Yoga meditation- Cultivate Concentration & Purity in Lives

Yoga Meditation: What it is!!!

An ordinary person may consider meditation as a worship or prayer. But it is not so. Meditation means awareness. Whatever you do with awareness is meditation. "Watching your breath" is meditation; listening to the birds is meditation. As long as these activities are free from any other distraction to the mind, it is effective meditation.

Meditation is not a technique but a way of life. Meditation means 'a cessation of the thought process’. It describes a state of consciousness, when the mind is free of scattered thoughts and various patterns. The observer (one who is doing meditation) realizes that all the activity of the mind is reduced to one.

Traditionally, the classical yoga texts, describe that to attain true states of meditation one must go through several stages. After the necessary preparation of personal and social code, physical position, breath control, and relaxation next are the more advanced stages of concentration, contemplation, and then ultimately absorption. But that does not mean that one must perfect any one stage before moving onto the next. The Integral yoga approach is simultaneous application of a little of all stages together.
Benefits of Meditation

Meditation is good for you. From the historical standpoint of yoga, meditation was practiced for its spiritual, rather than physical, benefits. The apparent attitude was, simplistically, attain enlighten and everything else will fall into place. Today we tend to be (rightly or not) less focused on enlightenment, and more on the physical and mental benefits of meditation. Whatever the objective, meditating can offer benefits, and a sampling of the benefits follows:

1. Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure
2. Allows the autonomic nervous system to become balanced, so that rest and healing can occur.
3. Studies show decreased risk of stroke and heart disease
4. Increases melatonin production which improves quality of sleep and decreases cancer risk
5. Increases awareness of intuition
6. Improves concentration and focus
7. Reduces stress, anxiety, tension
8. Increased creativity
9. Better relationships
10. Increased self-awareness and self-acceptance
11. Deeper sense of spirituality and meaning
12. Clinically shown to enhance health status in individuals with psoriasis, allergies, asthma, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, migraines, chronic pain, diabetes, cancer and panic attacks.
13. Simple Techniques and Tips for Yoga Meditating
14. Here are simple tips that helps you to meditate while yoga
15. Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed or interrupted. For most of us, this can be the most difficult part of meditation. Sometimes this will necessitate creativity to arrange.
16. Creating a sacred place and using it consistently will help you to get into the meditation more easily. If consistency is virtually impossible for you, don't let it be an obstacle for-- do what works for you.
17. Prepare by having a relatively empty stomach. You may want to precede with some yoga postures (in the evening) or go directly to your practice, especially in the morning when meditation typically precedes the yoga postures.
18. Sitting upright is the preferred pose, because it is important to have your head, neck and trunk in a straight line to enhance energy flow and proper breathing. Laying down can only work if you don’t fall asleep, which adds another potential obstacle. If you are sitting, it helps to have a small cushion under the sitting bones as this will help to keep your posture erect.
19. You may want to begin with a “resurrection breath” which consists of inhaling, turning your head to the left, and strongly exhaling twice over your left shoulder.
20. Bring your attention away from external activities and bring your focus to your breath. Breathe in and out through your nostrils. When thoughts come into your head, gently let them go by and draw your attention back to your breath, which should be quiet and natural.
21. As you begin a practice, the most important thing is to be sure that the process is enjoyable so that you will want to return to it again and again. Two to three minutes in the beginning is plenty; anything over fifteen to twenty is likely to be counterproductive, but be your own judge. Meditation is about getting in touch with the wisdom within.

Summary:

Yoga Meditation techniques can enhance you both physically and spiritually. Knowing how to develop both body and mind through Yoga Meditation can provide you with many life-changing benefits.

Yoga & Weight loss- Always Remain in Shape!!!!

How Yoga helps in Weight loss?

Another great benefit of Yoga is its ability to reduce weight. Through different asanas of Yoga we can easily reduce extra fat from our body.

1. Some of the asanas stimulate sluggish glands to increase their hormonal secretions. For example, the thyroid gland has a big effect on our weight as it affects body metabolism. Asanas like shoulder stand and the fish posture are particular for the thyroid gland. These asanas increase fat metabolism thereby converting fat to muscle and energy. You will not only loose fat but also have a better muscle tone and vitality.

2. Yoga deep breathing helps in increasing the oxygen intake to the body cells, including the fat cells. This results into burning up of fat cells.

