Posts Tagged ‘yoga exercises’

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Restoring Emotional Balance with Yoga Exercises

Friday, September 16th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Faye Martins

In times of great change and uncertainty, almost everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and stress. While circumstances are often beyond our control, the way we handle them is not. Research has proven that carrying negative emotions for long periods of time can have adverse effects on physical and mental health. One of the oldest and most effective ways to release blocked feelings and calm the body is the ancient practice of yoga.

When we think of yoga exercises, we often think of the postures (asanas) first. These techniques do help, but pranayama, mantra, meditation, and relaxation techniques are just as powerful, when we look for solutions to balancing emotional health. The problem is finding a yoga teacher who has the knowledge to help you restore emotional balance.

Yoga can be literally translated as the union of body, mind, and spirit; and its eight branches are closely intertwined. Although best known in modern society for its physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, yoga is actually a spiritual practice that encompasses everything from integrity and compassion to concentration and balance. Regardless of how it is practiced, the basic tenets work together to enhance emotional stability, physical stamina, and mental clarity.

Changes made in the mind are manifested in the body, and changes made in the body are manifested in the mind and spirit. A variety of studies have shown the benefits of yoga techniques for emotional stability.

• Research in Scandinavia measured the effect of yoga on brain waves and found that both alpha and theta waves increased after a session of yoga. This means that the brain is not only calmer, but it has greater access to subconscious emotions, as well.

• A study published in an Indian journal found that people who practiced yoga for ten months showed a decrease in depression both during and after the months of their participation.

• Clinical studies at the University of Wisconsin found that meditation increases the action of the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with increased immunity and sense of well-being.

• An article in Beliefnet.com lists the benefits of yoga in helping teens manage the physical, emotional, and mental changes occurring during adolescence.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, well-known author and meditation teacher, says: “when you practice yoga…your perspective on your body, your thoughts, and your whole sense of self can change…” During the practice of Yoga poses, the body can recall long-forgotten memories and release them, bringing emotional balance and restoring health.

© 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!

 

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Restoring Emotional Balance with Yoga Exercises

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Faye Martins

In times of great change and uncertainty, almost everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and stress. While circumstances are often beyond our control, the way we handle them is not. Research has proven that carrying negative emotions for long periods of time can have adverse effects on physical and mental health. One of the oldest and most effective ways to release blocked feelings and calm the body is the ancient practice of yoga.

Every one of us has personal challenges in life. Some people have far more problems than we do, but they still move forward and greet us with a smile. I see happy people in yoga studios and ashrams. So, what is the secret? Yoga is many things, but it is also a system that teaches us coping strategies for life’s challenges.

Yoga can be literally translated as the union of body, mind, and spirit; and its eight branches are closely intertwined. Although best known in modern society for its physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, yoga is actually a spiritual practice that encompasses everything from integrity and compassion to concentration and balance. Regardless of how it is practiced, the basic tenets work together to enhance emotional stability, physical stamina, and mental clarity.

Changes made in the mind are manifested in the body, and changes made in the body are manifested in the mind and spirit. A variety of studies have shown the benefits of yoga exercises on emotional stability:

• Research in Scandinavia measured the effect of yoga on brain waves and found that both alpha and theta waves increased after a session of yoga. This means that the brain is not only calmer, but it has greater access to subconscious emotions, as well.

• A study published in an Indian journal found that people who practiced yoga for ten months showed a decrease in depression both during and after the months of their participation.

• Clinical studies at the University of Wisconsin found that meditation increases the action of the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with increased immunity and sense of well-being.

• An article in www.beliefnet.com lists the benefits of yoga in helping teens manage the physical, emotional, and mental changes occurring during adolescence.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, well-known author and meditation teacher, says: “when you practice yoga…your perspective on your body, your thoughts, and your whole sense of self can change…” During the practice of Yoga poses, the body can recall long-forgotten memories and release them, bringing emotional balance and restoring health.

