Archive for February, 2007

By Rebecca Prescott

Whilst yoga can be practised without any props or special equipment, sooner or later most people decide to invest in some supplies for their home practice. Equipment can generally be divided into two categories. First, there is the basic equipment. This can include things like mats, blankets, and perhaps eye bags. The next tier in terms of priority might include straightforward supportive tools, such as belts, bolsters, and blocks. Finally, there is a range of specialized tools that can give very precise support to the positions for which they were designed. This article will discuss some of the different yoga supplies available, and what poses they are generally used for.

Yoga mats could be classed as essential, except that they can be substituted by a large towel, or a cotton rug that isn’t slippery. The most important thing it does is help facilitate a student’s grip as they move through, and hold, different asanas. It is much easier to use a proper mat compared to a towel or rug, but if you are short of funds, you can certainly make do. Mats are generally inexpensive, with ’sticky mats’ being the cheapest. There are higher quality synthetic mats, but even these can be bought for the cost of a restaurant meal. Generally, it is suggested that mats be hand washed, but I have washed mine in a machine with no problems.

Cotton mats tend to be used in some Indian yoga centers, and are also available on the internet. There are also ‘ecological’ mats, made out of rubber, or other natural materials. These are quite popular with yoga practitioners who are sensitive to their effect on the environment.

Blankets can be used in relaxation at the end of a session, or to provide gentle support when doing some poses such as shoulderstand and headstand. Blankets tend to be thin and lightweight. This is especially important when they are used to support the neck in the above mentioned asanas.

Eyebags are usually made of satin, and filled with an organic, lightweight material like linseed. They are used in relaxation.

Props were introduced by B.K.S. Iyengar, although they are used in many different disciplines now. The reason was that it made it easier for beginners and those with physical limitations to experience the benefits of some postures they may not yet be able to do. They can also help students become more aware of the subtleties of a pose, by allowing the body to align as it should. The props that particularly help with this are blocks, belts, bolsters, chairs, wall ropes, and special props developed for specific poses.

Bolsters are excellent for certain floor poses, and are often used to support the back. Blocks are typically used in standing poses, are and very useful when students are not yet flexible enough to reach the ground. This is particularly true in standing poses that involve twists. Belts are used in a variety of poses, including foward bends, and others that help keep the arms in the correct alignment. These are not usually expensive items, and are worth having on hand. They may allow you to really spend a lot of time in a particular pose.

The most expensive yoga supplies tend to be the very specialized props that can be used in headstand and backbends. They are certainly not crucial, in that you can use cheaper props to gain support in those poses. But they may offer particular benefits that are worth the cost to those than can reasonably afford them.

Good yoga props can make a home practice more enjoyable. It is particularly gratifying to be able to extend one’s ability in a pose, and practicing at home certainly provides the luxury of time sometimes not available in a class. Props, in this instance, would be very beneficial. But whether you need anything beyond the basics, a mat, is an individual call.

Good yoga supply shops have an excellent range of hatha yoga DVD’s. Read this guide before you buy, and check out more on a yoga practice here.

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – February / March Schedule
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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts,

Below is our February / March 2007 – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

Chakra Workshop is Friday, March 30, 2007 – 6 to 9 p.m.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

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Attleboro Yoga Training: http://www.riyoga.com
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By Niclas Ericsson

Yoga aims to achieve the unification of body and mind through different postures, movements and breathing techniques. The most commonly practiced form is called hatha yoga, and it is embraced by millions of people around the world, including numerous Hollywood celebrities. Madonna, Sting and Ricky Martin, to name a few, have helped catapulting yoga into a global trend that seems to have no end.

So, what is yoga really good for and what do you need to get started? Well, yoga has been said to cure everything from hair loss to cancer, but most people simply use it as a way to exercise and to increase their general feeling of well-being. Many people claim that yoga has changed their lives, curing depression and increasing energy levels.

