Yoga is one of the many forms of exercises that have influenced millions of people around the world. Unlike yoga classes it is also time efficient for all of us. This is because you can practice yoga anytime you like unlike from classes, which has a definite schedule.
It is also much convenient because they are always ready whenever you are. In these said videos we could also practice with renowned teachers in yoga and we can feel its thrill to practice with them.
One of the best power yoga instructors is Bryan Kest. But even if his studio is in California and even if we live in far places we could still practice with him by using his videos.
We could also choose which practice we should do and base it in what we need at a specific time.
It might focus on stress reduction, one that helps our upper body, or one that helps build our core.
It might also focus on what suits our physical situation such as pregnancy yoga or yoga for seniors.
And lastly in this practice of yoga videos we could modify the postures according to our physical conditions. For example if we have an injured foot and we can?t put any pressure on the front of it we should modify a number of poses such as the Plank Pose ( in where we need to put our knees down so we wont bear our entire weight of our body on our forefoot only).
Sometimes it takes a lot of extra movements to get into our desired positions because of our injuries especially if we are on a regular class with other persons. Moreover, Yoga videos offer variety and assortment. One can easily get bored doing the same practice over and over again for how may sessions.
The interest and enthusiasm is lost when there is a lack of diversity and mixture. With these Yoga videos, one can choose and pick from a variety of videos that would perfectly fit one?s mood or condition. After all, Yoga is a form of relaxation and mediation, and not an irritating activity or past time.
With these videos, one can enjoy his or her own favorite posture or physical exercise. And you can play them or practice them as long as you like without restrictions and delays.
You get to choose when and where you want to do it. Aside from that, you get to enjoy and feel like you really are relaxing and you, feeling the essence of Yoga. Some say it?s like being in heaven ahead of time.
As a result, you will find comfort and enthusiasm that really has to be felt during Yoga activities. Aside from that, getting and preferring these Yoga videos save time and effort.
Some people may not really have enough time and have hectic schedules so this videos are just a few steps away from you plus, it is very convenient to carry almost anywhere without ease. Moreover, going to a Yoga class adds up to a few hours to go there and getting there on time is quite difficult.
Finding a parking space, registering and getting space in class is also troublesome. Sometimes, you end up wasting your time and effort being there without much satisfaction at all.
Learn all you need to know about Yoga - http://www.yogaadvice.info
Showing posts with label Relaxation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Relaxation. Show all posts
March 1, 2009
Yoga for Kids: Building Self-Image, Part 1
Parents are struggling to find methods for instilling self-confidence within their children. As adults, we know that the repercussions of poor self image can result in anxiety, depression, and a huge list of bad scenarios.
With this in mind, there are a number of positive actions that parents, teachers, physicians, and Yoga teachers can take to build solid foundations, within a given child?s character. By seeking solutions, we can give our children a positive view of life. In turn, children will develop into successful adults by building strong relationships and by exceptional performance, within his or her career.
Let?s look at the positive aspects for children within a typical Kids Yoga class. Although, Yoga is a vast subject, and there are a number of topics to discuss; children are better off being taught to focus on four components within a Hatha Yoga class.
These four components are posture, breathing, relaxing, and meditation. A child will find all four of these subjects easy to grasp, but all of them are a challenge. For many kids, the relaxation and meditation are easy to understand, but mastering them is another matter.
Now, let?s look at how a Yoga class for a child can have a profound and positive impact on his or her self-image. One of the first lessons a child walks away with is self-acceptance. Every child learns to appreciate being the best he or she can possibly be. This is achieved by understanding that other children may excel in one area of Yoga, while other children may be exceptional in a completely different area.
For example: One child may be able to relax or meditate; another child may demonstrate balancing skills in Eagle Pose; while another child is exceptionally strong in the Warrior Series. In this case, it is up to the Yoga teacher to give out praise equally to all the children present in a class.
How can you accomplish this? As teachers, we always praise the exceptional, but since this is a Yoga class you can afford to praise every child who tries his or her best. It is natural for children and adults to seek praise. This is why the world has so much competition for every little event.
However, competition should be ?brushed aside? in a Kids Yoga class. The Yoga studio, or ashram, should be a nurturing place for children and adults to master life skills. Yoga literally means ?unity,? and competition bolsters the ego. Therefore, this is not the way Yoga was designed for children or adults.