© 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!

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Yoga for Developing Self-Confidence

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

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

A lack of self-confidence often results from a fear of failure, or criticism, stemming from feelings of inferiority, that can exist for a variety of reasons. An individual may be inexperienced, unsure of one’s abilities, uncomfortable with one’s appearance, have no direction or stability in life, feel out of control, or may have set themselves up for failure, with unrealistic objectives that are too difficult to meet.

The holistic principles involved in living a Yoga lifestyle, help foster a healthy attitude, by strengthening the mind and body through a variety of controlled mental and physical exercises, which, in turn, can lead to developing or restoring belief in one’s self and one’s capabilities.

For example, the exercises involved in a Yoga routine include muscle strengthening and toning postures, deep breathing, relaxation techniques, and focused meditation for overall enhanced physical and mental fitness. Physical activity is known to both relieve stress and to improve the body’s appearance. Therefore, Yoga alleviates stress, which can sap energy and breed negativity, as well as promote mental resilience and a positive body image, resulting in an overall boost in confidence levels.

Yoga for self-confidence also creates feelings of wellbeing, clarity of mind, and empowerment, through the use of methodical and energizing movements. Yoga also has a variety of proven breathing techniques, where difficulties can be brought into perspective. In turn, life becomes more manageable and less overwhelming. The realization that one can organize his or her life and take control, just as it occurs when practicing Yoga exercises, can impart the self-confidence necessary to confidently tackle obstacles and rise to heights that once seemed out of reach.

Yoga also concentrates on opening a connection with the inner self. This leads toward discovering one’s untapped potential, with an increased awareness of who one is, and what they are capable of. As a result, confidence naturally grows within.

Additionally, when there is poor posture and the body is misaligned, proper breathing can be impeded. When one has poor posture, energy levels and oxygen delivery are interfered with, which can make one feel easily fatigued and unable to think clearly during the day.

Additionally, poor posture may cause sleep to be disturbed and physical pain to be enhanced. Ailments may result from an overall state of poor health that can impart feeling of anxiety and insecurity. Yoga can help rid the body of such dysfunction, and restore confidence, through the improvement and maintenance of proper body alignment.

Therefore, practicing Yoga might be just the remedy for anyone who is feeling stressed, struggling with a lack of self-confidence, and has been unable to function productively. To successfully reach goals, we must experience a sense of satisfaction, accomplishment, and genuine happiness in our lives. Developing self-confidence is entirely possible with a steady Yoga practice.

© 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!

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Posted in Yoga for Emotional Health, Yoga for Mental Health, yoga for self | No Comments »

Daily Yoga Exercises to Improve Your Practice

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

We often talk about the benefits of Yoga we enjoy in our daily life “off the mat.” However, there are also plenty of Yoga techniques we can do off the mat to make sure our practice improves! Here are some easy to incorporate exercises that will help deepen your daily Yoga practice.

1) Strengthening the feet and stretching the Achilles tendon. These exercises will give you a stable base for standing poses and help you with rooting your feet during the day. When brushing your teeth or washing your hands, practice rooting by rising up on the balls of your feet of and back onto the four corners of your feet.

Repeat throughout the day whenever you stand in front of a sink. This exercise works two muscles in the calf, the gastrocnemius and the soleus, and improves balance. Next, whenever you climb stairs throughout the day, stop once and stretch each foot by putting the toes on the edge of a higher step and letting the heel “reach” down. This will stretch your calves and eventually, allow your feet and calves to relax when needed.

2) Practice your office Yoga flow. Before getting up from your office chair to visit the photocopier, close your eyes for a moment and visualize yourself standing, reaching out with one hand to grasp the document, turning and striding towards the machine in one long, flowing movement. Practice moving your body as smoothly as possible during the day; this will create complete efficiency of motion. Mindful movements during the day make it simple to absorb yourself in your personal Yoga practice later.

