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North Attleboro Yoga Blog
Yoga information from Aura Wellness Center in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Most of our articles are supplied by Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500. With these tips you will learn to safely practice Yoga in class, at an ashram, or in your home.

Archive for February, 2008

Yoga For Beginners

Written By Cathy Seiler

Yoga is a wonderful practice that can deliver many benefits. Yoga is widely practiced all over the world and as of today is a very popular method for getting great exercise.

Yoga not only exercises your body, but you mind and soul as well. Yoga physical exercises go hand in hand with yoga meditations. This was started out in India so long ago you might not even believe it. They have found artifacts that depict people in Yoga positions that date back to 3000BC.

The most common practiced form of Yoga is western countries is Hatha Yoga. Which is the form of Yoga based mostly on exercises and positions. The popularity of this has boomed due to the enormous benefits that those who practice it receive.

Students practicing Hatha Yoga see improved strength, lowered stress, lower body fat, and all the other benefits of getting regular exercise.

Getting into the basics…

If you have decided to give Yoga a try, then welcome and good for you. There are several places in just about every city to find a good Yoga practitioner. Take your time and find one that you like and feel comfortable with. Before you start here are some basic tips.

Make sure to wear loose and comfortable clothing. You will be moving you body a lot and this is essential.

Just like any other exercise activity, I would suggest doing it on an empty stomach.

Pay close attention to any position or exercise that is painful. Yoga is not supposed to be painful, so if something gives you the sensation of pain then you need to ease into that position and avoid injury.

Try to have a clear mind. The sensations of a good Yoga exercises should leave your mind relieved of stress when by the time you are finished. Focus on your body and your breathing during the exercises. This will help you reach that point.

Take your time when finding a Yoga studio or other place that offers Yoga. A good studio is well ventilated and lit. Most importantly is that you like your instructor. So dive into it. One thing about Yoga that is so great is that I can promise you once you start, you will see nothing but good things from practicing it.

Want to learn more about yoga and how to choose a quality yoga kit? Please visit yoga mat kit for more info.

Practicing the Breathwork of Yoga – One Breath At A Time

Written By Kate Cunningham

What sets yoga apart from any other form of physical exercise? The breathwork. The breathwork is the key that opens the door to transformation on every level. Through the breathwork, we create the mind/body experience, which brings every part of us into sync, all flowing together. Yoga restores not just the body but the mental, emotional and spiritual states of being as well, all through the use of the breath.

Let’s look more closely at this body/mind experience. By “mind” in yoga, we are not talking about our thinking brain. We mean the total consciousness or intelligence within every atom of our being. In yoga, we send the “brain” on a much-deserved vacation and suspend analytical thinking altogether. We do this simply by focusing all of our attention on the breath, one breath at a time. It is not possible to think and to focus on your breath at the same time. But don’t take my word for it. Prove it to yourself. Right now. Close your eyes and bring your awareness to your breath, just one deep, slow breath. Good. How do you feel? A little calmer? A little more relaxed? And after just one breath, mind you. Let’s do it again, this time for three breaths. Make the breaths as long and deep as you can. Don’t hurry them. Ok, close your eyes and go for it.

When we place our attention on the breath to the exclusion of all else, the body automatically begins to relax, creating effortless release of stress and tension. By working consciously with the breath as we do in yoga, we can access a deeply relaxed, expanded, meditative state of being. This can literally be measured in the brain waves, which shift from beta waves, or waking consciousness, to the more relaxed alpha or even theta waves in yoga, which promote automatic stress reduction. Focusing on the breath is, in fact, the simplest form of meditation. In effect, yoga is a moving meditation, which opens us effortlessly to deep transformation on all levels. During one practice, without even trying, we can let go of all kinds of excess emotional and mental “stress-baggage” that piles up inside as a by-product of daily life. As we clear ourselves, pure “prana” the Sanscrit word for “life force”, begins to flow through our being and open us up so that new possibilities can emerge.

