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Yoga – A Cure for Modern Day Stress by Yoga Leicester
As we walk the tightrope between modern life and our animal instincts, the human race strives to find balance. In our bodies, our minds, our environment, in our lives. With our brains over-stimulated and our bodies more sedentary than ever, many of us suffer from the fatigue and imbalance that comes from chronic stress without sufficient recovery. A yoga practice is an excellent way to soothe nerves that are in a constant state of overdrive. Yoga can help give us the ability to live healthy amidst hectic schedules and bustling environments. Why does it seem that as technology evolves at such epic pace we have less and less time at our disposal? Now more than ever we need to slow down, quiet our minds, take a deep breath…
Stress has become a chronic aspect of life for many of us; and it takes its toll. The nervous system senses continued pressure and remains slightly activated, producing extra stress hormones over an extended period of time. This can wear out the body’s reserves, leaving us feeling depleted or overwhelmed. Over time the immune system weakens causing illness and fatigue, mood swings, lack of focus, and irritability. Stress is implicated in many health problems from migraines and insomnia to lupus, MS, eczema, poor digestion, weight gain, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. In milder situations a little stress can keep us on our toes and help us to rise to a challenge. However, in today’s world chronic, unreleased stress has become prevalent and is taking a tremendous toll on our bodies as it diminishes our enjoyment of life.
In city living the constant noise, electricity, radiation, radiowaves, electromagnetic rays, and infra-red which surround us, create an ever-present stimuli that haggars the central nervous system. We do not yet know long term effects of this “white noise.” We may not consciously be aware of it, but our bodies register all that is going on around us. In our jobs and lifestyles we are often engaged in many tasks at once and feeling that we are constantly on the go, and that even when we do have a moment to spare we can’t seem to truly relax.
What is Stress?
In a challenging situation the human brain responds to stressors by activating the nervous system and specific hormones. The hypothalamus (located in the centre of the brain) signals the adrenal glands to produce more of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol, and release them into the bloodstream. Heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism increase, blood vessels open wider to allow more blood flow into large muscles groups, making our muscles tense and putting the brain on high alert. Pupils dilate to improve vision. The liver releases a dose of stored glucose to increase the body’s energy. Sweat is produced to cool the body. This chain reaction of physical effects happens to prepare the human being to react quickly and effectively, enabling them to handle the pressure of the moment. Cortisol is a natural steroid that raises your blood sugar level (so the muscles have plenty of fuel) and suppresses inflammation, but it also suppresses the immune system. The adrenal hormones are catabolic, which means they foster biological processes that burn energy and break down cellular structures. If you activate the adrenal glands over and over again without sufficient recovery in between, your body becomes depleted and exhausted.
Stress is necessary for the human to remain self-sufficient; to survive. In the jungle, ancient man conjured stress hormones when needed to fight a bear or a tiger, or to survive extreme weather conditions. With a concrete defensive action stress hormones in the blood get used up entailing reduced stress effects and symptoms of anxiety. In modern life some stress situations sharpen us; clear the cobwebs from our thinking, and stimulate faculties to attain our true potential. Each stage of human evolution happened by adapting in order to survive extreme conditions and stressors in our environment, as at this time the body is prepared to act with increased strength and speed while the mind is sharp and focused. Stress and a human response to stress is necessary.
However, what we need now is to learn to adapt to our new world, to handle the increase in milder but consistent stress in a better way and to learn to release before it affects us in a negative manner. When we fail to counter a stress situation these chemicals and hormones remain unreleased in the body and bloodstream for a long period of time. This leads to a long list of symptoms such as tense muscles, unfocused anxiety, dizziness and rapid heartbeat, and compels the mind-body to an almost constant alarm state in preparation to fight or run away (known as the fight or flight response).
Accumulated stress can increase the risk of both acute and chronic psychosomatic illnesses, and cause everything from headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, frequent cold and fatigue, to diseases such as hypertension, asthma, diabetes, heart ailments and even cancer. Many medical doctors and psychologists go as far as to say that 70 – 90 % of visits by adults to primary care physicians are for stress related problems.