3) Improve your lung capacity with slow and deep diaphragmic breathing. Find a sound that acts as a natural metronome, such as your printer or the whooshing of a copy machine, or the clacking of subway cars. Practice breathing in all the way to your stomach for three clacks and out for three clacks, and adjust as your lung capacity improves.

4) Use isometric exercises to strengthen your hands and wrists by placing the palms together in a namaste position and pushing against each other. Repeat for 10 seconds in a sequence of 3 to 12 times while reading email, then gently stretch the fingers forward toward the forearm. Strong wrists provide support in many poses and increased flexibility in the hands helps with performing mudras while giving the arms additional support.

Although some of the above mentioned Yoga exercises might require multi-tasking, you will find them beneficial. Multi-tasking is a fact of life in the workplace. With repetition, these simple exercises can become habit and will make your time in Yoga class or in your home practice even more productive.

© 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!

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Yoga Exercises for Core Muscles

Monday, May 9th, 2011

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

Yoga exercises for core muscles develop a stable and strong core, help prevent injuries, alleviate back pain, and significantly improve the posture. Yoga provides several exercises to develop a strong core. The core muscles extend from the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to the pelvic floor. The powerhouse of the body includes your back, buttocks, and core muscles.

The majority of Yoga poses engage the core, and many of them are designed to strengthen the core. The benefits to your posture are immeasurable. Many people are attracted to Yoga for different reasons. However, many people enjoy Yoga because developing good posture actually makes a person look younger. Poor posture is one of the most visible signs of aging.

If you want to focus on developing a strong core, you will want to incorporate the following Yoga poses (asanas) into your regular practice.

Boat Pose

While sitting on the floor, pull your knees to your chest and lean back. Stretch your arms forward while you extend your legs to a 45-degree angle. The palms of your hands should be just outside of the knee. Hold this position for at least 10 breaths.

Modified Boat Variations

There are many variations of this posture.  If you find this asana too difficult, lower your legs, and try extending one leg at a time, instead of extending both. There is also the option to bend both knees, or hold onto your upper legs above the knees, with both hands.  With time, patience, and practice, your core muscles will become noticeably stronger.

Bridge Pose

Lie with your back flat on the floor, elevate your knees, and place your feet flat on the floor. Make sure your knees are hip-width apart. Raise your stomach and pelvis toward the ceiling, while clasping your hands together beneath your raised back. For greater leverage, press your arms downward to increase the lift of your torso. Hold the position for a few breaths, and then slowly lower your back and pelvis to the ground. There is an option to leave the hands and arms at your sides, or to clasp your hands around your ankles, while practicing this posture.

Cobra Pose

Lie flat on your stomach, placing your chin on the floor. Your legs should be no more than hip-width apart. Your palms will be placed on the floor, just beneath your shoulders. Your elbows should be close to your torso and should not flare out. Inhale, while lifting your upper torso, chest, and head above the floor – using very little pressure from your hands. Arch your back, and look up toward the ceiling. Hold this posture, while taking three full breaths, and release. If you have trouble with this pose, reduce the arch of your back. Be aware, that the less pressure used from your hands, will make the core muscles work more. If you want to give your core muscles more work, try it with no hand pressure.

These poses will develop your core and improve your posture. If you experience difficulty in mastering these poses, simply hold the positions for less time, until your body becomes stronger. You can add these poses to your current Yoga practice.

© 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!

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Yoga Exercises and Diet for Hip Dysplasia

Friday, May 6th, 2011

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

Hip dysplasia is a misalignment, or deformation, of the hip joint. It may be a congenital condition, or it may be acquired over time. A person may have hip dysplasia in both hips – bilateral dysplasia, or in one hip – unilateral dysplasia.  The condition is very painful, as anyone who suffers from it will confirm the pain he or she experiences from Hip dysplasia. The hip joint takes the force of three times one’s body weight. If a person weighs 160 pounds, the hip is handling 480 pounds of force and pressure. With this consideration, the need to be gentle with a painful hip joint becomes very clear.