The challenge for every one of us is just that – to still the endless ramblings of our thinking mind that race relentlessly, even haphazardly from one thought to another. Paradoxically, by quieting ourselves, we improve mental clarity. Listening to a CD on a road trip recently, I was startled to hear that we have over 60,000 thoughts a day and 95% of them were thoughts we had yesterday! Now that gave me pause for thought…hmmm…what exactly do I think about all day…yes, that and oh yes, too, and ohmygod not that again…as I continued the litany, witnessing my own un-harnessed mental process. Alright, then, I’ll stop thinking right here and now. So as I ribboned a path through the verdant, rolling hills of northern California, I began a breath in and a breath out with no thoughts at all, placidly observing the black cows speckling the emerald hills, the abundant mighty oaks, the crisp blue sky, so calmly present and connected to it all. Rest assured, it wasn’t long before I found myself sucked back into the vortex, wondering whose dinner table those cows might end up on and what was an Angus steak anyway and were these the organic variety and what was a cow’s lifespan…and on and on until I became conscious that my momentary serenity had been surreptitiously snatched by no one but me – thief of my own peace of mind! Befuddled and amused, I could only surrender to my own humanity and reaffirm my dedication to shut that little bugger up for good one of these days, although I knew which day that would be – the day I went up in smoke. I took a few more breaths in the moment, gratefully acknowledging the ancients who gifted us with the practice of yoga in the first place to still the noise, soften the shoulders and loosen the brain knots.

Yoga is called a way of life, a practice that becomes internalized over time. Remembering to consciously use the breathwork as a tool in our everyday lives, we can instantly access the same peace, presence and grounding that we find in our practice. As master of our ship, the breath is a trusty compass that can redirect us as we navigate life’s inevitable storms. And so, remember your breath the next time you feel the turbulence gathering around you. Remember it and use it, one breath at a time. It could well be the difference between a shipwreck and a successful passage.

Kate Cunningham has worked as a visual artist, singer, songwriter (ASCAP), record producer, businesswoman and teacher of yoga (CYT) and meditation for many years. A published poet and author of many articles, she is currently writing a book on meditation and intuitive development. In addition to her yoga/meditation business, http://www.thebodymindadventure.com she owns and operates Kate Cunningham Company, http://www.katecunninghamcompany.com which manufactures one-of-a-kind, art furniture for the high-end trade. Clients include architectural and design firms, corporations and collectors and she is a vendor for Polo/Ralph Lauren Corp., who sell her unique tree stump tables in their retail stores worldwide.

Yoga and Back Pain Relief

Written By James Chen

Has chronic back pain taken control of your life? It can, and for those who suffer, it is both mental and physical misery. As one who has had to deal with lower back pain for a number of years, I promise you it is true. A back injury while I was still a teenager changed all of the muscular skeletal relationships in my back and hips. As a result, when I get out of shape and put on a few unwanted pounds, the muscles from my neck to my knees let me know it.

Several years past I jogged outdoors, on my gym’s track and on my treadmill. For those who can do it, I submit that TV shows on tape and a treadmill session go together like vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce! Zap out the commercials and what’s left provides a forty-eight minute warm up, workout, and cool down. Perfect! When joint issues slowed me to walking on the treadmill, this was still a great session but finally the joints won. Not only walking but also other milder forms of exercise like my beloved golf went by the wayside and exercise was limited to resistance bands. This was a problem until I turned to the Yoga. In the practice of this 5000-year-old art, I found not only an exercise program but a stress management program as well.

For so many people today, muscle pain in the neck, shoulders and back is directly linked to the role those muscles play in carrying the weight of our emotions and stress. When your back pain is not due to injury or illness, but is a result of the link between our emotional and physical selves, Yoga is a perfect practice to turn to for relief. At the heart of the art of Yoga, are the poses and positions that can reset the body with improved balance, flexibility, and posture. Moreover, there are poses that help relax and calm the mind as well as the body. The principles and practice of Yoga enhance our awareness of our body messages and provides us the tools and the means to respond to what our pain is telling us.

When tense back muscles act out like an angry child, misery is our company. These tense muscles need to relax and the regular practice of Yoga delivers the combinations of stretching, flexibility, and strengthening that can renew the muscles and relieve your back pain. A report in the December 2005 edition of the Annals of Internal Medicine indicated that Yoga might be a more effective exercise prescription for the relief of lower back pain than traditional strength, resistance and aerobic exercise programs.

If back pain and joint issues have derailed your past fitness routines, learn about Yoga. The Gentle Yoga and Chair Yoga sessions are perfect for beginners and for those who need to ease back into a fitness regime. Both your back and your mind will thank you.

James Chen is a long-time Yoga practitioner.

His new website Yoga Revealed is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about this ancient healing practice.

Practicing Yoga To Grow Tall – Does It Really Work?