How Yoga Affects Stress
Enhance the body’s natural functions:
To recover from the exhaustion associated with chronic stress, we need to do things that turn off the adrenal hormones and promote secretion of anabolic hormones. Certain yoga poses, such as inversions help to stimulate glands in the brain (Pituitary, Pineal). Moving into the ALPHA state is very important. The alpha state is considered the ideal waking state, where we reach the pinnacle of our creative thought process while the body is in a healing cycle. Alpha state is often attained during savasana; final resting pose in yoga practice.
Yoga’s smooth, deep, symmetrical breathing, twists, stretches and balancing postures help to enhance the body’s natural functions, keeping the spine, house of the nervous system supple, enhancing flow of fluids in the spine and stimulating glands and circulation of blood and lymph throughout the rest of the body. Muscles are lengthened and toxins are released. Pranayam (breath exercises) and poses such as cat where we roll along the spine with breath can help to flush and clear the lung tissue.
Yoga innately helps us to create balance; to know our bodies, to recognize when we are not balanced both on and off of the mat. On a purely physical level hatha yoga creates strength, flexibility, grace. Part of Yoga’s philosophy is to take the approach of strengthening and healing the body in the process of healing and cleansing the mind. Yoga views the body as having many layers. Asana (physical yoga postures) affect the body but also these deeper layers, en route to creating a whole, balanced self. Hatha yoga practice creates unobstructed energy flow.
Release Tension:
Stressed out individuals tend to carry a great deal of physical tension in their bodies. Yoga helps to unlock and release these tensions before they can accumulate over time and become chronic physical and psychological conditions. As we release physical blockages, toxins, and limitations from the body we also do so in mind, spirit, and emotions. The benefits of yoga postures (asana), breathing (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana) include increased body awareness, release of muscular tension and increased coordination between mind-and body which leads to better management of stress and cultivates an overall feeling of well being
During the resting poses in yoga such as child’s pose, abdominal tension is released. This allows internal organs to unwind promoting deep breathing and enhancing digestive and reproductive functions. This deep rest affords the central nervous system much needed time in ‘para-sympathetic’ mode (relaxed calm state, free of the “flight or flight” stress response) in order to recover and rejuvenate. Creating focus through a series of specific bodily poses also helps us to truly take our mind off of work and other stressors.
The Breath:
In normal conditions the body follows a natural breath pattern that is slow and fairly regulated. Under stress when the body shows symptoms such as tightening of muscles, distractions, anxiety, hyperactivity and angry reactions, breathing becomes quick and shallow. One tends to hold one’s breath frequently. With restricted breathing inflow of oxygen is diminished. Lungs are unable to exhale the stale airs and residual toxins build up inside the body. Stiff muscles restrict the circulation of blood that so even less oxygen comes in and fewer toxins are removed. This in turn affects the healthy regeneration of cells and can accelerate aging and disease. Medical studies show that the oxygen-starved cells are the major contributing factors in cancer, immunity deficiency, heart disease and strokes. Breathing also affects our state of mind and consequently makes our thinking either confused or clear. Lengthening and deepening breath in yoga creates a more balanced state of being. A change in breath pattern creates a change in the metabolic process, emotions, endorphins, internal chemical reactions, and the release of specific hormones. Mind affects body; body affects mind.
Mind Body Connection:
The sensitivity that comes through a yoga practice helps to develop a level of skill in cultivating, observing and choosing one’s posture, breath, emotions, and diet more wisely. As we practice we learn to listen with our bodies. Whenever we experience an emotion, our bodies register this emotion and mirror it. The next time you get angry, stressed, or afraid, stop and notice exactly what is happening in your own body in that moment. Which muscles got tense? How has your breath been affected? How did your posture change? Is your heart beating faster? What affects you and why? Are you able to notice it as it happens?