The truly great thing about yoga is that it is for everybody. It doesn’t matter if you are strong or weak, big or small, young or old. Anybody can do it and there are a variety of ways to practice it. It can be five minutes of relaxing meditation or thirty minutes of hard workout. It is all up to you and the method you choose.

For the beginner it is strongly recommended to join one of the many basic courses available in health clubs, gyms and community centers everywhere. If you don’t want to join a group and in stead prefer to do it in the privacy of your own home there are numerous DVDs available on the market. Don’t be put off if you see your instructor carry out some seemingly back-braking stretching exercises. Yoga is many things but NOT about pain, so if you can’t reach your toes, don’t worry. Just go as far as you can. In a few sessions you will notice how you body learns to do more and more of the movements you couldn’t do before.

There is a certain terminology that can take some time to get used to. For example, postures are referred to as asanas. And there are a whole bunch of them. In fact over 8 million according to some sources. Many of them have very interesting names, such as the One Legged Pigeon, the Sun Salutation and the Spinal Twist, to name just a few. The purpose of these asanas is to increase flexibility which in turn opens up the flow of energy through the body. They also aim to put pressure on the internal organs in the body, thus improving their efficiency.

The art of breathing correctly is called pranayama, and this is another essential part of practicing yoga. In short, it aims to maximize your lung capacity by breathing in deep through your nose. When we breathe, we take in the prana, which can be explained as life energy, similar to what is called Qi in China and Japan.

As for necessary equipment, the list is very short. Loose-fitting clothes are recommended. Shoes and socks should be taken off during the session. A yoga mat will provide a soft surface to work out on.

That’s all you need to get started. Good luck!

Niclas Ericsson is accomplished writer and photographer, speaks 4 languages, and is a member of Mensa.

e-Samsara carries a full line of yoga mats, dvds, and accessories.

Hikaku-Kinyu provides comparison and analysis of Japanese lending services.

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – February / March Schedule
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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts,

Below is our February / March 2007 – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

Chakra Workshop is Friday, March 30, 2007 – 6 to 9 p.m.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

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Attleboro Yoga Training: http://www.riyoga.com
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By Rob Bogie

I have heard a lot about yoga lately, and there are two reasons people seem to like it. It is a great form of exercise, and it is also supposed to be great for clearing your mind and learning how to relax. I have thought about getting into yoga quite a few times but I haven’t quite gotten there yet. I’m still dreaming of it though, and I do hope to start soon, and I hope to make it something that I can do with my daughter. She may not understand what it is, but I am hoping it will help her in the same way that I hope it helps me.

What I have learned about yoga so far is that there is more to it then just bending, stretching, and holding poses. If you do want to start a program, you should search the Internet for information about yoga. If you want to get your children involved, you do have to keep certain safety issues in mind. As I was learning about yoga for my daughter, I wrote an article on it because I found a lot of information that perhaps not a lot of people know.

You can find information about yoga all over the Internet, but you can also find out about it via a class or a DVD if you want to. There are a lot of resources out there and you have to decide what is best for you. If you have the time, a yoga class might be just what you need, even if you only go for a few months so that you know what you are doing. You might want to learn about yoga by getting a beginners DVD to show you the ropes. Do whatever works best for you and your schedule.

One of the things that I have come across while learning about yoga is that there can be some embarrassing moments, but you will just have to get past them. I actually don’t even know if it is true or not, but I have read that some of the poses can cause you to pass gas involuntarily. If this happens to you, you shouldn’t worry about it too much. Anyone that knows anything about yoga should already know what to expect, and you may find that you aren’t the only one doing it anyway. If that really bothers you just do your yoga at home.

This article about yoga was written by freelance writer, Mark Singal for yourhealthfitness.info If you liked this article please visit our site and enjoy other informative health and fitness articles!