3. Another amazing aspect of Yoga is that it reduces anxiety which, in turn, reduces anxious eating. It is human tendency that whenever we are tensed we tend to swallow our food without deriving much satisfaction and pleasure. In the process we end up eating more. On the other hand, if we approach our meals with better mood, we tend to be less likely to overeat in a worried effort to calm our anxieties. Yoga plays an important role in making us more calm and cool.

4. Some of us have a habit of eating between the meals. Here also Yogic practices come handy. One can take the help of Yogic aids when feeling tempted in between the meals. In such situations one may intentionally turn to Yoga rather than looking for some snacks. The knowledge and power derived from Yoga also makes us aware of problems like obesity which may prevent the individual from overeating.

Such is the magic and charisma of Yoga that you tend to attain a balanced weight i.e. if your weight is normal, it will remain the same where as in case of underweight, you will gain weight.
Different Postures that help in weight loss:

Though there are more than seventy postures in yoga; a few of which when practiced regularly give good results in reducing weight. A few such exercises that stimulate the endocrine glands are beneficial for obesity. These are easy to practice daily at a fixed time. You must keep in mind that a natural diet will be more suitable for these exercises.

1. The Sun Salutations: These are a combination of poses that serve as a warm up-routine for a Yoga session or class. They are very similar to the popular calisthenics exercise known as burpees. However, they differ in that they have a spiritual significance included as a result of executing them. Due to the forward and backward bending motions involved, after performing a few to several rounds on a daily basis, you are bound to notice a marked loss of weight in you abdominal area and the added bonus of muscular tone.

2. The Bow Pose: This simple pose involves laying flat on your belly and grabbing your ankles with both arms while simultaneously lifting your head up high. When performed correctly, you should be resting on your abdomen. Needless to say, it is a pose commonly recommended for weight loss and the prevention and correction of chronic constipation.

3. The Peacock Pose: This is slightly more challenging. The objective is to balance your abdomen on your conjoined elbows while simultaneously raising your legs and head of the floor. Naturally, merely attempting it speeds up abdominal weight loss and detoxification of the visceral organs and the preparatory stage could suffice as the actual execution of the pose till the mastery of it is achieved.

4. The Abdominal Lift: This is not a pose, per-se but is a specific exercise that involves you exhaling your breath and pulling the diaphragm in while holding the breath out. This is a specific abdominal exercise for weight loss, spiritual rejuvenation and detoxification.

Summary:

Losing weight with yoga means focusing on yoga postures that help raise the metabolism and helps to burn calories and reduce stress at the same time, as yoga is a relaxing way of exercising. Yoga does burn less calories than other sports such as jogging or swimming, unless you practice ashtanga or power yoga. However, yoga should be practiced within a certain frame of mind.

Yoga Pilates- A Perfect Mind-body Exercise

If you’re relatively new to the study of yoga, you may be wondering how a yoga Pilates workout differs from a regular yoga practice. While yoga and Pilates do have many similarities, Pilates focuses less on breathing and more on developing a fuller range of motion. When Pilate’s exercises are added to a yoga practice, the result is a more complete workout that strengthens the body while calming the mind.

Basically Yoga and Pilates are reciprocally supportive: Yoga gives Pilates litheness and mobility while Pilates offers constancy and mobility in the movement. When united with Yoga, Pilate’s doctrine augments the practice by bringing central stabilization into light as well as training and substance for yoga postures (particularly in the strength to seize). Since Pilates is more about length and potency, Yoga helps to amplify the litheness capability.
What is Pilates?

According to the Pilates Method Alliance, Pilates is a type of exercise and physical movement that is designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the entire body. When done on a regular basis, Pilate’s exercises provide numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that Pilates increases lung capacity and strength and improves posture, flexibility, coordination, and balance. In addition, bone density and joint health may improve as well.

While yoga has a 5,000 year history, Pilates exercises were developed by Joseph Pilates in 1914. Mr. Pilates was a performer and boxer who worked with his wife Clara, an experienced nurse, to develop exercises that would help bedridden patients regain their strength and mobility. As time went on, the original Pilates exercises were slightly modified to provide benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Mr. Pilates believed that by improving the "powerhouse" of the body – the abdomen and buttocks – as well as the muscles around the joints through a series of controlled and precise techniques, a body would gain strength without bulk and an increased range of motion.
Incorporating Pilates into Your Yoga Practice

In recent years, both beginning and advanced yogis have been incorporating Pilate’s principles into their workouts. The yoga Pilate’s combination is only natural, since both forms of exercise stress the creation of a balanced mind, body, and spirit. Adding basic Pilate’s exercises to your workout will help you become more mindful of your physical limitations and provide you with a new insight into how your body moves. In addition Pilates focuses on core strengthening, which emphasizes a strong abdominal and back area; a strong core will help your overall health, strength and flexibility.