Over time yoga helps us to let go of unwanted emotional and physical patterns. Yoga practice is great for providing recovery and can also help you deal with stressful circumstances without having such a strong negative reaction. The mindfulness – mind-body awareness cultivated with yoga practice allows us to realize emotions as they arise; sensing what is the cause of the emotion and how that emotion affects the body/mind. As Patanjali says in his Yoga Sutras, “Yoga quells the fluctuations of the mind.” It slows down the mental loops and patterns of frustration, regret, anger, fear, and desire that can cause stress. No matter what age, we can release past traumas, feelings of guilt or inadequacy, denial, patterns of feeling unable to communicate or connect, patterns of addiction, (all of which lead to more guilt and denial). We need to clear out these patterns in order to stay freshly alive or else there is an accumulation, a blockage, both physical and mental. We need to continually release these psycho/somatic holding patterns. As we release blockages, toxins, and tightness physically, we also do so in mind, spirit, emotions.
Awareness from the inside out and from the outside in are necessary. They are one in the same. Through a regular yoga practice we develop a balanced state on a consistent basis and this translates into our lives off the mat. We become better equipped to handle everything that comes our way in life; to handle life with more grace, ease, and presence, from a more objective point of view. By staying open we keep on top of the game, in the moment, able to truly enjoy each day to the fullest. The way we deal with coworkers and friends or family will innately be transformed. The very way we perceive things around us and who we are as a person from moment to moment will be transformed. Our sense of self-perception is the root of our own life. From here the world around us takes shape. As we become more aware of ourselves we are able to be less judgmental, more open, more honest, and take things less personally. True wisdom comes from within, from self knowledge and a clear eye.If you learn to quiet your mind, you’ll be likely to live longer, and fuller, with better health. Yoga and meditation offer some of the same benefits as antidepressants-without the side effects.
It is no wonder yoga has soared to such heights of popularity. Through yoga practice we begin to find a sense of wholeness. We become more aware. We create balance in our bodies, in our minds, in our lives. As we evolve individually and come closer to an open, authentic state of being, we also evolve as a species, creating a better world for us all.
Steve
Yoga Leicester – How Hot Is Hot Yoga ?
The beginning of yoga goes back 2,500 years and was introduced by Patanjali of who we owe a debt of gratitude for helping us all in our quest to maintain stability in mind spirit and soul. Most importantly it is the healthy outlook on life both mentally and physically it gives. Hot of the press, word has it this form of exercise has taken the world by storm and still continues to do so and will for a long time to come.
Believe it or not hot yoga is a type of exercise people are practicing on such a high scale that it is becoming a craze. Hot yoga is a combination of different poses carried out in a special heated room of which the temperature is normally between 95-100 degrees.
Think sauna – think perspiration when this routine is performed. Having a towel handy is a good idea to wipe your brow or other parts of the body that needs attention in absorbing sweat loss.
Light clothing like shorts to practice hot yoga will make your experience a more comfortable one, no winter wollies please they are not needed.
Involving your self in hot yoga is a fabulous way of cleansing the body and ridding any waste toxins on the inside.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluid (water) during lessons. Bring your own thermos or bottled mineral water, by doing this you can quench your thirst thus stemming off dehydration. Before taking part in hot yoga remember that it is not advisable to consume food at least two hours before. The reason being is you have nominated your body to take part in a strenuous workout.
Cholesterol and fat levels are lowered through sweat loss, so if slimming is on the agenda then it is certainly worth checking out the Bikram yoga method.
Moves and bodily posture movements differ greatly so choosing which class is for you could prove to be a problem. Yoga Leicester recommends that you do a little research or talk to a guru in the field of yoga who can advise you on what is best for your needs, whether it is a health matter, slim down or just to claim peace of mind.
Before enrolling in a hot yoga class make sure to delve more intimately into what it entails as it may not be your cup of tea unlike it is for others. Hot yoga can be exhausting but it does have its perks giving results. Your health is so very important thus making yoga a number one priority to be taken seriously to take claim of a fit mind body and soul.