Written By Penny Roberts

So you think you’re a little on the short side (sorry for the pun) and you’re thinking of doing something about it, that is why you’re surfing the internet to see if there’s a natural solution to what you think is a big problem for you. Of course, you’re like most people who want to add a couple or more inches to their height, you’re thinking of getting into yoga to grow tall. You may have heard somewhere that yoga helps you grow taller and you’re doing some research to make sure before you take the plunge and get started on the hard work of learning and regularly practicing yoga.

What makes someone taller than someone else is mostly do with the length of someone’s bones, not so much the arms. And when it comes to yoga and growing tall, doing yoga does not make bones grow. Your bones cannot be stretched by practicing yoga no matter how hard you try and the only way to do that is through painful surgical procedures which is something not recommended even to your worst enemy.

Even though practicing yoga to grow tall seems to be a possibility, this is normally not because you have added a couple of inches of bone but through practicing certain yoga positions that help stretch and elongate your spine, this in turn creates space and if you develop the spinal muscles, your spine would eventually have the capacity to hold the space and because your body is now properly aligned making you hold yourself up properly, you will most likely appear taller.

Unlike most sports and exercises, yoga positions encourages your body to stretch and lengthen. So doing yoga to grow tall is not going to happen if you’re expecting to be much taller than you already are (unless you’re a teenager and you’re still growing then the growth is just natural, not something to do with doing yoga). But yoga will make you more aware of your body as a whole, how to carry yourself, how you stand and sit naturally and this factor alone will increase your awareness of your own posture and if you haven’t been walking and standing straight, after doing yoga you will. And the fact that you’re walking and standing straighter will make you appear taller to yourself and those around you. Be happy with that as sometimes it’s easier to create the illusion – I mean what is make-up for if not to create an illusion – and be healthy at the same time than opt for growth enhancers in the form of pills and other drastic surgical solutions.

After a few yoga lessons, you’ll find your posture will have improved and the straightening of your torso area feels like you’ve gained a couple of centimetres. People have reported to have gained up to 3 inches of height doing yoga to grow tall. This is usually based on the theory that if you practice yoga positions that focus on stretching you’ll soon see a development and toning of your back muscles first before the straightening and lengthening of the spine and finally, there will a gradual strengthening, thickening and decompression of the spine. All of which is supposed to make you appear taller.

So if you feel you haven’t got the best posture that you can possibly have and you feel you can improve in this area – then the possibility of the end result of you doing yoga to grow tall is you appearing a couple of centimeters taller – why not try it? It’s definitely not only going to be good for you in terms of your general fitness but also your mental and emotional well-being. But if you’re already a health junkie, doing pilates and other forms of stretching on a regular basis, therefore your posture would most likely to be at its best, practicing yoga to grow taller may not create much of a difference for you.

For those who are natural slouchers, if you’re excited by the possibility of extra inches, remember you really have to practice yoga regularly on a daily basis if possible to really see a difference. Some basic sit up yoga positions that may help are the Sukahasana (developes the lower back) and the dog and cat which works on the spine. Have fun and above all look after your body, you only have one. Stay safe!

Penny Roberts writes articles on a number of topics. She’s a regular writer for the Life Body Spirt website which focuses on areas of life, body and spiritual issues.

What more can yoga do for you? Visit us at http://www.lifebodyspirit.com and find out.

The Secret About Yoga

Written By Matty Byloos

Power Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Basic Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga: No, it’s not the little green dude from STAR WARS. And no, as some tend to be easily confused, it doesn’t come in flavors. So what, in essence, is Yoga? I’m glad you’re thinking along those lines… let’s take a little journey to India.

Etymology of the Word Yoga

Derived from the ancient tongue of Sanskrit, yuj, the root of the modern and contemporary term of yoga, carries with it many different meanings. Yuj itself would be considered a verb in many Latin-based languages, meaning “to control,” “to concentrate on” or “to yoke.” It has been concluded that other meanings represent the action of a uniting or joining, as well as conceptual definitions of a “mode, manner or means.”

History of Yoga

When considering the root of the word yoga, it is easier to grasp its original intention. Originating in India, Yoga is in actuality not just something, but some things. The ancient practices that are still utilized today are believed to offer great insight and spiritual enlightenment as to the very nature of existence, through a process of deep meditation. It has many ties to personal beliefs as well as popular world religions.

The dates of such a practice have been traced as far back as 3000 BC, where archaeologists have found multiple seals of the Indus Valley Civilization depicting individuals and god-like beings in meditative postures. As early as 900 BC, ascetic practices were recorded in the Brahmanas, part of the Vedas.