? 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
With this in mind, there are a number of positive actions that parents, teachers, physicians, and Yoga teachers can take to build solid foundations, within a given child?s character. By seeking solutions, we can give our children a positive view of life. In turn, children will develop into successful adults by building strong relationships and by exceptional performance, within his or her career.
Let?s look at the positive aspects for children within a typical Kids Yoga class. Although, Yoga is a vast subject, and there are a number of topics to discuss; children are better off being taught to focus on four components within a Hatha Yoga class.
These four components are posture, breathing, relaxing, and meditation. A child will find all four of these subjects easy to grasp, but all of them are a challenge. For many kids, the relaxation and meditation are easy to understand, but mastering them is another matter.
Now, let?s look at how a Yoga class for a child can have a profound and positive impact on his or her self-image. One of the first lessons a child walks away with is self-acceptance. Every child learns to appreciate being the best he or she can possibly be. This is achieved by understanding that other children may excel in one area of Yoga, while other children may be exceptional in a completely different area.
For example: One child may be able to relax or meditate; another child may demonstrate balancing skills in Eagle Pose; while another child is exceptionally strong in the Warrior Series. In this case, it is up to the Yoga teacher to give out praise equally to all the children present in a class.
How can you accomplish this? As teachers, we always praise the exceptional, but since this is a Yoga class you can afford to praise every child who tries his or her best. It is natural for children and adults to seek praise. This is why the world has so much competition for every little event.
However, competition should be ?brushed aside? in a Kids Yoga class. The Yoga studio, or ashram, should be a nurturing place for children and adults to master life skills. Yoga literally means ?unity,? and competition bolsters the ego. Therefore, this is not the way Yoga was designed for children or adults.
? 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 The Breath
Your yoga practice and the way you breathe are intertwined. You won?t fully experience the benefits of yoga without first learning how to breathe properly.
Different types of yoga practice call for different types of breathing, so it is important to note from the beginning that there is no one right way to breathe in yoga. If, in your yoga practice, your goal is total relaxation then your breathing should reflect that. This means long deep breaths meant to slow your heart rate and allow you to fully relax into the yoga pose. Here are a few tips:
* The diaphragm is where the breath originates in yoga and in everyday life. When you breathe in, your stomach puffs slightly because your diaphragm is filling with air. When you breathe out, your stomach flattens as your diaphragm empties itself of air. When you breathe, be sure that your stomach is moving, that you aren?t restricting this movement in any way.
* It?s important to relax every muscle in your chest, your face, your neck, your shoulders ? even your jaw ? in order to benefit from a relaxing breath in yoga. One way to do this is to clench the body part in question and then let go entirely. You may not even realize that your muscles are locked until you try to contract them.
* Keep your breaths smooth and easy during your yoga practice. Everyone breathes at their own natural rate, but becoming conscious of your breath does not mean controlling it in any way. Notice your breath and relax into your own natural rhythm.
* Breathing faster, in and out, is a natural reaction to stress or excitement. It stands to reason then, that relaxing breath in yoga should accentuate the exhalation. Breathe in naturally and make sure that your exhalation is longer than your inhalation and fully empty your diaphragm and lungs of air.
* Pausing between breaths will allow you to relax even further in yoga. No need to rush through your relaxation.
* When you breathe, feel the oxygen in the lungs and visualize it reaching every extremity, every toe and finger. Let your whole body enjoy the relaxing breath in your yoga practice.
When you learn how to breathe, you will find that it comes naturally in your yoga practice and in time, will continue in your everyday life.
About the author: Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides yoga tips on 123-Yoga.com.
Different types of yoga practice call for different types of breathing, so it is important to note from the beginning that there is no one right way to breathe in yoga. If, in your yoga practice, your goal is total relaxation then your breathing should reflect that. This means long deep breaths meant to slow your heart rate and allow you to fully relax into the yoga pose. Here are a few tips:
* The diaphragm is where the breath originates in yoga and in everyday life. When you breathe in, your stomach puffs slightly because your diaphragm is filling with air. When you breathe out, your stomach flattens as your diaphragm empties itself of air. When you breathe, be sure that your stomach is moving, that you aren?t restricting this movement in any way.
