Yoga Bags - Main Characteristics and Significance

Yoga is the ancient Hindu tradition of practicing different physical and mental exercises to keep human body sound and healthy. Yoga involves various breathing exercises (pranayaam) and different body postures called aasanas. To practice yoga when we take so much care in selection of yoga mats, than there must be similar cautious approach in selection of yoga bags too. Yoga bags are very helpful in packing essential yoga accessories like yoga mats, props, cushions and yoga clothing. Principally, yoga bags are used to accommodate mats. Yoga mats remain protected, clean and unruffled when they are inside a yoga bag.

Yoga bags are unlike general bags that we use while traveling or doing other activities, but they are specifically manufactured for the purpose of keeping yoga mats and other items. They must be made of the material that doesn't hamper the texture or the surface of inner articles. Cotton, nylon, silk and linen are the fabrics that are predominantly used in manufacturing of yoga bags. Efforts are on to make bags in eco-friendly plant fibers so that harmony of the environment is kept undiminished.

The size of the yoga bags is an important feature to be addressed. They are sometimes made in size that can accommodate two mats or more. Depending upon the folding size of the mat - rolled over or parallelly folded- yoga bag is chosen. A yoga bag has to be equipped with well stitched shoulder straps so that the bag can be comfortably carried to the desired place. Straps should be attached to the bag firmly so that it can bear the weight of the things kept in the bag. These bags must have a quality zipper to hold the things tightly. In most of the bags we find side pockets also where we can keep some valuable things. Side pockets can also have zippers.

For all kind of informational and commercial lead on Yoga bags please visit Yoga Bags Store

Rajneesh Dubey is Content Coordinator for http://www.yoga.indiahandicraftstore.com This website is an online store for the wholesale trade of multiple yoga accessories. Wholesale yoga mats, yoga bags, yoga props, yoga clothings and other items are available in our store. For all kind of wholesale Indian handicrafts, http://www.indiahandicraftstore.com can be a desired destination.

Yoga for Beginners - Essential Requirements for Health Benefits

Yoga teaches us how to maintain harmony between various forces acting on our body. In case, we are not taking care of our body, yoga shows us the way to restore our health by taking control of our mind and body. It is in our hands to take charge of our body. There are certain yoga basics which should be followed while practicing yoga.

Regular practice. Do yoga regularly, even if you do couple of yoga asanas or pranayama in a day. Therefore, you should decide how much time to devote daily for yoga and then follow it strictly. Beginners should not make very ambitious plans as yoga requires patience. Set realistic targets and achieve them, it provides motivation for continuing yoga practice. For beginners, 30 minutes to one hour of yoga practice is adequate. Do not expect miracles overnight. Do not strain yourself while doing asanas. Your progress in yoga will depend on your age and health at the time of starting yoga. One month of yoga practice can show positive results for most of the beginners. Practice yoga in a neat and well ventilated room by putting a yoga mat on the floor. If weather is comfortable, practicing yoga in a lawn early in the morning can be a wonderful experience.

Time for yoga practice. It is recommended to have a fixed time each day for yoga practice. One to two hours before sunrise is the ideal time for yoga practice as oxygen content is high and there are no distractions. As per your convenience, yoga can be practiced in evening also provided you are not too much tired. Do not eat anything three hours before doing yoga.

Ensure proper diet. Make sure your diet comprises of plenty of nuts, fruits, salads and leafy vegetables. Chew your food properly. Do not be in a hurry when eating food. Avoid tea or coffee, if possible. Limit yourself to maximum two cups of either tea or coffee per day. Reduce your sugar intake, avoid junk foods and untimely snacks. Strictly avoid tobacco as it will nullify the benefits of pranayama. Try to avoid alcohol. It is required to make gradual changes to your diet and make it a way of life.

Avoid constipation. Constipation is one of the ailments which can prevent you from enjoying full benefits of yoga. Drink enough water and include sufficient fiber in your food to avoid constipation. Your bowels should be clear in the morning before yoga practice.

Mental frame of mind for yoga. Try to keep your mind cool and calm at all times. Yoga practice is not complete if mind keeps wandering. For most of the asanas concentrate on the body part being affected by that asana or on your breathing. A peaceful mind is essential for gaining perfect health, strength and vitality.

Essentially yoga practice involves the following aspects:

Restraining of senses.
Following a simple diet.
Controlling the mind.
Proper breathing and relaxation.
Regular exercise.
Regular meditation.
Continuous introspection to identify your weaknesses for self improvement.

Do not forget to take a long rest lying in shava asana for 5 to 10 minutes after your yoga practice.

