mario

...I used to be one of those people that only worked out if it involved serious, jolting cardiovascular movement, lifting heavy weights, and basically moving fast and sweating my butt off.

Then I was introduced to yoga, a practice that I knew helped a lot of people with back and muscle problems, which I was starting to experience both with age and with my continuing status as a "desk job" professional. The funny thing is, I did not start practicing yoga to actually get a "work out", which I thought could only be obtained through my grueling sessions on the treadmill, eliptical machine, and recumbent bike.

Oh no, for me yoga was strictly a relaxation exercise, one designed to help stretch my muscles and soothe my busy mind. Little did I realize, I was getting an excellent workout with yoga, combined with all the benefits of a serious cardio workout, as was apparent upon waking up the next day to an invariably sore rump and tummy.

But it didn't always "feel" like I was working out when I did yoga, especially the better I got at it. I wondered why this could be. Then I figured it out, with a little help from a yoga instructor. She said that as you begin to learn to use your breath through the practice of yoga breathing techniques, your muscles actually get more oxygen.

Lack of oxygen to the muscles builds up lactic acid within the mu...more

Yoga Styles - Part 2

...In Part 1 of Yoga styles I discussed three styles of yoga, the yogi that introduced the style and the clients they are best suited to. In this article I will explain three more styles and give a quick run-down of yoga class etiquette.

Bikram- Also known as hot yoga was introduced by Bikram Choudury. Bikram yoga is another branch of Hatha. It is characterized by a room heated to a temperature of 105F (40.5C) with a humidity of 40%. The classes are typically 90 minutes in length and suited for participants of all levels. The class always consists of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. If you are going to try hot yoga make sure you bring a change of clothes. The heat plus the exercises won't leave you with a dry spot on your shirt after class!

Kundalini- A physical and meditative discipline, this style of yoga is more focused on the spiritual ...more

Yoga - The Fitness mantra

...g process.
2. Provides excellent balance and strength.
3. Strengthens the leg muscles.
4. Strengthens the bones and prevents them from fractures.
5. Increases the activeness and range of motion.
6. Body becomes more flexible.
7. Resistant power of the body increases.
8. Helps in the recovery of a number of chronic diseases.
9. Maintains and stabilizes blood sugar.
10. Blood circulation increases.
11. Increases the body's metabolic rate.
12. Conditions of bad hip, back and spine problems show miraculous improvement.

"You are never too old to do Yoga."
Yoga and its practices do not know any age. But it is important that one should always consult the house physician or a yoga specialist before starting. However, Pranayama or the Deep Breathing is the most recommended and safest form, which anybody can start off with.more

Chair Yoga Case Study - relief from the Symptoms of MS

...After teaching chair yoga for several years Liz Franklin can testify that it appropriate for almost anyone, even if they are feeling the effects of aging or have physical limitations. It is not for hard-bodied 20-somethings that can twist themselves into poses that look impossible the only prerequisite is that you can sit in a chair, including a wheelchair.

What better way to illustrate how chair yoga has benefited those unable to attend a traditional yoga class than to tell it in their own words?

Hi! Im Keri R...more

Images Of Yoga Meditation