* It?s important to relax every muscle in your chest, your face, your neck, your shoulders ? even your jaw ? in order to benefit from a relaxing breath in yoga. One way to do this is to clench the body part in question and then let go entirely. You may not even realize that your muscles are locked until you try to contract them.
* Keep your breaths smooth and easy during your yoga practice. Everyone breathes at their own natural rate, but becoming conscious of your breath does not mean controlling it in any way. Notice your breath and relax into your own natural rhythm.
* Breathing faster, in and out, is a natural reaction to stress or excitement. It stands to reason then, that relaxing breath in yoga should accentuate the exhalation. Breathe in naturally and make sure that your exhalation is longer than your inhalation and fully empty your diaphragm and lungs of air.
* Pausing between breaths will allow you to relax even further in yoga. No need to rush through your relaxation.
* When you breathe, feel the oxygen in the lungs and visualize it reaching every extremity, every toe and finger. Let your whole body enjoy the relaxing breath in your yoga practice.
When you learn how to breathe, you will find that it comes naturally in your yoga practice and in time, will continue in your everyday life.
About the author: Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides yoga tips on 123-Yoga.com.
Yoga Beginner - Getting It Right
When it comes to promoting relaxation and reducing stress, nothing beats yoga. Unfortunately this isn’t the case for everyone. Most people who quit yoga think they fail because they are unable to get the positions and technique right. In fact, the reason they fail is that they put too much importance on getting the positions and technique right.
I do not profess to be a master of yoga. In fact, I am a beginner, with very little skill. However I have taught drumming for many years, and the pitfalls are similar. Here is my advice for yoga beginners.
Week 1 - Enjoy the activity:
Grab a beginner yoga video and set up your mat in a place that you can be comfortable and alone (there?s no room for self-consciousness in this step). Go through the exercises, but act as though you are a six year old having fun, rather than an adult worrying about technique. Try all of the positions, don?t worry if there are some you can?t perform right away, modify as necessary.
Week 2 - Examine the sensations:
By this time your body has probably memorized the routine (if you have been having fun and not obsessing about technique, your body will have learnt the movements quickly). Try to concentrate on your breathing. Be aware of how oxygen and energy are flowing to, from, and through the various body parts. Feel the release of tension and sensations in your muscles.
Week 3 and beyond - Observe the instructor
Most likely you have been improving your technique throughout, without even trying. You have probably figured out which yoga exercises are the easiest for you, and which are more difficult. Concentrate on the position you are most comfortable with. You are most likely so at ease with this position that you don?t even have to think about it anymore. The breathing and motions should be second nature by now, so you can begin to observe and emulate details in the instructor?s technique. Continue this step for each exercise.
Many people will try to learn yoga, and other activities, by only using the method I explained in week three. Many instructors are guilty of teaching this way. Unfortunately, beginners who start by obsessing about their technique may never enjoy what is described in week 1 or week 2.
Mark Altman is the webmaster of http://www.soundsleeping.com - for free relaxing music, a website containing free relaxing music, sleep-aids, stress reducing tools, relaxation advice, and an active discussion.
I do not profess to be a master of yoga. In fact, I am a beginner, with very little skill. However I have taught drumming for many years, and the pitfalls are similar. Here is my advice for yoga beginners.
Week 1 - Enjoy the activity:
Grab a beginner yoga video and set up your mat in a place that you can be comfortable and alone (there?s no room for self-consciousness in this step). Go through the exercises, but act as though you are a six year old having fun, rather than an adult worrying about technique. Try all of the positions, don?t worry if there are some you can?t perform right away, modify as necessary.
Week 2 - Examine the sensations:
By this time your body has probably memorized the routine (if you have been having fun and not obsessing about technique, your body will have learnt the movements quickly). Try to concentrate on your breathing. Be aware of how oxygen and energy are flowing to, from, and through the various body parts. Feel the release of tension and sensations in your muscles.
Week 3 and beyond - Observe the instructor
Most likely you have been improving your technique throughout, without even trying. You have probably figured out which yoga exercises are the easiest for you, and which are more difficult. Concentrate on the position you are most comfortable with. You are most likely so at ease with this position that you don?t even have to think about it anymore. The breathing and motions should be second nature by now, so you can begin to observe and emulate details in the instructor?s technique. Continue this step for each exercise.