As time passed, evidence of practices in the Hindu religion became more prominent. This was especially true, as this concept of what is now considered “yoga” continued to grow and change as is evidenced in the middle Upanishads c. 400BC. Further “defined” by the Bhagavad Gita (c. 200BC), which translates to “The Song of the Lord” and which offers the first glimpse of a “codified” yoga, the book included many meanings to the modern term, yet focused on on three: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga.

Different Types of Yoga

As the practice of yoga grew throughout India, it would become integral to everything from Hindu and Buddhist religious practices, the reaching of Moksha or to simply offer better overall health and physical performance through the practice of posturing. Presently, an individual looking to participate in the practice of yoga can find several different types, all of which are all generally based on a series of Asana, or “sitting postures.”

Yoga practices such as Hatha Yoga (Ha meaning sun and Tha meaning moon — and if found in certain Sanskrit dictionaries, Hatha = Forceful), is what the Western world has widely accepted as “yoga,” and is practiced for physical and mental health throughout that part of the globe. Hatha takes on new meaning for those looking for religious and mental enlightenment through the practice of yoga, as it was developed as, for lack of better terms, a stepping stone to Raja/Astanga Yoga.

Power Yoga and Bikram Yoga

Several yoga practices have become popular in the western world, an include both power yoga and Bikram yoga. Power Yoga, depending on the instructor, is simply a method in which the postures are repeated, and/or held longer, in order to create a strength training program out of a yoga class or private study.

Bikram Yoga is also known as Hot Yoga, and was developed by Bikram Choudhury. It is generally practiced in a room that is heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with a relatively low humidity. The class is then led through a series of 26 postures. Due to the heat, the elasticity of the muscles are released to their full potential (based on each individual’s personal potential), as the class continues. Such a class is great for muscle and mental endurance training, as well as for working on flexibility.

Goals and Point of a Yoga Practice

From enlightenment to tighter buns, yoga goals are as unique as the individual. Several people have strayed from practicing yoga because it has been derived from spiritual practices. Of course that’s not a bad thing, but apparently some people are worried that they’ll melt if they tune into something deeper than their biceps and triceps.

Truth be told, if you want faster results in a weight training program, or in a weight loss program, consider getting into a few yoga classes each week. Everyone from “Suzie Homemaker” in the Midwest to elite dancers in NYC, will experience that the more “types” of exercise you throw at the human body, the faster and more positive the muscles respond. This has to do with a little something known as Muscle Confusion.

Yoga Equipment

You don’t need to take out a second mortgage to snag some great yoga equipment, and it all starts with a mat. Cheap enough and worth every penny! Guys new to the practice of yoga might catch themselves thinking, “I’ll just tough it out on the hardwood….” Nope. It’ll cost you less than 15 bucks, and save your knees and elbows from a terrible fate.

Going one step further, if you’re the type of person who sweats a lot during physical exertion, consider a simple yoga mat blanket. Not only are blankets nice for absorbing sweat, water from a bottle, lotion from your hands, etc., they are a must if you’re considering a Bikram class. As fun as “Slip ‘n’ Slides” are, that’s the last thing you want your yoga mat to become during class.

Yoga Straps and Yoga Blocks are also very helpful for maintaining poses for longer durations while avoiding muscle strain in the process, and can be of great help to newcomers and the experienced alike.

List of Basic Yoga Poses

Uttanasana – Standing Forward Bend or Bend
Paschimottanasana – Intense stretch of the west
Adho Mukha Svanasana - Downward Facing Dog
Bhujangasana – Cobra
Dhanurasana – Bow
Halasana – Plow
Vajrasana – Diamond Pose
Shavasana – Corpse Pose
Trikonasana – Triangle Pose
Virabhadrasana I – Warrior I Pose
Virabhadrasana II – Warrior II Pose
Tadasana - Mountain Pose
Balasana – Child’s Pose
Virasana

List of Advanced Yoga Poses

Bakasana – Crow/Crane Pose
Garudasana – Eagle Pose
Tittibhasana – Firefly Pose
Shirsasana – Head Stand
Pada Galavasana – Flying Crow Pose
Natarajasana – King Dancer Pose

Matty Byloos writes and manages the Green Blog known as: Green Eggs and Planet

What Is Yoga & Its Benefits

Written By Dr Rajesh Nair

Ayurveda defines Health as Purity of body, mind and soul, which has become so dark because of negative thoughts and actions and it is here Yoga that comes in handy to treat this state of mankind. With its regular practice one is able to eradicate all the impurities both in mind and body and regulate the self towards GOD.