There are two ways for you to enjoy yoga Pilate’s workout:

* You can do Pilates exercises before you begin your asana practice. This lets you warm your muscles and work on developing a stronger core without disturbing the quiet of your practice.
* You can incorporate Pilate’s principles throughout your workout by modifying various yoga poses. For example, you can try scooping your abdomen inward as you move into the Paschimottanasana, or Seated Forward Bend.

Similarities between Yoga and Pilates:

The Similarities b/w the 2 types of exercise help to incorporate the yoga into Pilate exercise that leads to a better result and a complete relaxed body.

Both the forms of exercises make extensive use of controlled movements, balance and proper breathing techniques. Also, Yoga exercises are performed almost exclusively on mat and Pilates also includes various mat-based exercises. Both exercise styles help in alleviating stress, healing sore body and stretching muscles.

Differences between Yoga and Pilates

Even though both Yoga and Pilates appear to be similar, they have several differences. First one being, Pilates exercises are also performed using various equipments like Pilates Reformer, Wunda Chair, Stability Ball, Resistance Bands and so on. On the other hand, Yoga movements are performed almost exclusively on a floor mat. Yoga aims at co-ordination of mind, body and soul and to enhance healing, flexibility and strength of joints. Yoga is more of a spiritual nature, which tries to evoke the latent energy of the body whereby regulating the hormonal flow and harmonizing the workings of various organs of the body. Pilates exercises emphasize on strengthening the abdominal muscles, improve posture, stabilize and elongate the spine and to impart overall strength.

Summary:

Even after knowing about both Pilates and Yoga, if you are still wondering which of the two techniques is better for you, think about incorporating both in your workout routine. Both Yoga and Pilates can be successfully used in conjunction with each other. In fact, several exercises incorporating the elements of yoga and Pilates, known interestingly as Yogilates, have been developed which result in a complete workout.

Fighting Obesity With Yoga

Overweight and obesity are two diseases that are spreading these days like an epidemic. There are a huge number of people who are suffering from overweight. Improper eating habits are a main cause to excessive weight. The busy lifestyle of most people, leave them with hardly any time, to think over, about health and food. Eating the right food is the most essential thing in today's time. Now day's even children of very young age are suffering from obesity. Obesity may be either genetic or due to improper food habits. Hence the first a person needs to take care, if willing to fight over weight is, the right intake of food. A person must not abstain from eating, what is more important, is to eat the food with the right nutritional value. Consumption of junk foods must be completely stopped. Also a person must refrain from deep fried food, and excessively fatty food, like cheese. The second step a person needs to take to get rid of obesity is to exercise. Exercising helps burn fat and help keeping the body fit.

There are various exercises a person can choose from, but recent studies show, that yoga can be really beneficent in reducing weight. A person can learn yoga buy hiring a personal instructor. Also a vast amount of information on yoga is available in the form of articles on the Internet. There are also a number of books which provide an insight of the various yoga exercises and there advantages.

Doing yoga exercises on a daily basis would definitely help reduce weight. It employs various breathing techniques along with various other exercises makes a person use the body muscles. If the body muscles are not used often, they might get weak, but yoga helps keeping the muscles active and strong. A person can learn yoga easily if he is willing for the same. Yoga comprises of easy to do exercises which can be done indoor, but would be more helpful if done in open air. Yoga helps fight obesity by making a person use every single muscle in the body.

Yoga Pant- For Hassle-free Yoga Postures!!

What is a Yoga pant?

Yoga pants are pants which are designed specifically for wear during yoga practice, although they are also suitable to other forms of exercise such as aerobics, dance, and martial arts. A wide range of styles are available, but all of them share the common characteristics of being flexible and easy to move in, as well as form fitting.

Most yoga pants are made from cotton or synthetic knits which are lightweight and stretchy. The knit gives as the yogi or yogini moves, allowing a full range of flexibility and also hugging the body. Some companies make loose yoga pants from linen, silk, cotton, or synthetic weaves, but these tend not to be as popular.

