Archive for April, 2009

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Hot Yoga and the Yoga Towel

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

So, what’s the big deal about a yoga towel? A towel is a towel, right? No, not really. But, before we extol the many benefits of a good yoga towel, let’s discuss a bit about Yoga, itself.

What Yoga Practice Can Do for You

Consistent yoga practice will stimulate your mind as it stimulates your body! Yoga practice involves clearing your mind and becoming totally aware of each pose. This enhances inner awareness. A committed yoga practice awakens, energizes, and strengthens the structure and flow of the body. The goal of yoga practice is to create a union between the body, mind and spirit.

Patience is not only a virtue, it is the “key” to mastering a yoga pose, specially when combined with ample time and commitment. No one is a master the first time they try to do anything. But, slowly over time, as you practice and try to perform each pose flawlessly, without pushing yourself too far physically or beating yourself up mentally, you will find that you are developing flexibility, strength, and energy physically and feeling more peaceful and clear mentally.

Try to create a fresh, graceful space for your yoga practice, with a bare floor, if possible, and a clear wall. Remove any distractions from your yoga environment. Preferably, you should not eat for at least 2 hours before practicing. If you find you need to eat, then try to eat something light, such as a piece of fruit, but no more than 1 hour before you start your yoga practice.

Always be mindful with your movements, and if you experience pain or discomfort as you attempt a pose, pause or stop, and then try again.

Yoga props and yoga accessories, such as yoga mats, yoga bolsters, yoga straps, yoga blocks, yoga mat bags, and even yoga towels are made with the intention to assist you in moving deeper into a pose, in performing a perfect pose, and in practicing in a healthful way.

There are a lot good reasons to give consideration to using yoga props, not the least of which is that they help in relieving discomfort, even pain, during difficult yoga poses.

Yoga props also aid in the prevention of injury when you are on occasion tempted to push too hard to “get it right.”

Stress relief and relaxation benefits are an integral part of any yoga practice. Yoga props can give necessary support so you’re not tempted to “stress out” because you’re unable to do a certain pose.

Another dynamic of using yoga props is that they help you to maintain proper alignment and, as we all know, alignment is essential to getting the most benefits from a pose.

Yoga props help to enhance movement. When your joints move with ease, instead of “rubbing you the wrong way,” your yoga poses are more fluid. Certain props actually open space in the joints.

As we mentioned earlier, yoga practice is concerned with unifying the mind, body and spirit through the development of a deeper awareness and the augmentation of mindfulness. How can yoga props assist in this great goal? When you are able to simply focus your attention on doing your yoga poses flawlessly, rather than worrying about transitory limitations, you will go deeper into that balance of mind, body, and spirit.

 

The Big, Beautiful Yoga Towel

A yoga towel does more than you might think! Of course, when you think of a towel, you think about absorbency, particularly all you hot yoga (think Bikram) enthusiasts. The capability of wicking away moisture (and sweat!) after a expressly energizing routine is very helpful, and there are many super-aborbent yoga towels made of microfibers that do just that. Plus they dry faster than cotton towels. Most are produced with organic dyes and can easily be washed and dried safely. Though you may want to get more than one size towel, if you want to create a hygienic layer between you and your yoga mat, be certain to get at least one mat-size yoga towel.

Absorbency, however, is but one of the benefits of your yoga towel. Many yoga towels are made especially to prevent slipping while you practice your yoga poses. There are some distinctive non-slip designs, like one with “silicone eco nubs” on one side, and another with clear rubber dots. Some others have a latex-free “gripping” agent. When placed face down, the nubs or dots, or a similar gripping agent, grip your yoga mat (or the floor if you’ve forgotten to buy a yoga mat and there isn’t one available!). Once you disperse your weight in a yoga posture, the gripping action takes place, in this way keeping your hands or feet from slipping mid-stretch. If you want a steadier, more stable practice, a yoga towel is very important to use.

A yoga towel works as a top layer for your yoga mat, as a yoga mat substitute when a mat isn’t available, or as suggested above, while performing “hot” yoga, such as Bikram. Because most yoga towels are of super-absorbent components, they out-perform a regular towel. A yoga towel that is the same size as your yoga mat is quite fashionable, as well as hygienic and healthy.

Most yoga towels come in earth tone shades from tan to deep gray, green, and dusty purple.

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What Is Hatha Yoga?

