Is Yoga Good Or Bad For You?

Yoga has been around for about 5,000 years. It was created in India. It came to the United States in 1893. Yoga is thought by some to be a religion. It is not. It is a technique that uses poses to observe the breath, to quiet the mind and to learn focus. It is a mental, verbal and physical practice.
The postures are referred to as Asnan, the breathing techniques are called Pratyahara and the concentration techniques are called Dharana. Hatha Yoga is the type of Yoga typically taught at fitness facilities. Hatha Yoga is a slow-paced gentle Yoga that is a good intro to the basic Yoga poses. It is good for strength training, flexibility training, posture training and to develop mind-body awareness.
Vinyasa Yoga is also popular. It is a more fluid, vigorous practice. Ashtanga Yoga is often called "Power Yoga". It too is practiced by many people in America. It is a very vigorous, athletic type of Yoga best for the advanced student. Bikram Yoga referred to as "Hot Yoga" has 26 poses students do in a room that is 90 to 100 degrees. The thought is that the muscles will be loosened by the warm room so further stretching can occur.
Keeping your body toned and flexible is very important. The poses offered in Yoga can do that if done correctly. Most Yoga practices do not work your cardiovascular system. Power Yoga may be able to challenge your cardiovascular system if the instructor formats her routine in a manner which encourages the aerobic effect.
There are some safety precautions that will help you avoid being injured in your Yoga practice. Some of the poses can place too much strain on the spine. Your neck has smaller vertebrae than your lower back so caution should be used with neck motions. The lower back although stronger also can be injured if the poses are done incorrectly or you already have a bad back.
Forward flexion of the neck (bringing your chin toward your chest) should occur by simply letting go in the back of the neck. No straining or pulling should occur from the muscles in the front of your neck. Your head is pretty heavy and favors going forward so just allowing it to do so is the best way to do forward flexion.
Extension of the neck (bringing your head backwards) needs to be done by lengthening the neck not tilting the head back. Your eyes should be looking forward or slightly rolled upward. In the past some yoga positions like the Cobra had your neck tilted way back which is very hard on your cervical spine.
Neck rolls should always be avoided they place a lot of strain on your neck. Small tipping or turning of your head with each motion returning to an upright position before going to the next position is safer for your neck.
Inverted poses like the Plough are very tough on your neck. They put a lot of pressure on your cervical spine. Misalignment can occur as well as injury. If you already have neck issues they will be aggravated. Even poses that are indirectly inverted (where your head is lower than your heart, but you are not completely upside down) like the Down dog, Standing forward fold or Child pose is unwise for those with glaucoma, ear problems or heart and circulatory issues. Women should not practice inverted poses during menstruation or pregnancy. The most problematic poses are the Plough, Shoulder stand, and the head stand.
Poses that use unsupported forward flexion (bending your torso toward your thighs) puts a lot of stress on the lower back. Most people do not have the strength in their lower backs to do this without injury. The idea is to stretch the back of your legs and to strengthen your back but many people never get to the back strengthening benefit because their backs are injured while doing the pose.To add to the problem many poses like the Sun Salutation require you to have your legs completely straight.
To help ease the strain on your back during the Sun Salutation pose keep your legs shoulder width apart. For the Standing Forward Fold keep a slight bend in your legs and support your back by placing your hands on your thighs. When doing forward folds in a seated position focus on feeling the stretch behind your legs and not on trying to lay your chest on your thighs. Lengthen and extend your spine.
Make sure that you do not feel pain when doing your poses. It is wise to watch a few classes before you take one to make sure the instructor does not push students to go past their comfort zone. An instructor should not touch you and try to push your body past its abilities.
So Yoga is a good thing if done with caution and a very bad thing if you push yourself past your capabilities.
By Lynn Hahn

My name is Lynn Hahn. I'm certified by the American Council on Exercise as a fitness instructor and a Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant. I'm also a certified Third Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo. I produce and create very effective fitness DVDs designed for women. Come and visit my website http://www.getrealfit.org to get more fitness information and to see my products.