Yoga pants are some of the most popular athletic wear available in stores today. Choosing the right pair of any pants is always difficult, however, there are so many varieties of yoga pants that choosing the pants either for lounging or exercise can also be a challenge.
Everyday Yoga Pants

It seems that the most popular “running around” pants are also yoga pants. Many of these closely resemble wide legged jogging pants but are often made of natural fiber such as cotton or hemp and are a thinner material for ease of movement.

Other popular styles of yoga pants include Capri, knee length, straight leg, “boot” flair, and even tight fitting or bloomer style pants. With all the fancy names it can be confusing exactly which pair to choose. For the summer, Capri pants are always comfortable and the knee length yoga pants fit much like gauchos. These types of pants are comfortable like jogging pants but look stylish. They can be perfect for around the house, when running out for milk, or picking the kids up from school.

Straight leg yoga pants are probably the most popular style for every day wear. The straight leg design is flattering for most figures and many have a wide elastic waist that stays in place. The alternate waist band is often a draw string; drawstring pants tend to feel more comfortable at a low rise or ultra-low rise position. Also some yoga pants have a roll down waist, which can be particularly comfortable for people who will be gaining weight through pregnancy or losing weight through exercise.

Yoga Pants for Exercise

Yoga pants are of course intended for exercise. When used for their intended purpose trying the pants on is essential as they must feel comfortable in many positions. The yoga pants should be loose fitting enough to allow a complete range of movement without cutting into the skin or restricting the legs in any way.

A tee shirt in soft comfortable material pairs well with yoga pants for exercise. Wearing velvet hooded sweat shirt, a sweater, or small fitting hooded sweatshirt will look the best while traveling to or from lessons. These will also compliment the yoga pants for running errands.

Choosing Yoga Pants

1. In choosing the best yoga pants, your main consideration should be the quality and fit of the yoga pants. Of course, these are subject to personal preference.
2. You should select fabric that does not leave you feeling itchy. Some textures used by manufacturers leave some people's skin irritated and scratchy. If you select a fabric that irritates your skin, you will not have a peaceful practice and concentrating will be hard.
3. Yoga pants also protect the skin if you find yourself slipping and sliding during a position.
4. Yoga pants typically do not put a dent in your wallet. The main focus should be a soft texture that provides you the utmost comfort when wearing them. It is important to choose the texture of the cloth because it is the main factor to help you stay in focused and get the most out of your workout routine.
5. The fit of yoga pants also help in keeping up a good sense of concentration because if you are comfortable wearing it, your mind and body is at rest.
6. Choose loose fitting pants so that you will feel comfortable. Consider yoga pants with the elastic drawstring so that you may easily adjust it for the best fit.
7. Bottom line when selecting your yoga pants, ensure your skin can breathe, ensure they do not restrict movement, and most of all, ensure you have the most confidence and comfort while wearing them. This will assist you in getting the most out of your workout routine.

Summary:

Yoga pants should be comfortable, be able to absorb sweat, look attractive as well as fit right for anyone wishing to pursue yoga. The yoga pants should allow for free movement of different parts of the body and that includes when the person stretches as well as twists into different positions. The pants should also not result in the wearer sweating and becoming sticky as well as moist and should be able to absorb the sweat.

Yoga Music- For Meditation & Relaxation

Yoga music is soothing and relaxing music that can be of assistance to people while they are doing yoga. There is free yoga music available on the internet for people who want to hear yoga music, without spending any money. You can also buy yoga CDs, some of which include directions for yoga along with the music.

As more and more people enjoy the benefits of yoga, yoga music is increasing in popularity. As well as choosing music that has traditionally accompanied yoga moves, people are also seeking other relaxing, soothing music that may be used in yoga. For example, yoga CDs has featured classical symphonies, Gregorian chants and pop music. Yoga is intended to balance the mind, and yoga music should assist in this. However, some yoga music CDs may contain music that is not really suitable for yoga.

