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Archive for the ‘Yoga’ Category

Yoga Or Pilates: What Is The Best Exercise That Can Give The Maximum Benefit You Need

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Fitness Kamloops

If we talk about body conditioning, is it best to do yoga or pilates? This is really not a contest for fitness adicts. Both exercises promote holistic wellness. So, is there really a difference?

Yoga, for new practitioners, is an exercise which focuses on physical wellness. People need to be aware of the deeper meaning of the exercise. Yoga is a lifestyle and not just an ordinary body conditioning. It is a means of existence. Through its meditations, breathing exercises and workouts, it promotes greater wellness of the body. It even develops your personality. It enriches inner peace. With all these benefits, we are assured that yoga is not just an ordinary exercise which gives you short term benefits, however, it will develop your whole personality.

Yoga movements improves our internal organs. We come across terms like asanas, pranayam, kapal bharati, bhramri, etc. Improving your respiration and voice quality is what yoga asanas provide. Other types are concentrated on enhancing structure and tone. In totality, yoga concentrates in balancing your motion with your breathing

On the other hand, Pilates concentrates on stimulating the core of your figure. This exercise’s goal is to improve stability of physical recuperation. A German gymnast and dancer named Joseph Pilates made this exercise popular and relevant to busy people and want to have a good figure. Pilates uses different equipments which promotes fluidity of movement. It develops holistic wellness as well. Some of its effects include: lengthening your spine, improving body posture, better abs.

What is similar with these exercises is that the importance of stretch movements. You strengthen your core with Pilates and with Yoga. Regular practice will definitely change your posture for the better. But since these exercises are extreme as well, there is also risk of injury. You cannot just jump into doing yoga without proper instruction from a coach.

So, which exercise is best for body conditioning If we will decide on choosing just Pilates or just Yoga, we should think and see things deeper. Depending how serious you want to force your body in practicing pilates or yoga, both exercises attacks the core of your figure. In the end, it is totally up to you.

Kamloops Boot camp | The Powerful Effect Of Doing Yoga | Yoga Can Give You That Life-changing Boost

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The Many Styles Of Yoga – And Which Will Be Best For You

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

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Yoga in Sanskrit means union and denotes a union or balance between the spirit, body and mind so there exists a state of harmony. This is an ancient holistic method of individual improvement practiced for years. Practiced for nearly 5000 years, the body is gradually trained by putting an emphasis on the strengthening of the mind and body, at the same time revitalizing the spirit – it can be both a science and a philosophy.

 

A Yogi is a male Yoga practitioner and Yogini is a female practitioner. Indian philosophy has six orthodox systems, of which this is one and is regarded an applied science of the body and the mind. Knowing the philosophy of this is a lifetime search and it is just not about squatting in lotus position and chanting.

 

Back problems and others developing from poor posture can be cured by yoga and this also decreases worry. The main reason this complementary therapy is combined with cancer patients is the feeling of wellness it bestows. Many feel that the best time to perform the discipline is on an empty stomach, before any meals are taken in the morning.

 

A number of the styles of this discipline are the following: The Raja yoga is referred to as the kingly form where meditation is the primary training. It is one of the four main paths of yoga where diverse methods help deal with the mind, senses, energy and body.

 

The Kundalini Yoga is the non stressful and safe exercise which gives instant results. It is based on a set of special exercises or Kriyas. We also have Hatha Yoga which can be an extremely great program that’s comprised of breath control and postures; it is the foundation for all of the current asana centered discipline forms.

 

Sahaja Yoga – This is a special meditation based method for self conciousness, Kundalini awakening. This exposure is personal, that comes within each and every individual. Moksha hot yoga: This is therapeutic yoga that is practiced in a special place having a temperature that is above the atmospheric temperature according to the traditional principles of yoga.

 

Yoga is actually becoming a lot more preferred among all age groups from kids to adults. Its development and popularity as a form of exercise is due to the fact that here nothing is conducted to {you}, it is something you need to do to yourself. Expecting mothers can improve stamina and flexibility since it is regarded as one of the best activities that you perform while pregnant.

 

Yoga has become popular among troopers who are enthusiastic in working on their strength, psychological focus and overall flexibility as per Fit Yoga and the Associated Press. The heart of the matter is that this is simply not just a physical exercise routine but a discipline to provide an overall sense of well being and inner relaxation.

