Posts Tagged ‘Vinyasa Yoga’

What Can Men Expect From Yoga?

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Very often, men wonder what they can expect from Yoga. Within the United States, the practice of Yoga has traditionally been seen as a woman’s form of physical exercise. This view is diametrically-opposed to the traditional Indian view of the practice of Yoga.  Going back to the early Indus Valley Civilization, the deep study of Yoga was primarily the domain of men. Regardless of the cultural context, or the time period, men can expect a regular practice of Yoga to enhance their health and well-being on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level.

Physically, the regular practice of Yoga asanas (postures) will strengthen a man’s muscles and ligaments, as well as, improve his sense of balance. Yoga asanas will help to keep a man limber and flexible as he moves through the decades of his life. This flexibility will help to prevent injuries from muscles strains and torn ligaments. As a man ages, practicing balancing postures will also help to improve and hone his sense of balance, which is very important in preventing injuries, such as broken hips from falls. Additionally, with the regular practice of vigorous styles, such as Ashtanga, Power, Flow, or Vinyasa Yoga, a man’s cardiac health will be improved, and his blood pressure could be lowered.

The pranayama techniques (breathing exercises) of Yoga help to balance the brain, alleviate anxiety, and ease depression. The human need for pranayama is timeless. Our world moves at such a fast pace. The availability of all kinds of electronic technologies keeps us wired-in at all hours of the day and night. Many men and women are balancing a demanding career with personal family obligations. A brisk-paced schedule may have the effect of creating a frenetic mind and body. The breathing practices of Yoga help to restore balance to the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, allowing a man to slow down and rejuvenate his body and mind during a Yoga class.

On a spiritual level, gathering together with a group of like-minded, and often spiritually-oriented Yoga practitioners, will give a man the opportunity to connect with the energy within a Yoga class. In the practice of Yoga, the body and mind are connected through pranayama, asana, meditation, and relaxation techniques. The inward focus of a Yoga class, the gathering of other practitioners, and the atmosphere, within a typical session, will all help a man to be in touch with, and nourish his mind, body, and spirit. By choosing to practice Yoga regularly, in a class setting or in the privacy of his own home, a man will reap many benefits – ranging from improved physical health and well-being to emotional balance and spiritual growth.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

Advantages of Flow Yoga

Monday, July 25th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

The term “flow Yoga” is an abbreviated form of the phrase “Vinyasa Flow Yoga.” This form of Yoga is based on movements synchronized with breath.  The word ‘flow’ refers to the way the poses are strung together gracefully, and how the Yoga practitioner moves with each breath, while the sequence of movements come together like a dance. Even though it is seen in many Hatha style classes, one of the most popular sequences of Vinyasa Yoga is Surya Namaskar (the Sun Salutations).  Many Yoga practitioners know this series, and its many variations, quite well.  For anyone who wants to add flowing movement into his or her asana routine, this can be a great starting point.  Chandra Namaskar (Moon Salutations) may also be of interest for anyone looking to go further into Vinyasa flows.

There are many different forms of flow Yoga, and it can be practiced in many different ways by changing speed, raising room temperature, or by the posture sequence chosen. In fact, slower Vinyasa Yoga (slow flow) can be extraordinarily therapeutic, healing, and restorative.  There are also Restorative Flow Yoga classes, which leave students in a state of euphoria. The pace of movement, and the use of props, can change the experience entirely.  When you consider the fact that some flow classes end with a five minute relaxation, while a Restorative Flow class teaches relaxation methods, meditation, and traditional pranayama techniques, there can be vast differences in the way flow Yoga is taught.

The repetition of movement helps to increase flexibility as much as holding a posture for minutes.   Flow Yoga is, by its nature, a different school of thought in comparison to styles that hold postures for lengthy periods of time.  Styles that hold postures have their advantages, as well.  Depending on how well you know the teacher, the movements can also be fairly unpredictable, thus creating a new or exciting environment. As there are many different interpretations teachers can take to this practice, it will be easy to find an instructor with whom you can identify.

For those who crave intense exercise, the faster activity level of flow Yoga, with increased speed and continuous movement, creates internal heat within the practitioner, which has a plethora of benefits. Increased heat means a body sweats, expelling toxins, and promotes overall cleansing of the body. Heat is also a boost for metabolism, so it may burn some extra calories. The movement also stimulates blood flow and heart rate, creating a more healthy body by caring for many organs, and the warmth in the muscles makes them more limber and easy to stretch.