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

Chakras

Ancient Hindu yogis used asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing) to prepare themselves for long periods of meditation. In the West, these same practices are used for relaxation and body sculpting, although true Hatha yoga involves an entire holistic path with meditation and study as well.

Traditionally, Hatha yoga (pronounced “ha-tuh”) translates to “sun-moon.” It is believed that each person harbors a “sun” energy channel and a “moon” energy channel. The sun channel is said to govern our thought processes, while the moon channel governs our emotions. The millions of chakras (literally translated from Sanskrit to mean “wheels” or energy centers) swirling around us keep the sun-moon channels in motion. On a deeper level, practitioners believe in a moral code based upon self-restraint, quietude, concentration, regulation of breathing, uniting body and mind through action, withdrawing from the senses and studying religious texts.

The first step is the practicing of the different asanas (poises) to help the mind and body align with one another and open the inner channels of communication. By finding the right posture, one can remain comfortable for long periods of time while meditating. Secondly, proper breathing techniques (sometimes referred to as “pranayama”) are taught. Next, some students may choose to delve more deeply into the philosophical roots. Yoga instructor David Williams (from Hawaii) once noted, “Before you’ve practiced, the theory is useless. After you’ve practiced, the theory is obvious.”

The end result of practicing this style of yoga is markedly noticed almost immediately. Suddenly you can stretch a bit further and touch those toes. You’re not huffing and puffing carrying laundry up to the top floor of the house anymore. Your bowel movements are even more regular than usual and you find that stomach aches and head aches rarely occur these days. Your abdomen, legs and gluteus are looking more defined too. When you’re at work and start to feel stressed, you take a deep breath and reconnect with the relaxation techniques you learned in class, although the anxiety rarely reaches you on a physical level anymore. Your energy levels are revitalized, your hormones are balanced and a calm sense of euphoria and appreciation for each day takes root in your soul. Life is good, thanks to Hatha yoga, a practice that goes back thousands of years to some infinite source of knowledge the West generally seemed to have overlooked.

There is certainly something to be learned from ancient Indian religions and yogi sages. The practicality of Hatha yoga appeals to many Westerners who aren’t entirely sure how to go about physically and mentally reaching spirituality and a true understanding of oneself. While magazines like Vogue may have us believing yoga is for celebrities and athletes, the essential nature of Hatha yoga encompasses a philosophical level too. “The beauty is that people often come here for the stretch, and leave with a lot more,” says Liza Ciano, co-owner & co-director of Yoga Vermont. Check YogaFinder.com to find your class today.

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Your Yoga Mat, Yoga Mat Bag, and You

Saturday, April 11th, 2009

If you’ve ever tried to practice yoga without a mat, then you already know how essential a mat is to performing your poses safely and properly. However, the best motivation for doing your poses flawlessly most often is the appreciation you feel for Yoga, itself.

The Benefits of Yoga

Yoga aids you in awakening your inner body and enlivening your outer body! As you unburden your mind to give your full attention to each pose, you cultivate your “inner body” awareness of the present moment. A committed yoga practice awakens, energizes, and strengthens the structure and flow of the body. The goal of yoga practice is to create a union between the body, mind and spirit.

You’ll need time and commitment, as well as a whole lot of patience, to master a yoga pose. A beginner should not be disappointed if they don’t do a pose precisely on the first try. But, slowly over time, as you practice and attempt to perform each pose flawlessly, without pushing yourself too far physically or beating yourself up mentally, you will notice that you are developing flexibility, strength, and energy physically and feeling more peaceful and clear mentally.

Try to create a fresh, graceful space for your yoga practice, with a bare floor, if you can, and a clear wall. Remove any distractions from your yoga environment. Ideally, you should not eat for at least 2 hours before practicing. If you find you need to eat, then try to eat something light, such as a piece of fruit, but no more than 1 hour before you start your yoga practice.

If you should feel pain or discomfort as you attempt a pose, pause or stop, then try again with more mindful movement.

Yoga props and yoga accessories, such as yoga mats, yoga bolsters, yoga straps, yoga blocks, yoga mat bags, and even yoga towels are designed to help you in moving deeper into a pose, in performing an impeccable pose, and in practicing in a wholesome way.

Yoga prop benefits are bountiful, but above all they assisting you in avoiding, or relieving pain and discomfort that sometimes accompanies the more challenging yoga poses, particularly in the beginning.