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – February / March Schedule
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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts,

Below is our February / March 2007 – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

Chakra Workshop is Friday, March 30, 2007 – 6 to 9 p.m.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

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Attleboro Yoga Training: http://www.riyoga.com
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Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
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By Barbara House

While many people have always thought of Yoga as some mystic Hindu practice, that image is rapidly disappearing – almost as fast as the stresses of our modern lives are increasing. The American Academy of Family Physicians has noted that stress related symptoms prompt two-thirds of the office visits to family physicians. Exercise and alternative therapies are now commonly prescribed for stress-related complaints and illness. Even a recent issue of Consumer Reports suggests Yoga for stress relief.

As an effective method of stress management, yoga is spreading into the business world, the helping professions, nursing and old age homes. It is also being used in the treatment of alcoholics, hyperactive children and youngsters with learning disabilities. Yoga centers are getting stiff competition from adult education classes of community colleges, boards of education and parks and recreation departments.

There are many kinds of yoga to study, and there can be endless years of practice for the willing student. Many of the problems suffered in modern life can be erased by following a regular yoga routine.

Reasons to practice Yoga

1. Yoga can release the tense muscles caused by hours of sitting at a desk. Yoga differs from other forms of exercise in that it involves motions that don’t cause strain on the body. It isn’t an aerobic exercise, but it uses almost every muscle in your body. Over time, your limbs are strengthened – helping to combat the aches and pains caused by our sedentary lifestyles.

2. Mediation during Yoga can enhance concentration. Breathing deeply can improve vitality by increasing the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain. All forms of yoga incorporate the practice of proper breathing techniques for relaxation, to rest the mind from its constant chatter, to experience an internal calm, and to energize and purify the body.

3. Yoga is fun an easy for children. Yoga is great fun for children and teenagers and it’s easy for them to do, as they are already flexible. Yoga can help them retain that flexibility. It can also help to develop their self-discipline. Practicing yoga is good for developing coordination and can help to improve concentration – which many children and teens find difficult.

4. Yoga is the ideal exercise during pregnancy. Practicing yoga can improve backache and help to lift depression. Many women who practice yoga have said that it helped to make their labor easier and shorter. The meditation side of yoga is also calming and centering during pregnancy.

5. Yoga can combat feelings of anxiety and depression. Practicing yoga can alter your brain chemistry. Some yoga positions in particular are effective in stimulating the pituitary gland to release endorphins and to reduce the level of cortisol (the stress hormone).

Many people beginning to practice yoga as stress management may feel unsure if they are doing it right. Trust yourself and trust the process and let it develop. Keep your focus on what is happening in each moment. As stress levels in our society reach new heights, yoga can provide you with the means for handling stress, diffusing tension and increasing the quality of your life!

Barbara House is the founder of Really Busy People, http://www.reallybusypeople.com – a website dedicated to providing current news, informative articles, time-saving products & services to simplify your hectic, busy lifestyle.

© 2007 Really Busy People. All Rights Reserved.

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – February / March Schedule
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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts,

Below is our February / March 2007 – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

Chakra Workshop is Friday, March 30, 2007 – 6 to 9 p.m.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

——————————————–
Attleboro Yoga Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–

By Carmel Baird

Lose weight from yoga? There are people who do lose weight from yoga but it entails more than the physical exercising. Yoga is an exercise for the body, mind and spirit. People who have lost weight with yoga have taken a total look at their lifestyle, their eating patterns, the type of food they eat. These are some of the considerations you will need to take into account to lose weight with yoga too. The more you learn about your body and eating habits the better you will be able to get the most out of your yoga classes to help your lose weight.

Practice Makes Perfect

Yoga should be an enjoyable experience, you should be looking forward to your yoga classes. The more you practice, the better you will be. Yoga gives you the ability to build your muscle strength, increase the flexibility of your body and so you will be able to perform other activities like walking to burn off fat successfully. It seems a roundabout way but the more you improve at yoga, the more you will benefit in other areas of your life, one being losing weight. Remember with yoga exercising, you need to do it right, if you are unsure or find yourself a little muscle sore after your class, have a talk to the instructor to make sure you are doing the poses the right way. Practice make perfect.