The breathing exercises (pranayama) in flow Yoga are very good for the body, as well. Although some teachers may only focus on Ujjayi, while you are moving, other teachers may devote extra time to pranayama practice.  Learning and practicing pranayama is an important practice as it gives you better control of your functions, and increased focus of everything you do, bringing about a more relaxed mind and body. Learning to breathe in correct synchronization with your body can leave you better equipped to handle the tough situations life throws at you, by helping you keep your stress levels in check.

Conclusion

Flow Yoga has many faces.  It can be a very challenging exercise class or a therapeutic experience.  Chair Yoga classes have flowing movements.  On the other end of the spectrum, some martial arts teams practice dynamic flowing Yoga sequences before tournaments.  The point being: Flow Yoga can be dynamic or therapeutic.  If you want to be sure about which end of the spectrum you are looking at, you should consult your local Yoga studio.  If you are a Yoga teacher, label your class accordingly, and describe the experience your students should expect.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher training courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

Corporate Yoga

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

By Mike E Lee

Today’s corporate world is a stress infused ticking time bomb. The average corporate worker works almost 50 hours a week and suffers a wide range of stress induced physical health and mental health issues. Corporate yoga is becoming a popular way for the corporate world to heal itself. Yoga instructors can come to the workplace and conduct sessions to meet the needs and availability of each company. It is also an affordable way to improve the health and welfare of workers.

Yoga Basics

Yoga is the ancient practice of movement and stretching with meditative breathing to enhance calmness and flexibility. Through a series of asanas, or poses, flexibility and strength are improved. Holding each pose and breathing deeply and evenly help the internal systems function better. Everything from the digestive system, respiratory system and circulatory system improves. Mentally, the fluid movement and calming breaths provide peace and focus. Yoga has effectively helped people physically, mentally and emotionally for over two thousand years. Corporate yoga simply brings those ancient and proven techniques to the workplace.

Regardless of age or skill level, yoga in the workplace can be done. The most desirable aspect of yoga in the workplace is the realization that it is a low impact and moderately easy way to exercise. The poses and duration of session can be easily adjusted to meet any skill level. It is not intimidating or exhausting. As you try each pose and increase the time you can hold it, you improve and master yoga one asana at a time.

What Corporate Yoga Can Accomplish

Many man hours are lost due to stress. Work place stress causes disease, lost productivity, and negative energy. Most corporations have jobs which are highly sedentary. This leads to back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. These all increase a company’s incidents of work related benefit expenses. It also leads to loss of employees. The corporate world is also highly competitive, sometimes pitting employees against each other. This leads to hostility and negative energy. This added pressure manifests itself physically and takes a harsh toll on a business over time. Corporate yoga in the workplace can combat all of this and more.

Yoga in the workplace improves overall employee health. By strengthening muscle tone and flexibility, employees are healthier and will naturally take better care of themselves. This translates to a decrease in sick time. The relaxing effects of yoga reduce stress and anxiety, making workers naturally happier and more productive. Yoga can combat the corporate stressors that cause insomnia and hypertension also. Corporate yoga cuts down on the tension that can lead to employee headaches and migraines, along with greater risk for heart problems. Yoga also increases mental alertness and combats fatigue, which takes a toll on productivity.

Having yoga in the workplace, whether after hours or during breaks and lunch times, shows employees they are valued and appreciated. They will feel like their individual mental and physical health matters to the company. This improves morale and the social workings of a company. This feeling of basic calm and happiness leads to more creative and innovative workers. It can work as a way to team build and improve interpersonal skills. Corporate yoga can bring a sense of balance to a company that only works to make it a stronger healthier place to work.

Please click here for more information about yoga: Kundalini Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga.

What is Vinyasa Flow Yoga?

Friday, April 16th, 2010

By Macy Robbins

Yoga is a complete package of spiritual and physical postures. It was originated in India, way back in 3300 BC. Anthropologists have uncovered statues portraying figures in yoga style postures.

Yoga is referred to as a form of exercise that presents a wide range of benefits to those who practice it by improving flexibility, stamina, providing strength and cleansing mind and the body.

Yoga also helps in increasing circulation of blood and reducing stress and fatigue levels thus providing relaxation, bringing together mind, body, and spirit.

There are numerous yoga postures and depending on your age, flexibility and stamina you can choose from them. One of such yoga form is Vinyasa Flow Yoga.

What is it all about?

Vinyasa simply means Breath Synchronized Movement. It is a broad level term that covers a wide variety of yoga classes. While practicing this yoga the instructor instructs you to change from 1 posture to another on an inhale or an exhale, thus it is sometimes also called Vinyasa Flow Yoga or just ‘Flow’ for the reason of the soft technique of doing the different yoga postures.