Feeling good about your self is a step forward in leading a better life. Consult your doctor on any health concerns you may have before he points you in the right direction of easing your symptoms with a dose of yoga.
Steve
Yoga Leicester, The History of Yoga
Yoga is a union of body, mind, and spirit. The history of yoga is long and steeped in tradition. Yoga is an ancient system of health and fitness which originated in India. The word yoga has its first mention in the Rig Veda, the oldest of the sacred texts. Those that study Yoga estimate it’s age to be four thousand years.
The history of Yoga can be divided into four main periods which are the pre-classical period, classical period, post-classical period and modern period. In the history of yoga, the book is called the yoga sutras. The history of yoga would not have been completed in the classical stage of yoga.
The word Yoga literally meant the Yolk that joins something together, such as an ox to a cart. The idea is that yoga unites all aspects of being into one.
What most people envision to be Yoga, those contortionist postures, is really only one small aspect of a much larger field of practices. The methods of yoga includes ethical disciplines, physical postures, breathing control as well as meditation.
The 20th century witnessed a renaissance of yoga that caused a globalization of this ancient tradition. Modern approaches to yoga have created a clear delineation between the Hindu religion and the practice of yoga. Through the practice of yoga, an individual can gain information about physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being.
Over the long history of yoga, different schools have emerged, and there are numerous examples branches and philosophies that have spawned. Ultimately, all agree on one common element, the fundamental purpose of yoga is to foster harmony in the body, mind, and environment.
Today yoga is accepted as a comprehensive exercise to promote control of the body and mind. More than just a means of being fit and trim, yoga can help you live a healthy, whole, and empowered life. In recent decades, yoga has greatly and swiftly evolved. Yoga is the most diversified spiritual practice in the world. The living tradition of yoga now recognizes no borders as it continues to spread globally.
Steve
Yoga Leicester,Finding Balance And Health With Yoga
Have you heard about the Gunas? No, they are not Disney characters! According to yoga there are three basic qualities or energies that make up everything. They are, rajas, tamas and sattva.
Rajas is the energy of action, change and movement. Rajas is the fuel of passion and fire. Rajasic energy is also associated with the day light hours. We obviously need rajasic energy to create energy to move successfully throughout our world and lives. When we have too much rajasic energy we might appear to the outside world as extremely busy, go go go, do do do! Does this sound like you? Sustaining a high degree of rajasic energy will lead to burn out! When rajas is out of balance the mind and body are overstimulated, the mind becomes restless and you experience many uncontrollable thoughts.
Foods that are rajasic include: spicy food, fried foods, coffee / caffeinated beverages/ stimulants/ fish, eggs, chocolate, foods that are very bitter, sour, dry and salty. Eating in a hurry is also considered rajasic
Tamas can be thought of as the opposite of rajas. Tamasic energy is associated with a state of inactivity and inertia, heaviness and darkness. When tamas is out of balance your ability to reason becomes clouded and you may experience darker emotions such as anger or greed. Just as there is more rajasic energy present in daylight hours, tamasic energy is present during nighttime. People who are very tamasic might be depressed or appear lazy. Generally speaking disease states are tamasic.
Examples of tamasic food include: meat, alcohol, tobacco, onions, fermented foods – vinegar or strong cheese, stale food or over ripe food, overly processed food or chemically treated. Overeating is considered tamasic.
Sattva is energy that is in a state of harmony and balance. Positive mental and emotional states of joy and intelligence are associated with sattva. A person who was experiencing a lot of sattvic energy would appear very happy. Sattvic energy also is consistent with healing states and in Ayurveda (yoga’s sister science) sattvic energy is actively cultivated. Sattvic energy is most present during the times between light and dark- in other words dusk and dawn. A person on the yogic path is focused on developing sattva and for this reason yoga asana and meditation are classically performed at these times.
Foods that are sattvic include: whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, pure fruit juice, legumes, milk, butter, nuts, seeds, sprouted seeds, honey and herb teas.