According to the ancient hindu philosophy, Yoga is the union of body and mind which helps one to attain oneness with the “Supreme Being”, the ultimate aim of our birth.

Regular yogic practice helps to acquire a balanced body and mind which naturally trains him to be in present moment and with a minimum input of energy/time, he can achieve a maximum output of work. Is it not a greater benefit in this fast pace world where one lacks time.

Yoga is a combination of asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and dhyana (meditation). Its benefits can be cited as below :

At Physical Level -

** Provides strength and flexibility, body awareness and energy level increases, heals the injuries very quickly, helps to fight the pain caused by various ailments, immunity increases, blood circulation to brain, digestive system and skin is increased, skin glows, aids in the overall efficient functioning of the internal organs. Gives relief from the muscular pain , open constricted air passages, aging process is delayed, toxins in the body are flushed out.

It is also highly therapeutic ie.. it treats various ailments like digestive disorders, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, skin problem, nervous tension etc, thyroid function is improved hence the weight is controlled, knee cartilage is made strong, it helps to fight pain of arthritis and rheumatism, leg muscles are toned up, flexibility of spine is increased, also controls autonomic or involuntary functions, such as temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure

At Mental Level -

Helps one to let go of emotional blockages and negativity hence – helps to lead a relaxed state of living, helps one to face the stressed situation more enthusiastically, provides strength to fight depression, frustration and anxiety, you feel that you are in control of your own self, you are able to look life always on its positive side, you will have an internal harmony and a great sense of balance,

Also concentration increases, provides courage and a hopefulness, creates a consistent sense of well being, brings harmony in relationship, deals with mood swings, intellect develops, regulates all the senses, will power increases, increases mental clarity, gives a peace of mind.

At Spiritual Level -

It helps one to realize that you are more than this body and mind and helps in awakening the divinity, it also enhance the movements of energy through ajna (the centre of intuition). helps the soul to flourish and helps to understand his true nature.

It also softens the rough edges in our character and dissolves the solid crust of your heart region which is important in our ultimate journey towards the ultimate God.

http://www.ayurvedaforall.com/

Beginner Yoga Class Checklist

Written By David E. Morgan

If you’re new to yoga, you might not know what to expect when you walk in the doors of a beginner’s yoga class for the first time. You might not even know how to start in choosing a beginner’s yoga class to attend. Here’s a “how to” checklist.

1. Nail down your goals and find the right style for you.

Everyone comes to yoga for different reasons. Sometimes these differences are slight, other times they’re vast.

For instance, are you interested in an intense physical workout to throbbing music, or are you on more of a spiritual path towards (quiet) enlightenment? Are you attracted to yoga because of its health benefits, and if so, is it physical or emotional health you are most interested in?

Are you interested in the philosophy and rich traditions of yoga, or are you on the other extreme and wouldn’t be caught dead reciting a mantra?

Whatever your personal needs and proclivities, there’s a yoga for you. If several flavors of yoga are offered in your area, do your research online or in the library to find which style would be the best fit for you.

Once you know what it is you’re looking for, you can set some goals. Call the teacher of the beginner yoga class you’re considering and ask if your expectations are reasonable.

2. Choose a drop-in or series beginner yoga class

A drop-in yoga class allows you to pay-as-you go. There will likely be some turnover week to week as to which students show up for class. The teacher is likely to keep this class on the mild side, because students will be at such differing ability levels.

This may be just what you’re looking for if you just want a taste of yoga but don’t want to buy an expensive package of classes. This may also be a good choice for you if your schedule won’t allow you to attend a class every week. Keep in mind there are significant drawbacks.

One, because the class is ongoing, you will never get to start at “the beginning.” You may be a little lost at first while you learn the culture of the class. Also, drop-in beginner yoga classes tend to be repetitive.

A series yoga class is different in that you buy a set number of classes and each class builds on what you learned in the previous week. A good series class is repetitive only in that there is some review each time, but then the teacher introduces new material.

You can learn much more much faster in a series class, but again there are drawbacks. First, if you miss a class it may be difficult to make up the material that you missed. Also, you will be asked to pay for the whole series up front.

