Don't Underestimate the Power of Yoga!

"Yoga is invigoration in relaxation. Freedom in routine. Confidence in self control. Energy within and energy without"

What is "Yoga"?

The word "Yoga" is derived from Sanskrit which means "union". Yoga is a practice which uses postures and breathing techniques to induce relaxation and improve strength. There are Yoga "pose" ~ or "asana" ~ offers you to become more aware of your body, mind, and environment. There are many kinds of Yoga, ranging from gentle level Hatha Yoga to more intense such as Bikram Yoga. Every form of Yoga improves your health benefits from head to toe ~ your muscles, bones, and joints.

*Please always consult your physician prior to attempt any of these yoga poses and movements or using yoga as a treatment for any injury!

Don't Underestimate the Power of Yoga

I started taking Yoga few years ago. I had never known what a powerful one hour of Yoga class can do to your body and especially your mind. When I entered the class for the very first time, I thought to myself 'here we go, this is going to be a very easy stretching and flexibility without a drop of sweat during this session'. In the first few minutes through our Yoga 'warm-up', surprisingly I can feel sweat drops rolling on my back.

Mind can heal the Body ~ Namaste

I find this true that all Yoga makes people more accepting and loving toward themselves and their body. Often, it's not the intense hard core cardio or kickboxing classes or weight lifting training you need, but rather a relaxing or energizing class, depending on your symptoms. Consult with your physician prior to taking any of these classes, or attempt to perform any of these Yoga poses.

However, I learn that there's a misconception to some that Yoga is only about relaxation. There are some basic Yoga signature "poses" ~ or "asanas" ~ such as "Sun Salutation", "Mountain Pose", "Cobra", or even "Warrior 2" surprisingly can be stimulating to your body. Tight muscles throughout your body, back, shoulders, legs, arms, including your facial expression can be a factor in pain, and calming your nervous system will help relax them. To get the most effective benefits, I personally recommend skipping the hard-core Yoga and other intense trainings and emphasize meditation and stretching. You're never too young or too old to reap the health benefits of Yoga. As each pose names sound as intimidating to you, believe me they are very simple to follow. Find out and discover yourself how Yoga poses " will help you relax, refresh, and restart your engine, soul, mind, and body.

YOGA is best natural Rx *

Stay Healthy. Think Healthy. Body and Mind. There are more scientific proof that YOGA offers more health benefits than just mind relaxation, breathing exercise, meditation, muscle stretching, strength, and flexibility.

Health Benefits to Muscles, Bones, and Joints: Not only it can improve endurance, but a regular Yoga exercise can help and maintain your body strong, as it involves all muscles areas in performing any of 'poses' ~ 'asanas' ~ to hold and balance postures, strengthening your feet, hands, shoulders, lower back, abs, hip, legs, and shoulders. Yoga's stretching and breathing exercises improve your flexibility, helping joints, tendons, and muscles stay limber. As with treating a back pain, try a much calming and gentle practice, such as "corpse" pose. Yoga is often prescribed to help heal various injuries*, including repetitive strain injuries, knee and back injuries, pulled hamstrings, even minor skin burns. Improve Bone Density: Yoga is also said to be an excellent weight-bearing exercise that can improve your bone density; particularly beneficial for women approaching menopause, since Yoga can help ward off osteoporosis, or thinning of the bone.

Depression Cure: A recent study has stated that Yoga helps your body produce serotonin, a natural antidepressant, and helps lower cortisol levels, which are elevated in people with depression. A study showed that people who took a 1-hour Yoga class, three times a week for two months, said they felt less depressed, angry, and anxious. Most of them felt their depression had went into remission.

Benefits to Cardivascular system: Yoga has tremendous health benefits to your heart. The powerful "poses" or "asanas" keep your blood flowing while focusing on breathing. It is a cardio conditioning which strengthens core muscles while it keeps blood and oxygen circulating throughout your body. People suffering from hypertension can benefit from Yoga tremendously, as it can actually lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

Boost antioxidant for stronger Immune system: A regular Yoga practice helps boost antioxidants throughout your body, resulting a stronger immune system and increase ability to heal quicker against disease or injury. Treatment for autoimmune diseases: It can reduce the symptoms these diseases often cause, such as stiffness, malaise, fatigue, and weakness.