It is important to realize that we all have all three gunas within us. And although this is true we tend to have a predominant guna. Based on the descriptions above can you figure out what yours is? It is good to be aware of this because once you are aware of your predominant guna then you are able to predict how you might react to certain life circumstances in addition to knowing your strengths and weaknesses. You’ll know when you will tend to be thrown out of balance and what you will need to do to bring yourself back into balance.
We may also have times in our lives when one guna is more active then another. Perhaps you have very active time and very productive (rajasic). Or a period when you have been depressed (tamasic). Or a time when you are very balanced and in tune with your spirituality (satvic).
Another way the gunas show up in our lives and directly effect us is through the food we eat. Consider for a minute the average diet with overly processed and chemically treated foods which are very tamasic. Modern science now confirms that these food items are directly linked to major illnesses including cancer, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. As mentioned above too much tamasic energy leads to disease states. We also know that foods in their whole form such as grains, fresh fruits and vegetables (sattvic foods) are life sustaining and bring health and energy.
Do you practice yoga postures (asana)? How do the gunas show up here? Is your asana practice fiery and passionate? Was your practice slow and lazy? Or was it balanced?
It’s probably becoming clear to you by now that to be healthy, happy, and live a balanced life it is important to cultivate sattva in your life. This can be done by:
Reducing rajas and tamas
Becoming aware of when you are out of balance- which guna seems most present?
Increase activities and environments that produce positive thoughts
Eating a healthy, sattvic oriented diet
Certain herbs (subject for another article)
The practice of yoga: pranayama (breathing practices), asana (postures), meditation
Steve
Yoga Leicester’s Guide to the Difference Between Common Types of Yoga
What is the difference between common yoga and the not so common yoga ? Nothing, only that one is practiced on a wider scale than the other. It’s up to each individual and their preferences as to what form of exercise they choose to practice. Some more common types of yoga are performed by people for health reasons.
When first starting out to practice yoga, make sure you find out what’s best suited to your requirements. Important factors such as your level of fitness must be addressed prior to any exercise.
Some of the most common types of yoga are Iyenga. This yoga is solely based on alignment and accurate movements.When working out the Iyengar way, props such as straps and blocks are used for beginners who are not as flexible as the experts in this field. By using these yoga props it can help the beginner to relax and give comfort therefore encouraging beneficial results.
The Ashtanga is the more commonly known power yoga. The reason for this alias is because of the powerful movements that are involved
The moves exercised include lunges and push ups which helps deal with strength and stamina. What type of person practices this form of yoga? People involved with Ashtanga are looking for challenging moves.
You will find athletes,gymnasts and cyclists all from the fitness world have turned to this type of yoga to add more balance to their concentration to help them in their quest when going for gold.
Bikram Yoga known as hot yoga is where routines are carried out in a very warm room. This is an excellent way for increasing flexibility as heat can stretch body tissue.
Health conditions such as cardio vascular disease makes this type of common yoga off limits. The reason being the vigorous routines practiced in heat thus causing strain on the body.
A content mind denotes a content body and soul. The type of Yoga that meets with these needs of contentment is the Raja Yoga which implements liberation through meditation. The key factor in this exercise is concentration.
Bhakti commonly acknowledged as devotional yoga is where all participants focus on self surrender.
Some yoga types may sound a little shocking in what is expected of you but never judge the book by the cover. Why not try out an exercise for yourself. The Mantra yoga more known as yoga of potent targets liberation through mental or verbal repetition of noises and sounds.
Mental/physical anguish suffered by patients with stress related disorders are looking to the world of yoga, why? Because it is one of natures natural remedies for pain.
Steve
Yoga Leicester – Alternate Your Strength Training Workout With Some Yoga
Most people who think about strength training equipment have in mind the massive muscles that numerous bodybuilders get and consequently show off in competitions. This can either be a plus or a drawback for a lot of consumers. The average consumer likes to be able to feel good about themselves when they go swimming for example, but a lot are worried about building too much muscle and suffering from stereotypical viewpoints. This need not be a concern for anyone considering strength training equipment.
