When I was 21 I suffered a slipped disc in my lower back. I couldn’t sit down during the acute phase, only lie or stand, though standing itself was uncomfortable at the time. Once the acute phase had passed (with rest, although acupuncture and shiatsu are great), I had the fortune to meet some yoga teachers and I started going to their classes. I started out with Oki yoga, which is a Japanese form of yoga, and very good for healing the body.
I was given a series of correcting and strengthening exercises designed to improve my back and specific to the meridians that were in need of attention in my particular case. Oki yoga has postures classified on how they affect the meridians, which are like energetic pathways within our body. And that was the one thing that helped restore my back completely, to a state that was actually better than it was before I injured myself. When you are suffering an acute injury though, yoga really shouldn’t be attempted until that stage has passed.
That introduction to yoga ignited a deep love of it through which I began to see the more subtle health benefits it brought to my life. Yoga can help with a wide spectrum of physical issues and injuries, but it is also an excellent alternative to the gym for those that find the repetition and distraction of it not to their taste. It is great for toning up your body, whilst gaining flexibility.
Yoga has a reputation for flexibility, and deservedly so. But it can also develop strength. Developing strength is particularly important for women. Women tend to be more flexible than men, but not as strong, unless they have been involved in fitness regularly. But unlike many traditional forms of exercise, yoga also strengthens the inner muscles and organs in our bodies. It makes a great preparation for childbirth!
Yoga also develops discipline. This comes in making the time on a regular basis to either go to classes, or practice yoga in your living room, or in the morning sun in the garden. But there is a more subtle level of discipline. It starts with bringing your mind to focus on your breathing, and then feeling the effects of a posture on your body. This conscious exploration is quite a different experience of fitness than usually seen at the gym - where loud music, televisions and other external stimuli fight for your attention. You won’t see people with headphones on, or reading a magazine, whilst doing yoga.
This conscious exploration establishes a relationship with your body, and its importance cannot be overstated. So often, parts of us are frozen, or numb in some ways. This can express physically as pain, coldness, or stiffness. Energetically, it is as though despite trying to concentrate on an area, we just cannot feel connected to it.
In a more subtle way, when we feel the points of resistance within our body as we do a pose - when we breathe into that stiffness, and sometimes pain, we develop a resilience and mental fortitude. Yoga does, of course, help with concentration. But that process of releasing and going beyond the point of physical limitation is not limited to the body. It develops a quiet confidence and knowledge about one’s own capacity that is not held back by the boundaries we may have falsely believed about ourselves before. With a yoga practice, we can get back in touch with what yogi’s call our dharma, our purpose in life. And we find in ourselves, by virtue of our growing strength, the courage to follow that path.
And finally, a quote from a yoga teacher from Sydney, Australia, Eileen Hall, printed in the Australian Yoga Life magazine:
“Yoga is not about relaxation, it’s not about losing weight, it’s not about learning meditation. It’s about discovering the divine being within ourselves.”
References: Yoga Journal, November 2005
Australian Yoga Life, Nov 2005 - Mar 2006
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of yoga, click here. The article talks about the psychological, physiological, and biochemical benefits a regular yoga practice can bring. Rebecca Prescott runs the website Yoga To Health.
http://www.yogatohealth.com
Showing posts with label Health Benefits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health Benefits. Show all posts
March 4, 2009
March 1, 2009
Teaching Hatha Yoga: Designing a Lesson Plan - Part 1
Which asanas, or Yoga postures, should you select? How long should you hold each Yoga posture? What is the benefit of holding a Yoga posture for minutes at a time?
Should you start or finish a Yoga class with meditation? How should you incorporate Pranayama within your Yoga class? These are some of the many questions that Yoga teachers must address and find solutions for.
Which asanas or Yoga postures should you select? Some Yoga posture sequencing is considered so important that a few Yoga teachers and Yoga Masters have gone through the trouble of patenting and copywriting them. This is still a hot topic in some ?Yoga circles,? but sequencing should ideally contain a mixture of standing, seated, table, kneeling, balancing, prone, and supine Yoga postures.
This may not always be possible, if you are teaching a specialized class, such as Chair Yoga or Prenatal Yoga, but a wide variety of Yoga postures will have a multitude of health benefits for mind, body, and spirit. On the surface, we know that Yoga helps us live a better quality life - with improvements in pain relief, the immune system, circulation, removal of toxins, and a change to moderate dieting habits.
Therefore, any Yoga is better than no Yoga at all. This is why it is good to tell your students to add a small daily Yoga routine to their lives. If they can practice Yoga longer, that?s fine; but new Yoga students may have trouble fitting Yoga into their lives for 15 minutes a day. This shows you how busy they are all day.
How long should a student hold each Yoga posture? If you are teaching a Restorative, or Iyengar style, Yoga class, the postures will be held for a while. The purpose is for the above-mentioned health benefits for developing strength.