The best resource for yoga music is your yoga instructor. If you’re in yoga class and the instructor plays something that really resonates with you, don’t hesitate to ask for the name and title. Yoga teachers consider their musical selections to be an important component to creating the best atmosphere for the class, so they’ve often done a lot of research into various artists. Also, many musicians attend yoga retreats and conferences to offer instructors the most recent projects, so your instructor will probably have the most cutting edge music to feature.
Yoga Music as Background for Yoga

Yoga meditation music or yoga relaxation music can be very good as background music for yoga, particularly for beginner yoga practitioners. Yoga music helps relax the mind and prevents it from getting distracted. Special yoga CDs will help bring the mental and spiritual benefits associated with yoga, as well as the physical benefits. Yoga music can also be used as background music for other tasks. Used in this way, they help keep the mind relaxed and focused during the day.
Types of Yoga Music

Many different types of music can be used for yoga workouts. Music for yoga should be relaxing, slow and relatively simple. Slow music for yoga can include:

* Special yoga CDs;
* World music;
* American flute music;
* Meditation music;
* Classic music;
* Nature relaxation CDs;
* Celtic music.

Music that is designed for use in yoga is usually best, as this music will specifically aim at providing the right background for a yoga workout. However, you can also try other music that is not aimed at yoga if you believe it would be good in a yoga workout. You should choose music that you enjoy, but not something that you enjoy so much that it will take your mind off your yoga workout. Stay away from music you dislike, as this will not be relaxing for you.
Benefits of Yoga Meditation Music

There are many benefits of yoga meditation music while doing yoga, particularly for the beginner yoga practitioner.

* It can help keep your mind focused.
* It can help remove distractions from your mind.
* It can create the right mood and atmosphere for yoga.
* It can have a relaxing and soothing effect.
* It can block out the sound of other background noises.
* It can prepare the mind for a yoga workout.
* It can help train the mind to let go of any thoughts.
* It can make a yoga workout more interesting.

Summary:

Yoga Music enhances all Yoga sessions, either as background or foreground for deepening your workout, creates an ideal flow and harmony, ideal for any healing settings where creating an atmosphere of peace, tranquillity and Love is important to the success of your classes.

Yoga music can be of great benefit in the practice of yoga. Your mind becomes more relaxed, distracting thoughts are eliminated and you become more focused on your yoga workout when you hear yoga music. This is particularly beneficial to beginners, who may find it hard to focus on their yoga workout and remove any thoughts from their mind. Try searching your own collection of music and looking for free yoga music on the internet first. Then, you can consider buying specific yoga CDs.

Yoga Pilates- A Perfect Mind-body Exercise

If you’re relatively new to the study of yoga, you may be wondering how a yoga Pilates workout differs from a regular yoga practice. While yoga and Pilates do have many similarities, Pilates focuses less on breathing and more on developing a fuller range of motion. When Pilate’s exercises are added to a yoga practice, the result is a more complete workout that strengthens the body while calming the mind.

Basically Yoga and Pilates are reciprocally supportive: Yoga gives Pilates litheness and mobility while Pilates offers constancy and mobility in the movement. When united with Yoga, Pilate’s doctrine augments the practice by bringing central stabilization into light as well as training and substance for yoga postures (particularly in the strength to seize). Since Pilates is more about length and potency, Yoga helps to amplify the litheness capability.
What is Pilates?

According to the Pilates Method Alliance, Pilates is a type of exercise and physical movement that is designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the entire body. When done on a regular basis, Pilate’s exercises provide numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that Pilates increases lung capacity and strength and improves posture, flexibility, coordination, and balance. In addition, bone density and joint health may improve as well.

While yoga has a 5,000 year history, Pilates exercises were developed by Joseph Pilates in 1914. Mr. Pilates was a performer and boxer who worked with his wife Clara, an experienced nurse, to develop exercises that would help bedridden patients regain their strength and mobility. As time went on, the original Pilates exercises were slightly modified to provide benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Mr. Pilates believed that by improving the "powerhouse" of the body – the abdomen and buttocks – as well as the muscles around the joints through a series of controlled and precise techniques, a body would gain strength without bulk and an increased range of motion.
Incorporating Pilates into Your Yoga Practice

In recent years, both beginning and advanced yogis have been incorporating Pilate’s principles into their workouts. The yoga Pilate’s combination is only natural, since both forms of exercise stress the creation of a balanced mind, body, and spirit. Adding basic Pilate’s exercises to your workout will help you become more mindful of your physical limitations and provide you with a new insight into how your body moves. In addition Pilates focuses on core strengthening, which emphasizes a strong abdominal and back area; a strong core will help your overall health, strength and flexibility.