The Gaiam Yoga Mat

Yoga is an exercise that almost everyone should take up sometime or another. Yoga will build your strength and flexibility if you decide to do it on a regular basis. Another fantastic aspect is the inner peace it will bring to your mind. To get the very best yoga exercise you need a proper yoga mat. One of the best ones on the market is the Gaiam yoga mat.
The Gaiam yoga mat is made by the company of the same name. It is based out of Colorado. Their tagline is "Lifestyle Company." The main thing that comes to mind when speaking of a these items is the fact that each and every one is made up of recycled material. They understand that a yoga mat won't last forever, so they make quality mats out of recycled materials. This is a huge plus in the world of yoga.
They come in a variety of shapes, colors and thicknesses. To purchase the one that is right for you, it is best to think about your body type, along with how intense your yoga workouts are going to be. A mat that is at least 4-millimeters thick is usually the standard for most yoga enthusiasts. However if you are a very thin person - or someone who is more on the fragile side, then it is ideal to look into thicker ones. Of course Gaiam makes several designs and thicknesses, so you will have more than enough to choose from.
The company offers several different options to purchasers. If you are a web shopper no problem, simply visit their website up and take a look around. More often than not you will also come across some great discounts on the mats. Gaiam yoga mats have a feel and texture unlike any other yoga mat available. The traction available on these products is second to none as well, providing excellent traction even the slipperiest of floors.
There are tons of product options available to people who participate in the art of yoga. These mats are second to none, and we hope that this article helps sway you to at least take a look at the different mats that the company has to offer.

For more information, visit us at Gaiam Yoga

Yoga in the Car

Switching Signals
When an output buffer switches, it generates noise to the power network. In addition, there are other effects such as cross-talk and power noise inductive and capacitive coupling to the signals. This, in turn, creates the fluctuation on current. After a IO switching simulation, the designers can perform FFT analysis on the outputs of the IO drivers (Near End) and the inputs of the receiver IOs (Far End). The resulting noise spectrum indicate the potential problematic frequency components. In the meantime, the designers should run the identical simulation except idealizing the power and ground supplies to the drivers and receivers IOs. This way, we can isolate the PG noise and the crosstalk noise. Afterward, the designers can perform targeted correction on package and board layout as well as IO re-design.
Although the primary factor is the board design, the source of the noise is the IO. The higher frequency components of the power noise can only be addressed with on-chip decap or package decap as the on-board decap is too large to address the high frequency range.
Non-switching Signals
Even thought an output buffer is idle, it may contribute to EMI radiation. Assuming an output buffer is idle and the current output state is high. If there are noise to the power supply connecting to the last stage of the output drivers, the output of this buffer will vary along with the noise. The source of this power supply noise may be external or internal. External source may be global power delivery network noise and internal source may be inter-domain coupling (core power supply to IO power supply) and/or SSN.
The first phase of the Apache EMI development is to deliver a CPM encapsulating the inter-domain coupling noise. Subsequently, the designers can incorporate the IO spice circuit to the CPM along with the package and board model to perform a system-level simulation. This implementation is available now for vectorless CPM and it will be available in Sept. for vector CPM.
The first phase doesn't consider the potential noise coupling within the IO cells. The second phase is to continue to complete the model by characterizing the IO cells. This is planned for early October.

Matt C. Elmore is a Certified Yoga Instructor, Internet Marketer, and Electrical Engineer. His passions include health, love, the pursuit of happiness, yoga, dance, and travel. Matt Elmore Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga: Live The Truth, Tell The Truth and Be The Truth

Surrendering to the truth can be a daunting task, especially where one has experienced hardship in life. The type of surrender that offered here through Patanjali, will lead one to a place of equanimity, contentment and peace of mind, forever.
The mind is a fickle thing. It is quick to judge, it clouds the perception, it categorizes other people's actions and stories to fit in neatly with what you have experienced and then places a good/bad label on the action, the story, the person, the race, or the country.
How does it feel to be the recipient of judgment? We've all been in that situation at least once.
In Patanjali's book of Yoga Sutra's, are the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. These eight limbs describe how to live in peace, how to unveil the true Self and how to eliminate fear disconnection and suffering. Truth orSatya, under the first of the eight limbs (the 2nd Yama) means honesty and sincerity. It is to live a life of authenticity, compassion and virtue. Have you ever found yourself involved in gossip, accusation or blaming? Is there ever a twinge of guilt, shame or remorse afterward?
Non-truth damages the other, and it also damages the Self. Judgment is never seen with clarity, and leaves one with a nasty feeling of disassociation. Faulty perception leads to turmoil during an emotional time of conflict. The mind is capable of defending something known to be wrong, but it can justify that wrong if we want to win bad enough. Winning in that way, as we've probably all discovered, is only a veil over the greater loss.
Satya or truth, is what is left over when the mind is put aside.
This is not as difficult as it might seem. The mind can be lost when one is digging in the garden in the sunshine, or working on that old Chevy in the garage, or putting together a model airplane as part of your collection, or painting out in the forest.
The mind can be put aside during yoga and meditation practice. A little practice every day leads to greater awareness of truth. All it takes is to remain quiet and still, observing mind's activity but not subscribing to it, by gently moving the thoughts of the mind aside while connecting to the spark that animates every living thing.
Surrendering to the truth is to 'let go' of the disorder of the mind; to let go of automatic judgment, misconception, the distortion of the truth, and to let go of fear.
To be watchful, thoughtful and grounded in truth dispels fear and eliminates individual suffering.
This we practice in yoga.
In my classes we practice this with eyes closed, with blankets, with gentle music or chanting, and with internal inquiry. Ultimately we feel wholly connected with all that exists.
When one lives in truth, one will only accept truth. Sometimes this means that dysfunctional friendships may drift away, or maybe friendships will strengthen as both parties grow and encompass Satya. What we do know is that Satya, or truth is always with us, it is the core of our being, the seed of the universe from which we came.
It is up to each individual in their own time, to uncover this great state of being; to live the truth, to tell the truth and to be the truth.