Wholesome Diet

If you wish to lose weight with yoga then you need to take into account your food consumption, the type of foods you eat and when you eat. Once you start yoga classes and your body begins to feel the benefits, you will be surprised at how you will start to look at a more healthy, wholesome diet. Your body will feel good and you will enjoy eating the foods that will help you lose weight. A sensible eating plan with low fat foods, fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereals and breads, lean meats, fruit juice, low fat yogurt and surprisingly, you will not be hungry. You could end up eating more and actually losing weight. This is the way you will lose weight from yoga. A word of caution with regard to low fat foods, check the carbohydrates, because these can add weight if you don’t burn them off. Try not to get carried away with those ’special’ type diets, better still don’t go for a diet at all. Plan to eat sensible healthy foods and avoid take-a-ways.

Enjoy the Results

The results for losing weight from yoga will not be dramatic but they will be better for you than any fad diets. Fad diets or the quick weight loss diets mostly have the weight back on in no time at all. Losing weight with yoga will be a change in lifestyle, a new pattern in exercise and eating habits and all for the best. Hop on the scales at the same time, same day once a week and don’t be discouraged if you don’t see big results, what you want is a small steady decline. Set yourself reasonable goals and put a reward beside each goal, then when you achieve the goal, you get the reward.

Please visit our site YogaInfo-Online for great resources, information, hints and tips for all things Yoga

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – February / March Schedule
——————————————–

Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts,

Below is our February / March 2007 – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

Chakra Workshop is Friday, March 30, 2007 – 6 to 9 p.m.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

——————————————–
Attleboro Yoga Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–

By Sara Lucci

Maybe we’re an aging society or maybe we’re just all wising up, but personal wellness is becoming popular amongst the 50-something crowd. And, the latest trend in personal wellness is destination wellness retreats. Just Google wellness retreats on the Internet and you’ll find over 1.2 million hits. From Albuquerque to New Zealand many dedicated wellness enthusiasts are seeking out holiday spots or retreats where they can combine their vacation with de-stressing sessions. I found one such retreat nestled in the rolling hills of Umbria, Italy. Billed as the ultimate in luxury retreats, La Preghiera Country House Estates offers wellness enthusiasts the opportunity to experience yoga, hiking, biking or a combination of all in the heartland of Italy, with time off for exploring the nearby medieval villages.

La Preghiera is located in the heart of the Umbrian countryside about 40 minutes from Perugia, the medieval center of Umbria and 2.5 hours north of Rome. It’s also a short distance from Cortona, which almost everyone is familiar with from the movie- “Under the Tuscan Sun”. There are low cost flights from London via RyanAir to Perugia on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. La Preghiera, (“The Prayer” in English), was originally a 12th Century monastery, and has been restored to an elegant country house estate – bed and breakfast accommodation with impeccable rooms and service. John and Liliana Tunstill open their home and hearts to each visitor that passes through. In fact, they operate under the philosophy that “a stranger is a friend as yet unmet”.

Normally booked solid, La Preghiera just announced that it is opening up one of its highly sought after yoga retreats (September 2nd – September 9th) to new guests who wish to experience yoga in the tranquility of the Umbrian countryside. The retreat includes 7-nights private luxury accommodation, 12 yoga classes (90-minute morning classes and 60-minute evening classes), a hearty breakfast buffet, light lunches, 3-course dinners, and private minibus transfers to local medieval villages. Guests can even rent the property’s Jaguar to explore the area or can choose just to relax at poolside. Beauty treatments, such as a body massage, facial scrub, manicure or pedicure, are available at an additional cost. And, private airport transfers to the property can be arranged as well.

So what’s the hoopla all about?