There are two ways for you to enjoy yoga Pilate’s workout:

* You can do Pilates exercises before you begin your asana practice. This lets you warm your muscles and work on developing a stronger core without disturbing the quiet of your practice.
* You can incorporate Pilate’s principles throughout your workout by modifying various yoga poses. For example, you can try scooping your abdomen inward as you move into the Paschimottanasana, or Seated Forward Bend.

Similarities between Yoga and Pilates:

The Similarities b/w the 2 types of exercise help to incorporate the yoga into Pilate exercise that leads to a better result and a complete relaxed body.

Both the forms of exercises make extensive use of controlled movements, balance and proper breathing techniques. Also, Yoga exercises are performed almost exclusively on mat and Pilates also includes various mat-based exercises. Both exercise styles help in alleviating stress, healing sore body and stretching muscles.

Differences between Yoga and Pilates

Even though both Yoga and Pilates appear to be similar, they have several differences. First one being, Pilates exercises are also performed using various equipments like Pilates Reformer, Wunda Chair, Stability Ball, Resistance Bands and so on. On the other hand, Yoga movements are performed almost exclusively on a floor mat. Yoga aims at co-ordination of mind, body and soul and to enhance healing, flexibility and strength of joints. Yoga is more of a spiritual nature, which tries to evoke the latent energy of the body whereby regulating the hormonal flow and harmonizing the workings of various organs of the body. Pilates exercises emphasize on strengthening the abdominal muscles, improve posture, stabilize and elongate the spine and to impart overall strength.

Summary:

Even after knowing about both Pilates and Yoga, if you are still wondering which of the two techniques is better for you, think about incorporating both in your workout routine. Both Yoga and Pilates can be successfully used in conjunction with each other. In fact, several exercises incorporating the elements of yoga and Pilates, known interestingly as Yogilates, have been developed which result in a complete workout.

Yoga Positions for Beginners – Guidelines are Essential for Correct Postures

For the beginner, discovering yoga can be an exciting time. When getting started, it's best to try several different classes. Because there are many different schools of yoga, you may want to try several out in order to determine which you like best. The many styles of yoga may include differences in how the asanas are performed or which element they focus on.

Many yoga schools offer beginner classes and a good yoga teacher will help to correct your body alignment while performing postures and also suggest modifications to suit any physical restrictions that you may have. It's important that you pay attention to your body rather than trying to stretch farther that or even keep up with others in the class. If at any time you feel pain, lessen the pose or come out of it altogether

Guidelines: Yoga for Beginners:-

Here are some tips for getting started with yoga. It provides some basic guidelines for simple basic yoga for beginners.

When to Practice Yoga Positions: Yoga is best done either first thing in the morning or last thing at night. If it is done early in the morning, then the mind and body will be revitalized, ready for the day. If it is done late at night, then it will assist in helping you get a good night's sleep. However, it can really be done at any time that is convenient.

Where to Practice Yoga Positions: Yoga does not need a lot of room and so it can be practiced in many different places. Choose a place that contains enough room for all the postures to be done comfortably. It is best to choose a quiet, clean place. Although it's not necessary, a mat or blanket will provide you with some extra comfort. Some people enjoy practicing yoga outdoors. This has the added advantage of outside air and a closer connection to nature.

What to Wear: Loose comfortable clothing is best for yoga. You will need to wear something that enables you to perform all yoga postures without having clothing restrict your moves. Even beginning yoga postures (which are not as difficult as more advanced postures) need the body to be free to move. Traditionally, yoga is performed without shoes or socks.

Duration of Practice: The length of your practice session will depend largely on the amount of time you wish to devote to yoga. Ideally, yoga should be done every day and should include at least 15 minutes of exercise and 15 minutes of breathing and meditation.

Drinking and Eating: Yoga is best done on an empty stomach. If possible, do not eat anything for two hours before your yoga workout. If you find this makes you too hungry, then avoid a big meal for two hours before the workout and have a small snack (like a piece of fruit) an hour before the yoga workout. Drink a glass of water about fifteen minutes before the yoga sessions.

Beginners Yoga Session; when planning your yoga session looks for yoga positions for beginners. You should be able to do the positions easily. If the positions are too difficult, you may be trying to do more advanced yoga positions.