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Yoga: Fitness For Both Body And Mind

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Kamloops Fitness

Self discipline is what’s important in yoga. Aside from physical fitness, yoga will give a person emotional and spiritual fitness. Yoga has now become a mainstream in the fitness world. From its roots in the east, it has made people benefit more physically and spiritually.

Today, Americans have accepted that the good way of being fit is through yoga. It is not anymore associated just for people who drink chamomile teas and sandals. People love this exercise because the connection of their mind and body is the most important thing. Among the lesser known mind and body fitness programs are Nia and Hyp Yoga.

Nia is neuromuscular integrated action. It is a fitness style which combines dance, martial arts and self-healing. Nia came from the term Non-Impact Aerobics. It is a sixty minute work-out to relieve stress and burn some calories. Nia yoga can also develop your posture and grace. This yoga exercise is very unique in a manner that it lets your body move in ways that it should. Nia is not like “no pain, no gain” exercises but is an exercise which is a proponent of pleasure. Many believe that they do this exercise because they think that the way of life can be done through dance. It is good to have physical pleasure in the way you move your body. Movements are fluid. Nia accompanied by music can combine our body and mind. Some even believe that it is the perfect balance of the yin and the yang.

On the other hand, Hyp yoga is another type that uses hypnosis. Combining yoga and hypnosis is said to produce extreme relaxation by opening the mind to profound changes in the body. The synergy created by this combination is powerful as to do them separately. Sixty minutes is what it takes to do this kind of exercise. During the yoga class, it is important to be in a relaxing pose so that it could be easier to be guided into their subconscious. Effects of this include quitting smoking and even reducing chronic pain.

Yoga is indeed beyond physical fitness. It is fitness of both mind and body.

Kamloops Fitness | The Powerful Effect Of Doing Yoga | Total Self Liberation Through Yoga Meditation For A Healthy Life

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5 Yoga Positions Every Beginner Should Know

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Yoga can help you achieve peacefulness and a harmonious balance between your mind and body. It has a lot of health benefits such as improving your posture, relieving stress and stretching your tight muscles. However, if you are only a beginner in this art and science of yoga, you might get that natural feeling of uneasiness when you see the different yoga positions. Add to that the fact that each position has a strange and sometimes intimidating name to it.

These beginner yoga poses will help anyone to get easily acquainted with yoga. This will get them started on the right foot, allowing for the gradual move to more intricate yoga positions. Nevertheless, easy or hard, every yoga pose has a corresponding health benefit to give to you.

1. Balasana

Also known as the Balasana, this yoga position aims to relieve mild back pains. For you to do this you must first drop your body on the mat in a kneeling position. Lunge your upper body forward with your arms stretched out forward with the palms resting on the mat. Then your belly should be relaxing on top of your knees. Hold this position for a minute or two.

2. Mountain Pose

This is known as the Tadasana and it will help improve your posture. You stand straight with your big toes touching each other. If you are uncomfortable with your knees touching each other, you can spread them out a little bit just to ease off the pressure. Move your quadriceps upward, causing your knee caps to rise. Next, tone the belly and draw it in. Your collar bones should be parallel to the pelvis. Keep your neck straight the whole time.

3. Cat Stretch

This yoga position will help improve your abdominal strength while stretching the spine. To achieve this, you must drop on all fours just like a cat, hence the name. Now imagine that there is a line drawn on your back. It should be straight, starting from your head all the way down to your spine. Keep this imaginary line straight. Hold this position for a few seconds or a couple of minutes.

4. Standing Forward Bend

Also known as the Standing Forward Bend yoga pose. It is one of the many beginner positions that will stretch out your hamstrings. Stretching your hamstrings is important because you make it more flexible and therefore less prone to injuries. You do this position by first standing straight. You then bend forward with both arms falling down the sides of your legs. Your palms should then be resting flat on the floor or your mat. Put your weight on the balls of your feet.

5. Raised Hands Pose

It is also called the Raised Hands Pose, it helps straighten your back which improves your posture while at the same time strengthening your thigh muscles. To achieve this pose you must stand straight on the mat. Next, stretch out your arms upward into the air with both palms touching together. Always be mindful to keep your back straight all the time.