Many people will try to learn yoga, and other activities, by only using the method I explained in week three. Many instructors are guilty of teaching this way. Unfortunately, beginners who start by obsessing about their technique may never enjoy what is described in week 1 or week 2.
Mark Altman is the webmaster of http://www.soundsleeping.com - for free relaxing music, a website containing free relaxing music, sleep-aids, stress reducing tools, relaxation advice, and an active discussion.
February 21, 2009
Go Inside
Winter, the long sleep. A time of “going within” and connecting with deep rhythms. Nature is our teacher if we’re willing to watch and listen. Nature demonstrates a season of silence, blanketed with snow, suspended animation; the life force pulled inward and focused at the point of connection with life source. Life becomes quiet.
We too, can learn to become quiet. “Going inside” and focusing our energy on our point of life source within ourselves is where we find our personal connection and quietude. Yoga is a pathway to that inner connection. The breath is the “guidance system,” keeping us aware of the path. The body and the breath move together, inhaling creating movement and expansion; exhaling allowing extension and relaxation into the poses. The rhythm of the breath, the expansion and relaxation cycling with each other reflects a microcosm of the cycle of summer and winter in nature. We are part of that cycle, our rhythms are the same.
Sitting quietly, our attention on our breathing rhythm, we can follow our breath to access our own internal rhythms and focus on that place of quietude within ourselves. We can create an awareness of that place of “winter” inside where our own energy is gathered and we experience a sense of connection to our life source. There, in the silence, we can relax, heal and gather life force. Its through our awareness of our connection to life force within us that we may consciously create our lives. The creative source of all nature lies within us, too. It flows through us constantly. We can choose to direct it consciously as we focus our awareness through our inner quiet. In that place, we gather the energy to carry us along into the coming “summer” cycle of expansion as it comes around again. Withdrawing and expanding, rest and action, inhaling and exhaling: yoga is about balance.
A person whose life is balanced is relaxed. A person who is relaxed is open. A person who is open is more loving. A person who is more loving is more peaceful, and a person who is more peaceful brings peace to the world.
Susan Winter Ward, internationally recognized yoga instructor, author, and video producer, is the creator of Yoga for the Young at Heart?, a multimedia publisher which publishes an informative and inspiring collection of CDRoms, videos, audio tapes, books and television programs, as well as exciting vacation retreats. Her product line is available at: Yoga for the Young at Heart
We too, can learn to become quiet. “Going inside” and focusing our energy on our point of life source within ourselves is where we find our personal connection and quietude. Yoga is a pathway to that inner connection. The breath is the “guidance system,” keeping us aware of the path. The body and the breath move together, inhaling creating movement and expansion; exhaling allowing extension and relaxation into the poses. The rhythm of the breath, the expansion and relaxation cycling with each other reflects a microcosm of the cycle of summer and winter in nature. We are part of that cycle, our rhythms are the same.
Sitting quietly, our attention on our breathing rhythm, we can follow our breath to access our own internal rhythms and focus on that place of quietude within ourselves. We can create an awareness of that place of “winter” inside where our own energy is gathered and we experience a sense of connection to our life source. There, in the silence, we can relax, heal and gather life force. Its through our awareness of our connection to life force within us that we may consciously create our lives. The creative source of all nature lies within us, too. It flows through us constantly. We can choose to direct it consciously as we focus our awareness through our inner quiet. In that place, we gather the energy to carry us along into the coming “summer” cycle of expansion as it comes around again. Withdrawing and expanding, rest and action, inhaling and exhaling: yoga is about balance.
A person whose life is balanced is relaxed. A person who is relaxed is open. A person who is open is more loving. A person who is more loving is more peaceful, and a person who is more peaceful brings peace to the world.
Susan Winter Ward, internationally recognized yoga instructor, author, and video producer, is the creator of Yoga for the Young at Heart?, a multimedia publisher which publishes an informative and inspiring collection of CDRoms, videos, audio tapes, books and television programs, as well as exciting vacation retreats. Her product line is available at: Yoga for the Young at Heart
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