Heather L. Johnston, is a Registered Dental Hygienist and a Certified Yoga Instructor in Cambridge Ontario, who helps health oriented adults find rest and relaxation through the practice of yoga and meditation. Please visit Heather at: www.YogaRestores.com for tips, articles and books.

Beach Yoga for Your Home Practice

Why the beach yoga style is the best for your home practice? Because this style of yoga has several key features that are ideally match home opportunities. What is the difference between the home yoga practices and yoga studio exercises? A set of exercises and the order of execution should be organized so that you can perform them anywhere. This style of practice called beach yoga, because you do not need anything except a beach towel for doing your exercises.
1. You can do your exercises without outside assistance.
One of the main features of beach yoga is the ability to do your practice independently. You don't need a trainer help and you can not worry on this score. All beach yoga workflows are written so that you could easy handle it yourself.
2. You don't need any accessories or sports equipment.
It often happens that you miss your yoga practice, because you do not have much time to visit the studio. However, many people think that yoga will certainly need belts, box steps, blocks, cushions and mats. You don't need nothing except the desire to work on your body. The execution of classic asanas of hatha yoga requires nothing. Any beach yoga posture has modification for beginners to perform your exercises without additional devices. You may need only a beach towel.
3. Short execution time of required number of exercises.
And one more remarkable feature of beach yoga is that all workflows are no longer than 25-30 minutes. Therefore it will be quite enough to do it at home a few hours before bedtime or early in the morning immediately after waking. There are a number of short sequences to perform at work, during a break. You can get the ability to effectively use your time and do not miss your yoga even on a business trip.
All these features allows you to "bring your Yoga with you" and enjoy the practice, no matter what your level of congestion. This is the best set of exercises which performance will continually improve your Yoga practice. You can learn to devote your time to yourself and your health, without thinking about the daily problems.
Namaste!

Author: Deniel Manakini @denielmanakini Beach Yoga

Yogic Traditions in Practice

There are many ancient traditions, many of which are retained in the classical teachings even today. However, in western application most are modified and adapted to suit the current lifestyle but the principles are adhered to nevertheless.
In India it is seen as natural to seek a spiritual Guru at some stage following maturity, usually after a period as a householder and adherence to the general cultural practices and values required for daily living. It is not a foreign concept for the spiritual aspirant to look forward to commencement of a new stage of life as a renunciate or to devote time to philosophic studies and cultural refinement. In the classical eras the spiritual stage of life was perceived as a fine reward after practical effort.
It is common for Indian parents to encourage a child's early memories of previous incarnations. This is in stark contrast with western parents who will often chastise any child who speaks of 'imaginary' or 'make-believe' events unrelated to the present. Occasionally an exceptional soul instinctively attracted to the spiritual life will initiate a spontaneously programme of intense meditation as a child. Such an inspired child requires exceptional care and tutoring.
In conjunction with spiritual care and teaching in the home, centres of spiritual teaching called Ashrams were established for the purpose of spiritual training and meditation and this continues. As with the monasteries of the west, part of their function was concerned in healing through herbs, food as well as and yogic health practices. No doubt much of the classical training is incorporated into the national health education system today.
Until comparatively recently there were no formal yoga classes nor was Yoga taught in the schools in India. Parents are seen serve as the initial spiritual guides for children in a training that begins with learning ethical and moral principles.
Practising the physical disciples of Hatha Yoga has certain formal simple preparations and traditions including the following...
Prior preparation includes attention to hygiene that bowels, kidneys and stomach are empty. Clothing must be as light as possible. Barefoot when entering the ashram or place of practice is symbolic of shedding contact with worldly activities.
Firstly a natural environment in the fresh air if possible with Incense, flowers, natural water, lakes, gardens etc all assists.
A personal mat made of natural fibres placed directly upon the earth or floor serves as a personal space.
North/South polarity is used for Relaxation in prone position.
East or North facing positing is used for practising meditation.
Mala - A string of beads or mala is usually encouraged as a personal sacred rosary for prayer and mantra - this held in the hands for meditation. The Guru will usually magnetize or impregnate the beads with his influence to assist the chelae, but after this, only the chela touches the mala.
Yoga Practice is recommended at dawn, midday, sunset, midnight or 6, noon, 6, midnight
Vegetarian diet is obligatory in India and with all serious students of Yoga.
Fasting at special times and prior to spiritual festivals is universal.
If suffering illness - herbs and foods and water are taken as medicines.
Reading and studying the wisdom teachings and sacred writings is imperative for personal understanding and in the classical tradition the beautiful Upanishads are used as a focus for the mind.
Included here is a beautiful quotation for contemplation upon life and the values we place upon our own experiences of the soul through its many successive incarnations
And thus shall ye think of all this fleeting world
A star at night, a bubble in a stream
A flash of lightning in a summer cloud
A flickering lamp, a phantom - and a dream. Katha Upanishad
In a relationship as a chela or student of a Guru, the aspirant is expected to demonstrate to his teacher and mentor, loyalty and devotion. In turn the chela is to dedicate his talents to helping serve mankind. In the system there are many other strong traditions and customs that still prevail but are unfamiliar to those outside.
Generally in society, as when greeting the Guru or Acharya, greetings in India are not by touch, but by the customary gesture of placing the two palms of the hands in the prayer position and slight bow of the head in sign of respect for the god or higher self within the other person. This gesture is usually assumed to indicate appreciation at the conclusion of teaching or in private practice as a sign of devotion to one's higher self, one's teacher, to Nature itself or to God.
Understanding some of the customs allows respect for the age old traditions that have reason and design. Westerners should ensure that they comprehend the purpose before adopting any custom that is not in tune with their personal inclination or their own birth culture.