An example of simple Vinyasa is a ‘Cat-Cow Stretch’. In this posture, your spine is arched on an inhale and is rounded on an exhale. Example for a complex Vinyasa is ‘A Sun Salutation’. In this posture each movement in the series is done on an inhale or an exhale.

Seeing the variety of health benefits of practicing yoga, more and more people are switching on to it.

From celebrities to the common man everyone wants to do yoga to remain healthy and to stay away from common illnesses like arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems. Vinyasa flow yoga is all about strength in its diversity, so just try it out to feel the difference within you.

To discover more free information on yoga and how it can help you, visit my website Vinyasa Yoga DVD

Styles of Yoga – A Quick Guide to the Most Popular Styles of Yoga

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

Written By Joanna Thompson

For most of us, yoga is a form of exercise, a way of releasing the tension that our body accumulates after long hours of sitting in chairs, hunched over our desks. Whilst there is nothing wrong with using yoga as a means of releasing physical tension and adding healthy exercise to our daily routine, it can be much more than that. Yoga is a way of life, a style of living, a way of connecting with your true self and of bringing the mind to a space of stillness and joy. Yoga, if studied and practiced regularly and with love and dedication, becomes a journey of self discovery, a way of acquiring harmony and peace in our lives.

If you are new to yoga, here is a quick guide to the most popular forms of yoga.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is often used by athletes and those who want a challenging workout which builds power and strength.The focus is more on building strength, stamina and internal health rather than a meditative experience. Ashtanga yoga includes a set series of postures which, with the use of ujjayi (victory) breath and bandas (seals), are used to create internal heat and detoxify the body.

Hatha Yoga is one of the most common types of yoga, combining postures (asanas) with synchronised breathing. Combined with breath work, (pranayama), meditation and relaxation, this well-rounded approach works to still the mind and rejuvenate the body.

Jivamukti Yoga is an integrative style of yoga, combining the physical postures of Hatha Yoga with a spiritual practice. A transformative blend of postures, chanting and breathing techniques and meditation are combined to control the mind and bring serenity and calmness.

Kundalini Yoga is known as the Yoga of Awareness because it awakens the dormant energy in us. In the language of Sanskrit, ‘kundalini’ means ‘that which is coiled’, sometimes understood as a serpent, but also as the dormant energy located at the base of our spine. It is both a physical and a meditative discipline, which harnesses the mind, the body and the spirit together as one. Asanas (poses), pranyama (breath work), mantra (chanting) and meditation exercises are combine to bring about deep relaxation.

An excellent way to begin or expand your yoga life is to take a yoga retreat. Spend a week in a beautiful location and allow the peacefulness of your surroundings enhance your yoga and sooth and calm your spirit.

A range of yoga retreats is held at Daku Resort in Savusavu in Fiji. Daku Resort is a beautiful little resort right on the water on Vanua Levu. They run 13 courses throughout the year in each of the main styles of yoga.

Read more about yoga in Fiji at http://www.yogainfiji.com

Practice Yoga for Anger Management

Tuesday, September 26th, 2006

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Anger is such a powerful, negative emotion. It is much similar to an amusement park ride you wish you had never tried. Many of us believe anger must just run its natural course. How could Yoga really help you with anger management?

Yoga helps develop awareness at all levels, and you must be able to identify the triggers to losing self-control. This technique cannot prepare you for every situation in life, but it can help you with knowing the source of your problems.

For example: Let’s say we have constant fits of anger in traffic. We have identified part of the problem. To go a bit deeper: Are we worried about being late or do we just get anxiety in crowds and traffic jams? Once we know the answer, we can work toward a solution.

Depending upon the exact source of our anger, there could be a Yoga technique to solve it. If the problem is anxiety, while in a crowd or traffic jam, we can work on Yoga breathing techniques. In some cases, we may want to work on our Yoga breathing (Pranayama) – before we get into the car.

Attending Yoga classes will bring your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being into focus. You will learn Yogic relaxation techniques at the end of most Yoga classes.

You will also become much more aware of being short of breath, chest pains, feeling over anxious, heart palpitations, and any other unhealthy side effects that can be associated with fits of anger.

Due to your new-found awareness from Yoga practice, you may start to realize that an extra cup of coffee could be digging an early grave for you. Yoga practitioners are much more aware of their blood pressure than people who do not practice Yoga.