The basic yoga session should consist of the following exercises:

* Warm up session. This includes simple, basic moves. Beginning yoga session may start with just the warm up session moves.
* Standing poses. These align the feet and the body. They also aid digestion and blood circulation.
* Sitting poses. Sitting poses usually focus on the breath. They help shape the buttocks and legs and improve vitality and suppleness in the spine.
* Twists. These relieve backaches and increase flexibility in the shoulders.
* Supine and prone poses. These poses release tension in the abdomen and increase the spine's mobility.
* Balance poses. Balance poses help develop coordination and increase stamina, strength, grace and agility. They also help improve concentration.
* Backbends. Backbends release tension in the front body and shoulders.
* Finishing poses. You will need to finish your yoga session with cooling-down exercises.

As you become adept in doing the yoga poses for beginners, you can start adding more complex moves. You may also like to modify the postures and moderate the level of intensity.

Summary:

Yoga is a step in the rejuvenation of your spirit and it leads to a discovery of the self that is very novel and new, So, you would need to get off on the right foot and learn about yoga positions for beginners before you can begin the process of strengthening your body and also improving the circulation of blood within the body. Also, you can be sure that the different yoga positions for beginners will provide various benefits to the entire being are it physical, mental or spiritual. However, it's important that you keep your level of fitness and health in mind and choose classes which are appropriate and not overly strenuous.

Yoga Poses- A complete Body relaxation Technique!!!!

Yoga has a huge range of benefits, from simply toning up the body, to supporting it in its natural healing process.
Yoga Asanas or postures are body positions, typically associated with the practice of Yoga. They are intended primarily to restore and maintain a practitioner's well-being, improve the body's flexibility and vitality.

Learning yoga poses does not have to be hard. And though yoga can appear quite challenging when looking at the advanced poses, it is important to approach it from the point of view that it should be adapted to your own needs and strengths.

Yoga Poses and breathing

Breathing is an essential part of practicing yoga exercises. You should never hold your breathe during a pose. Also make sure that your breath is never forced or strained. Labored breathing is sign that you you’re working too hard and should come out of the pose slightly.

When one starts practicing yoga, one can hold for three full breaths through most yoga poses. If you feel comfortable in the pose, hold for longer, if uncomfortable, you should come out of the pose immediately.

Types of Yoga Poses

* Seated poses – Seated poses are useful for practicing breathing exercises and relaxation or meditation techniques. Seated poses are also often used as a warm up or as a starting point for other poses. Performing seated poses can help improve your posture and open your hips.
* Standing poses – Standing poses are often used as warm up or as a starting point for other poses. Standing poses are beneficial for strengthening your legs, opening your hips and improving your sense of balance.
* Inversions – Inversions are excellent poses to perform to improve your blood circulation, quiet your mind and improve your overall health. Inversions are also believed to reverse the ageing process and reduce the effect of the gravity on your body.
* Relaxation and restorative poses – It is important to take time to perform relaxation or restorative poses at the end of each yoga practice. You can use this time to relax your body and mind and allow energy released by the poses in your practice to move freely throughout your body.
* Counter poses – A counter pose is a pose that stretches your spine in the opposite direction from a previous pose or returns your spine to a neutral position.
* Twists – You can perform twists to stretch and strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, increase the flexibility of your spine and improve your circulation. Twists improve the functioning of your internal organs by providing them with a fresh supply of blood as you twist and release your body.
* Balancing poses – Balancing poses are great for improving your balance and coordination as well as developing your ability to remain grounded in a pose. Keeping your body balanced encourages you to focus, quiet and balance your mind.
* Forward bends – Forward bends stretch the entire back of your body, especially your hamstrings. Forward bends are also often used to release tension, calm your mind and soothe your nervous system. Similar to back bends, forward bends help keep your spine strong and supple.
* Back bends – Back bends are among the most challenging poses in yoga. Bending backward helps strength your back and keep your spine strong and supple. Back bends also open the front of your body, especially your chest.

The Importance of Yoga Poses:

Yoga poses have been developed over centuries of research and experience. They have been found to be extremely effective in:

* Increasing flexibility of the body and freeing all the energy blocks. Besides increasing flexibility, this leads to a healthier body.
* Helping to lose excess flab and weight - another cause of ill health.
* Massaging the internal organs of the body and the rarely stimulated parts such as the thyroid gland.
* Helping to treat several health disorders - from common ones such as backaches and arthritis to 'seemingly' unrelated disorders such as stammering.