Yoga props also assist in preventing injury when you are occasionally tempted to push too hard to “get it right.”

Stress relief and relaxation benefits are an integral part of any yoga practice. Yoga props can offer needed support so you’re not tempted to “stress out” because you’re unable to do a certain pose.

The plumb line, that is, “head-over-heels” body alignment, is crucial in doing yoga poses perfectly. Yoga props encourage appropriate alignment.

Ease and flexibility of movement are important benefits to using yoga props. When your joints move with ease, instead of “rubbing you the wrong way,” your yoga poses are more fluid. Certain props actually open space in the joints.

As we mentioned earlier, yoga practice is concerned with unifying the mind, body and spirit through the development of a deeper awareness and the augmentation of mindfulness. How will yoga props assist in this great goal? When you are able to simply focus your mind on doing your yoga poses flawlessly, rather than concerning yourself with transitory limitations, you will go deeper into that balance of mind, body, and spirit.

 

Yoga Mats

A yoga mat, also called a sticky mat, is a slender, rectangular, and often rubber, floor mat that has many healthful features. Its primary function is to help to keep you from sliding as you move into various yoga poses. Its non-slip surface gives stability to your practice.

It is also made of fabric that gives it the “perfect” texture, the one Baby Bear would own if he practiced yoga. If you were to attempt to do your yoga practice on a surface that was too soft, such as a carpet, you would find it difficult to balance or to position yourself properly. On the other hand, several poses would be too uncomfortable for your hands, knees, and feet if you made an effort to practice them on a hard surface, such as a hardwood floor.

You will notice that, in addition to providing stability as you practice, a yoga mat gives insulation from cool floors. Almost all yoga mats are made of non-latex or natural rubber that is both lightweight and durable. For those who want a more eco-friendly mat, there are some around.  One such mat is a new “environmentally friendly” yoga mat made of PER (Polymer Environmental Resin), a fabric that is accredited with being more “responsive” to the environment and your health than rubber yoga mats. This particularly mat doesn’t include phthalates or heavy metals, and its manner of production is said to be totally non-toxic. However, if being “super” green is your thing, there is a rubber and cotton mesh mat available that comes straight from a “tapped” tree that keeps on living.

Yoga Mat Bags

Yoga mat bags help to protect your mat and yoga supplies, and make transporting them more convenient. There is a small yoga mat bag, sized only marginally larger than your mat, that is just great if you tote only a few things with you to your yoga class. But, if you’re pack rat when comes to yoga and want to “take it all” with you, there are big, duffel-style mat bags that can hold extra accessories like yoga blocks, towels, water bottles, extra clothing, and more!

If you’re the creative type, there are lots of great sites online that give instructions on how you can construct your own yoga mat bag out of silk or other materials. Ready-to-buy yoga mat bags are usually produced from nylon, cotton, organic cotton, or hemp.

 

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The Benefits of Yoga Can be Enhanced With a Yoga Strap

Saturday, April 11th, 2009

Almost certainly, once you’ve gotten one, you’ll find a yoga strap to be an valuable “prop” in your yoga practice. Though an interesting subject, before we talk about the benefits of using a yoga strap, let’s talk a little about Yoga, itself.

What Yoga Practice Can Do for You

Consistent yoga practice will stimulate your mind as it enlivens your body! Doing each pose correctly requires your complete attention, and such focus awakens your mental awareness. Proper yoga practice awakens, energizes, and strengthens the structure and flow of the body. The goal of yoga practice is to create a union between the body, mind and spirit.

Patience is not only a virtue, it is the “key” to mastering a yoga pose, particularly when combined with ample time and commitment. A beginner should not be disappointed if they don’t do a pose perfectly on the first try. But, slowly over time, as you practice and attempt to perform each pose correctly, without pushing yourself too far physically or beating yourself up mentally, you will notice that you are developing flexibility, strength, and energy physically and feeling more peaceful and clear mentally.

Try to create a clean, peaceful space for your yoga practice, with a bare floor, if possible, and a clear wall. Remove any distractions from your yoga environment. Ideally, you should not eat for at least 2 hours before practicing. If you find you need to eat, then try to eat something light, such as a piece of fruit, but no more than 1 hour before you start your yoga practice.

Remember to be mindful of how your body feels, and stop or pause if you feel any pain or discomfort while trying out a pose. Then try again.