Hatha Yoga practice will allow your body to vent anger. Whether you practice a Restorative Yoga style that holds postures, or you practice a flowing Vinyasa Yoga style – the unhealthy negative feelings of anger, and its side effects, can be released from your body within a Yoga class.

Anger is similar to a mental toxin, which must be purged from your body on a daily basis. Pranayama, meditation, relaxation techniques, Yoga postures, and Yoga philosophy, may also help you with the power of forgiveness.

Forgiveness allows you to let past issues go. You must let anger go, with your past, for your own heath and well-being. It is extremely unhealthy to hold onto hate and anger.

In cases of extreme anger, a Yoga class might not be enough to help you rid your body, and mind, of your angry feelings. In such a case, you should seek professional counseling. Some psychologists, and psychiatrists, recommend Yoga and counseling to their patients. Only you will truly know which method, or combination of methods, gives you the best results.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Take a Yoga class in Attleboro, MA

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Aura Wellness Center has weekly classes for Yoga and Pilates. Aura has relocated to downtown Attleboro, MA.

The new Aura Wellness Center downtown Attleboro location, will open 11:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2006. Our first beginner’s Yoga class in Attleboro will be at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 2, 2006.

We are currently taking new Yoga students.

Telephone: 508-222-0092 to reserve your space or for Yoga class information.

We have Yoga teacher training, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

Private Yoga training is available.

To see the Aura Wellness Center October schedule in Attleboro, visit:

http://www.riyoga.com/

Confessions of a Yoga Teacher

Saturday, September 9th, 2006

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

The following are questions that Yoga teachers still need to answer, despite overwhelming evidence that Yoga is the mother of all health maintenance systems.Mainstream thought is finally catching up, with the progress Yoga is making, but it has taken 5,000 years for us to get this far.

Seriously, How Can Yoga Make You Lose Weight?

Finally, some of the Yoga and Weight Loss studies have come in, and even, a little bit of Yoga is much better, than none, for weight control, but there are a number of reasons why. Yoga is a lifestyle change that includes a safe diet; exercise, adjusting posture, breathing, and a whole lot more. Most of the Yoga practitioners, I know, consume more water, eat more moderately, and take more care of their bodies, in comparison to the many who don’t want to leave the couch.

Aren’t you supposed to jump up and down for at least a half-hour per day to exercise enough to lose weight?

Maybe the masses have been “brain washed” into thinking that you have to feel the pain, suffer, starve, and have a near death experience, to lose weight. Depending upon your size, the average person, in a moderate Hatha yoga class, is burning in the neighborhood of 200 calories per hour.

There are Vinyasa Yoga classes, that will burn more calories, with much more flowing and active movement. Just remember, Do not push your body beyond its natural limits. Your safety is top priority in any kind of Yoga class.

There are Yoga classes where you can feel the torture, pain, heat, and suffer. This is great for those who feel the need to pay for their sins.

Maybe this is considered penance, for years of consuming excessive pizza, burgers, fries, and buffets. Some Yoga teachers do not answer questions during Yoga class and some students worship them for it.

If you feel you must suffer, you may even find a Yoga teacher who missed his or her calling as an interrogator. However, Yoga is more about working smart than working hard and we should all avoid abusive relationships.

If you search hard enough, you will find a Yoga class for every niche. More moderate Yoga classes look easy on the outside of the class, but I have seen many people find them to be a challenge, on the inside of the class. The real benefit of steady Yoga practice is training for longevity. Long-term practice will yield optimum health benefits in mind, body, and spirit.

Couldn’t you just invent a Yoga pill?

This has been the ultimate dream of couch potatoes, but every time a weight loss pill comes out, there is a down side. Just look at the health problems that resulted from fen phen and ephedra. This should wake people up, but someone will always put their life at risk, no matter how many warning labels are printed. Yoga has no adverse side effects.

In summary, the benefits of Yoga practice have always existed, through steady and safe practice. Seek out a safe teacher and go from there. Never push yourself to the point of strain. Moderation is key, so it is wise to avoid extremes.

If you are seeking forms of Yoga or Pilates to enhance muscle tone, please check our October line up. You can try Vinyasa Yoga, Yoga Fusion, Pilates, and a Beginner’s Restorative Yoga class at our Attleboro facility.

You can also receive private Yoga or Pilates lessons. You can schedule 30 minute or hour long private sessions. Personal fitness sessions are available for mornings, afternoons, or evenings.

© Copyright 2006 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Aura Wellness Center is relocating to downtown Attleboro, MA. The new Aura Wellness Center downtown Attleboro location, will open 11:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2006.

