Archive for the ‘Yoga For Woman’ Category
What is a Yoga Lifestyle?
Attending a bunch of yoga classes every week? Wearing tight yoga pants and, every time you get a chance, flinging silk scarves made in India around your shoulders? If I say “Namaste” when I greet someone, or “Om Shanti” when I leave, does that make me a yogi?
While all of the above choices are perfectly in line with the newly-born and rapidly expanding yoga culture, yoga lifestyle means something entirely different. It has nothing to do with the style of yoga people practice, their style of clothing, the type of work they are involved in, or anything else that is externally imposed by fads and culture.
Yoga lifestyle is about one’s internal values: What moves or motivates a person to do what they do? Yoga lifestyle is also about the process: How one goes about performing their daily actions. That person can be an artist, a carpenter, a construction worker, a plumber, a car mechanic, a yoga teacher, or a cop. These external descriptions are like the seasons in New England – they are in constant change. They describe a temporary occurrence. Our essence remains the same. Our core values determine who we are and if we are living a yoga lifestyle.
Several years ago, I witnessed the following scene in New York City.
A hot and humid summer afternoon was drawing to a close. The busy sidewalk glistened in the slanted sunrays weaving their way through the tall buildings. A young woman with a baby carriage stopped at a street vendor to buy a bottle of water. For a moment, she let go of the carriage handle as she reached for her wallet to pay. In that moment, the baby carriage started to roll down the sidewalk and toward the speeding traffic.
All of a sudden, a teenage boy darted away from his ‘gang’ across the street and sprinted toward the rolling carriage while dodging cars. His sharp and urgent voice “Watch the baby! Watch the baby!” jerked the young mother’s head around. She grasped the invisible air handle realizing what happened, and ran toward the carriage, which was already falling over the edge of the sidewalk and into the hands of the teenage boy.
The mother broke into tears and hugged the boy. The boy smiled and shook his head. His friends across the street started clapping their hands. Several other people joined the standing ovation. The street vendor cheered the passers-by to notice what happened. For a few seconds, the busy street stopped, and celebrated the moment.
In those few seconds, a wave of love and gratitude rolled through the crowd. Everyone smiled. We all felt connected. We all felt compassionate toward one another and united in our human condition here on planet Earth, regardless of our background and beliefs.
What moved the young man to sprint through the traffic risking his own life? What moved the young woman to hug the boy? What moved the gang of young teenagers to applaud this event?
Many yoga masters and spiritual teachers have defined yoga as “perfection in action”. A perfect action means “an action that benefits someone and harms no-one”. It is an action rooted in non-violence and compassion coming from a deep source within. When we are living our life in accordance with this principle, we are living the yoga lifestyle.
Non-violence, which stems from compassion, is thought of as the most important yoga principle. It’s called “Ahimsa” in Sanskrit and applies to everything: our deeds, words, and thoughts. Gandhi dedicated his life to Ahimsa. He was a great yogi and a wonderful example of the yoga lifestyle.
There are four more yoga principles of social conduct: truthfulness, non-stealing, faithfulness, and non-greed; and five rules of personal conduct: mental purity, contentment with what we have, accepting suffering as purification, self-study, and surrendering of ego.
No one said it was easy. However, as you begin to quiet your mind and listen to your heart, the natural sense of compassion and non-violence awakens, and there’s no stopping it. All other yoga principles become our choices and the natural extension of the original awakening to the compassionate voice of your inner heart. The yoga lifestyle is the next step in the evolution of the humankind.
Author: Surya Kolpakov
Clothing for the Yoga Lifestyle
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Prenatal Yoga Classes
Prenatal yoga classes are among the most popular classes an expectant mother will take. In fact, these classes are particularly popular among mothers who are preparing to have their first child.
These classes are offered at a number of places. Expectant mothers can usually sign up for classes at gyms and birthing facilities. Women can also hire private yoga instructors to come to their home to offer these classes.
Women who have taken these classes claim that they help them bond with their unborn children. They also feel that the techniques learned in these classes help them to prepare for childbirth.
If a woman desires to take one of these classes, she should do the following:
- Talk to the doctor – Not all expectant mothers are eligible to take a prenatal yoga class. There sometimes are health issues that preclude a woman from having this kind of physical activity. However, in most cases doctors have no problem allowing their patients to take these classes. In fact, many recommend it as long as the woman who wants to take the class has been in good health.