The process of Yoga is to stretch and strengthen muscles. When considering Yoga for hip dysplasia, or any hip pain, be mindful of the method of Yoga you choose, in addition to being attentive to the individual Yoga moves. It’s important to move slowly and gently when building the muscles to support hip joints. Therapeutic Yoga, restorative Yoga, gentle Yoga, basic Hatha Yoga, or Anusara Yoga are examples of styles that hold postures. Unfortunately, Power Yoga, Flow Yoga, and Vinyasa, with their focus on a faster paced movement, are not advised.

The following are Yoga exercises to reduce pain, and possibly, help the hip joint heal. Do these poses slowly and mindfully. If there is pain, back out of the movement. Always consult with your family physician or medical specialist before beginning an exercise routine. He or she knows the specifics of your health, and each of us is unique.

Cat and Cow Poses

On hands and knees, with shoulders above wrists and hips above knees – that is to say, knees are hip distance apart, slowly and gently lift the head and chest up, and the tailbone up, stretching the belly, while inhaling deeply. This is cow pose and is classified as a backbend.  Reverse the pose into an angry cat, bringing the tail bone down, contracting the belly, and rounding the back up, navel to spine, gently curling the head and neck in, exhaling gently, but deeply.  Do six to ten cat-cow movements, slowly.

Extended Child’s Pose

Relax into child’s pose by exhaling and lying your torso onto your knees, with your arms outstretched in front. You can also modify this asana by spreading the knees out to the sides of your mat. In this way, you can breathe as deep as you like, while your spine is in a linear position. This modification also brings one into deeper states of relaxation.

Leg Extension and Knee to Chest

On hands and knees (in Table Pose), with shoulders above wrists and hips above knees, extend one leg back, to hip height. Gently curl knee and head with the thought, “knee to nose.” Repeat with the other leg. Do six to ten on each side. Afterward, you should relax into modified Extended Child’s Pose.

Anti-inflammatory Diet

A healthy diet, focused on anti-inflammatory components, might contribute to your hip healing. There is a need for more formal studies on this subject. However, it is believed, among proponents of this school of thought, that a diet, which is rich in different colored vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, yellow squash, and carrots will reduce inflammation. Strong anti-inflammatory components include: turmeric, garlic, ginger, green tea, flaxseed, omega-3 fatty acids, and cinnamon. Consult with your family physician or medical specialist before changing your diet, and inquire to find out if the anti-inflammatory diet is right for you.

© 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!

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Restoring Emotional Balance with Yoga Exercises

Saturday, March 26th, 2011

yoga retreatBy Gopi Rao

In times of great change and uncertainty people have anxiety and panic attacks. These days, almost everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and stress. Yoga is a method for controlling emotional energy.  While the exact circumstances are often beyond our control, the way we handle them is not.

Research has proven that carrying negative emotions for long periods of time can have adverse effects on physical, emotional, and mental health. One of the oldest and most effective ways to release blocked feelings and calm the body is the ancient practice of Yoga.

Yoga can be literally translated as the union of body, mind, and spirit. The eight limbs, which are defined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras are closely intertwined. One who embarks on the path of Raja Yoga cannot avoid noticing how these eight limbs connect to each other. In fact, all eight limbs of Yoga are of great importance.

Although best known in modern society for its physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, Yoga is actually a holistic practice, which encompasses everything from integrity and compassion to concentration and balance. Regardless of how it is practiced, the basic tenets work together to enhance emotional stability, physical stamina, and mental clarity.

Changes made in the mind are manifested in the body, and changes made in the body are manifested in the mind and spirit. A variety of studies have shown the benefits of mental and physical Yoga exercises for emotional balance and stability. The following five points reveal a promising look at the future of Yoga in our global society.