Take a look at your level of commitment, your schedule and your budget and decide whether a drop-in or a series class is better for your needs.

3. Make sure the teacher has adequate training.

Yoga is now a significant contributor to sports injuries. This can be attributed to two things: students pushing themselves too hard for perfection and inadequate training of instructors.

Don’t be shy in asking your potential instructor about their background. There are certifications for teaching “gym yoga” that an instructor can get in a long weekend. A three day training is just enough to make someone dangerous. That’s not to say that some of the people who start with such certifications don’t turn out to be excellent instructors by dedicating themselves to practice and increasing their knowledge over the course of months and years.

There are of course people who teach yoga with no formal certification whatsoever, and though it might be difficult for these teachers to get liability insurance, there’s nothing illegal about it. Keep in mind that yoga is a spiritual tradition thousands of years old, and the idea of giving someone a certificate for learning a few poses and breathing techniques would have been an odd idea indeed even seventy years ago. It is one thing to wake up one morning and decide to teach yoga with little to no experience. It is quite another to teach after living for years under the tutelage of a master yogi who just doesn’t believe in certificates.

As a general rule, seek out yoga teachers with at the very least 200 hours of training. In the United States there’s an organization called the Yoga Alliance that offers a registry of teachers who attended training programs that meet certain standards. Someone can have the Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) designation from the Yoga Alliance and still be a crummy teacher, but usually RYTs are a safe bet.

4. Look into additional costs of the yoga class.

Sometimes there are additional costs involved in taking a beginner’s yoga class besides the registration fee. You may need to buy your own yoga mat, strap, or other props, for instance. In some classes you may need to buy certain books for study or even special clothing of a certain color.

It is important to know what the related costs are up front so that you and your bank account won’t encounter any surprises later on.

I hope this checklist will help you find a beginner’s yoga class that’s right for you.

David Morgan is a Kripalu Yoga Teacher who offers Knoxville, TN yoga classes. Find out more about yoga for beginners on his web site and get a free relaxation recording by subscribing to his newsletter that covers yoga in Knoxville and the East Tennessee region.

Yoga, Diet, & Fitness – How Do They Relate?

Written By Camilla Thompson

In today’s society health and fitness is a primary concern. Obesity is growing at an alarming rate, especially within the younger population. Everywhere you turn there are offers and suggestions on how to lose weight and get fit. Many of these offer quick fixes such as pills, or specific diet regimens. While some of these may seem to work, the majority of the time they are only temporary solutions. These methods are best used to kick-start a diet, but not as a permanent solution. Usually as soon as you stop taking the pills, or following the diet regimen, any weight lost soon returns. Mind, body, and lifestyle must be in accord in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Yoga – Yoga has been practiced throughout the world for many years. Yoga teaches an individual to focus on their inner self. What a person thinks and feels affects not only how they live and interact with the world around them, but also how they look and what they put into their bodies. Yoga also has many health benefits. For instance, studies show that people with high blood pressure and high stress levels have greatly benefited from practicing Yoga.

Diet – When the mind is focused and open to change, that’s when an individual is mostly likely to achieve success and maintain permanent weight loss. In order to maintain a healthy diet, it is necessary to make a lifestyle change, but nothing too drastic at first. When trying something new, start slowly and do your research. Gradual changes are much more likely to last than quick ones. Do not suddenly exclude foods that you love and are used to eating. If you do, you are setting yourself up for failure. Start by decreasing your portions. It is also important to drink at least 8 cups of water daily. If you drink a glass of water before each meal, you will find that you will eat less. Try to have several small meals and snacks throughout the day, instead of having one or two big meals a day. This will help increase your metabolism.

Fitness – Exercise is also essential to being healthy increasing your fitness level. In addition to becoming physically fit, exercise can increase self-esteem and improve your mood. During exercise the body produces endorphins. Endorphins are natural chemicals the body can produce that are associated with feelings of euphoria and peace. If you are new to exercise, it is important to start out slow. Start by walking ten minutes a day. Park your car in the parking lot furthest from the building and take the stairs instead of using an elevator when possible.

They are several different ways and techniques that can be used to achieve physical fitness, but it starts with you. Find what works best for you and stick with it. Just remember; mind, body, and lifestyle must be in sync to consistently maintain weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.

Camilla writes and researches weight loss and other health related issues. To view more articles and information, please visit my Blog “Best Ways To Lose A Few Pounds”

http://cpolk01-weightlosssolutions.blogspot.com/