Most people think of Yoga as a ?stretch class,? but holding postures for more than 20 seconds starts to test the strength of your muscles. As the time gets longer, your muscles let you know they are being worked; and this is much less friction than joints are exposed to by many other exercise methods.
A Vinyasa style Yoga class will not hold postures for long, but Vinyasa classes are aerobic, while enhancing muscle tone and flexibility. Some Vinyasa Yoga enthusiasts insist Vinyasa is the ultimate ?cross training method.?
To be honest, most of the Vinyasa students I teach are, on average, a generation younger than my Restorative Yoga students, and my Chair Yoga students are a generation older than my Restorative Yoga students. Therefore, the type of Yoga sequencing should address the health conditions of your students.
? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: “Yoga in Practice,” and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Should you start or finish a Yoga class with meditation? How should you incorporate Pranayama within your Yoga class? These are some of the many questions that Yoga teachers must address and find solutions for.
Which asanas or Yoga postures should you select? Some Yoga posture sequencing is considered so important that a few Yoga teachers and Yoga Masters have gone through the trouble of patenting and copywriting them. This is still a hot topic in some ?Yoga circles,? but sequencing should ideally contain a mixture of standing, seated, table, kneeling, balancing, prone, and supine Yoga postures.
This may not always be possible, if you are teaching a specialized class, such as Chair Yoga or Prenatal Yoga, but a wide variety of Yoga postures will have a multitude of health benefits for mind, body, and spirit. On the surface, we know that Yoga helps us live a better quality life - with improvements in pain relief, the immune system, circulation, removal of toxins, and a change to moderate dieting habits.
Therefore, any Yoga is better than no Yoga at all. This is why it is good to tell your students to add a small daily Yoga routine to their lives. If they can practice Yoga longer, that?s fine; but new Yoga students may have trouble fitting Yoga into their lives for 15 minutes a day. This shows you how busy they are all day.
How long should a student hold each Yoga posture? If you are teaching a Restorative, or Iyengar style, Yoga class, the postures will be held for a while. The purpose is for the above-mentioned health benefits for developing strength.
Most people think of Yoga as a ?stretch class,? but holding postures for more than 20 seconds starts to test the strength of your muscles. As the time gets longer, your muscles let you know they are being worked; and this is much less friction than joints are exposed to by many other exercise methods.
A Vinyasa style Yoga class will not hold postures for long, but Vinyasa classes are aerobic, while enhancing muscle tone and flexibility. Some Vinyasa Yoga enthusiasts insist Vinyasa is the ultimate ?cross training method.?
To be honest, most of the Vinyasa students I teach are, on average, a generation younger than my Restorative Yoga students, and my Chair Yoga students are a generation older than my Restorative Yoga students. Therefore, the type of Yoga sequencing should address the health conditions of your students.
? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: “Yoga in Practice,” and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
February 26, 2009
Yoga Your Way to Physical and Mental Fitness
Although considered by many simply as an exercise fad, yoga practice has in fact helped thousands of people in improving their physical and mental fitness. Remember the golden rule of never judging a book by its cover; if you think that yoga?s all about bending and breathing and nothing else, think again.
The History of Yoga
The practice of yoga has been around for more than four thousand years already. Its origins can be traced back to India where even today, it is considered as a highly valued practice to reach a state of enlightenment. Yoga as a means to receive enlightenment is a central point in several religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
In other parts of the world, the popularity of yoga is caused by its many health benefits and its associated use with asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga as fitness exercises.
Purpose of Yoga and Its Main Components
Besides reaching a spiritual state of enlightenment, yoga can also help individuals reach a better understanding of not only their bodies but their inner selves as well.
When practicing yoga, you?ll notice that you?ll be concentrating on three main points:
Body Positioning or Posture
Breathing Techniques
Meditating Techniques
Advantages of Yoga
Treating Back Injuries - yoga can heal back injuries that you may have by increasing the blood circulation for your injured tissues to heal faster and strengthening your lower back muscles; yoga may also in several cases heal other types of injuries as well
Prevention - Yoga also has the power to reduce chances of re-injuring yourself, shorten the time needed to recover from injuries and serve as a regular exercise technique to prevent disabilities
Mental Clarity and Improved Stress Control ? The quiet and deeply relaxing techniques used in yoga would help you have a better state of mind every day at work and better control of your stress levels
Greater Self-Understanding and General Well-Being ? Find yourself amazed with how much at peace you feel with yourself when you start practicing yoga regularly
Generally Better Physical Health ? Besides getting that ideal toned figure you?ve been aiming for, yoga will also help in refreshing your kidneys and maintain a better posture
Better Sleep ? Rediscover the simple pleasures of sleeping with the help of yoga.
Beginner?s Tips for Yoga Practice
Consult Your Doctor ? Before launching on to the first yoga step you encounter, make sure that your doctor gives you the go-ahead to do so. Yes, it?s true that anyone can technically do yoga but there are certain difficult poses that would be impossible or dangerous to attempt if you are troubled with past injuries or disabilities.