• Research in Scandinavia measured the effect of Yoga on brain waves and found that both alpha and theta waves increased after a session of Yoga. This means that the brain is not only calmer, but it has greater access to subconscious emotions, as well.

• A study published in an Indian journal found that people who practiced Yoga for ten months showed a decrease in depression both during and after the months of their participation.

• Clinical studies at the University of Wisconsin found that meditation increases the action of the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with increased immunity and sense of well-being.

• An article in www.beliefnet.com lists the benefits of Yoga in helping teens manage the physical, emotional, and mental changes occurring during adolescence.

• Jon Kabat-Zinn, well-known author and meditation teacher, says: “when you practice Yoga…your perspective on your body, your thoughts, and your whole sense of self can change…” During the practice of Yoga poses, the body can recall long-forgotten memories and release any tension associated with them, thus bringing emotional balance and restoring health.

© 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!

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Posted in Yoga for Emotional Health, Yoga for Health, Yoga for Mental Health | No Comments »

Benefits of Office Yoga

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

yoga teacher courseBy Sangeetha Saran

Yoga teachers should approach the corporate sector about Yoga exercise routines that can be practiced in office spaces.  There are specialist office and chair Yoga teacher training courses to meet this need.  Working in an office often requires sitting at a computer for long periods of time. This can cause backache and stiffness in the neck that can lead to tension headaches and discomfort in general. These discomforts will lead to decreased productivity and lessen the quality of your work and life.

You may have to go home and go straight to bed after a long day at work because you do not feel well. Incorporating Yoga into your daily work routine may help alleviate the tension and stress associated with work, while increasing muscle strength and flexibility.

There are many benefits from practicing office Yoga. A major benefit is that Yoga releases muscle tension and increases flexibility. This will lead to fewer tension headaches and less fatigue. You will experience less stress, depression, and anxiety, while being able to better focus on your work.

You will experience higher energy levels and your balance will improve. Yoga can be easily performed in the office because it doesn’t require great effort and is very relaxing. The required slow movement reduces the risk of injury as opposed to other types of exercise.

Office Yoga places emphasis on using techniques that develop strength and flexibility. Office Yoga also helps reduce the heart rate during periods of rest. This can help you to remain calm and relieve anxiety. The practice of Yoga also increases your ability to concentrate.

Yoga clears your mind and improves memory. If you suffer from aches and pains brought on by sitting in the same position for several hours a day, office Yoga can help relieve the pain. You may even begin to notice that the pain has disappeared completely.

Yoga can also have a positive effect on the immune system so you may notice that you get sick less often. Yoga is non-competitive and techniques involved require a certain amount of study and concentration. As a result, you are able to focus on your inner self.

Before you begin office Yoga exercises, you should focus on controlling your breathing. Take deep, slow breaths in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth if you have sinus problems. Controlled breathing is very important in Yoga. Once you begin a Yoga exercise routine, remember to do it with slow and controlled movements. You need to be in control of your body and mind to gain the full benefits of office Yoga. You should sit quietly for a few minutes before exercising. This will help you to concentrate and gain focus. Make sure your postures are correct. Remember to have fun and enjoy your office Yoga session.

Aura has an Office and Chair Yoga DVD, which is designed for Yoga teachers, but anyone could make good use of the exercises. You can find it at: http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Chair-Yoga-and-Office-Yoga-DVD.html

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher certification 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!

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Posted in benefits of yoga, chair yoga, Office Yoga | No Comments »

Yoga Exercises for Weight Loss

Friday, November 5th, 2010

By Heath Jackson Heath Jackson

I recently attended a class focused on yoga exercises for weight loss. This was a Bikram style class combining classic yoga asanas with a heated workout space. The floor area maintains a constant temperature of 104 degrees. This workout approach is a good methodology to follow for those seeking a fitness routine based around yoga. Whether following a Bikram specific routine or other yoga discipline the following conditions are ideal as part of any weight loss program:

Heated Floorspace

A heated workout area provides immediate benefits when exercising as your body can warm up quickly. This minimizes the chance of injury and allows you to put your body into deeper poses. Yoga exercises for weight loss involve a strenuous and active workout and a heated practice area provides increased gains in flexibility and muscle development.