Reduces Anxiety and Stress: Yoga is an effective form of psychological therapy. Because yoga is a form of meditation, it results in a sense of inner peace and purpose. It has been used to help treat a wide variety of emotional and mental disorders, including acute anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Even children can benefit from yoga. Those with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity can learn to relax and get control by using yoga breathing and yoga 'poses' ~ 'asanas'. Insomnia cure: A regular Yoga practice can help cure insomnia, which promotes to better and deeper sleep. The more soundly you sleep, the fewer pain chemicals your brain secretes. In addition, it can help fight fatigue and maintain your energy throughout the day.

*Please always consult your physician prior to attempt any of these yoga poses and movements or using yoga as a treatment for any injury!

I hope you find this somehow useful. Until then, here is an inspiring quote I'd like to share with you:

"The mind is everything; what you think, you become" ~ Buddha

Until then, be safe and stay positive in mind and heart!

Nicky Dare

iDARE™ integrity of Diversity Adaptation Resilience Empowerment

Several Advantages and Fringe Benefits of Doing Power Yoga

Power Yoga is ideal for those who cannot do the slow-mode traditional Yoga that has been in practice in India for centuries; in fact, is a westernized Yoga that has gained immense popularity in the western countries and the North America. Numerous advantages that are associated with can be gained with little effort on the part of a practitioner who is willing to dedicated some small part of the day. It done under the guidance comes to rescue a person from several kinds of diseases that are emanating from faulty lifestyle choices and modern day work culture.

Thus, the entire concept of Power Yoga wherein a person does vigorous and fast-paced Yoga under the guidance of a trainer gains maximum advantages. Nevertheless, also called Ashtanga yoga, Power Yoga became a popular exercising option for the people in western society during the 1990s and thereafter it has gone strength to strength and challenging even the Tai Chi model of exercising. Also known as a "heated" form of yoga, is seen as a 'workout' which is not a case with traditional Yoga which is slow and stresses a lot on breathing and mind. It is best not only for mental health but also for physical health as it increases stamina and balance.

Whereas traditional Yoga stresses more on meditation, a person undergoes a fast-paced Yoga exercising module i.e. stress is on the physical exercising, less on the breathing or meditation. However, it does not mean that Power Yoga ignores meditation's importance, rather, it gives more impetus on intensity of the physical exercising than other else. Promoting great and overall health helps practitioners achieve unity and peace in their body and mind and get eternal pleasure in the form of sound mental and bodily health.

It is bit challenging for the beginners and for that reason they are suggested to follow a trainer who will make their bodies flexible enough for it. After some resistance training and various positions, a person is able to do it with ease and comfort. It is quite manifestly clear that though there are little differences between traditional Yoga, the purpose of both the styles is to server a person and bring health and vitality.

This yoga technique has a number of important postures that have enough substance to tone the body and other organs. Various Ayurveda resorts are offering their services to the individuals in affordable price range with added utilities and best offers altogether.

Power Yoga, Ayurvedic Treatments at Ayurvedagram.com, is an ideal ayurvedic health spa resort in India, provides authentic ayurveda treatments, Power Yoga, spa gateway at various Ayurvedic resorts.

Power Yoga And Powering It Up

Power yoga is sometimes known as the western version of Ashtanga Yoga which

brought by the Indians.

Beryl Bender Birch was the one who gave the term Power Yoga. He was a teacher of

Ashtanga Yoga and at the same time an author of Power Yoga.

Yoga was inspired and was brought to the west by the renowned Sanskrit Scholar Sri

K. Pattabhi Jo's. The people of the west were inspired with his Ashtanga Yoga and

also his philosophies.

Power Yoga is described to be the practice of Yoga 'Poses' which is done

continuously in series of exercises without stopping. The practice is accompanied

by the Vinsaya which is known as riding the breath. This enables you to make

certain movements from one pose to another.

The power yoga is characterized by vigorous exercises which challenges your

physical and mental ability and concentration. This enables you to reach your inner

power and connect with it.