Sally Janssen is a writer, and Yoga teacher well known both in Australia and abroad for her skill in demonstration of the Hatha Yoga practices and her wisdom in applying the principles of Raja Yoga -the study of the mind and consciousness. More details at http://www.essence-of-yoga.net Her book "Mental Fitness: A Complete Self-help Guide" explains the principles of mental fitness that can be applied by us all. The book may be found here: http://www.mentalhealthandfitness.com/blog.

Yoga For Weight Loss - 3 Steps To See Results

More and more people are turning to yoga as a form of exercise, and as a way of losing or maintaining their weight. It's estimated that over 16 million people practice yoga in the US alone and that figure continues to increase as more and more people become aware of the benefits yoga can offer.
While weight loss is not one of the core concepts of yoga, it's certainly true that regular practice of asanas can assist in weight control, but to see any real benefits there are 3 key concepts you need to be aware of. Specifically you need to ensure that you are practising the right style of yoga, that you are practising on a regular basis, and that you embrace yoga as part of a healthy lifestyle.
1. Style of yoga
There are many different styles of yoga, and some are far more valuable for weight loss than others. Static forms of yoga where postures are help for extended periods of time to build strength and balance, such as Iyengar yoga, will have minimal weight loss value. A faster, more flowing vinyasa form of yoga however, such as Ashtanga will get the heart and lungs working, the blood pumping, and will burn far more calories. So if one of your main goals from yoga is helping you lose weight, look for Ashtanga or Power Yoga classes.
2. Frequency of practice
It almost goes without saying, but popping along to a yoga class once a month really isn't going to do much good, whether you want to lose weight or get any of the other benefits yoga can offer. Ideally you want to be practising yoga on a daily basis, but realistically you should aim for 2 good sessions of at least an hour, preferably 90 minutes, every week. If you can attend 2 90 minute classes each week, and find some time to practice sun salutations at home you will start to notice the benefits quite quickly.
3. Part of a lifestyle
Yoga is a lifestyle choice. All the benefits that yoga can offer, from weight loss, increased strength, flexibility and balance to reducing stress, improving self esteem and confidence, and aiding with relaxed sleep will mean nothing if you goggle a hamburger right after class, don't get enough sleep, and fail to practice what you're taught. The good news however, is that over eating is often largely emotionally triggered. Since yoga will help improve your self esteem and confidence, it is also likely to help you control your snacking, and you may well find that you'll be able to keep your weight under control much easier as your yoga progresses.
Following these 3 key points - choosing the right style of yoga, practising on a regular basis, and including your yoga as part of a healthy lifestyle - will give you the best possible results.
Whatever the goals of your yoga practice, remember that yoga is about unity, and learning control of your mind and body. Yoga isn't about rushing or forcing anything, so be patient, take your time, enjoy your yoga practice and the results will follow.

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