Oxygenated Blood

Although not immediately noticeable to the practitioner, the increased heat profile of the practice space provides a constant flow of oxygenated blood throughout a person’s body. This is because it is easier to get into a deeper stretch when doing a pose. This has a positive effect on contracting the muscles more completely and the result is a more pronounced flow of blood throughout the body. That has the effect of carrying more oxygen and allows you to perform at a higher, more aerobic level. In layman’s terms you can push yourself harder and you will see a weight loss benefit.

Constant Routine

One of the key things to look for in utilizing yoga exercises for weight loss is how constant the workout routine is. The class I participated was led by an instructor that moved from pose to pose, relatively constantly. A yoga pose was shown, practiced by the class and then repeated – usually 3 times. Once completed the instructor moved the class to the next pose with very short breaks occurring only every 20 to 30 minutes. This had a fairly aerobic effect simply due to the pace being practiced.

Maximum Workout with Minimal Impact

Certainly a complete and very active workout occurs using this type of exercise routine. But perhaps the greatest benefit is the minimal impact to the body’s joints, ligaments and tendons. This workout, while very aerobic, did not add unneeded stress or pressure to these critical parts of the body.

I cross train regularly practicing different yoga postures with other physical fitness activities. The positive benefits described here occurred due to the fact that this was a strenuous and active workout approach. Embrace the right yoga exercises for weight loss, increased flexibility, and muscle strengthening as they play an important role in an overall fitness regimen.

Heath Jackson writes about health, wellness and living a natural life. Learn more about his approaches to sensible dieting and weight loss at yoga asanas for weight loss or Click Here for information, tips and ideas on how to incorporate yoga into your weight loss exercise routine.

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Yoga For Runners – How Yoga Can Optimize Your Running Performance

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

By Milla Krogh

Yoga and running are most often thought of as two very different types of exercise, but the truth is that they are actually a very good match. The combination of running and yoga is a great way to increase your physical shape and your performance. If you combine your running routines with yoga exercises, you can improve your running performance and your well-being. Through yoga, you learn to control your breathing, which also optimizes your performance while running. Furthermore, yoga makes you more flexible and therefore more resistant to damages while running.

While running is a good cardio workout, then yoga is more directed at building strength and flexibility. However, you can easily get your pulse up during yoga by practicing some of the more dynamic yoga types, which will definitely allow you to work up a sweat. Many runners favour Astanga Yoga because of the dynamic movements that provide strength, flexibility and endurance.

During yoga practise there is a great focus on the breath and you will learn to control the breathing process. This will be of a great benefit while running, as control of the breath will help you improve your performance. What is helpful is that you increase your awareness on the breath, keeping a slow and steady pace. Yoga usually teaches you to breathe in through the nose while keeping your mouth closed. This allows you to deepen your breath all the way to the bottom of the lungs. This allows you to increase the transportation of oxygen to the muscles, where it becomes energy. Learning to breathe deeper also increases your lung capacity which will automatically increase your stamina.

Besides getting more flexible and acquiring a better breathing control, you will also train other muscles during yoga training, which will add to your running exercise. Runners often have a tendency to have tension in the shoulders and the neck, and these tensions will be loosened up during yoga practise. Besides tension relief, yoga also helps you prevent injuries and pain. Especially the knees, the hips and the back are sensitive areas where runners often experience problems. There are certain yoga positions that focusing directly on these sensitive areas, thus strengthening them and making them better shock absorbers. Furthermore, runners who also perform yoga, are more likely to experience less pain after running, which is also a great benefit.

Learn more about the positive effects of yoga and other related topics.

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