In my last Fitness blog I addressed the issue of yoga being a potentially dangerous form of fitness. Not that I believe yoga in itself is dangerous but I do agree that doing it wrong could lead to injuries. Well now we are going to consider the flipside of yoga, a health benefit recently discovered in a small study. I read an article in “Reuters Health” that talked about survivors of breast cancer benefiting from yoga. Apparently fatigue can become a lifelong casualty for a surviving breast cancer patient. Many don’t understand why this continues to be a problem, but … Continue reading →

There is a new report out that is stirring up quite a bit of controversy. The “New York Times” featured an article this past week on the dangers of yoga. Yoga seems to be such a soothing, tranquil form of exercise. So how could something so serene be so dangerous? Well the author of the article stated that a huge amount of injuries result from yoga. This has been met with a great deal of criticism, especially from proponents of yoga who believe that it’s benefits are more than just physical, they extend into emotional and mental areas of an … Continue reading →

With the first week of the New Year underway, many are looking at ways to get fit. In my last couple of blogs I talked about the benefits of cardio and flexibility exercises. In this blog we are going to look at the benefits of yoga. First, you might want to know what exactly yoga is. It originates in India, attributed to the Hindus, as a way to discipline oneself physically, mentally and spiritually. Now because of my religious beliefs, I don’t get into the “spiritual” aspect of it, although for some this may be just what they want. So … Continue reading →

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 →

Yoga encompasses more than just exercise. It incorporates other principles including relaxation, breathing and nutrition. For some, yoga also includes meditation or positive thinking. Personally for me, I find that in my Christian faith. However others find that it can make a positive difference in their life. Of course, you can’t have yoga without the exercise. To me that is the most important aspect of yoga. It has definitely helped me to improve my posture, gain flexibility and tone muscles. The exercise portion of yoga also helps to give your body more energy and strength, which is why I prefer … Continue reading →

The next time you brush off an invitation to attend a yoga class because you think you’re too old to twist your body into a pretzel, think about Bette Calman. The Australian yoga instructor is 83 years old and is able to contort her body into positions that people more than half her age would have difficulty executing. London’s Daily Mail recently featured the flexible grandma in a multi-page spread. And boy, can this lady spread her limbs. At an age when most people are retiring to their rocking chairs, Calman is bending over backwards, striking challenging “lotus” poses and … Continue reading →