The difference of power yoga is that the poses are done faster in a pace. This

practice is essential and helpful in increasing your physical endurance.

Power yoga enables you to sustain and keep up a good focus at a longer time

without breaking or distracting your concentration. if you need to fully concentrate

with something, power yoga might just be the right type for you.

Power yoga has some similarities with the modified versions of Ashtanga Yoga. The

certain practices of Iyengar yoga and Bikram also influenced power yoga.

Just like Bikram Yoga, notice that Power Yoga also applies the execution of the

common basic yoga poses which is a good practice because even the beginners can

do it.

Power yoga also adapted some practices of the Iyengar Yoga which gives emphasis

on the form and alignment during the practice. It also includes practice in holding a

pose longer without breaking which aims to achieve maximum benefits.

Although Power Yoga has been influenced by a lot of yoga types, still it aims on the

steps of 'Classical Yoga'. It aims to unite the body, the spirit and the mind uniquely.

The main objectives of yoga is for you to be able to connect to your inner power and

reach every level through the various poses and practices.

With the help of power Yoga, you can dig deep to your physical, mental and spiritual

power.

Power yoga is considered a good preparation for athletes. Not only does it train

them to concentrate deeply but it also aids them in the prevention of injuries and

rehabilitation that may come.

If you want to do Power Yoga, you should know first if your health condition can

withstand the practice. You should know that Power Yoga is dine in a heated room

which is perfectly designed to increase the strength and flexibility, increase your

concentration, release tension, stamina and tone in your body which is achieved and

released through sweat.

Power yoga are taught by teachers but there might be various differences depending

upon who is teaching it. The people who are healthy and fit can practice power

yoga. If you enjoy doing exercises and if you want less chanting sessions, then

power yoga is the best style for you.

© Copyright Melvin Chua, All Rights Reserved.

Melvin has dozens more related articles and tips on doing yoga at his site: doing yoga [http://www.doing-yoga.com], check them out today!

The Hard and Soft of Teaching Power Yoga

As a yoga teacher, you probably see the need for balancing hard and soft techniques in all types of classes. Some students crave the hard stuff and praise you for it. Some of the most enthusiastic students disappear to the gentle class down the hall or down the street. In other words: The love the hard work, but they really don't want it all the time. You basically have one of the following three choices.

1. Remain physically demanding and hardcore. Hey, it works for Bikram!

2. Compromise with the students who think you're too tough.

3. Create a balanced lesson plan (hard and soft) that really challenges them, but keeps them coming back for more.

You were probably not prepared by your yoga teacher training for all this flip-flopping. It seems as if you're in the political arena trying to make everyone happy. It's hard to walk the middle of the road, without being assaulted by the left and the right. No matter what you decide, some students will love you, but some may slither out the door and possibly complain to the front desk on the way out.

Back to Yoga

Power yoga is one of the most widely practiced forms of yogic practice in the world. This modernized version of Ashtanga or vinyasa yoga is meant to emphasis physical health while utilizing the powerful breathing synchronization that characterizes flowing schools of yoga. Coupled with quick moving asana series, breathing techniques work to train bodies in relaxation and letting go.

A power series is typically made up of physically challenging poses, often beginning with a sun salutation series to get the body warmed up. The Power style is considered an eclectic version, so yoga instructors often pick and choose whatever poses fit best into a series, and this gives both the instructor and the student a lot of freedom to make adaptations.

Usually, however, a power yoga session contains a combination of hard and soft yoga. The hard poses are physically challenging and call actively on a student's endurance whereas soft poses are much less active and typically focus on stretching and relaxation.

Beginning

In power yoga sessions, the beginning is chock full of hard poses. Not only is the focus in the beginning on warming up the body, but also the fast moving flow should get students sweating as muscles begin to weary. Poses like sun salutation and warrior are held for a length of time as each posture works related areas of the body.

Middle

Very often in power classes, yoga instructors will repeat several pose series in order to maximize the physical advantages a yogi can obtain during practice. This is a regular practice in fitness activities; exercise trends like circuit training and weight lifting both utilize repetitions to build strength and endurance. Typically in physical styles of yoga, during the second set of repetitions, practitioners focus on deepening the stretches and leaner further into the postures.