Yoga props and yoga accessories, such as yoga mats, yoga bolsters, yoga straps, yoga blocks, yoga mat bags, and even yoga towels are perfect for aiding you in moving deeper into a pose, in performing a perfect pose, and in practicing in a healthful way.

Yoga prop benefits are numerous, but principally they assisting you in avoiding, or relieving pain and discomfort that sometimes accompanies the more challenging yoga poses, especially in the beginning.

Until you’ve developed core structural strength, yoga props can help you to avoid injuring yourself.

Relief from tension and relaxation benefits are an integral part of any yoga practice. Yoga props can give desired support so you’re not tempted to “stress out” because you’re unable to do a certain pose.

Another dynamic of using yoga props is that they help you to maintain proper alignment and, as we all know, alignment is crucial to getting the most benefits from a pose.

Ease and flexibility of movement are are another healthy part of the benefits to using yoga props. When your joints move with ease, instead of “rubbing you the wrong way,” your yoga poses are more fluid. Certain props actually open space in the joints.

And, finally, we’re back to one of the extraordinary benefits of yoga, i.e., the development of awareness and understanding. When you are free to focus on doing your yoga poses perfectly, rather than worrying about any limitations you might be experiencing, you are more ready to experience the deeper gifts of a regular yoga practice. Yoga props can aid in doing away with any limitations to your doing flawless yoga poses.

As Promised, Good Yoga Strap Info:

Whether you are a beginner and want a bit of help in your poses, or you merely want to get the most out of your yoga routine, a yoga strap is a extremely useful addition to your “yoga props.” An increase in flexibility is critical in yoga practice. If you’re thinking you’re not flexible enough for a yoga practice, don’t give up. Flexibility takes a while to develop, and a yoga strap can really assist in that development. In fact, without a yoga strap, some individuals just starting out will find certain poses impossible.

A yoga strap permits you to hold onto your limbs (the ones you can’t otherwise reach) or to hold a pose longer. You can use a yoga strap for a variety of poses. For instance, if you hook it around your foot while your leg is held straight, your hamstring stretch will go a lot farther! A yoga strap can also assist in bound poses, likewise, such as cow face, or Gomukhasana, particularly if your hands are not able to naturally clasp each other. A yoga strap can also be used to hold your leg in a Trikosana, to stretch your shoulder in the Shoulder Stretch Exercise, and a lot of other yoga postures.

Yoga straps are commonly available in fabrics such as nylon and hemp, and often have buckles on the end to help in storage and transportation.

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Namaste Yoga Facts

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

Namaste Yoga is a popular form of yoga, often seen on exercise and fitness DVDs in different stores that offer exercise videos. What does the first name of Namaste refer to and mean, since we already know the word “yoga”.

In order to comprehend Namaste yoga, you need to understand that not all versions of yoga are the same. Although it might seem that one type of yoga has to be better than another, this is not the case and some versions of yoga are better suited to some students than others, depending on their personal goals.

Of these various schools of thought and yoga study methods, the term Namaste Yoga has been a term that many people have appropriated to describe a school of thought in regards to teaching yoga.

What Namaste Means

Namaste is a term from the Indian language that refers to the term ìI bow to you.î The reason that this saying applies to this form of yoga is because the exercises start with bringing your hands together in a steeple position and bowing simultaneously. In order to encourage the submissive nature of the yoga form, students say the word “Namaste” at the beginning and end of every class. As it connects the western students to the ancient roots and spiritual base of the yoga artform, saying the word “Namaste” at the beginning and end is an interesting addition.

Rather than showing off the particular moves of Namaste yoga, many of the exercises videos with its name just show off a collection of basic yoga exercises. These basic exercises are designed to introduce the student to the study of the art as well as to provide those simple exercises that can be performed without the need for oversight by an instructor. You should use an instructor to truly master the Namaste yoga form, but using a DVD can help you to understand some of the basic moves before your first meeting.

Yoga is an excellent form of exercise and those looking to take part in it for physical benefit are making a wise choice. However, as the term Namaste infers, there are a number of historical and cultural aspects to the art that should be learned as well.