Dating back over 5000 years, yoga is the oldest defined practice of physical well being and self- development. Yoga has proved to be helpful in reducing stress, reducing pain, lowering blood pressure and heart rate, reducing anxiety and muscle tension, increasing strength and flexibility, slowing the aging process, improving sleep, and helpful in dealing with allergies and asthma symptoms. It’s an excellent alternative form of healing that is very suited to the needs of thyroid patients, individuals suffering from bi-polar disorder, depression, chronic fatigue and osteoporosis. It improves the immune system and circulation. Virtually everyone can see physical benefits from yoga, and its practice can also give psychological benefits, such as a sense of well being.

But if yoga isn’t your thing, be certain that a retreat geared toward your desires can easily be arranged. This was one of the most relaxing locations I have ever experienced and one that is usually missed by visitors to Italy that limit themselves to Florence, Rome or Venice.

Sara Lucci lives near Perugia, Umbria, Italy with her husband and two teenager sons. She writes about her experiences in moving, living and surviving in Italy.

If you have a question relating to this article or about Italy, please email her at saralucci@yahoo.com.

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – February / March Schedule
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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts,

Below is our February / March 2007 – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

Chakra Workshop is Friday, March 30, 2007 – 6 to 9 p.m.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

——————————————–
Attleboro Yoga Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–

By Nelly Luprimo

If you are thinking of taking up a form of exercise with the aim of making yourself look and feel much better you should give very serious thought to yoga exercises.

Yoga works holistically on the body and mind and so its positive effects can be seen in many different aspects – on our bodies, their health and how they look, and also on our minds – in how we view the world.

So how do yoga exercises differ from other forms of exercise?

Yoga exercises, also known as asanas or postures, are applied to the entire anatomy of the living body. On the other hand, many other exercise regimes are a form of engineering applied to the muscles of the body. This means that yoga exercises are concerned with more than just the superficial development of muscles. The postures used in yoga exercises tend to normalize the functions of the entire organism.

The advantage of yoga exercises is that they can regulate the involuntary processes of respiration and help the circulation, digestion, elimination, metabolism etc. The yoga exercises also work to affect the working of all the glands and organs, as well as the nervous system and the mind. This result is achieved by doing deep breathing while the body is placed in various postures. Each of these yoga exercises creates a different totality in the functional relationship within the organism.

Hence, yoga is able to influence man physically, mentally, morally and spiritually. Yoga emphasizes the philosophy of exercise. Under its training one experiences a sense of awakening. All of one’s capacities are heightened, and one achieves balance and stamina through these yoga exercises, some of which are modeled after the movements of various animals. In yoga exercises, relaxation is taught as an art, breathing as a science, and mental control of the body as a means of harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit.

The advanced stages of yoga require many years of special preparation-practices. Today’s mode of living , its tempo and surroundings, mean that this is difficult to achieve. However, practicing yoga exercises and deep breathing and relaxation techniques, with some of the time devoted to concentration and meditation is something everyone can achieve.

Yoga exercises can have a positive effect on individuals who are suffering from disease or illness. Whilst it is not able to cure these things, practicing yoga can means that obstructions and impurities are removed so that nature can perform its healing work.

So if you are looking for a form of exercise that works positively on the body and mind, and one that is relatively easy to fit into your daily routine then why not take up yoga exercises. The growing popularity of yoga exercises means that you will likely find a yoga center or a gym offering local classes in your area. If, however, you do not have time to attend classes there are many books and dvd’s available on yoga exercises, so you can do it at home at a time when it is convenient to you.

Within only a few days of performing yoga exercises it is possible to feel revitalized and stronger. Continued practice of yoga exercises can make us healthier and happier.,

Author Nelly Luprimo spreads the message of yoga through her online yoga community – www.blackyogamat.com

Thinking of taking up yoga? Then you should visit Nelly’s website by clicking this link …Yoga Exercises.