The average body builder works out considerably in order to build the muscles they are famous for, plus, they have to maintain a very strict regime with lots of protein and little or no fat. You would have to make an incredible effort to become as built as the average bodybuilder. A lot of consumers should use simple free weights to keep the muscle mass that they have or to add a little muscle strength. Some use strength training equipment to add a little tone or shape to certain areas of the body.
If you use them the right way and alternate your strength training workout with some yoga or stretching exercises there is little risk of you bulking up too much. Many find that they enjoy the challenge of working out with strength training equipment. You could gradually increase the weight as you work out over a period of time and after your workout you really will feel the ‘burn’ in your muscles.
We here at Yoga Leicester believe you should be careful of using too much weight at once. Its easy to sprain a muscle and hurt yourself, putting you out of commission for a few days or longer. A good rule of thumb is that if you believe you can start out with a certain weight begin about five or even ten pounds lighter and after you’ve done a few repetitions then move up to the next weight level. Why not check out strength training equipment reviews online for an idea of what others are doing ?
Steve
Got Only 15 minutes to exercise? Then try this from Yoga Leicester.
Today,we live in a sound-byte age where our day-to-day requirements leave us with very little time for exercise, at least in the mornings when it could be most efficient.
Yoga offers a systematic combination of poses, deep breathing and meditation that you could practice in 5-10 minutes-or less depending on your choice-and will also leave you invigorated and eager to step into the day feeling more energized.
The quick routine I am talking about is known as the Sun Salutations.
They are very simple to learn and almost anyone, regardless of their fitness or flexibility levels can learn these simple exercises. Actually, if you are acquainted with “burpies” (the calisthenics exercise), they do derive their origin from them.
As well as being an exercise routine, they are quite indispensable as they do the following.
-They alleviate disorders of the skin and waist.
-They mildly exercise the legs and arms at the same time increasing the circulation and restoring flexibility to the limbs.
-They are one of the best ways to burn calories and reduce weight and are often recommended for obesity and depression.
-They are an effective way of loosening up, stretching and massaging all joints and internal organs of the body.
-They stimulate and balance all the systems of the body including the endocrine, circulatory, reproductive and digestive system.
For directions on how to perform them, study, memorize and practice the following:
1. Stand straight with the palms together as in a prayer position.
2. Inhale and stretch the arms above the head.
3. Exhale and bend forward while touching the toes.
4. Inhale and stretch the right leg away from the body in a big backward step and keep the hands and left foot firmly on the ground. Bending the head backward the left knee should be between the hands.
5. Inhale and hold the breath. Move the left leg from the body and, keeping both feet together and the knees of the floor, rest on the hands (arms straight) and keep the body in a straight line from head to foot.
6. Exhale and lower the body to the floor. In this position, only 8 portions of the body come in contact with the floor: the two feet, two knees, two hands, chest and forehead.
7. Inhale and bend back as much as possible bending the spine to the maximum.
8. Exhale and lift the body of the floor. Keep the feet and heels on the floor.
9. Inhale and bring the right foot along the level of the hands; left foot and knee should touch the ground. Look up, bending the spine slightly (same position as #4)
10. Exhale and bring the left leg forward. Keep the knees straight and bring the head down to the knees as in the third position.
11. Raise the arms overhead and bend backward inhaling. As in Position 2.
12. Exhale and drop the arms and relax.
You have now completed one round.
Do as many rounds as possible in multiples of 3. Ideally you want to aim for 6 rounds minimum and up to a maximum of 30. It only takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on your speed and intensity and is best practiced with as little clothing as possible before an open air window first thing in the morning.
So when you’ve got little time to spare but need to be energized the way perhaps only physical exercise can, why not try the Sun Salutations. Your body will be glad you did and so will your mind.
Steve
Yoga Your Way to Physical and Mental Fitness by Yoga Leicester
Whilst many consider Yoga simply as an exercise fad, yoga practice has helped thousands of people in improving their physical and mental fitness. Recollect the golden rule of never judging a book by its cover; if you think that yoga’s all about bending,stretching and breathing and nothing else, think again.