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The History of Yoga and Four Thousand Years

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

Since the beginning of its creation, yoga has always meant a bringing together of the mind and body in perfect union and since that time, the main intentions of yoga have not changed, but have improved and been refined. Originally from the country of India, the the history of Yoga has a lot of tradition embodied in its movements and is a fitness system that incorporates the mental, spiritual and physical health for an individual. In order to understand the history of yoga, you must understand the traditions involved and recognize the four cateogories of yoga, which are the pre-classical period, classical period, post-classical period and modern-day yoga styles.

Yoga Sutra Is What The Book On Yoga Is Called

The history of yoga would not be complete without the book of yoga sutra and without it, would not have been able to complete the classical period. The word “yoga” itself means “yolk” or something that you use to join unlike objects together, such as with an oxen and cart. Thus, you can easily infer that yoga has everything to do with uniting each and every aspect of the human being into one single entity.

The history of yoga teaches us that the body contortions might be what yoga is known for, but these physical postures, meditation and breathing exercises all work together to bring yoga and its ethics to the individual.

Unlike in the brief history of Yoga, the present-day yoga has seen a divide between the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga, although a kind of renaissance has sprung up in the past years thanks to the popularity of yoga. The history of yoga has changed dramatically over time, allowing new teaching methods and schools to spring up, bringing in new philosophies and approaches to this form of exercise.

Nevertheless, the common thread that runs in all forms of yoga and which have not changed much throughout the history of yoga is that the fundamental aim of yoga is to create a harmony of the mind, body and also the environment. So, in the modern period in the history of yoga, it has become more comprehensive means to achieve greater control of the mind and body and is not merely a means to stay fit as well as trim; rather, yoga today can help you achieve better health as a whole person and will help empower life.

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How Yoga Blocks Can Enhance Your Yoga Practice

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

You’ll remember to drop your yoga blocks in your yoga bag once you’ve found out about their many benefits to your practice. Yoga blocks have plenty of uses, but before we talk about what they can do for you, plus the many types that are purchasable, let’s talk a little about Yoga, itself.

Yoga Mind/Body Benefits

Regular yoga practice will enliven your mind as it energizes your body! As you empty your mind to give your undivided attention to each pose, you cultivate your “inner body” awareness of the present moment. Habitual yoga practice fosters a healthy body through proper breathing for more oxygenation, greater flexibility for ease of motion, added muscle strength for confident movement, and perfect alignment for enhanced energy flow. The goal of yoga practice is to create a union between the body, mind and spirit.

Patience is not only a virtue, it is the “key” to mastering a yoga pose, specially when combined with ample time and commitment. Do not expect perfect poses in the beginning. But, slowly over time, as you practice and attempt to perform each pose correctly, without pushing yourself too far physically or beating yourself up mentally, you will notice that you are developing flexibility, strength, and energy physically and feeling more peaceful and clear mentally.

The best environment for doing your practice is a fresh, quiet place with a bare floor and practicable wall. Remove any distractions from your yoga environment. For optimum function, you should not eat for at least 2 hours before practicing. If you find you need to eat, then try to eat something light, such as a piece of fruit, but no more than 1 hour before you start your yoga practice.

Always be mindful with your movements, and if you feel pain or discomfort as you attempt a pose, pause or stop, and then try again.

Yoga props and accessories, such as yoga mats, yoga bolsters, yoga straps, yoga blocks, yoga mat bags, and even yoga towels are perfect for assisting you in moving deeper into a pose, in performing a perfect pose, and in practicing in a sound way.

Yoga Prop Benefits:

  • Relieve pain and discomfort
  • Prevent injury
  • Stress relief and relaxation
  • Maintain proper alignment
  • Enhance movement
  • Create space in the joints
  • Deepen awareness, development mindfulness

Yoga Blocks

Comfort, or rather the nonexistence of it, can often make yoga newbies end their efforts before they’ve barely begun! Yoga blocks can aid anyone, but expressly beginners, to feel less strained during yoga practice because yoga blocks help to improve alignment. A few of the standing yoga poses include one hand being on the floor. For a beginner, the floor can appear to be a long way down. A yoga block can supply the difference. Think of a yoga block as an extra extension to your arm. While a newbie is in the process of developing flexibility, he or she will still be able to do the standing poses accurately by situating a hand on a block that’s been placed appropriately on the floor. A yoga block is a wonderful transitional aid.  In addition, several sitting poses specifically require a yoga block.  Yoga blocks assist with balance, poise, and stability. Who could ask for more from something so “square.”