- Find one – Usually the best way to find one of these classes is to ask people who work at the hospital or OB/GYN office about which classes are offered in the area. Often doctors or nurses will know of a few good instructors that they can recommend to their patients. If trying to find prenatal yoga classes through a care facility does not yield good results, local gyms also can be contacted. If a person is not able to find a class that focuses specifically on prenatal yoga, many women can still take a regular class. However, if this is the path a person decides to take, she should always let her yoga instructor know she is pregnant. Women who are pregnant and take these classes also should be careful to not over-exert themselves.
- Be ready – A pregnant woman must be even more sure that she comes prepared to her yoga class. In addition to dressing in comfortable clothing, bring plenty of water as well as a yoga mat to the class. Water is especially important to make sure that the woman doing the yoga does not become dehydrated.
- Get loose – It never hurts to do a little bit of stretching at home before going to the gym or birthing facility to participate in a yoga class. A woman should be ready to move in and out of many different poses during her class. In prenatal yoga, some of the common poses include pelvic tilts, lying on the side, sitting cross-legged and squatting.
Author: Anne Clarke
Healthy and Smooth Pregnancy With Prenatal Yoga Practice
Drink plenty of water in the hours before your prenatal yoga class. Always use additional pillows, pads or blankets (if necessary) to increase the support during prenatal yoga. As a pregnant woman, you get warm easily.
New business hosts yoga classes
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Yoga And Pregnancy
Any woman who has experienced pregnancy knows how important it is to keep fit during those nine months. It’s not only to maintain your fitness level and encourage natural birth but also to regain your pre-pregnancy figure. At the same time, there are certain activities that are off limits when you are carrying a child. Contact sports are one category because these can cause bodily harm, to you and your baby. High intensity workouts are not good because they can increase blood pressure or limit the flow of oxygen to the baby. They also can take a toll on your legs and back, which are already tired with the extra weight.
This is why yoga makes so much sense during pregnancy. It is an ancient Indian form of exercise that takes a holistic approach. It aims to develop your mind and body at the same time.
Yoga is not aggressive. There is no way a pregnant woman can get injured during yoga unless she ignores the warning signs of her body and pushes it too far. There are various postures that train your body to reach its highest flexibility. By stretching and relaxing muscles alternatively, you will feel light and supple.
Yoga is not tiring on the body. It’s ideal for women who find themselves panting and puffing when they climb stairs or walk for long distances. Experts say that being short of breath is not a good sign for pregnant women. Taking up yoga gives your body a workout without the strain.
One of the main disciplines of yoga is deep breathing, which requires close concentration. This is a relaxing technique and improves circulation too. The stress of everyday life will slowly leave your body. Remember, the baby in the womb is sensitive to the mother’s moods and thoughts, since the day it develops sensory perception. So a calm and relaxed mother will reflect well on the baby. It’s important to contribute to your child’s development in these early days.
Research conducted over many years show that yoga has a positive effect on pregnancy. It relieves stress and muscle tension, reduces cramps and swelling and keeps the mother’s mind calm. Women who have practiced yoga consistently experience very little discomfort during delivery. This is because; being more flexible, they can try different positions when in labor and their body is more compliant to the stretching that happens when giving birth. It all adds up to less pain.
Postnatal yoga can be started about five weeks after a natural birth. It strengthens abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor. You can bounce back healthy and strong after having your baby and you’ll shed off the pregnancy pounds faster. Higher energy levels will help you to tolerate the sleepless nights and in general, cope better with the chaotic first few weeks after birth.
Where do you start?
If you have never tried your hand at yoga, it’s best to go to an expert or attend a class, rather than going solo. Once you have learned the basic principles of yoga and the postures, you can be confident of continuing on your own. There are many books and videos to help you out too and they will make the experience more fun.
Start slowly and then build from there. If there is any discomfort or pain, stop the session and consult your doctor or midwife. Always remember not to overstretch your body. Pregnancy hormones make your ligaments more lax and soft. Injury is a possibility if you are not careful.