End

Balancing the hard and the soft in practice is a challenge that power yoga faces, especially since yogic disciplines are well known for its anxiety and stress-related benefits. Instructors typically work a soft pose series into the last 10 to 20 minutes of a class. This practice serves two purposes. First, following hard yoga with soft poses acts as a cool-down for the body; second, soft yoga practice is an opportunity to further relax the body and mind. Particularly after a strenuous physical workout like hard poses offer, soft yoga techniques emphasize a balanced combination of physical stretching and mental meditative exercises so that students leave their power yoga session feeling physically worked, yet mentally renewed.

c Copyright 2012 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

Don't Underestimate the Power of Yoga!

"Yoga is invigoration in relaxation. Freedom in routine. Confidence in self control. Energy within and energy without"

What is "Yoga"?

The word "Yoga" is derived from Sanskrit which means "union". Yoga is a practice which uses postures and breathing techniques to induce relaxation and improve strength. There are Yoga "pose" ~ or "asana" ~ offers you to become more aware of your body, mind, and environment. There are many kinds of Yoga, ranging from gentle level Hatha Yoga to more intense such as Bikram Yoga. Every form of Yoga improves your health benefits from head to toe ~ your muscles, bones, and joints.

*Please always consult your physician prior to attempt any of these yoga poses and movements or using yoga as a treatment for any injury!

Don't Underestimate the Power of Yoga

I started taking Yoga few years ago. I had never known what a powerful one hour of Yoga class can do to your body and especially your mind. When I entered the class for the very first time, I thought to myself 'here we go, this is going to be a very easy stretching and flexibility without a drop of sweat during this session'. In the first few minutes through our Yoga 'warm-up', surprisingly I can feel sweat drops rolling on my back.

Mind can heal the Body ~ Namaste

I find this true that all Yoga makes people more accepting and loving toward themselves and their body. Often, it's not the intense hard core cardio or kickboxing classes or weight lifting training you need, but rather a relaxing or energizing class, depending on your symptoms. Consult with your physician prior to taking any of these classes, or attempt to perform any of these Yoga poses.

However, I learn that there's a misconception to some that Yoga is only about relaxation. There are some basic Yoga signature "poses" ~ or "asanas" ~ such as "Sun Salutation", "Mountain Pose", "Cobra", or even "Warrior 2" surprisingly can be stimulating to your body. Tight muscles throughout your body, back, shoulders, legs, arms, including your facial expression can be a factor in pain, and calming your nervous system will help relax them. To get the most effective benefits, I personally recommend skipping the hard-core Yoga and other intense trainings and emphasize meditation and stretching. You're never too young or too old to reap the health benefits of Yoga. As each pose names sound as intimidating to you, believe me they are very simple to follow. Find out and discover yourself how Yoga poses " will help you relax, refresh, and restart your engine, soul, mind, and body.

YOGA is best natural Rx *

Stay Healthy. Think Healthy. Body and Mind. There are more scientific proof that YOGA offers more health benefits than just mind relaxation, breathing exercise, meditation, muscle stretching, strength, and flexibility.

Health Benefits to Muscles, Bones, and Joints: Not only it can improve endurance, but a regular Yoga exercise can help and maintain your body strong, as it involves all muscles areas in performing any of 'poses' ~ 'asanas' ~ to hold and balance postures, strengthening your feet, hands, shoulders, lower back, abs, hip, legs, and shoulders. Yoga's stretching and breathing exercises improve your flexibility, helping joints, tendons, and muscles stay limber. As with treating a back pain, try a much calming and gentle practice, such as "corpse" pose. Yoga is often prescribed to help heal various injuries*, including repetitive strain injuries, knee and back injuries, pulled hamstrings, even minor skin burns. Improve Bone Density: Yoga is also said to be an excellent weight-bearing exercise that can improve your bone density; particularly beneficial for women approaching menopause, since Yoga can help ward off osteoporosis, or thinning of the bone.