The History of Yoga
The practice of yoga has been around for more than four thousand years. Its origins can be traced back to India where even today, it is considered as a highly valued practice to reach a state of enlightenment. Yoga as a means to receive enlightenment is a central point in several religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Yoga is popular in many other parts of the world too primarily due to its many health benefits and its associated use with asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga as fitness exercises.
The Purpose of Yoga and Its Main Components
As well as accomplishing a spiritual state of enlightenment, yoga also helps individuals achieve a better understanding of not only their bodies but their inner selves as well.
When practicing yoga, you will find that you’ll be concentrating on three main points:
Body Positioning or Posture
Breathing TechniquesMeditating TechniquesAdvantages of Yoga
Treating Back Injuries – yoga can heal back injuries that you may have by increasing the blood circulation for your injured tissues to heal faster and strengthening your lower back muscles; yoga may also in numerous cases heal other types of injuries as well
Prevention – Yoga also has the power to reduce chances of re-injuring yourself, shorten the time needed to recover from injuries and serve as a regular exercise technique to prevent disabilities
Mental Clarity and Improved Stress Control – The quiet and deeply relaxing techniques applied in yoga can help you have a better state of mind every day at work and better control of your stress levels
Greater Self-Understanding and General Well-Being – Find yourself amazed at how much at peace you feel with yourself when you start practicing yoga regularly
Generally Better Physical Health – In addition to getting that ideal toned figure you have been aspiring for, yoga will also help in refreshing your kidneys and maintain a better posture
Better Sleep – Rediscover the simple pleasures of sleeping with the help of yoga.
Beginner’s Tips for Yoga Practice
Yoga Leicester always recommend that you consult your Doctor prior to launching on to the first yoga step you encounter and make sure that your doctor gives you the go-ahead to do so. Whilst it’s true that anybody can technically do yoga,there are certain difficult poses that would be impossible or dangerous to attempt if you are troubled with past injuries or disabilities.
So, to be on the safe side, talk to your doctor and ask if you can yoga your way to having a sexy figure or not.
Classes or Private Lessons – When you are determined to join a yoga class in Leicester, make sure that you’re joining a class whose level fits yours. Make sure that you join the class on the first day as well to avoid feelings of insecurity when you see others being able to tackle new yoga poses that boggle the mind. Secondly, choose a class schedule that you can regularly adhere to because if you only attend a class or two every couple of months, it sort of defeats the point of joining a class in the first place. Finally, choose the type of yoga class that fits your taste and abilities.
If you’re not the social type you can always try yoga practice in the privacy and comfort of your own home. The only disadvantage to this is you run a risk that you’re not doing something right and the possibility of causing yourself harm. Yoga Leicester believe that the best compromise, in this case, would be to hire a private teacher for a few lessons until you know enough to practice on your own.
Steve
Yoga Leicester’s 7 Important Tips for Yoga Success
Yoga has been proven to relieve stress by using exercises that unify the mind, body, and spirit. If you are new to yoga,the following seven tips by Yoga Leicester will start you off on the right road to a more centered life.
1. Always consult with your doctor and explain what type of yoga poses you intend to practice and if possible show your doctor some pictures of the poses for illustration. Your doctor could rule out certain poses if you suffer from high blood pressure, glaucoma, a history of retinal detachment, or a heart condition.Always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
2. Find a yoga class that best matches your abilities. Talk to prospective teachers, and choose whether of not you will be able to handle a program prior to signing up. It is really important to take it one step at a time. Start with a few beginners classes first before you try more vigerous ones. Do not try to move ahead too quickly and always allow your body to adjust to your exercises.
3. Listen to your body and be aware of your physical abilities so as not to hurt yourself. Make sure the yoga instructor understands your level of experience and any limitations you may have and do not let anybody push you ahead too quickly. Remember, this is supposed to be fun and relaxing.