Summary:

Each yoga poses helps you become more aware of your body, mind, and environment. While beginning your yoga exercises, experiment with poses moving in and out as you feel comfortable. If you approach the poses with playful curiosity, feeling of frustration and competitiveness will not enter your mind. While practicing your yoga exercises, make sure that you don’t feel any discomfort or pain.

Yoga Postures- Revitalize Your Body with Few Easy Yoga Asanas!!!

The practice of Yoga Exercises means practicing both your body and your mind. It takes willpower and perseverance to accomplish each Yoga Pose and to practice it daily. But the prize for your perseverance is really worth all the hard work. The practice of Yoga Exercises or Asanas can improve your health, increase your resistance, and develop your mental awareness. Doing the Yoga Postures requires you to study each pose and execute it slowly as you control your body and your mind.

Few Easy Yoga Postures that anyone can do:

Here’re brief descriptions on some of the most important, popular and easier Yoga postures:

1. Sukhasana ~ the easy pose

Sit on a mat with legs spread out in front. Bend one leg and place the heel under the opposite thigh. Bend the other leg and place under opposite thigh and sit cross-legged with erect spine. Place hands on respective knees, palms downward, eyes closed, head poised and relax. Time: 5 - 30 minutes
Value: Composure of body and mind leading to inner harmony and the favourable position to follow the other exercises.

2. Talasana ~ the palm pose

Stand erect with feet together or apart. Keep hands parallel to the sides, chest forward, neck straight, abdomen and chin in. Slowly raise one arm to vertical position and simultaneously rise on the toes and inhale. Breathe in deep and stretch to the maximum. Gradually return to normal. Repeat with the other hand. Time: 10 secs for each round
Value: It aims at increasing a person's height as it aims at stretching the thorax and the lower abdomen by a combination of anterior, posterior, and lateral skeleton movements when one is growing up and even upto some years after one has reached maturity.

3. Konasana ~ the angle-pose

Stand with the feet fixed at 20-24 inches apart, hands at the side. While breathing in bend the upper part of the body sidewise above waist with the arm sliding below the knee while the other arm slides up to the armpit. The thorax, neck and head should be right angle with the base. Retain the breath and maintain the position for 4 seconds. Reverse to normal while exhaling. Repeat with the other arm. Time: 15 secs for each round
Value: It contributes to flexibility of the body and makes muscles pliable.

4. Utkatasana ~ semi-standing pose on tiptoe

Stand; keep the hands stretched parallel in front or at the sides with palms down, then squat. While squatting, slowly rise on tiptoe as you inhale. When breathe intake is complete squat again exhaling with thighs pressing against the respective calves. Taking in breath rise up on toes to standing position. Then slowly lower the heels to the floor. Rest for 4 secs, and then repeat. Time: 2 minutes for 10 rounds
Value: Flexes the muscles of the legs and the pelvis.

5. Chakrasana ~ the wheel pose

Stand with feet 20 inches apart. Raise the arms upwards keeping it close to the ears, fists tight, inhale and bend backwards with abdomen forward. Then interlace the fingers of the up-stretched arms above head forming an anterior arc. Pause for 6 seconds. With arms up-stretched and exhaling, bend forward to touch the ground. With the head almost touching the knees freely swing the arms straight upwards till they are vertical and parallel to the legs. Maintain position for 3 secs. Then reverse while taking in the breath. Time: 18-20 secs for each round
Value: Exercise of the spine and the mid-trunk.

6. Bhadrasana ~ the throne pose

Sit on the floor with legs stretched out in front. While maintaining the contact with the floor, draw both the legs nearer the body with the knees bent outward and the soles of the feet together. Inhale and bring the feet close to the genitals - touching the perineum, with the toes pointing outward. Palms outward, place the hand on respective knees placing them down. Hold the pose and then slowly return to normal while exhaling. Time: 15 secs for each round
Value: Exercises the pelvic organs, the groin, the unused thigh muscles and the sex organs.

Summary:

Everybody is encouraged to try and practice the Yoga Postures by you at home or in the office. However, if you are feeling uncomfortable or are not able to complete a posture, do not push yourself. Yoga Exercise is not a competition, so just relax and try again. Moreover, do not try Yoga Postures which are beyond your capabilities. It will be helpful to actually sign up for some Yoga Classes where a professional teacher will guide you through each Yoga Pose and make sure you are doing the exercise correctly.