By: Bizymoms.com Management
Physical And Spiritual Benefits Of Prenatal Yoga
Prenatal yoga has both mental and physical benefits during pregnancy. For one, it is helpful because it teaches you how to breathe deeply and how to relax, factors which will obviously come in handy at the end of your pregnancy.
There are many benefits of yoga for pregnancy. A woman can safely perform special yoga poses throughout her entire pregnancy.
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Yoga For Women
Are you a busy women and tired of being tired? Would you like to have more energy, fun and vitality? Have you thought of practising yoga, but feel you don’t have the time or energy to go to a yoga class?
Working full time and raising a family requires a lot of positive energy. To maintain your energy it is essential you engage regularly in activities which nourish and nurture your soul; failure to do so leaves you feeling ratty and snapping at your children, always being late or feeling rushed to fit everything into your busy schedule..
As a working mother myself, with three teenage daughters, I know how challenging and weary life can be.
Yoga for woman is the ideal form of exercise to help you relax and nurture your soul.
The following five easy hatha yoga exercises offer you a simple and easy yoga practice you can do at home, in your own time. Regular practice will help you to stay active, relax and energised.
As with all forms of physical activity, especially if you have a medical condition or haven’t exercised for a while, please consult your GP prior to exercising. Remember also to listen and respect your body. Always exercise within your own safety limits.
1. Downward- Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
a) Begin on your hands and knees on All Fours.
b) Spread your fingers wide and press your hands firmly into the mat. Press your heels and feet downwards as you straighten your legs, lift your hips and tailbone to the sky. Lengthen your spine. So your body represents a V-shape. Let your head hang down and relax your jaw.
c) Stay in this position for three- five rounds of deep yogic breathes then slowly come out of the pose.
2. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
a) Lie on your belly with your hands flat on the floor, under your shoulders and legs straight out behind you close together. Press your feet and toes firmly down into the floor. Have your forehead resting on the mat. Breathe in and slowly raise your forehead, nose and chest up from the floor, keeping your hands down on the floor and press your hips on the floor.
b) Hold this pose for 3-5 rounds deep breaths, then slowly exhale and come slowly down.
3) Extended Child Pose
a) Start in a kneeling position, sitting back on your heels. If this feels uncomfortable, lace a folded blanket or pillow between your buttocks and your heels.
b) Breathe out and slowly lower your body forward until your head touches the floor. If your legs or back are stiff and you find it difficult to place your head on the floor without your hips coming up, make a fist with your hands, place them one on to of each other and rest your forehead on the top fist. If your stomach feels uncomfortable or gets in the way, just spread your feet apart.
c) Keep your buttocks on your heels. Stretch your arms out in front of you.
d) Each time you breathe out let your chest go closer to your knees. Keep your shoulders relaxed and take your arms back so your hands are close to your feet.
e) Stay in this position for 10 – 15 rounds of deep breathing.
f) Gently breathe out, slowly kneel up again and be aware of how you feel. Stay still for a few more moments before you get up from this position.
4) Wide Leg Forward Bend/Hands Behind Back
a)Stand with your legs and feet hip distance apart. Interlace your fingers behind your back. Gently bend forward. Stretch your hands and arms up and back. Gently breathe into the stretch. Slowly release your arms and come back to an upright position. Repeat 3 – 5 times.
5) Savasana (Corpse/Relaxation Pose)
Lie on the floor or yoga mat on your back, feet spread about 18″ apart and hands about 6″ from the sides of your body with palms up. Take a few moments to make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed in this position, make sure your body is symmetrical. Let your thighs, knees and toes relax and turn outwards. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, in and out through your nose. Remain in this position for 5-15 minutes. Gently open your eyes and roll over to your side before coming to a seated position.
As a busy working woman, regular yoga practice will help you to stay active, relax and energised through out your day. Let me know how you get on, I would be delighted to suggest further yoga postures you could do at home to help you relief stress and boost your energy.
Author: Ntathu Allen
The following five easy hatha yoga exercises offer you a simple and easy yoga practice you can do at home, in your own time. Regular practice will help you to stay active, relax and energised.
Both men and women wear pants when doing yoga exercises. Obviously they will vary depending on what you’re comfortable with, but it can be anything from shorts to three-quarter pants.
Many women are looking to learn yoga for stress relief. Since yoga for women has been shown to increase health benefits, and decrease anxiety and worry, women.
