At this point, let's break down the major components of a typical Hatha Yoga session, and see how each one will enable you to reach your goals. There are nine main styles of Yoga in India, but most of the popular styles, outside of India, are variations of Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga classes tend, among other things, to emphasize physical mastery. Asanas are the physical postures, but depending upon the class, the postures may be held for different...more
Here are some guidelines and realistic expectations for parents, who are considering Yoga for their children. For your child, Yoga is much more than a kid's fitness class. Just like adults -- kids need time to learn to deal with life's daily pressures, too. Make sure your child starts with easy postures, and be patient with your child's progress. Some beginner children can often be more flexible than advanced adult Yoga practitioners, but they...more
Chair Yoga can easily work in harmony with most physical rehabilitation prescriptions. Many physical therapists have knowledge of Yoga or are teachers of Yoga. Many doctors, physical therapists, and medical professionals recommend Yoga to patients who are making a "come back." Yoga gives these patients the strength to move ahead, when many would be discouraged. The comebacks that I have personally witnessed are inspiring to me as a Yoga teacher. Over time, I have seen come backs from strokes, heart attacks, and car accidents. It touches me that they thanked me for teaching them Yoga or Chair Yoga. The courage to go on came from within their minds, but Yoga became a significant part of their lives. As a Yoga teacher the inspiration was mutual and made me feel helpful. After all, being of help, and being appreciated, are prime motivations for teachers of any subject. Muscle tone is a result of stretching and flexing any muscle group. Active muscles display themselves on anybody that chooses to use them. This is also a good way to relieve oneself of anxiety, stress, tension, and prevent depression. Like the other benefits, previously mentioned, this results in whole body health. A...more
The following are questions that Yoga teachers still need to answer, despite overwhelming evidence that Yoga is "the mother of all health maintenance systems." Mainstream thought is finally catching up, with the progress Yoga is making, but it has taken 5,000 years for us to get this far. Seriously, How Can Yoga Make You Lose Weight? Finally, some...more
We have all heard the saying, "Rome wasn't built in a day." Those words are extremely profound, when thinking about correcting poor posture and alignment. It takes years to create poor alignment.Therefore, poor posture cannot be corrected in a single day. A more appropriate saying, when thinking about posture and alignment might be, "The leaning...more
Vinyasa is a Sanskrit word, which refers to breath and movement. For example each Yoga posture is matched by one breath. This is what you do when you perform Sun or Moon salutations, and these are also a form of Vinyasa Yoga. So, any sequences of postures that are synchronized, with your breath are classified as Vinyasa. There are many forms of Vinyasa and even the gentle ones are vigorous. The postures are not held in a fixed position for long and classes flow with rhythm, similar to music. The energy used in flowing from one movement, to the next, continues throughout a typical Vinyasa Yoga class. This type of Yoga class will challenge aerobic endurance, enhance flexibility, and build overall strength. There are many variations of Vinyasa Yoga classes. Some are related to or offshoots of Ashtanga Yoga, some are very gentle, and others are variations of extended Sun or Moon sequences. The variety of Vinyasa classes is further expanded when you consider different sequences, pace of the class, and the temperature of the room. What about heated Yoga classes; is this hot Yoga? The temperature can vary depending upon the policy of the Yoga studio. At our wellness center in North...more
Flexibility is considered to be a "by product" of Yoga practice, but in the case of Chair Yoga, it is often "down played" or taken for granted. Since most Chair Yoga enthusiasts are seniors, the true value of flexibility is mobility. When you...more
There is an interesting article in the September 5th issue of Time magazine. This particular article covers a spectrum of opinions about mixing Christianity with Yoga. Even, if you don't agree with a single opinion, it's a good read, as long as you...more
Anyone embarking on the journey of yoga will face a series of obstacles, difficulties and detours. You will need to remove all of the following difficulties, noticed by yoga practitioners for a long time, in order to be able to fully benefit from the...more
Yoga deals with the spirit and mind. Yoga helps to reduce stress. When a person feels relentless thoughts turn in his/her mind, and finds it difficult to shut off the valves, thus it is an apparent sign of stress.When a person takes care of his/her...more
Glucosamine is a molecule which is available from glucosamine sulfate. It is considered to be the most effective when used in osteoarthritis. It has also shown its result in diseases like Crohns disease. It is a substance which is present naturally...more
Author: David RyskaIf you're already practicing yoga, share this with a friend to help in get started!Breathe in. Breathe out. Relax. If the idea of going to a new yoga class has you nervous and somewhat stressed, read on. We know it can be a little...more