to be healthier and feel better you should not just exercise Yoga on a regular basis but you should also live a Yoga life style. Eat in moderation and try to consume as much nutritious and healthy food. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits and drink lots of water.

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How To Target Your Stomach Area With Yoga

Yoga is a great part of any wellness regular, as it can both lesser stress and implement the body. If you are annoying to use yoga to objective your midsection, well, that can be done. There are several yoga positions (called asanas) which essay the stomach muscles. Bear in tend that some of these are more complex than other. Assess your own knack and comfort quantity before annoying certain asanas. If you are not positive you are able to do one asana, shrink with one that seems easier and work your way up once you have belt some power and flexibility. As with any exercises follow, be sure to consult a professional before boon and always convivial up right to duck injury.

To work this stomach-exercising asana, first lie puncture on your back. Use a yoga mat of towel to guard the thorn. Bend both knees up to your chest so that your thigh touches the stomach. Hug your knees in place and catch your fingers. Now elevate your cranium up so your nose meets your knees. Take an innate breath and stick it for thirty seconds before releasing and leisurely lowering back to gain. This implement could also be done one leg at a time.

For this stomach effect, stay on the bottom, but revolve over onto your stomach. Position your hand under your shoulders. Now, with your back muscles, raise your high chest off the ground to that your move is upright. Be thorough not to vigor with your hands. You want the muscles in your back to be burden the work. Hold this posture for thirty seconds, then lower manually back to create. Even though you are using your back muscles to pocket your higher body, performing the asana will help in reducing stomach fat and flattening your belly.

This stomach drill is beautiful akin to the earlier asana, but more complex. It starts from the same standing falseness on your stomach, but in this employ you twist your legs upward besides lifting your superior chest. Bend your knees so that the soles of your feet come up regarding your president. Grab your ankles and injure with your hands and ambition with your legs pending only your stomach is on the base. Your body should feel place of like it is making a surround. Your knees should continue together throughout the problem. Hold this pose for thirty seconds before releasing and frequent to early thinking.

Now that you have read the name of this asana, try not to be intimidated-- it is less complicated in practice than in pronunciation. It does, however, demand a light quantity of flexibility, so you may want to start with something easier and make up to this one. Start by false on your back with your legs blunt and arms overhead. Your body should be level from supervise to toe with all limbs absolute. Point your palms up to the ceiling and put your hands together. Contract your stomach muscles to sit up, trust your back honest and hands overhead. Bend mail and grab your toes with your hands, putting your head between your arms so it touches your knees. Hold the posture for two action before releasing.

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Quick Ways to Reduce Stress

One thing many doctors tell their patients daily is that they need to reduce their stress levels. Stress can affect our health in many different ways, and almost all of them are negative. But while it may sound easy, it can be very difficult to actually reduce stress. Here are some tips to quickly reduce your stress level and, as you do so, make yourself happier and healthier.

1. Take a few deep breaths and just do nothing for a few minutes. It might sound simple, but if you just allow yourself to step outside the busy, stressful work for just a moment, it can really help. If you’re at work, step out of your office to get a drink of water or, on the other hand, close your office door and shut out the stress for a few minutes.

2. Taking a walk can also help. While it may not always be an option, if you can, get up and leave the stressful environment (and the stress) behind. You don’t have to walk to any particular location, but just wander and let your mind relax. If your job is stressful, try taking a short walk during your lunch break to help relieve stress.

3. Turn on some relaxing music. There are some CDs specifically aimed at stress relief. If these particular music choices are not your favorite, pick some that are. Music is one of the best ways of calming your mind after a stressful day.

4. Don’t forget to sleep. Sleeping relaxes your entire body and can help with headaches, body aches, and other illnesses. If you don’t get enough sleep at night, you may find your day being even more stressful. Even a short, 15 minute nap can be enough to re-energize your body and help you go about your day more easily. Don’t rely on things like coffee to help you wake up—get a good amount of sleep so you don’t need to drink as much caffeine. The crash from caffeine can add to the stress.

5. Pick up your favorite type of novel and read for a few minutes. Reading is a good way of getting your mind off of a stressful situation. It doesn’t even have to be a book—pick up a magazine or newspaper if you like. Just do something that distracts your mind.

6. Exercise. Many people recommend yoga as a way of reducing your stress level, but any form of exercise will do. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins and other chemicals that help affect your mood and can relax you. Exercising also has the benefit of making your body more fit and tone, which will give you more energy during the day. This can help with stress as well since you won’t feel so burnt out and overworked all of the time.

7. Take a shower or bath. This can be a great way of relaxing after work. A hot, relaxing shower or bath will soothe your muscles and leave you feeling refreshed.

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