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Yoga Can Develop A Good Blood Circulation

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

Yoga Kamloops

It is already a given fact that your physical, mental and spiritual health can be developed by practicing yoga. Yoga can definitely have various effects on different people.

One important benefit of yoga is it can really improve your blood circulation. This is perfect for people who have problems on their circulatory system. Your effort, hardwork and patience will not be put to waste but instead will be put to good use. However, it is very important that you consult first your doctor before starting any yoga routines.

All parts of our body should have regular movements or exercise so as to have a good blood circulation. Every one of us must practice a regular exercise or routine to be physically fit.

This is a good choice because yoga includes breathing exercise. A guarantee from doing proper breathing a good flow of blood to your body. Your supply of oxygen to your body will be complete if you have a good blood circulation and everything follows. Your body systems and organs will function well and you will have a good health if you have a good supply of oxygen. The complete supply of oxygen will also be a big help in your brain. You will not be more prone to memory loss or any brain problem.

Even to pregnant women, yoga can be a big help. There are a lot of people who have problems on their blood circulation even to pregnant women. Yoga exercise and different poses can improve the overall mental and physical health of pregnant women. They can have confidence and prepare them for the whole delivery process.

There are also a lot of physical benefits when you practice yoga. Your blood pressure will be improved and lessen if not eliminate back pains. To some, even their insomnia or any problems sleeping at night was treated by yoga.

Yoga is a lifestyle. With any lifestyle needs discipline. The benefits you get from yoga will all depend on how serious you do your daily yoga exercise. You might be surprise on the effect of yoga when you do it regularly. There is a specific yoga routine in improving your blood circulation so just ask your instructor.

Study These Other Wonderful Yoga Articles.

Boot Camp Kamloops | Yoga And Health Of Mind And Body | Let The Magic Of Yoga Work On Your Overworked Body

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Yoga Exercises Can Help You With Your Fertility Issues

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Kamloops Gym

There are several factors contributing to stress. Stress can be physical, mental and spiritual. There are also a lot of medications that has been experimented and proven to be effective to cure stress related diseases. One of the main causes of infertility is also stress. It can hinder in one’s ovulation. To have a successful ovulation, you need to be stress free and relaxed. This is where yoga comes in. Because in yoga, it helps your body, mind and emotions to relax.

Herb medicines and natural healing are patronized by doctors these days. Before they prescribe medications and offer operations, they first advise their patients to try to have natural therapy. They would suggest acupuncture, massage and yoga. Yoga can help in treating several illnesses and also infertility issues. Yoga provides natural healing in our mind, body and spiritual. For hundred of years now, yoga has proved all their benefits. Even the most conservative medical experts are now acknowledging the need to have treatments to give balance to our body, to give relaxation that will allow restoration and healing. This is true to all the systems of our body including our reproductive system.

Transformation is needed in any treatment process you will undergo. You need to change your lifestyle to give the treatment a chance. A change in lifestyle is vital, like you must quit on smoking, drinking, eat healthy foods and have enough sleep. You need to take food supplements, reduce caffeine intake and try to have a regular exercise to keep your body fit. In reducing stress, taking yoga classes is a big help. You need to free yourself to all negative vibes for you to be able to concentrate on your ovulation. Yoga can help you achieve this focus. Through yoga’s meditation and deep breathing exercise everyday, it will provide you the maximum benefit.

You must remember to take everything in moderation. You can integrate your modern medicines to natural healing medicine. Those conservative medicines will concentrate on your particular issue of infertility while yoga will treat your body as a whole. Utilizing a little of both treatments will boost your holistic wellbeing. If you really want to get pregnant, you will try everything.

Boot Camp Kamloops | The Powerful Effect Of Doing Yoga | Yoga Cleanses You Inside To Make You Look Great Outside

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The Rich Traditions Of Yoga From The Perspective Of A Long Island Yoga Studio

Monday, August 16th, 2010

Want to go to some Long Island yoga classes, but you don’t even know what it entails? Read on about Yoga’s rich history and see if what’s worked for thousands of years and millions of people will work for you.

Yoga is so ancient that it was developed well before even the written word. Stone carvings depicting figures in Yoga positions have been found in archeological sites in the Indus Valley dating back 5,000 years or more. There is a common misconception that Yoga is rooted in Hinduism; on the contrary, Hinduism’s religious structures evolved much later and incorporated some of the practices of Yoga.