Yoga blocks come in several different materials. Here are three: Foam blocks are durable and lightweight, an easy add to your yoga bag! Wooden blocks are also lightweight and hollow, yet basically indestructible (even Fido would find one hard to destroy!). Lastly, there is the environmentally friendly cork block.  An extra bonus is that the natural makeup of the cork gives a little extra traction.

Yoga blocks are more often than not sold separately but, for adaptability, you’ll likely want to buy several.

 

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Benefits of Bikram Yoga

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

Multiple Benefits of Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga is a series of twenty-six poses that are repeated twice during the course of the class, which usually lasts about ninety minutes, although some can last much longer, depending on the length of time each pose is held. There are many benefits that result from these Bikram yoga poses, which is a type of yoga that is performed in an extremely hot room, usually over one hundred degrees Fahrenheit, so whoever wants to participate in it should come prepared with Bikram yoga clothing, which is flexible to move with the body and also light and water wicking to continually move the water away from the skin.

Good for You

One benefit of learning how to do yoga of this type is that anybody can participate in it, even if individuals have some sort of injury, arthritis, or other condition that would be debilitating in other exercise arenas. Since all poses can be modified to fit the individual’s strengths and body’s abilities, many different ages and weights can participate. Studies have shown that another benefit of Bikram yoga is that some of these conditions can actually be helped and even healed by the careful participation in Bikram yoga practices.

Another benefit of Bikram yoga is firm muscle tone which is developed by holding the twenty-six poses over the course of each class, and since the poses are in many different positions, they require all the muscles of the body to be covered in holding them. As participants need to hold their own body weight during the poses, they can be quite hard to do but result in a great workout and therefore build muscle tone and strength.

Increased circulation is another benefit of Bikram yoga since by lengthening muscles in the different poses and stretching positions it releases knots and toxins that have been blocking the natural flow of blood through the muscles. Additionally, most of these toxins are expelled from the body thereby cleansing the body as they are released via the perspiration of the participant. More toxins may be flushed out of the body after a workout if the participant drinks plenty of water as a follow up after a workout.

Besides the Bikram yoga mat, there are only a few things that are needed for an individual to get the most out of the Bikram yoga. Despite needing a certain amount of padding, a Bikram yoga mat should not be too thick either, since other Bikram yoga poses are balancing poses which a mat that is too squishy can cause the individual to lose his or her balance.

Since Bikram yoga, like other yoga methods, uses meditation and breathing techniques in addition to relaxation methods, it helps individuals to learn to focus on their bodies and relax, taking them away from the stress of their lives outside of the class. This is another benefit to Bikram yoga that many claim to be the most positive benefit of all.

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Discovering Yoga

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

Yoga is an ancient system of poses. It is an exercise; basically composed of ancient principles and theories that explain the connection between the mind and body of human beings. The importance and benefits of practicing yoga exercises for health have now been researched and proved by modern medical sciences. Yoga is a short word, or can be said to be a nick name for the old word “Yogasana”. This exercise involves the body, mind and soul of a human being. People who practice it are called Yogis. In order to fully reap of the rewards of practicing yoga exercises, one should believe that it will indeed benefit him, as it is an exercise strongly connected with the mind.

Practitioners believe that yoga is a therapeutic exercise that brings about peace of mind while it brings stability to the body. So people practice yoga relax the body and mind and to improve health and fitness. Yoga involves postures and movements and the alignment of the body,. Most yoga postures can be practiced by people of all ages, however one should have the guidance of a qualified teacher when starting out.

Types of Yoga postures

There are many types of yoga postures. Some of the more well-known postures are discussed as follows:

  • Sukhasana or Lotus is a sitting pose of yoga and is easy to perform. It is often used as the starting position. It opens the hips, lower back and groin area.

  • Tadasana or Mountain pose is used to improve the balance of mind and posture of the body.

  • Virabhadrasana or Warrior is a yoga pose that can be performed after Tadasana or mountain pose. It strengthens the bones, stretches the arms and legs, and improves balance.

  • Uttanasana is a yoga posture in which the body is extended upwards and then bent in the forward position to touch the toes. It relaxes the mind and stretches the neck, back and legs,.

  • Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Facing Dog is a yoga posture performed by putting and maintaining forehead on the floor in front of you. It helps to increase the flexibility of the hamstrings and back.

