The Many Health Benefits of Yoga

Yoga has been practiced for centuries for health, exercise and meditation. Beginners should be taught by a trained expert to reduce risks of injury or torn muscles. Yoga classes can be found locally at YMCAs, gyms, and exercise classes. The benefits of Yoga are extraordinary, and many classes are being offered in communities all over. There are numerous physical, emotional and also mental benefits to these exercises.



Increased flexibility and range of motion is one benefit you will notice from Yoga. Your joints and ligaments receive increased lubrication through this increased motion and flexibility. Research has found the non-strenuous positions benefit other parts of the body as well

Muscle tone improves and is stimulated with strengthening moves and repeated motion. Strengthening and stretching increases Blood supply to the body's organs and muscles. Toxins are flushed out through this process and nourishment is provided to the cells.

An Added bonus is the autonomic nervous system and pulse rate are stabilized through meditation; also decreased respiratory rate, blood pressure is also decreased, and improved cardiovascular function as well as improved dexterity and reaction time. Better sleep, an increase in endurance and energy and altogether better body parts function are what people notice as a result.

A better frame of mind and less mood swings are also reported by individuals who begin to practice yoga. They also noticed better social adjustment as well as an improvement in concentration, better memory and a greater attention span. Many have noticed that there was a decrease in hostility and their learning ability and depth perception also improved.

A calmer attitude and mind that lasted all day was one of the benefit reported. This also leads to less stress and anxiety, which ultimately reduced weight gain. Practicing Yoga has many benefits for the body and mind. This translates into health improvement, a calmer mind and spirit, and a more flexible body. Practicing yoga helps to maintain normal weight and have fewer arthritic and joint problems.

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Learning Yoga For Your Good Health

For many of us, cranking out a ten-minute mile on a treadmill or pounding the floor of the racquetball court can mean major joint pain. Fortunately, you can cover all three of your major exercise types (aerobic, anaerobic and stretching) through a low-impact activity like yoga.

Yoga is an ancient Indian practiced designed to promote relaxation, health and flexibility. By using a series of poses and breathing techniques, yoga also works on the practitioner's balance, strength and overall health.

It has been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, diminish back pain and improve cardiovascular health. Depending on the type of yoga you do, yoga can be an aerobic, anaerobic or stretching exercise or all three.

Essentially, yoga tones and stretches all your joints and muscles. Not only does this unique form of exercise deliver physical benefits, it also reduces stress while promoting relaxation. When it comes to aging well, yoga is one of the best activities you can do.

Some types of it are more strenuous than others, so before you sign up for a class or purchase a yoga DVD, you may want to make sure you're choosing a yoga program that's right for you. Keep reading to learn about the five major types of yoga:



Integral Yoga: This is a basic and very gentle form of yoga with a set pattern of postures. The emphasis is on pose control, relaxation and deep meditation. Integral yoga is perfect for beginners.

Ashtanga Yoga: You may see Ashtanga yoga listed as "power yoga." This type of yoga moves fast and focuses on a continuous flow of movement through the traditional yoga poses. By incorporating strength, aerobic exertion and flexibility, Ashtange embodies all three types of exercise.

Kundalini Yoga: This form of yoga is extremely spiritual and tends to focus predominantly on breathing exercises, chanting, relaxation and meditation.

Iyengar Yoga: Iyengar yoga focuses predominantly on positioning and poses that are precise and correct. Using wooden blocks, buckets or straps, Iyengar concentrates on alignment and the actual structure of a pose. Though slow and steady, Iyengar is not recommended for yoga beginners.

Bikram Yoga: Also known as "hot yoga," Bikram yoga is typically done in a room heated to anywhere from 80 to 100 degrees. Vigorous and intense, this form of yoga may be too much for those suffering from respiratory problems, high blood pressure or cardiac issues.

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Popular Health Trend - Yoga

When you feel tired or under too much stress, you can try yoga to relax yourself. Yoga has become one of the most popular health trends around.

Yoga has become so popular in recent years, and it's easy to overlook the fact that it is actually one of humankind's oldest activities. It is believed that yoga is originated from shamans in Indus Valley over 5000years ago.

Shamans were regarded as the holy men of early human civilization. It is said that they can communicate with the spirit world to find solutions to problems facing their people. Over time, these shamans developed a system of mental and physical exercises to expand their consciousness, and thereby give a new perspective on the problems of daily life. These exercises formed the foundation of modern yoga.



For thousands of years yoga was practiced mainly in India. The exercises of yoga were incorporated into three of the Indian religions: Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Technically, yoga is not a religion; it is a method that can be used by anyone to pursue their own religious (or non-religious) goals.

Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism, practiced yogic meditation, and meditation is still a central part of Buddhism today.

Yoga was practically unknown to the West until the 1960s, when popular culture began to show an interest in Eastern religions. People began to look at yoga as a way to find peace of mind in a world that was anything but peaceful.

Since the 1960s yoga's popularity has grown steadily. Nowadays, Westerners practice all kinds of yoga. There are even yoga classes for people in their 70s!