Just to be on the safe side, talk to your doctor and ask him if you can yoga your way to having a sexy figure or not.
Classes or Private Lessons ? When you?re determined to join a yoga class, make sure that you?re joining a class whose level fits yours. Make sure that you join the class on the first day as well to avoid feelings of insecurity when you see others being able to tackle new yoga poses that boggle the mind. Secondly, choose a class schedule that you can regularly adhere to. If you only attend a class or two every two months, that?s sort of defeating the point of joining a class in the first place. Lastly, choose the type of yoga class that fits your taste and abilities.
On the other hand, if you?re not the social type, you can always attempt yoga practice at home and with the comforts of privacy. The only disadvantage to this however is the chance that you?re not doing something right and the possibility of causing harm to yourself. The best compromise, in this case, would be to hire a private teacher for a lesson or two or until you know enough to practice on your own.
Khieng ‘Ken‘ Chho - Online Yoga Resources. For more, visit Ken’s website: http://yoga.1w3b.com/
The History of Yoga
The practice of yoga has been around for more than four thousand years already. Its origins can be traced back to India where even today, it is considered as a highly valued practice to reach a state of enlightenment. Yoga as a means to receive enlightenment is a central point in several religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
In other parts of the world, the popularity of yoga is caused by its many health benefits and its associated use with asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga as fitness exercises.
Purpose of Yoga and Its Main Components
Besides reaching a spiritual state of enlightenment, yoga can also help individuals reach a better understanding of not only their bodies but their inner selves as well.
When practicing yoga, you?ll notice that you?ll be concentrating on three main points:
Body Positioning or Posture
Breathing Techniques
Meditating Techniques
Advantages of Yoga
Treating Back Injuries - yoga can heal back injuries that you may have by increasing the blood circulation for your injured tissues to heal faster and strengthening your lower back muscles; yoga may also in several cases heal other types of injuries as well
Prevention - Yoga also has the power to reduce chances of re-injuring yourself, shorten the time needed to recover from injuries and serve as a regular exercise technique to prevent disabilities
Mental Clarity and Improved Stress Control ? The quiet and deeply relaxing techniques used in yoga would help you have a better state of mind every day at work and better control of your stress levels
Greater Self-Understanding and General Well-Being ? Find yourself amazed with how much at peace you feel with yourself when you start practicing yoga regularly
Generally Better Physical Health ? Besides getting that ideal toned figure you?ve been aiming for, yoga will also help in refreshing your kidneys and maintain a better posture
Better Sleep ? Rediscover the simple pleasures of sleeping with the help of yoga.
Beginner?s Tips for Yoga Practice
Consult Your Doctor ? Before launching on to the first yoga step you encounter, make sure that your doctor gives you the go-ahead to do so. Yes, it?s true that anyone can technically do yoga but there are certain difficult poses that would be impossible or dangerous to attempt if you are troubled with past injuries or disabilities.
Just to be on the safe side, talk to your doctor and ask him if you can yoga your way to having a sexy figure or not.
Classes or Private Lessons ? When you?re determined to join a yoga class, make sure that you?re joining a class whose level fits yours. Make sure that you join the class on the first day as well to avoid feelings of insecurity when you see others being able to tackle new yoga poses that boggle the mind. Secondly, choose a class schedule that you can regularly adhere to. If you only attend a class or two every two months, that?s sort of defeating the point of joining a class in the first place. Lastly, choose the type of yoga class that fits your taste and abilities.
On the other hand, if you?re not the social type, you can always attempt yoga practice at home and with the comforts of privacy. The only disadvantage to this however is the chance that you?re not doing something right and the possibility of causing harm to yourself. The best compromise, in this case, would be to hire a private teacher for a lesson or two or until you know enough to practice on your own.
Khieng ‘Ken‘ Chho - Online Yoga Resources. For more, visit Ken’s website: http://yoga.1w3b.com/
Health Benefits of Yoga
Yoga is an ancient way, practiced for thousands of years, steeped in tradition and, to most people, a mysterious enigma. When practitioners would speak of the many benefits they had experienced in both mental and physical health, yoga would seem to be both a perfect practice, or one whose claims were impossible to believe.
practitioners of yoga, or yogis/yogins (yogini for the ladies) would speak of the unification of mind, spirit, and body. The belief was that when these were brought into balance the persons mental and physical health would improve. The word “harmony” would be heard a lot, as would be “healing”, again, applied both to the body and the mind.
Until recently, you could only go by what someone who had personal experience could tell you. There was a reasonable amount of skepticism that yoga could actually be as beneficial to your mental and physical health as its proponents claimed.
However, in the last few years, scientific study, observation, and measurement have proven that yoga can indeed have specific observable affects on your health. It has been shown that body, mind, and spirit do work together and when the effective level of each is raised, the person experiences a much better life in terms of health, happiness, and harmony within himself or herself and with the world in general.
An article published by Johns Hopkins states:
“Over 75 scientific trials have been published on yoga in major medical journals. These studies have shown that yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity that also has important psychological benefits due to its meditative nature.”