Depression Cure: A recent study has stated that Yoga helps your body produce serotonin, a natural antidepressant, and helps lower cortisol levels, which are elevated in people with depression. A study showed that people who took a 1-hour Yoga class, three times a week for two months, said they felt less depressed, angry, and anxious. Most of them felt their depression had went into remission.

Benefits to Cardivascular system: Yoga has tremendous health benefits to your heart. The powerful "poses" or "asanas" keep your blood flowing while focusing on breathing. It is a cardio conditioning which strengthens core muscles while it keeps blood and oxygen circulating throughout your body. People suffering from hypertension can benefit from Yoga tremendously, as it can actually lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

Boost antioxidant for stronger Immune system: A regular Yoga practice helps boost antioxidants throughout your body, resulting a stronger immune system and increase ability to heal quicker against disease or injury. Treatment for autoimmune diseases: It can reduce the symptoms these diseases often cause, such as stiffness, malaise, fatigue, and weakness.

Reduces Anxiety and Stress: Yoga is an effective form of psychological therapy. Because yoga is a form of meditation, it results in a sense of inner peace and purpose. It has been used to help treat a wide variety of emotional and mental disorders, including acute anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Even children can benefit from yoga. Those with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity can learn to relax and get control by using yoga breathing and yoga 'poses' ~ 'asanas'. Insomnia cure: A regular Yoga practice can help cure insomnia, which promotes to better and deeper sleep. The more soundly you sleep, the fewer pain chemicals your brain secretes. In addition, it can help fight fatigue and maintain your energy throughout the day.

*Please always consult your physician prior to attempt any of these yoga poses and movements or using yoga as a treatment for any injury!

I hope you find this somehow useful. Until then, here is an inspiring quote I'd like to share with you:

"The mind is everything; what you think, you become" ~ Buddha

Until then, be safe and stay positive in mind and heart!

Nicky Dare

iDARE™ integrity of Diversity Adaptation Resilience Empowerment

Teaching Yoga: The Power of Observation

Although a Hatha Yoga teacher must be able to teach a variety of poses (asanas), practice many forms of meditation, and understand the inner workings of Yogic breathing techniques (pranayama), one of the most difficult parts of the job description is observing the class.

It takes a combination of experience, knowledge, and intuition to share concise instructions and ensure each Yoga practitioners' safety. Good Yoga teachers spend as much, or more, time watching their students as they do demonstrating techniques and postures.

While observation looks simple, it requires a fine balance of attention to individual needs, execution of postures, classroom atmosphere, and safety precautions. In order to have a well-rounded class curriculum, Yoga instructors must simultaneously consider all of these.

Why Observation Is Important in Yoga Classes

• Successful Yoga teachers share information with the entire class while meeting each student on a personal level. Ideally, every person should leave the Yoga studio feeling the lesson targeted his or her specific needs.

• Yoga instructors have a tremendous responsibility to see that every student is safe. This requires knowledge of personal health histories, the risks and cautions related to each activity, and an understanding of the capability of everyone in the class.

• Yoga teachers who are sensitive to students' learning styles, personalities, and skill levels instinctively know which ones are hesitant to try new techniques and poses or take on new challenges. Some people like risks while others mentally and physically freeze if they feel rushed; some learn best by listening, and others are more adept at listening or observing.

• Yoga incorporates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, which can be a huge amount of information. Often, teachers are stronger in one of these areas than they are in others. A Yoga teacher who recognizes a student's strengths is better prepared to offer encouragement and praise.

• Observation is the only way for teachers to monitor students' progress, correct alignment, minimize the chance of injury, and establish a practice of good habits. Learning the proper techniques for Yogic breathing, meditating, and practicing asanas is a basic foundation of student growth and success.

Conclusion

For Yoga instructors, observation is much like mindfulness. When teachers pay attention and let go of the need to control or judge, the studio transforms into a place where students gain confidence, poise, and serenity. As a result, every person leaves thinking he or she was in a class designed just for him or her.

As teachers, we must strive for a balance between the controlling instructor, who has to assist everyone in the class, and the teacher who has a fear of leaving his or her mat. Observation by "walking the room" at times when you cannot see all of your students is the answer.

c Copyright 2012 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/