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Yoga Exercises For Pregnant Women
Pregnant women can definitely benefit from doing yoga. The experience is one in which you can focus on what is happening within your body, relieve the stresses from worry and anxiety as well as keep your body in shape during this time. Pregnancy is a time of great risk though, so any and all exercises performed during this time need to be done with great care. At any time that you feel that you have overdone it, stop and rest. Make sure to ask your doctor if yoga is safe for you during pregnancy especially if you have any complications during it.
Exercises You Can Enjoy And Reap Benefits From
Yoga breathing: Probably the most important aspect to the pregnant women is relaxing and relieving stress. Although it is not an exercise, it is a way of taking control of the body once again to encourage positive-ness and to increase health. The right breathing techniques can provide many benefits. Take the time to practice the most basic of techniques that yoga teaches in breathing.
Standing Yoga poses: In your first trimester, the best exercises to do are the standing yoga poses. These are basic and taught in most yoga sessions. This will help strengthen your legs and muscles and help with circulation while reducing leg cramps too.
Asanas: In the next couple of months, you can do what feels right to you. But, never push too hard. You may want to reduce the time that you spend practicing the Asanas as you do not want to overwork or tire your body.
Moderate twisting: You can do supine poses, backbends as well as some twisting as long as you are comfortable. Just ensure that you are doing these in moderation.
Word Of Caution
It is important to note that many yoga practitioners warn against practicing yoga from the tenth through the fourteenth week of pregnancy since these are crucial times in development. Also, it is important to never overstretch the abdomen during any time of the pregnancy. When twisting, do so with your shoulders and the upper back only. As for inversion poses, only do them through the seventh month is you are completely comfortable doing them. Never push too hard and yoga will be very enjoyable during pregnancy.
Author: Mike Singh
Common Symptoms of Stress – Exercise to Reduce Stress
Usually yoga or meditation is prescribed for reducing the stress level in an individual. However, the benefits of exercise to beat stress are less known.
The Great Things About The Yoga DVD – Artipot
There are different types of yoga DVD that you can avail. There are DVDs of yoga exercises for pregnant women so that they are ensured that their body and the baby are healthy.
The Role of Physical Exercises for Pregnant Women
For instance, pregnant women should follow a healthy diet and not in the last place they should maintain their health and a nice body shape by doing physical exercises.
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How Can Yoga Change Your Life?
Yoga is one of the best natural "risk-free" solutions against stress. It can be practiced by anyone, anywhere in the world. Many people do yoga on a daily basis, to keep fit and avoid any trouble can be caused by depression or anxiety.
They don’t just practice yoga for its healthy benefits, but they consider it as the effective way to concentrate, and focus to achieve their goals.
Yoga opens the door for a new, exotic universe, in front of its serious yogi and yogini. These later refers to the man and woman who practice yoga for their well-being. They live in peace of mind, and feel the beauty inside and around them. They are proud of their achievement!
Let’s talk about the major mental and physical benefits of yoga. In addition to its stress relieve effect, yoga has many other wonderful benefits:
When you start your yoga exercise, you clean your mind from any destruction.
You gain self-confidence, and the power of mental visualization.
You beat all your fears and frustrations in life.
You can easily solve your daily problems, and find your suitable solutions for them..
On the physical side, yoga gives you the opportunity to get rid of your body fat.
You can obtain a nice flatten, toned belly and improve those "ugly" big thighs and butts looking, through the practice of yoga poses and asanas.
These later are known as the mind, body connection exercises. The yoga student accomplishes them in a total mental and physical Harmony. Yoga is an effective, natural way to eliminate the back pain, and Make the body more flexible.
All these benefits of yoga assure a strong, yet skinny body, and healthy Lifestyle.
Move your body and mind. Be active and happy! Be yoga!
By: Chaker Saaf
Improving Your Life With Yoga And Meditation
The reason yoga has become so popular is because it has allowed thousands worldwide to transform their health, both mentally and physically.
How to introduce your children to yoga
When you silently repeat these Primordial Sounds, it stills youryour entire physiology – mind, body and soul. Primordial Sound Meditation is easy to learn and does not require any specific belief or change in behavior or lifestyle. mind, and soothes