In our modern society, we are likely to look at yoga first as an “exercise program”. As with any good exercise program, yoga can increase muscle strength and respiratory endurance, improve flexibility, and promote balance. It also tends to lessen pain in those afflicted with arthritis and helps to increase energy levels in those who practice it.
Yogis and yogins also have long reported increases in what might be called positive mental states, along with decreases in negative mental states. They tend to report a greater level of optimism, a renewed or improved enthusiasm for life, and a higher sense of alertness and awareness of themselves and the world and people around them. They have also reported decreased levels of aggressiveness, anxiety, and excitability, as well as lowered levels of physical complaints and illnesses.
Scientific observation and testing is now bearing out what practitioners have been saying for years. Studies on the biological, psychological, and biochemical aspects of yoga have shown a wide range of positive results for most who take up the practice of yoga.
When practiced over time, yoga tends to level pulse rate, stabilize the nervous system, normalize stomach and digestive activity, level hormones, and increase joint range of motion. It increases energy, endurance, immunity, and cardiovascular efficiency. It improves eye-hand coordination, reaction time, dexterity, and helps the person to get more restful and restorative sleep.
Yoga also seems to have psychological benefits as well. practitioners and those who study them report that it helps you become more aware of your body, accept yourself more readily, improve your concentration, memory, learning and mood.
Additional benefits of yoga as compared to other exercise programs is that it massages internal organs in a way that other programs do not, and produces a detoxifying effect. Some speculate that this may lead to delaying aging.
Finally, yoga can be practiced almost anywhere, anytime, by anyone, and requires no special equipment. It does not even require special training! While having an expert teach you personally would be best, a careful reading of books on the subject and a DVD or two can get you started. However, our modern citizens tend to throw themselves headfirst into new projects. Not only is this completely opposite from the philosophy and aims of yoga, but it can invite injury and strain. The people in the books and DVD’s have been doing yoga for years. It is highly unlikely that you will immediately be able to duplicate their ability to achieve the positions they demonstrate. Just do the best you can, and then do it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day…
As always, before beginning any physical fitness program, check with your doctor first to make sure it is okay for you to start. Once started, however, be aware that there are people in their 70s, 80s and 90s doing yoga. You will not be alone.
The author is retired from the Army after 21 years of service, has worked as an accountant, optical lab manager, restaurant manager, and instructor. He has been a member of Mensa for several years, and has written and published poetry, essays, and articles on various subjects for the last 40 years. He developed an interest in health and fitness in the ’70s after reading numerous books, including Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s “Aerobics”. This has led him to continue his personal research into health and fitness for over 30 years, and to pursue course work on health and fitness, including yoga, which he practices regularly. Learn more about Yoga. Articles on Diet and Weight Loss.
practitioners of yoga, or yogis/yogins (yogini for the ladies) would speak of the unification of mind, spirit, and body. The belief was that when these were brought into balance the persons mental and physical health would improve. The word “harmony” would be heard a lot, as would be “healing”, again, applied both to the body and the mind.
Until recently, you could only go by what someone who had personal experience could tell you. There was a reasonable amount of skepticism that yoga could actually be as beneficial to your mental and physical health as its proponents claimed.
However, in the last few years, scientific study, observation, and measurement have proven that yoga can indeed have specific observable affects on your health. It has been shown that body, mind, and spirit do work together and when the effective level of each is raised, the person experiences a much better life in terms of health, happiness, and harmony within himself or herself and with the world in general.
An article published by Johns Hopkins states:
“Over 75 scientific trials have been published on yoga in major medical journals. These studies have shown that yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity that also has important psychological benefits due to its meditative nature.”
In our modern society, we are likely to look at yoga first as an “exercise program”. As with any good exercise program, yoga can increase muscle strength and respiratory endurance, improve flexibility, and promote balance. It also tends to lessen pain in those afflicted with arthritis and helps to increase energy levels in those who practice it.
Yogis and yogins also have long reported increases in what might be called positive mental states, along with decreases in negative mental states. They tend to report a greater level of optimism, a renewed or improved enthusiasm for life, and a higher sense of alertness and awareness of themselves and the world and people around them. They have also reported decreased levels of aggressiveness, anxiety, and excitability, as well as lowered levels of physical complaints and illnesses.
Scientific observation and testing is now bearing out what practitioners have been saying for years. Studies on the biological, psychological, and biochemical aspects of yoga have shown a wide range of positive results for most who take up the practice of yoga.
When practiced over time, yoga tends to level pulse rate, stabilize the nervous system, normalize stomach and digestive activity, level hormones, and increase joint range of motion. It increases energy, endurance, immunity, and cardiovascular efficiency. It improves eye-hand coordination, reaction time, dexterity, and helps the person to get more restful and restorative sleep.
Yoga also seems to have psychological benefits as well. practitioners and those who study them report that it helps you become more aware of your body, accept yourself more readily, improve your concentration, memory, learning and mood.