While you can find books that teach Yoga, the traditional means for learning Yoga is to have a teacher pass his knowledge onto his students through oral lectures and practical demonstration. The many techniques that encompass Yoga are based on the collective knowledge and experience of many, many teachers over the course of several thousand years.

One of the earliest texts having to do with Yoga was compiled by a scholar named Patanjali, who set down the most prevalent Yoga theories and practices of his time in a book he called Yoga Sutras (“Yoga Aphorisms”) as early as the 1st or 2nd century B.C. or as late as the 5th century A.D. He wrote about a system known as “Asthanga Yoga”, which means “the eight limbs of Yoga”.  This is what we refer to when we speak of Classical Yoga today. Most practitioners of Yoga today use some form of the system Patanjali recorded.

There are eight steps to Classical Yoga.  These are:

1. yama, the showing of restraint in engaging in such activities as violence, casual sex, the hoarding of possessions, lying, and stealing.

2. niyama, meaning “observance” — purity, contentment, tolerance, study, and remembrance.

3. asana, which means the physical exercises you should routinely do.

4. pranayama, meaning “breathing techniques”.

5. pratyahara, which refers to preparing the mind for meditation.

6. dharana, the ability to concentrate and focus the mind on a specific object for a set amount of time.

7. dhyana, the supreme meditation.  This is focusing your mind on one thing indefinitely.

8. samadhi, which means to absorb into one’s self.  This is the focus on the inner self.

Modern western Yoga classes generally focus on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th steps.

Yoga has been in the United States since the late 1800s, but it did not gain in popularity until the 1960s. Yoga eventually gained acceptance as a great means of reducing stress and improving health as its beneficial effects became widely known.

Ready to find out what Yoga has in store for you? Get to your local Yoga studio and get involved! Love to sweat?  Give Long Island hot yoga a try, and you won’t be disappointed!

Sole Pilates and Yoga is the hottest Long Island yoga studio on Huntington. Visit their website and come to one of their Long Island yoga classes soon!

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What Is Kripalu Yoga?

Monday, August 16th, 2010

Kripalu Yoga is a combination of three forces. It’s how the mind, the spirit and the body interact to create a whole you. Within that whole you is a flowing river of energy that can be disturbed by things that drain the energy and leave you feeling hopeless and helpless.

These energy drains are thought patterns that are out of balance. How do you know if your thought patterns are out of balance and disharmony rules in your body? Do a self-check.

Ask, “Do I engage in negative or critical self talk?” or ask if you tell yourself you’re no good or stupid or too fat or too thin. If you engage in negative inner affirmations then you’re creating a mental roadblock in your energy.

Learning how to obtain the center as you study yoga and engage in the postures frees that energy and releases it throughout the body. When that energy is free to flow as it should, you’ll be calmer, more relaxed and feel better physically.

You weren’t meant to be kept bound inside by negative forces. One of the best aspects of yoga is that it teaches how to end that negative force and to get your mind on what’s good about yourself and your body. It teaches that you can push forward when you think you can’t and you can accomplish more than you thought you could.

Kripalu Yoga is used by some as a weight loss technique but it should be considered to be so much more than that. It’s a way of life, a way to turn around chaos and replace it with contentment and peace despite the circumstances you’re in.

Working the poses in Kripalu shows you how to leave behind the desires for the unhealthy way of living – including the wrong food choices and gives the mental strength to choose wisely what’s best for the whole you.

For example, when you make the wrong food choices, you feel bad not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. Gaining the energy will help you have the power to make the choices you should make for you.

Even beginners can partake in this type of yoga. Some of the moves might be a little tricky to learn but once you do learn them, you’ll be able to complete them easily. Three weeks is usually what it takes to learn the poses – that’s based on taking one class a week.

Studying and practicing Kripalu Yoga works hand in hand with helping you to reach an inner satisfaction you know you’re missing. You gain health benefits from learning to de-stress as well as from watching the numbers on the scale get smaller and smaller. But one of the best things you gain is the self confidence that you can do what you need to do in order to change your life for the one you deserve.

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What Is Vinyasa Yoga?

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

Vinyasa Yoga is another style of yoga. Like the other styles, the root of this yoga can be found in India and in the language of India, it has two meanings. “To place” and “in a special way” meaning it’s a series of postures worked along with a breathing technique.