In fact, there are so many people who want to learn yoga that yoga schools across the United States are having difficulty keeping up with the demand. Judging by its popularity, yoga is as useful for solving the problems of today as it was for solving the problems 5,000 years ago. [http://www.ebookslife.com]Leading eBooks Company

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Improve Health With Yoga in Chairs

It is never too late to start a yoga practice. Forget the pictures you see in ads and TV that show 23 year old dancers and gymnasts doing pretzel-like yoga postures. Sure, there are young people taking fast moving classes that focus on difficult poses. But the majority of people taking yoga classes are middle aged and older. And the fastest growing student population for yoga is seniors.

To accommodate this growing segment, more and more classes are being offered to suit the needs and desires particular to older adults. Generally, these classes are called Yoga in Chairs or simply, Chair Yoga. The obstacle to yoga for older people is the frequent getting up and down off the floor, and sitting cross-legged on the ground for extended periods of time. Back problems, knee and hip replacements, arthritis, and fatigue combine to make it difficult to do. Chair Yoga overcomes this difficulty by featuring most of the same postures traditionally taught, but done either sitting in a chair, or using the chair as a balance and support. These classes are not yoga simplified, but yoga adapted.

Chair Yoga offers increased range of motion in the spine and joints, strengthening of muscles, improved balance, better breath control, relaxation and lessening of physical and mental tension, and improved concentration. Exactly as any other yoga class does. Even if you haven't exercised in a long time, or especially if you haven't, you will begin to feel these and other benefits after just a few classes. Ageing creates more of a need for the gifts of yoga, not less. Using the chair as a base, allows older people, or people with physical limitations, to carry on a full yoga practice the same as the 23 year old with both knees behind the head.

A common concern among seniors is that yoga will conflict with their beliefs and traditions. Yoga does have a focus on contemplation and inner peace that can be spiritual for some, but it is not religious in and of itself. There is room for all types of believers and non-believers in a yoga class. A class for older people in particular will focus on the physical aspect of practice and the breath. There will be relaxation and quiet. And there will be time for questions and sharing. Perhaps some soothing music will be played; maybe there will be a chance to chant the sound OM at the end of class-- if you feel like it. The chant of OM is just the traditional way to end a yoga class. It is a bow to history and tradition.

Yoga in Chairs classes can be found in churches, senior centers, through community education, and at yoga studios. Look for ads, fliers, and talk to your friends and family and find the teacher and the location that is right for you. Take a friend with you to practice. Make it a social occasion, and enjoy improving your health in a group of like- minded people who share your interests and concerns. Making yoga a part of your life will be one of the best things you have done for yourself.

Susan Lasch owns and operates East Aurora Yoga in the village of East Aurora, NY. A certified yoga teacher through the Sivananda Organization, she is also a registered yoga teacher(RYT) through the Yoga Alliance. Visit http://www.eayoga.com for more information about yoga and classes offered.

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Yoga Just For You - Fun Exercises For Every Day

Intrigued by yoga? This article will help you to discover a new fulfilling life: discover your body's innate wisdom with some easy yoga exercises that everyone can do.

Here's an essential point about yoga: it's much more than exercises. If you think of yoga only in terms of "getting some exercise" you're missing the point. Yes, yoga IS exercise, but it's also an entire system of wisdom.

Yoga Helps You to Trust Your Body, because Your Body is Wiser Than Your Mind

Neuroscience is discovering what yogis have known for thousands of years. Your body's wisdom, that instinctive intelligence Dr Candace Pert described in her book Molecules of Emotion, knows what's best for you. It's better than your forebrain in deciding what you should eat, and how you should exercise.

You already trust your body. You know to follow your gut - your instinct.

Let's look at two simple exercises, which will help you to get in touch with your body's wisdom. They're both easy and fun, but don't treat them lightly.

Mountain Pose - Tadasana - Be Right Where You Are

Stand straight, with your feet hip-width apart, and your arms completely relaxed, as they drop from your shoulders towards the ground.

Push your tailbone down slightly to straighten your pelvis, and feel your spine lift upward.

Press your shoulder blades downwards without straining. This will open your chest.

Breathe normally.

Relax, and be aware of your body, and your breath; maintain the pose for a minute or two.

Easy Post - Sukhasana - Just Sitting and Being

Basically, in Easy Post you're just sitting cross legged. You'll need a cushion.

Place your cushion on the floor, and sit toward the front of it so that your hips are higher than your knees. Straighten your legs, and then cross them. Ideally, your knees will be close to the floor; as you continue to practice, your hips will open more, making this easier.

Rest your hands lightly on your knees. As in Mountain Pose, press your shoulder blades downwards to open your chest.

If you can't achieve this pose with a cushion on the floor, sit on a chair with your feet together on the floor.

Breathe normally, and relax. Be aware of your body, by scanning it with your mind and consciously relaxing those areas which are tight. Stay sitting for a minute or two, or as long as you wish, getting in touch with your body.