Additional benefits of yoga as compared to other exercise programs is that it massages internal organs in a way that other programs do not, and produces a detoxifying effect. Some speculate that this may lead to delaying aging.
Finally, yoga can be practiced almost anywhere, anytime, by anyone, and requires no special equipment. It does not even require special training! While having an expert teach you personally would be best, a careful reading of books on the subject and a DVD or two can get you started. However, our modern citizens tend to throw themselves headfirst into new projects. Not only is this completely opposite from the philosophy and aims of yoga, but it can invite injury and strain. The people in the books and DVD’s have been doing yoga for years. It is highly unlikely that you will immediately be able to duplicate their ability to achieve the positions they demonstrate. Just do the best you can, and then do it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day…
As always, before beginning any physical fitness program, check with your doctor first to make sure it is okay for you to start. Once started, however, be aware that there are people in their 70s, 80s and 90s doing yoga. You will not be alone.
The author is retired from the Army after 21 years of service, has worked as an accountant, optical lab manager, restaurant manager, and instructor. He has been a member of Mensa for several years, and has written and published poetry, essays, and articles on various subjects for the last 40 years. He developed an interest in health and fitness in the ’70s after reading numerous books, including Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s “Aerobics”. This has led him to continue his personal research into health and fitness for over 30 years, and to pursue course work on health and fitness, including yoga, which he practices regularly. Learn more about Yoga. Articles on Diet and Weight Loss.
February 24, 2009
Yoga in Practice: In Search of the Perfect Yoga - Part 1
What is the perfect Yoga? Is it hot Yoga, based on correct alignment; Vinyasa Yoga, only to be performed with props; or do props take something away from Yoga practice? What about Yoga styles which are not from the Hatha Yoga tree? So - what exactly is the right Yoga for you?
Below, I will cover some of the statements I have heard over the years. Some of these statements are straight from the ego, self righteous, and a bit intolerant of other styles of Yoga. Please don?t be offended, and please try to understand ? we are not all the same.
?Yoga should be hot; otherwise you?re getting nothing out of it.?
Interesting - I heard Bikram make similar claims on the television show, ?60 minutes.? I am in admiration of Bikram, and his wife, Rajashree. They have trained many good Yoga teachers, Yogis, and Yoginis.
However, there are many Yoga practitioners who practice at moderate temperatures and receive fantastic health benefits from their daily practice. When people make statements such as: ?Yoga should be hot; otherwise you?re getting nothing out of it.? They scare off those potential Yoga practitioners who believe them.
This could be a person who would have improved their life through the practice of Yoga. Let?s stop the ?my way or the highway? mentality. If you truly care about people, tell them the whole truth and give them options. If I can?t please someone with the Restorative and Vinyasa styles in our wellness center, I will find someone who can meet my student?s expectations of Yoga.
Lastly, I do personally like the heat. However, in New England, I know many people who don?t. Even at moderate temperatures, many students get quite warm in a Vinyasa class.
?If your alignment is not perfect, why bother to practice Yoga??
Without a doubt, alignment is very important, but some of us really need to use props to find the best alignment for our bodies. Yoga teachers need to encourage all of their students to practice more often and accept some limitations that come with each body.
Yoga teachers should be careful not to discourage those students who have limited range of motion. Again, props can be used by any Yoga practitioners, and with the careful guidance of a compassionate Yoga teacher, progress is made.
One last note on this point: No two bodies are alike, so let?s be more understanding of ourselves and those around us. This applies to Yoga and life.
? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Below, I will cover some of the statements I have heard over the years. Some of these statements are straight from the ego, self righteous, and a bit intolerant of other styles of Yoga. Please don?t be offended, and please try to understand ? we are not all the same.
?Yoga should be hot; otherwise you?re getting nothing out of it.?
Interesting - I heard Bikram make similar claims on the television show, ?60 minutes.? I am in admiration of Bikram, and his wife, Rajashree. They have trained many good Yoga teachers, Yogis, and Yoginis.
However, there are many Yoga practitioners who practice at moderate temperatures and receive fantastic health benefits from their daily practice. When people make statements such as: ?Yoga should be hot; otherwise you?re getting nothing out of it.? They scare off those potential Yoga practitioners who believe them.
This could be a person who would have improved their life through the practice of Yoga. Let?s stop the ?my way or the highway? mentality. If you truly care about people, tell them the whole truth and give them options. If I can?t please someone with the Restorative and Vinyasa styles in our wellness center, I will find someone who can meet my student?s expectations of Yoga.
Lastly, I do personally like the heat. However, in New England, I know many people who don?t. Even at moderate temperatures, many students get quite warm in a Vinyasa class.
?If your alignment is not perfect, why bother to practice Yoga??
Without a doubt, alignment is very important, but some of us really need to use props to find the best alignment for our bodies. Yoga teachers need to encourage all of their students to practice more often and accept some limitations that come with each body.