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – February / March Schedule
——————————————–

Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts,

Below is our February / March 2007 – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

Chakra Workshop is Friday, March 30, 2007 – 6 to 9 p.m.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

——————————————–
Attleboro Yoga Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–

By Fiona Shearer-Hann

Most people are well aware by now that the formula to a happy and healthy life is to exercise and eat well. However, today’s hectic lifestyles often mean that we frequently find ourselves in stressful situations. In order to combat stress we need to learn how to relax, and that’s where meditation and yoga come in.

The practice of yoga has been around for hundreds of years (or more). It originated in India, and was introduced by holy men (called Yogis) who would meditate for days together, in order to train their minds and bodies, and to achieve a sense of well being. Nowadays, many people think of yoga in terms of the different styles of yoga, or in terms of yoga poses, but in reality it is a combination of these exercises as well as the practice of meditation.

However, it’s not necessary to practice both meditation and yoga simultaneously, as the two compliment each other any way. In general, though, combining the practice of yoga with meditation will have a synergistic effect, working simultaneously on both the mind and the body. Engaging in meditation and yoga requires a certain amount of self-discipline, and it’s necessary for beginners to be very careful to follow instructions carefully. Ideally, the beginner to yoga and meditation should join a class, where a qualified instructor can demonstrate the correct way to practice the poses, and can ensure that all moves are done effectively. Often, the presence of other students in the class will also serve as a motivation to continue with the yoga.

Of course, a class isn’t necessary, especially if there are no yoga classes in your area, or you can’t find the time to travel to your nearest yoga center. It’s possible to perform yoga within the comfort of your own home, and with the number of yoga DVDs available today, it’s also possible to get almost the same level of instruction that you’d get from attending a class. It’s also possible to practice yoga online with others, which may help motivate you to regularly practice your yoga.

In an ideal world we’d each have time to practice yoga each day, but this isn’t realistic for many people. If possible, try to perform your yoga at least three times a week. If you haven’t got a large amount of time, perhaps it would be possible to break your practice time down into chunks of twenty minutes, or even less if necessary. You may find that the regular practice of yoga gives you more energy and allows you to do your chores more efficiently, thus freeing up time for more yoga!

If you decide to practice yoga and meditation at home, it’s a great idea to get yourself a yoga mat, some comfortable clothes and even some yoga music (or other appropriate music). Most of these should be available in the sports department of your local department store, but if not, you should be able to find them online.

Fiona Shearer-Hann has had an interest in yoga for several years, and tries whenever possible to include some yoga and meditation into her life. She maintains the website Online Yoga Information where you can find additional yoga information and resources.

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – February Schedule
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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts,

Below is our February 2007 – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

Chakra Workshop is Friday, March 30, 2007 – 6 to 9 p.m.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

——————————————–
Attleboro Yoga Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–

By Carmel Baird

About Yoga Fitness.

With the emphasis today on health and fitness, we all seem to be re-evaluating how we stay fit. Some forms of exercise require almost a good level of fitness to even start. Then there are others like yoga fitness that can benefit all ages and all levels of fitness and health.

Yoga fitness will benefit you in many areas too numerous to mention the all here, but the top 10 in my opinion are

1. greater balance
2. lower pulse rate,
3. lower respiratory rate,
4. improved cardiovascular functions,
5. lower blood pressure,
6. increased flexibility and range of motion,
7. increased energy,
8. lower weight,
9. improved immune system, as well as
10. improved coordination.

One of the best things about yoga fitness is, in the early stages of taking your yoga fitness class you will not have that soreness and muscle aches associated with other forms of fitness exercise. If you find you have some muscle aches, talk to your yoga fitness instructor as you may be doing something wrong. They can supervise your movements closer and guide you with the positions, poses and postures.

Yoga fitness is designed to benefit your body, mind and spirit. Once you start practicing yoga you will become aware, after a short time, that piece of chocolate cake will not be as appealing as that lovely piece of fresh fruit. As your body adjusts to the new routines that you learn at your yoga fitness classes, this will happen more and more.