Mountain Pose and Easy pose seem simple, and they are. They're also complex, as you'll discover, in that they help you to become aware of your body. As your awareness grows, you'll come to discover your body's wisdom - this is the gift of yoga.

Discover yourself with yoga, a gentle form of stretching. Yoga strengthens both your body and mind, and is suitable for anyone, from children to seniors. Visit Easy Fab Yoga Blog at http://www.easyfabyoga.com/blog/ for daily yoga information, tips, and inspiration.

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Two Easy Yoga Exercises to Beat Stress

Looking for ways to beat stress? Yoga makes it easy. Even five minutes spent doing yoga will give you stress relief. In these tough times it's only natural to feel stress. However constant unrelieved stress will lead to health problems. It's vital that you spend some time each day getting rid of the stress hormones in your system and discovering relaxation.

Even if you are new to yoga, a few simple stretches will relieve your stress and improve your mood. This is a great gift you can give to yourself as well as to your loved ones. New to yoga? The easiest way to learn yoga is to take a class at a yoga studio. However you can also learn basic yoga from an instructional CD or DVD, or even a book. When you're using yoga to relieve stress, it's vital that you don't get hung up on your technique. With yoga it's not important how perfectly you perform an exercise, but that you focus on your body rather than on the thoughts whizzing around in your brain.

Here are two easy yoga exercises which will help you to relieve stress.

1. Downward Facing Dog Pose - Calms Your Mind and Relieves Mild Depression or Agitation

If you own a dog you know where the name of this exercise comes from. Each time your dog gets up from a rest he takes pleasure in this luxurious stretch -- you can do the same thing. Begin this pose on your hands and knees and then lift your knees from the floor. Straighten your knees but don't lock them and lift your tailbone towards the ceiling. Maintain the pose for several breaths, or even longer. You can stay in this pose for up to five minutes if it feels comfortable.

2. Seated Forward Bend: Calms Your Mind and Relieves Mild Depression or Agitation In Seated Forward Bend, you fold your body up like clothes pin.

Sit on the floor with your legs straight. Take a deep breath and bend forward from your hips, reaching out to hold your toes, and then folding your body on to your legs if you can. Don't strain to do the exercise - just stretch as far as is comfortable - and BREATHE.

Maintain the pose for several breaths or even for up to five minutes if you wish. The above two exercises are a great way to relieve stress. You can do them at any time of the day or evening, even in the office. Just close your office door.

Discover yourself with yoga, a gentle form of stretching. Yoga strengthens both your body and mind, and is suitable for anyone, from children to seniors. Visit Easy Fab Yoga Blog at http://www.easyfabyoga.com/blog/ for daily yoga information, tips, and inspiration.

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Five Basic Yoga Exercises to Do Sitting on Bed to Help You Sleep

Many people have difficulty falling asleep. If you're mind is racing, full of ideas and lists-of-things-to do tomorrow, it can be hard for you to switch off and rest. To function properly during your day, it is vital you give your body and mind a chance to rest, repair and heal from the day's busyness. You deserve a good nights' rest.

The gentle art of yoga is the ideal way for you to unwind after a busy day.

Practice these basic yoga exercises to calm and clear your mind and help you fall asleep easily.

1. Neck Stretches

Sit on the edge of your bed relax your arms and shoulders. Inhale. Slowly exhale through your nose and lower your head forward to rest your chin on your upper chest. Feel the back of your neck relax and soften. Inhale and return your head to centre. Slowly exhale and lean your head back. Let the jaw relax and be aware of the gentle stretch on your throat. Breathe slowly and deeply. Slowly return head to centre. Repeat this stretch 3 - 5 times in each direction.

2. Still sitting on your bed, slowly breathe in and raise both shoulders to your ears. Squeeze them tightly and relax them as you breathe out. Repeat 3 - 5 times. Each time, allow your shoulders to relax a bit more.

3. Shake your hands for 30 - 60 seconds. Breathing fully and deeply as you do so. Make sure your jaw is relaxed and feet resting comfortably on the floor.

4. Brush/stroke down your left arm with your right hand. Switch and repeat on the opposite arm.

5. Lie on your stomach, fold your arms and rest your cheek on your arms. Observe the raising and falling of your abdomen as it expands and contracts with each breath. Stay in this position and take 3 - 5 rounds of deep abdominal breathing.

At the end of these yoga exercises, slowly return to normal breathing and lie down in your bed.

With practice, you will soon find it easier to fall asleep and have a good night's rest.

Ntathu Allen, Yoga and Meditation Teacher works with women who want a richer, more fulfilling life for themselves and their families. She teaches you easy yoga postures, meditation practices and relaxation techniques to help you live a healthier, wealthier and happier stress-free life. To find out more go to: http://www.yogainspires.co.uk and sign up for your copy of Ntathu's free monthly yoga Inspires enewsletter. The newsletter contains a goldmine of tips, techniques and strategies you can use to become healthier, wealthier and happier.


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