Yoga teachers should be careful not to discourage those students who have limited range of motion. Again, props can be used by any Yoga practitioners, and with the careful guidance of a compassionate Yoga teacher, progress is made.
One last note on this point: No two bodies are alike, so let?s be more understanding of ourselves and those around us. This applies to Yoga and life.
? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
February 23, 2009
Yoga and Your Health
Yoga is more than just physical exercise; it is achieving a state of mind. For millions of people, Yoga is a spiritual journey, one that has a number of health benefits. Yoga can help you fulfil yourself both spiritually and can help you hone your physical self into the best you can be. Thus, the benefits of practicing it are three-fold; you will become spiritually enlightened in addition to enjoying the physical benefits of Yoga, which include improvement of both mind and body.
First, let us examine the physiological changes that occur when one takes up the practice of Yoga. When you begin practicing it, you will find that your balance enhances, your blood pressure will lower significantly, your heart will work more proficiently and your endurance will also increase. Likewise, your muscles will strengthen, your flexibility level increases, your range of motion will ultimately improve; and you will find that you have better immunity against communicable diseases. Also, you will find that you achieve more restful and restorative sleep and your physique will eventually display your new, healthful status.
Additionally, along with the myriad physical benefits derived from practicing Yoga, you will be equally pleased with the psychological benefits. For instance, Yoga can reduce the instances in which you experience anxiety or depression, can improve your attention and concentration span, can help you manage unruly emotions, your learning abilities and your memory will improve, and your self-esteem and level of confidence will improve. This, in addition to the physical benefits produced by the practice of Yoga make it worthwhile, but there are even more benefits to partaking in this form of exercise.
Practicing Yoga also has a number of biochemical advantages including lower glucose levels, lower HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, a higher haemoglobin count, a reduction in the level of sodium in your body, a lowering of white blood cells in your body, a lowering of Triglycerides, and an increase in certain vitamin levels in your system. Plus, through the practice of Yoga, you will find that your alertness improves, your focus increases, you reduce symptoms of fatigue and your entire well-being is affected.
There are a variety of ways in which you can introduce yourself to the practice of Yoga. You can take a public class or conversely, you can order instructional videos and books to study at home or with friends. Likewise, you can find information online. Further, there are even some Yogic schools and you might be able to locate one in your local area.
Regardless of whether or not you decide to take classes or if you decide to learn Yoga on your own, you should always pay a visit to your physician for a full checkup before you engage in any new exercise regimen. Also, you must bear in mind that when you start to practice Yoga you should do so slowly. It serves no one if you strain a muscle when you over exercise and you can incur serious and permanent injury if you are not careful.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Yoga
First, let us examine the physiological changes that occur when one takes up the practice of Yoga. When you begin practicing it, you will find that your balance enhances, your blood pressure will lower significantly, your heart will work more proficiently and your endurance will also increase. Likewise, your muscles will strengthen, your flexibility level increases, your range of motion will ultimately improve; and you will find that you have better immunity against communicable diseases. Also, you will find that you achieve more restful and restorative sleep and your physique will eventually display your new, healthful status.
Additionally, along with the myriad physical benefits derived from practicing Yoga, you will be equally pleased with the psychological benefits. For instance, Yoga can reduce the instances in which you experience anxiety or depression, can improve your attention and concentration span, can help you manage unruly emotions, your learning abilities and your memory will improve, and your self-esteem and level of confidence will improve. This, in addition to the physical benefits produced by the practice of Yoga make it worthwhile, but there are even more benefits to partaking in this form of exercise.
Practicing Yoga also has a number of biochemical advantages including lower glucose levels, lower HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, a higher haemoglobin count, a reduction in the level of sodium in your body, a lowering of white blood cells in your body, a lowering of Triglycerides, and an increase in certain vitamin levels in your system. Plus, through the practice of Yoga, you will find that your alertness improves, your focus increases, you reduce symptoms of fatigue and your entire well-being is affected.
There are a variety of ways in which you can introduce yourself to the practice of Yoga. You can take a public class or conversely, you can order instructional videos and books to study at home or with friends. Likewise, you can find information online. Further, there are even some Yogic schools and you might be able to locate one in your local area.
Regardless of whether or not you decide to take classes or if you decide to learn Yoga on your own, you should always pay a visit to your physician for a full checkup before you engage in any new exercise regimen. Also, you must bear in mind that when you start to practice Yoga you should do so slowly. It serves no one if you strain a muscle when you over exercise and you can incur serious and permanent injury if you are not careful.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Yoga
Yoga — For Relaxation
People practice yoga for a variety of reasons. Many yoga practitioners are interested in the health benefits that come from regularly performing the routines. Others want a state of harmony between inner and outer self. Still others practice yoga primarily to relax.
A State of Harmony
The profound relaxation available through yoga includes a state of clarity of mind, and of harmony with and understanding of the world. If such a state of relaxation is your goal, you will need to use most of the yoga techniques available. Pay special attention to breathing, diet, correctly performing the exercises, and meditating.