There is one very simple breathing exercise that you will learn and this will mean you will get a good night’s sleep, every night and wake up refreshed in the mornings. No more waking up and looking for that coffee to get you started, you will be able to have your coffee when you want it and enjoy it, not when you need it to get you going, no more being dependant on things like that.

There are some very simple yoga practices that you find become part of your daily routine, and you will perform them without even thinking about them as yoga fitness. This is the beauty of yoga and why the benefits for you involve your body, mind and spirit. Others will soon see you in a different light, you will have a healthy fitness about you and it will all be about yoga fitness.

So find your class and get yoga fit.

Please visit our site YogaInfo-Online for great resources, information, hints and tips for all things Yoga and catch up on the Yoga Learning Center

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – February Schedule
——————————————–

Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts,

Below is our February 2007 – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

Chakra Workshop is Friday, March 30, 2007 – 6 to 9 p.m.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

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Attleboro Yoga Training: http://www.riyoga.com
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By Sacha Tarkovsky

A concept developed by Joseph Pilates, based on the idea of physical-mind methodology, his system of non-impact exercises are meant to develop ones strength, balance, flexibility and self-consciousness.

It’s a great excersie for both you and old and is both enjoyable and healthy lets look at the basics of pilates.

The concept

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. He will very ill as a child, and wished to find a way to make himself physically fit. He tirelessly studied all systems of physical culture, and eventually became a real athlete.

Later as the First World War broke out, Pilates was restrained in England as he was German.

There he worked as a nurse and devised some contraptions to aid rehabilitation. This was later refined into his ‘method’, which trains the basic back and abdominal muscles to stabilize correctly the upper torso, and gives the whole body a freer more natural movement.

The Method and Benefits

Specifically the method is a specialized series of movements that can be used by anyone at any age and in any kind of physical condition, even for people who are in wheelchairs.

As his method promotes feelings of well-being, and self-consciousness, people who practice it find themselves improving at many levels.

The method acts to strengthen one’s muscles, and give them greater flexibility. It does so without adding muscle mass, and therefore its ideal for dancers.

Also a benefit of practicing the method is that by improving your posture, your flexibility and your sense of balance, you can prevent injury.

This is very important in older adults, dancers and actors. The method is also an excellent aid to rehabilitation.

Working With a Pilates Instructor

If you find a Pilates studio will first have an interview with an instructor. He or she will do a survey on your posture, and how you move.

Then a specially designed training program is developed specifically for you, using classic (or newly adapted) Pilate’s method movements.

Your program will usually begin with some active and passive stretching movements, and general mat work. Passive stretching means the instructor will manipulate your body to get the desired effects. Active stretching means you will perform the stretching exercises as you are monitored by the instructor.

Working on a Pilates Machine

There are two basic machines in the Pilates method. One is known as the Universal Reformer (UF) and one as the Cadillac.

The UF looks much like a bed without a mattress. It has a platform that slides back and forth, and many cables, springs and pulleys.

These are vestiges of the original Pilates machinery that he devised for patients in bed, and so exercises can be done to suit the patient’s movement capabilities. Your exercise session will last about 30 minutes, maybe a bit longer.

All movements are done very slowly, and there is a lot of commentary from the instructor regarding all the variables; breathing, posture alignment and the way the movements are performed.

There are now many books and home videos (and many can be found on the internet) that will allow a person to practice without an instructor. However, it is highly advised to at least learn the basics with an instructor first.

The Popularity of Pilates

The method can be said to be nearly universal now. Dancers love it, as it gives them the added benefit of strength without more muscle mass.

Also it give them a great deal of flexibility. Athletes love it as it helps them improve their sport, and also prevent injury. People who are confined to beds, wheelchairs or the home love it as it allows improvement no matter one’s condition.

MORE FREE BETTER HEALTH INFO

On all aspects of health and more on Pilates visit our website for a huge resource of articles, features and downloads and at http://www.net-planet.org/index.html

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – February Schedule
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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts,

Below is our February 2007 – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

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Attleboro Yoga Training: http://www.riyoga.com
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