Archive for the ‘Featured’ Category

Yoga 101: The Basics Of “Getting Started”

Sunday, December 7th, 2008

Yoga 101 For Beginners

The nice thing about practicing yoga is that you do not need much to get started. Unlike other activities, yoga is one that you can practice without spending a lot of money or having a lot of special equipment and space at your disposal. With that being said, there are a few basics that you need to keep in mind if you are interested in getting started with yoga. Once you know the basics and what you are doing you will find it much easier to move forward.

The first thing you need to find is a quiet spot. Chances are that you can find an area in your home. If not, there are many yoga groups you may want to think about joining. Some people like practicing with others, but this is far from necessary. If you want to do yoga on your own without leaving home you should clear out a quiet, secluded spot; no matter where it may be.

One of the biggest benefits of yoga is that you can practice it anywhere. It is best to wear loose clothes that will not restrict your movements when doing yoga. This way you dont have to worry about anything when performing stretches or getting into particular positions.

In addition to your clothes, you will also need a yoga mat or towel to provide support when lying or sitting. This is not necessary, but it will go a long way in making your experience more comfortable.

Once you have the space and the proper clothes and basic equipment, you need to know which exercises to take part in. For beginners this is often times the most difficult part of getting started with yoga. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources that offer information on what a yoga session should entail. Soon enough you will learn what works best for you, and how to spend your time.

With these basics in mind you should not have any problems getting started.

Yoga Poses for Losing Weight

Sunday, December 7th, 2008

yogavacation

Practicing yoga regularly offers numerous benefits including relaxing your mind and body, strengthening your muscles and organs, reducing stress as well as improving your mental and your physical well-being. One of the more popular reasons why many people are beginning to practice yoga would be its effectiveness in helping to lose weight.

Losing weight through yoga could depend on what type of yoga you practice. Some of the types of yoga that are recommended for weight loss would include: Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga and Hot Yoga. There are also some yoga poses that have been proven to help in losing weight more efficiently. Here are some of them.

1. The Dancers Pose

Start in the Mountain pose. Bend your right leg slowly behind you and then grab the inner portion of your right foot. Extend your left arm overhead and then bend forward up until your torso is parallel along the floor. Raise your right leg behind as high you can as you maintain your balance. Hold the position for a few breaths and then repeat on the opposite side.

2. The Chair Pose

Stretch your arms overhead and then bend your knees to a 90-degree angle. While in this squatting position, maintain the length on your back and your neck. Hold the position for 30 seconds and then release to the Mountain pose.

3. The Reverse Warrior Pose

Begin by positioning your feet apart. Slowly raise your arms to the sides. Your ankles should be underneath your wrists. Curve your left foot slightly inwards and your right foot outwards. Bend your right leg to a 90-degree angle, while keeping your left leg straight. Slide your left hand down your left leg and toward your ankle. Raise your right arm overhead and then bend back as you gaze at your fingertips. Hold the position for a few breaths and repeat on your opposite leg.

4. The Downward Facing Dog Pose

Start on all fours and position your hands under your shoulders. Lift your hips and lengthen through your spine and straighten your legs.

5. The Opposite Arm Extension Pose

Starting in the tabletop position, slowly lift your right arm and then extend it forward. Follow by raising your left leg and extending it back. Hold the position for three breaths. This move can actually strengthen your abs, back, legs, hips and buttocks, which are areas prone to cellulite. Repeat thrice on each side.

Keep in mind, though, that although these positions may help you in losing weight through yoga, it would still be advisable help to make sure that you have good eating habits by eating a proper diet. With a good combination of these, you would surely be able to shed more pounds easily and healthily.

What Are The Benefits Of Yoga?

Saturday, December 6th, 2008

Yoga Benefits

If you are interested in doing yoga you are probably aware of some of the benefits of getting started. Of course, there are others who never consider yoga because they have no idea what it can do for them from both mentally and physically. Once you get a better idea of the benefits of yoga there is a very good chance that you will start a routine sooner rather than later.

Here are several benefits of yoga:

  1. Increased flexibility. No matter who you are yoga can help to increase your flexibility. The positions performed while doing yoga help to promote increased flexibility in many parts of the body, including areas you may have never concentrated on in the past.
  2. Muscle toning. Believe it or not, yoga can help to tone your muscles. You will not build muscle mass by doing yoga, but you can definitely get rid of excess fat as to show more definition.
  3. Good for mental health. Practicing yoga is sure to take you to a better place mentally. Not only will you concentrate when doing yoga but you will also feel much better when your session is complete. If you want your mind and body to work together in perfect harmony, practicing yoga is sure to help you achieve these results.

If you are still unsure of the benefits of yoga, both mentally and physically, you are not alone. In order to learn more your best bet is to begin to practice yoga on a regular basis. Once you get started you will begin to realize the many benefits that yoga can have on your mind and body. Sometimes it takes a firsthand experience to realize the many benefits of yoga.