The deep, prolonged breath one learns through yoga helps the brain stay oxygenated, which contributes to mental clarity. Diet influences the structure of our body as well as our brain. The exercises (called asanas and pranayamas) were developed thousands of years ago to produce beneficial results.
To have the desired effects, yoga routines must be carried out correctly. Poor yoga practices will likely produce disappointing results.
The Keys
Your attitude and your focus are the keys to making your yoga experience deeply satisfying. Entering the profound stage of relaxation and synchronization between your inner and your outer self can occur only with appropriate action.
Relaxation is actually a necessary part of every yoga routine. The body needs to relax after practicing the exercises, especially the more demanding ones. Certain asanas require an unusual positioning of the body, which can result in discomfort if the relaxation stage is omitted.
Bridging Worlds
Yoga connects the spiritual and material worlds, and relaxation is the bridge that brings the practitioner back fully to the present reality.
As a general rule, during relaxation exercises, you will lie down comfortably and meditate. Your yoga trainer will suggest ways for you to gradually move and position your feet and arms. Yoga routines may have different relaxation exercises, but they all have the purpose of cushioning the shock of contact with the surrounding reality. Relaxation also helps to maintain a certain degree of peacefulness created by the routine.
But talk is never enough. The only way to be sure of the relaxation benefits of yoga is to try it yourself. The only thing you have to lose is your tension.
Visit Learn Yoga to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer with a Website Here.
Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.
A State of Harmony
The profound relaxation available through yoga includes a state of clarity of mind, and of harmony with and understanding of the world. If such a state of relaxation is your goal, you will need to use most of the yoga techniques available. Pay special attention to breathing, diet, correctly performing the exercises, and meditating.
The deep, prolonged breath one learns through yoga helps the brain stay oxygenated, which contributes to mental clarity. Diet influences the structure of our body as well as our brain. The exercises (called asanas and pranayamas) were developed thousands of years ago to produce beneficial results.
To have the desired effects, yoga routines must be carried out correctly. Poor yoga practices will likely produce disappointing results.
The Keys
Your attitude and your focus are the keys to making your yoga experience deeply satisfying. Entering the profound stage of relaxation and synchronization between your inner and your outer self can occur only with appropriate action.
Relaxation is actually a necessary part of every yoga routine. The body needs to relax after practicing the exercises, especially the more demanding ones. Certain asanas require an unusual positioning of the body, which can result in discomfort if the relaxation stage is omitted.
Bridging Worlds
Yoga connects the spiritual and material worlds, and relaxation is the bridge that brings the practitioner back fully to the present reality.
As a general rule, during relaxation exercises, you will lie down comfortably and meditate. Your yoga trainer will suggest ways for you to gradually move and position your feet and arms. Yoga routines may have different relaxation exercises, but they all have the purpose of cushioning the shock of contact with the surrounding reality. Relaxation also helps to maintain a certain degree of peacefulness created by the routine.
But talk is never enough. The only way to be sure of the relaxation benefits of yoga is to try it yourself. The only thing you have to lose is your tension.
Visit Learn Yoga to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer with a Website Here.
Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.
Yoga for Seniors - Using Yoga to Reverse Aging
Yoga has become quite a popular exercise for people of all ages, but especially
for the seniors. Yoga exercise for elderly people can help reverse the aging process
and provide a wide range of positive benefits even if practiced on a moderate
basis. There are many styles of yoga ranging in degree of difficulty. However,
the basic moves and positions can be utilized by any age group. It is all about
how you approach your exercise program that makes the difference. Since everyone
is unique, it is always advisable to see your doctor before beginning any type
of exercise program.
The Benefits of Yoga Yoga can provide positive health benefits for anyone
but can be especially helpful for those more mature adults. The three main areas
of development would be balance, stretching, and strength. Balancing exercises
strengthen leg muscles and help to prevent falling. Every year in the U.S. there
are tens of thousands of patients admitted for broken hips and usually some type
of fall is the reason for the bone fractures. Balancing exercises can also help
you avoid disabilities that may result from falling.
Beginning Yoga Exercises
Stretching exercises can increase your range of motion and allow you to do more
of the things you need and want to do. Stretching by itself is not designed to
enhance strength or endurance, however keeping one?s muscles more flexible
can also reduce strains and may improve circulation as well. Flexibility exercises,
such as stretching, might help keep your body and joints limbered up, which could
help prevent injuries and falling. It sometimes can speed up a recovery from an
injury. Exercises for strength help build muscle as well as increasing your metabolic
rate. This stabilizes blood sugar which and helps you maintain a healthier weight.
By having stronger muscles, you will be less likely to need frequent assistance
in doing your normal routines.
The Mental Benefits of Yoga
Besides the physical attributes of yoga, there are several mental benefits seniors
can enjoy. By definition, yoga means union; therefore it is no surprise that one
of the main underlying concepts is to achieve greater peace and harmony by better
uniting the body and spirit. Perspectives on life and ourselves tend to change
as we advance in age. The spiritual side of the world receives more importance
as we grow older - this forms an excellent foundation for elderly people to start
practicing yoga.