  • Bhujangasana or The Cobra posture is performed by laying down flat on your stomach on the floor. It helps open the chest area and heart and stretches and strengthens the spine.

  • Janu Shirshasana is head to knee pose of yoga exercises. It is performed by sitting on the floor and trying to touch your foot with your hand. It helps in improving the flexibility of the arms, back bone and hamstrings.

  • Trikonasana or the Triangle is a yoga pose in which the body is bent in the form of a triangle by separating the feet 3-4 feet and then touching one foot with one of your hands. Improves spinal flexibility opens up the torso area.

  • Ardha Sarvangasana or Half Shoulderstand is a yoga pose that is formed by lying down on your back with elbows and lower arms on the floor and rise you legs up in the air. It helps improve thyroid function as well as circulation. It also improves the strength of the abdominal muscles and organs, and stretches the upper back.

  • Sethu Bandhasa or the Bridge is that yoga posture in which the body is laying down on the floor with arms resting at its sides while the body is risen such that the head, neck and feet are on the floor but the middle part of the body including tail, tail bone and spine is raised in the shape of an arc. This pose helps in opening the chest and in increasing the flexibility and strength of the lower back bone and abdominal muscles.

  • Hatha Yoga is the most difficult and demanding type of yoga postures as it requires very hard exercises and practices, immensely involving every muscles of the body.

  • Pranayama is a yoga posture that involves breathing exercises.

  • Dog and Cat posture helps in increasing the strength and flexibility of spinal cord.

  • Savasana or the Corpse posture is performed at the end of yoga exercises session to relax the body and also provides a refreshing effect on the mind. It is an easy pose to perform.

 

Benefits of practicing yoga

There are literally hundreds of yoga benefits. Here are just some of them:

  • It increases the body’s healing power and boosts the immune system.

  • It helps in relaxing the mind and increases its steadiness and ability to concentrate and perception.

  • It improves the body’s overall flexibility.

  • It improves memory and learning.

  • It helps strengthen the heart.

  • It helps provide stability to the nervous system.

  • It decreases the pulse rate thus decreasing the blood pressure.

  • It activates the somatic cells of the brain and helps people in increasing awareness.

  • Normalizes the endocrine glands and gastrointestinal function.

  • It brings about greater energy and equilibrium.

  • It can help with weight control.

  • Yoga boosts the balancing efficiency of the body.

  • It helps in decreasing depression, tension and anxiety by relaxing mind.

  • Yoga helps to decrease the cholesterol level in blood.

  • It can help deal with diabetes.

  • It tunes and tones the muscles.

  • It proves as a treatment for arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, asthma, hepatitis, insomnia and AIDS.

  • Practicing yoga can help to slow down the aging process.

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The Physical Types of Hatha Yoga

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

You can find a lot of flexibility and stress relief that comes with the normal yoga moves in Ashtanga Hatha and will provide a lot of released tension on your body, helping you to concentrate much better and also give you a cleansed spirit that makes you feel better overall.

Body Cleansing

Originally from India and introduced in the fifteenth century, Swatmarama created Ashtanga Hatha to have a more relaxed state and a more clear mind overall. His intention was to find a means by which yoga could prepare the participant to purify his or her body and by using meditation it was thought that a person could physically train his or her body to achieve those goals. Originally, the name of Hatha yoga was Shatkarma, but the word Hath is a combination of “ha” which means sun and “tha” which means moon.

Hatha Yoga allows the individual to channel all of the energy of the body and can be similar to Raja yoga, which helps the practioner to enjoy total control over the mind, body and spirit and these two forms of yoga are often confused with each other.

With Hatha Yoga, it is possible to achieve relief from aches as well as pains that may be affecting your back and also neck, and it is also instrumental in making you realize how best to relax your body and also to understand the body better. In order to enjoy more happiness and increased health over time, you can learn how to release suppressed energy that will help you lead to a better understanding of your feelings and inner self.

With Hatha Yoga, you can also learn how best to breathe so that you are able to further channelize your energy to the proper parts, and you can also is prepared to achieve higher levels of yoga accomplishment as well. You will learn the breathing techniques called the Pranayama and through an array of special postures called asanas and through the use of meditation. In Hatha yoga, you will learn how to balance the negative and positive forces that will regulate your vital forces overall, giving your mind more clarity and a better subconscious level. Hatha yoga is therefore known as one of the most physical types of yoga available.

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