Telephone: 508-222-0092

We have Yoga, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

To see our October schedule online, visit:

http://www.riyoga.com/

Yoga: The Formula for Preventing Depression

Friday, September 8th, 2006

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

How can Yoga be a cure for everything? Can Yoga really help prevent depression? Let’s take a look at some solutions for depression and see how Yoga can be useful.

While it is arguable that depression is not always preventable, there are many cases, when using the following ideas, will keep you in good spirits – most of the time. Unfortunately, we cannot be happy all of the time, but there is something we can do about it.

Working with a variety of clients over the years, I have seen how Yoga and exercise changed, and continue to change, them for the better. It is a well-known fact that endorphins are produced from a variety of exercise routines, including gentle Restorative Yoga or vigorous Vinyasa Yoga.

Endorphins reduce stress and enhance good moods. Just that information alone is enough to start practicing Yoga, but weight control, muscle-tone, circulation, flexibility and a variety of other health benefits, should be an incentive to enter a gentle Yoga class.

If you have been inactive, I suggest a beginner Yoga class with a very mild-mannered Yoga teacher. Without pushing this any further, let’s look at other options to start, and things to avoid.

Participate in social activities, support groups, senior centers, or local church activities. The activities could be in your local mosque, temple, or shrine, as well. There is always an activity that you can find around any religious center.

If you are not sure where to start – LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro, MA always has something positive going on, all year long.

You could also join a league for golf, tennis, fishing, bowling, bocce, or any other activity where people gather to share a few laughs. Take competition in stride, and don’t take anything too serious.

Many social groups also function as support groups. The collective activity is good for all involved. Stay away from alcohol drinking clubs. This is not just bars, or nightclubs, but local clubs, who organize for the common good, and then, routinely get together to drink.

There is a conflict here, in that alcohol is a depressant, and if you are prone to depression, this is not a good combination. On top of that, there are plenty of health problems that accompany alcohol abuse.

Substance abuse is not a solution to depression, and you won’t find a purpose in life through it. So, let’s keep it simple and stay away from drinking alcohol – altogether.

If your friends and family abuse alcohol, they need counseling, and you will have to look outside your normal circles to get guidance. You need to surround yourself with positive and energetic people.

Also, don’t hang around your house too much, especially in dark or unlit areas. Get outside, take a walk, go shopping, get a little sunlight, and if you are in the house all day, open the curtains during daylight hours. If you have a sunroom to relax in – that is good, too. Lack of sunlight can cause elevated levels of melatonin, which is sometimes called the sleep hormone.

Lastly, visit the self-improvement section of your local bookstore. The Borders in North Attleboro has a nice selection. It is a hidden treasure within itself. This is a great reason to leave the house.

Audio books are also good for traveling in your car or listening to in your sunroom. Pick out books that really captivate your imagination. If your local bookstore has CDs, you may want to pick up some relaxing music for your ride home.

© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Aura Wellness Center is relocating to downtown Attleboro, MA. The new Aura Wellness Center downtown Attleboro location, will open 11:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2006.

Telephone: 508-222-0092

We have Yoga, Pilates, Personal Fitness Training, and many more programs for mind / body health.

To see our schedule online, visit:

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com

Aura Wellness Center is Relocating to Attleboro, Massachusetts

Thursday, August 31st, 2006

The last day of Yoga classes, at our North Providence location, will be September 21, 2006. After that, Aura Wellness Center will have a Grand Opening on Monday, October 2, 2006, at our new Attleboro, MA location.  So, which styles of Yoga can you expect to participate in?

You can expect to see Restorative Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Pilates Body Sculpt, Yoga Fusion, Kids Yoga, Private Yoga or Pilates Sessions, Personal Fitness Training, and other Wellness Sessions.

Aura Wellness Center holds many workshops for local Yoga teachers. We will continue to meet the standards of the Yoga Alliance in regard to contact hours for Yoga teachers. Some of these Yoga teacher workshops will start in January of 2007. We had guest Yoga teachers visit us from California to Turkey in 2006.

However, we want to stress that you do not have to be a Yoga teacher to participate in our workshops. If you are a serious Yoga practitioner, you are more than welcome to take part in our Yoga workshops.

We also have two CPR certification sessions per year. Our next CPR certification session will be scheduled in November, 2006.

We look forward to seeing everyone!

Best Regards,
Paul, Marie, Paul III, and Jackie

Contact Information:

AURA Wellness Center
21 Park Street, Suite 202
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092 (Our phone will be activated in mid-September.)
RI Phone: 401-725-5133
Fax: 401-633-6081