Proper Warm-ups for Seniors
It is recommended for seniors to begin their yoga exercise with slow, controlled
motions. This phase can last for several weeks or longer depending on the individual.
It is especially important in the earlier stages to avoid muscle sprains and strains.
That will make the experience more enjoyable and safer while reducing the chances
for injury. Even while using this slow gradual approach, many retirees can still
benefit from improved circulation, range of motion and vitality.
Improve Your Circulation
Another benefit of yoga that most seniors can experience is improved circulation.
This helps to better utilize the oxygen in their blood vessels resulting in improved
memory and concentration. Many elderly people experience losses in these areas
as the age increases and yoga can help reduce or reverse some of these effects.
Seniors have many options for keeping fit through various forms of light exercise.
One of the most important and often overlooked keys to staying healthy is proper
breathing. That happens to be one of the foundations of yoga. Air feeds our bodies
just as much as food and water does. Slow, deep breathing through the nose helps
to cleanse the body on many different levels.
Just Get Started
Contrary to popular belief, yoga does not require years of practice to attain many positive results. In fact many elderly people really look forward to their yoga exercise sessions not only for the increased vitality also opportunities or social contacts if done in a group situation. The biggest key to succeeding is just get started.
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or web site, as long as you include the resource box and the active link to my website. Please notify me when it is used.
Barry Craft is the owner and webmaster of http://www.Yoga-Exercise-Help.com.
For more inspiring and useful tips about the benefits
of yoga, please visit our web site.
for the seniors. Yoga exercise for elderly people can help reverse the aging process
and provide a wide range of positive benefits even if practiced on a moderate
basis. There are many styles of yoga ranging in degree of difficulty. However,
the basic moves and positions can be utilized by any age group. It is all about
how you approach your exercise program that makes the difference. Since everyone
is unique, it is always advisable to see your doctor before beginning any type
of exercise program.
The Benefits of Yoga Yoga can provide positive health benefits for anyone
but can be especially helpful for those more mature adults. The three main areas
of development would be balance, stretching, and strength. Balancing exercises
strengthen leg muscles and help to prevent falling. Every year in the U.S. there
are tens of thousands of patients admitted for broken hips and usually some type
of fall is the reason for the bone fractures. Balancing exercises can also help
you avoid disabilities that may result from falling.
Beginning Yoga Exercises
Stretching exercises can increase your range of motion and allow you to do more
of the things you need and want to do. Stretching by itself is not designed to
enhance strength or endurance, however keeping one?s muscles more flexible
can also reduce strains and may improve circulation as well. Flexibility exercises,
such as stretching, might help keep your body and joints limbered up, which could
help prevent injuries and falling. It sometimes can speed up a recovery from an
injury. Exercises for strength help build muscle as well as increasing your metabolic
rate. This stabilizes blood sugar which and helps you maintain a healthier weight.
By having stronger muscles, you will be less likely to need frequent assistance
in doing your normal routines.
The Mental Benefits of Yoga
Besides the physical attributes of yoga, there are several mental benefits seniors
can enjoy. By definition, yoga means union; therefore it is no surprise that one
of the main underlying concepts is to achieve greater peace and harmony by better
uniting the body and spirit. Perspectives on life and ourselves tend to change
as we advance in age. The spiritual side of the world receives more importance
as we grow older - this forms an excellent foundation for elderly people to start
practicing yoga.
Proper Warm-ups for Seniors
It is recommended for seniors to begin their yoga exercise with slow, controlled
motions. This phase can last for several weeks or longer depending on the individual.
It is especially important in the earlier stages to avoid muscle sprains and strains.
That will make the experience more enjoyable and safer while reducing the chances
for injury. Even while using this slow gradual approach, many retirees can still
benefit from improved circulation, range of motion and vitality.
Improve Your Circulation
Another benefit of yoga that most seniors can experience is improved circulation.
This helps to better utilize the oxygen in their blood vessels resulting in improved
memory and concentration. Many elderly people experience losses in these areas
as the age increases and yoga can help reduce or reverse some of these effects.
Seniors have many options for keeping fit through various forms of light exercise.
One of the most important and often overlooked keys to staying healthy is proper
breathing. That happens to be one of the foundations of yoga. Air feeds our bodies
just as much as food and water does. Slow, deep breathing through the nose helps
to cleanse the body on many different levels.
Just Get Started
Contrary to popular belief, yoga does not require years of practice to attain many positive results. In fact many elderly people really look forward to their yoga exercise sessions not only for the increased vitality also opportunities or social contacts if done in a group situation. The biggest key to succeeding is just get started.
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or web site, as long as you include the resource box and the active link to my website. Please notify me when it is used.
Barry Craft is the owner and webmaster of http://www.Yoga-Exercise-Help.com.
For more inspiring and useful tips about the benefits
of yoga, please visit our web site.
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