The two are made to flow easily from one move to the next. Watching this style, you could assume it’s some type of ancient dancing the moves are so fluid as they’re worked with inhaling and exhaling.

This kind of yoga uses breathing as an essential part of the moves. It helps people to let go of stress and reach an inner peace. Practicing yoga won’t give you a perfectly happy life but what it will do is show you how to find a balance, a way to handle the stress and keep it from reaching deep into the core of your being. People take part in yoga for many reasons. To connect with their inner selves, to relax, to reach their spiritual roots and even to lose weight and shape up their body.

If you’re surprised at the thought that Vinyasa Yoga could be handy with weight loss, don’t be. The way the yoga is conducted, with the breathing and movements performed with simultaneous precision, the flow is constant, the moving constant.

While you’re not rushing or bopping around like you would in a dance class, you are in effect dancing albeit slowly and with a greater point to the movements. The poses or postures are completed with an inhale or an exhale and are timed to be done that way.

One thing you can expect as you practice this style of yoga is that there will be different movements but each with room for you to express yourself as you’d like. There’s no cookie cutter way to this form of yoga and it embraces people as unique and separately wonderful.

You might find some parts of this yoga is very fast paced while other parts of it is slower. Like other yoga styles, there are specific movements or postures associated with this particular yoga.

Performing Vinyasa Yoga offers many benefits to each individual. Benefits like being more in tune with what’s going on in your body and mind as well as achieving a bond of relaxation and peace at the deepest part of yourself.

The first time you take part in any type of yoga, you might feel awkward, maybe even a little foolish, but know that yoga doesn’t judge based on performance – how well you move or how long it takes you to reach serenity. It can and does bring so many health benefits to those who practice it faithfully.

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YOGA POSES: MOON SALUTATIONS

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

If you’re a yoga student, you’ve probably heard of sun salutations. They are a key part of yoga that all yogis are aware of and most practice as well.

Chandra Namaskara, or moon salutes, is another sequence of asanas that are practiced in certain traditions as well. This sequence consists of a series of ten different poses starting with mountain pose and leading the practitioner through a series of postures to complete a salutation. There are a few variations of the Chandra Namaskara series, but most of them focus on the different phases of the moon for inspiration of the cycle.

These vinyasa style yoga sessions are intended to counteract the impact of the Surya Namaskara.

ASANAS FOR CHANDRA NAMASKARA: Moon Salute Practice

The most commonly practiced moon salutation sequence consists of a string of the following postures:

*Mountain Pose

*Standing Forward bend

*Lunge Pose

*Downward facing Dog Pose

*Plank Pose

You can think of Moon Salutes as a combination of Ashtanga Vinyasa and traditional Hatha Yoga practices with an emphasis on forward bends and passive cobra practice.

HOW TO PRACTICE:

*Repeat the first five Asanas in reverse order beginning with Downward Facing Dog and ending with Mountain Pose.

NOTE: There are a number of other variations that have evolved based on the gurus that teach them. Each is designed to cater to the different needs of the yogi who practices it.

WHY MOON SALUTES?

Yoga as a whole leads to numerous benefits for the avid practitioner. If you break it down in terms of asana or series advantages, then it becomes apparent that EVERY posture has its own unique benefits including health as well as fitness gains.

COMMON BENEFITS:

* It is very helpful in channeling the lunar energy and inducing relaxing and creative traits

* It stretches and relaxes the spine, pelvic area, hips, knees, ankles and the abdominal muscles

* The root chakra is opened with these exercises

* toxins are removed and blood circulation is improved along with maximizing the oxygen intake for better blood flow

* Improved circulation provides a sense of well being and promotes a healthier self

* Relaxes the mind and body and allows centering of the focus on the inner self

One of its most important advantages is that Moon Salutes are a great relaxer and sleep inducer. People suffering from insomnia in particular can reap the benefits of Chandra Namaskara, as it removes the stress and soothes the mind and body for a long night of peace and rest.

Despite all the benefits, new students should be cautious. Since the series mostly involves a combination of standing and back bending postures, it is not suitable for people suffering from asthma or other breathing and lung problems.

Similarly, patients of heart problems should consult their medical practitioners before starting these salutations, or streamline them according to their health limitations. The Chandra Namaskara should entail comfortable and relaxing postures and not in any way be the cause of stress or strain.

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