Search Results for: yoga yoga poses 2

Yoga and My Daughter

A couple of months ago I added yoga to my weekly workout routine in an effort to ease the strain from my typical high intensity cardio workouts and to help my husband strengthen his core since he refused to do anything but yoga.  Aside from the obvious struggles of exercise i.e. motivation, commitment, follow through, balance, endurance etc., there is the added difficulty of exercising with young children who basically demand mommy’s attention twenty four seven.  My three year old son has gotten really good about playing and getting a snack or drink of water for himself while I exercise … Continue reading →

What is Yoga Fit?

There are many different types of yoga that range from highly spiritual to fitness based yoga classes that focus mainly on the physical benefits of yoga. The choice of a yoga class is highly personal and depends on the needs and goals of the individual. Yoga Fit is yoga specifically designed for the fitness industry. Yoga fit was developed by a yoga teacher in Los Angeles in the mid 1990s and classes can be found in gyms and fitness centers around the country. Yoga Fit is yoga that is adapted to the health club environment. Do not expect the soft … Continue reading →

DVD Review: Element Yoga for Stress Relief & Flexibility

Yoga has been shown to offer significant benefits for improving mood, relieving stress and improving flexibility. Element Yoga for Stress Relief & Flexibility is a DVD practice that has been specifically designed to encourage flexibility and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. The DVD contains two distinct yoga sequences. One sequence is devoted to improving flexibility and the other is intended to help increase flexibility and range of motion. The practices were filmed in a location that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, which provides a soothing experience. The stress relief practice has been created to reduce the effects of stress and … Continue reading →

Yoga for Diabetes

Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate and Type 2 diabetes is affecting a growing number of people and at a younger age than ever before. Lifestyle changes have long been recommended for treating diabetes, including changes in diet and exercise habits. Yoga offers both short term and long term benefits for people with diabetes. In the short term, a regular yoga practice has been shown in studies to help improve fasting glucose levels. Yoga also aids in digestion and improves metabolism, which is beneficial for people with diabetes. Circulation is also improved with a regular yoga practice. In addition … Continue reading →

Book: The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by TKV Desikachar

The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice: TKV Desikachar is the son of Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, one of the greatest modern yogis. Krishnamacharya lived over 100 years and his teachings have influenced BKS Iyengar, Indra Devi and his son, who has based this book on his fathers concept of viniyoga. Viniyoga maintains that for the optimal therapeutic benefit, yoga must be adapted to the needs of the individual student. The adaptations that are required are always changing, as the needs of the individual are always in flux. In this book, Desikachar discusses his father’s system and his own approach. … Continue reading →

DVD Review: Yoga Journal’s Yoga for Strength and Energy

Yoga is well known as an effective way to get energy flowing through the body and increase strength. Yoga Journal’s Yoga for Strength and Energy offers two separate practices on one DVD, Yoga Practice for Strength and Yoga Practice for Energy. Yoga Practice for Energy is a unique practice that includes sessions that follow the cycle of the sun. You can use the entire practice or try a specific session. The sessions include Awakening, Centering, Creativity, Reflection and Surrender. Select the practice session that best fits your needs on a given day or at a given time of day. For … Continue reading →

Yoga Types: Quantum Energy Yoga

Quantum Energy Yoga is a form of yoga that was introduced to people in the west by Beryl Bender Birch. This type of yoga has some similarities and draws on aspects of Ashtanga yoga, Iyengar yoga and Bikram yoga. There is a focus on energy, physical performance of asanas and concentration. A flowing sequence of yoga poses is used in energy yoga, which is similar to vinyasa flowing sequences. The pace is a bit faster, but can be done by people of all levels of practice, including beginners. Like all forms of yoga, energy yoga seeks to unite the body, … Continue reading →

Christian Perspective: Is Yoga a Conflict?

Yoga is a controversial issue among Christians. Some say it is simply a form of exercise while others say it is a physical representation of worship to another god. As an exercise separated from the roots of its spiritual beginnings there should be nothing wrong with the poses. However, many say the separation of spirituality and exercise is not possible based on what yoga means. Since yoga is thought of as just another aerobics class many have laughed at the idea that yoga could somehow conflict with their spiritual beliefs. It would be like saying a treadmill conflicts with your … Continue reading →

Give Yoga a Try!

I hear so many times of people who didn’t think they would enjoy yoga but end up really liking it. There are many reasons why I think yoga is a great physical activity and worth giving it a try. Types of Yoga There are several types of yoga including some more commonly known styles such as hatha, vinyasa, iyengar and birkham. Hatha yoga is a great starting place for a new beginner. In this style of yoga, basic poses are introduced at a slower pace. I suggest this for beginners or individuals with physical limitations. Vinyasa yoga is a more … Continue reading →

What is YogaFit?

YogaFit is a form of yoga that is designed specifically for the fitness industry. YogaFit stands for Yoga for the Fitness Industry and was developed in the mid 1990s by yoga instructor Beth Shaw in Los Angeles. As a trained instructor, Beth saw the need for a specific type of yoga for health clubs, due to the differences in the environment from the gym to the yoga studio. The bright lights and cold rooms of the gym provide specific challenges that don’t exist in the typical yoga studio. YogaFit combines principles of fitness and traditional yoga asanas. A typical class … Continue reading →