4. If you can not find a class that meets your requirements, you can always practice yoga in the comfort of your own home. There are plenty of books, programs, and dvd’s available to help you get started some of which Yoga Leicester will recommend very soon.
5. Private lessons are another option that you could always consider. Why not try booking some one-on-one sessions with a teacher in your area of Leicester. There are alot of yoga instructors who offer private classes or even help you create your own program. You could take group lessons first then practice at home later after you’ve had private lessons and learned the basics.
6. Why not go with a friend, a yoga buddy? It’s great to practice with someone you know and it can help reduce injuries. It’s also a great way to keep up your enthusiasm and interest.
7. Always eat lightly before practice if you have to but try to wait at least two hours after meals before yoga class or practice. An empty stomach is best, but do not let yourself get too hungry to think or you will not be able to focus on the poses or enjoy yourself during the relaxation or meditation exercises.
It’s time now to grab your mat and a towel and get the most out of your yoga exercises.
Steve
Yoga: The Alternative Route To A Stress Free Life – Yoga Leicester
Achieving a peaceful and stress free life can sometimes be very difficult. One method that could help you achieve tranquility is the time tested practice called yoga.
If you are looking for an established way to build both a healthy mind and body then this time-tested system is for you. It has been intensively explored and shaped into a fused system by the Indian gurus through the ages. Whether its mental, physical or spiritual, these techniques can be practiced by anyone at any age to acquire discipline.
Yoga addresses all levels of your being including your relationship with the world and with yourself. It deals not only with the body but also the senses, breath, all the levels of the mind and beyond, often called the soul,spirit,consciousness, or Self.
There are numerous forms of yoga each having a spiritual component. Many Westerners practice hatha yoga, which centres on the physical aspects. Yoga teaches you a series of stationary and moving poses called asanas and a form of breath control known as pranayama, as well as concentration techniques.
Yoga postures are designed to balance the different systems of the body, including the central nervous, the endocrine, glandular, and the digestive systems. By slowing down your mental activity, taking your mind off the causes of stress, and getting you to gently stretch your body in ways that massage your internal organs, yoga helps you create dynamic peacefulness within yourself.
Some health benefits of Yoga are:
· Improves flexibility and joint mobility
· Strengthens and tones muscles
· Increases stamina
· Improves circulation
· Boosts immune response
· Improves digestion
· Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels
Some mental benefits of Yoga are:
· Relaxes the mind and body
· Relieves chronic stress patterns in the body
· Increases positive body awareness
· Centres attention
· Sharpens concentration
· Frees the spirit.
The Eastern practice of yoga also has excellent and effective stress-reducing forms of exercise. According to the science of yoga, the diaphragm is the seat of the intelligence of the heart and the window to the soul but during stressful situations, whilst you inhale and exhale, the diaphragm gets too tight and alters its shape. Yoga exercises are proven to be stress relievers. Yoga exercises build up elasticity in the diaphragm that will address this problem so that as it’s stretched, it will manage any amount of stress whether its physical, emotional or intellectual.
The slow yet effortless breathing during the practice of yoga, activates a sense of calm and well-being to the body cells. It relaxes the facial muscles, releases all tenseness from the sensory organs such as the ears,eyes, nose, tongue, and skin. While this occurs, the brain, which is in constant communication with these organs learns to relax and become still and rested.
Whilst in this state of control, invading fears and anxieties can not penetrate the brain. Once you have developed this ability, you can perform your daily activities efficiently and with ease. You do not waste all your valuable energy, you enter a mood of true clarity of intellect.
If someone wants to have a better quality of life, stop complaining and begin to make better decisions. It’s been proven that negative emotions can trigger illness and even death. When one is in tune with themselves, body, mind and soul, there are many reasons to actually live the life you always wanted. Yoga is the spiritual path through which one will have to tread to reach one’s destination. And, to reach that goal, one should be dedicated to follow the road signs. Yoga is an alternative route where your mind can be filled with calm and tranquility and be stress-free!
Steve
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