Daljit Kaur is a yoga enthusiast, and editor of http://www.yoga-for-beginners-a-practical-guide.com a portal dedicated to provide valuable information on yoga to beginners. For more information on yoga, visit http://www.yoga-for-beginners-a-practical-guide.com

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Yoga for Beginners, A Good Place to Start!

If you've been dealing with some health challenges, or have not been exercising or stretching much recently, you can still begin your yoga practice in an easy, enjoyable way!

Yoga does not have to be difficult for it to effectively manage and relieve pain! Find out why today is a good day to start your yoga practice!

The easier "schools" of yoga include: Kripalu Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Sivananda Yoga, Integral Yoga and Iyengar Yoga. Please note that Iyengar yoga can be gentle or rigorous depending on your teacher!

Here is a brief list of Yoga Classes to avoid if you're seeking a gentle way to learn Yoga. The classes that are physically rigorous, and thus not ideal for beginners (unless you're a real athlete already) are:

Power Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Yoga with Weights, and Bikram Yoga aka Hot Yoga.

The good news is that you can reap the benefits of yoga, whether you take a gentle class or a rigorous class. These benefits include: stretching and strengthening both body & mind, finding your balance in more ways than one, and taking time to breathe deeply, relax, and enjoy life in the present moment.

So, how can you start your Yoga practice? Simply call the Yoga Centers and Health Clubs nearest your home and ask them about the kinds of yoga classes they offer. Ask them if they offer a Yoga Class for Beginners. Most Yoga Centers make a point of doing this!

Then you can follow-up by trying different Yoga teachers and Yoga Classes in your neighborhood and finding at least 2 per week that fit your schedule.

Finally, you can purchase a Yoga DVD, either online or at your local health food store. Please be sure that it includes gentle, easy poses that are good for beginners! This can help you jump start your daily practice at home.

For more information about upcoming easy Yoga DVDs, you are welcome to contact hannahyoga@yahoo.com so that you can be informed when the new DVDs are ready!

Now, just a bit of "Yoga Lingo" for you as you start your own personal Yoga Journey: the word "Namaste!" is often said at the beginning and end of yoga classes. It means, "I salute the light within you!"

May you be peaceful and well! Namaste!

Hannah Caratti provides tools, instruction, and information about methods of relieving pain and stress through techniques related to the ancient science of Yoga.

Tips On Purchasing Your Perfect Yoga Outfit

Yoga is a special form of meditation to give you the serenity that you need in this chaotic world. During yoga practice, you should be able to relax and meditate with absolute comfort. To do this, you will want to be dressed in the most comfortable clothes that would allow you to do those challenging stances and positions. Therefore, some basic guidelines will be drawn out to assist you in purchasing your perfect yoga outfit.

Comfort

Comfort is the main concern that one should be bear in mind when choosing clothes for yoga in yoga clothing. The clothes that you wear should allow you to move every joint of your body freely without the fear of hindering blood flow. Loose clothing is good choices but it has the tendency to slide down when doing those bending positions. Thus, a good yoga outfit should provide easy motion and capability to leave parts of the human body move in different postures and positions. Afterall, Yoga needs one to perform plenty of twisting and stretching; performing these steps in unfit yoga clothes could akin to make suffer. Elastic materials like spandex are better choices because they allow you to move freely without any part of the outfit getting in the way. Pure cotton is another material to consider as it allows the body for breathing in proper manner and offers a lot of comfortable. Wearing a sports bra that is comfortable enough for those moves for woman

Look out shoes with rubber soles and are as flat as possible for comfort. FootEase is a good brand of Yoga footwear that relieves sore, cold or aching feet. The unique shoes put in herbs and rice that improves the circulation in the feet.

Sweat Absorbance

Yoga may seem like a gentle kind of exercise but, keeping your body in challenging positions will surely make you break out into a sweat. Therefore, it is good to choose fabrics that are made of cotton which breathes and absorbs sweat.

As doing different types of yoga produce heat, it can cause the body to sweat. One can start feeling moist and sticky in case of Yoga clothes are not sweat absorbent. So, it is recommended to people to buying only yoga clothes that easily absorb sweat. One should select pure cotton as it keeps the human body cool and easily absorb sweat from the body.

Right Fit

Yoga is not just about moves, it is about how you see yourself in a positive way. Donning on clothes that make you look good is also a consideration. Choose stylish yoga outfits with color that suits your personality to make you feel good when doing the moves.

It is vital that clothes to do yoga must be perfectly fit for body figure. Take heed; it is not necessary that anyone wear a specific form of fitting yoga clothes that it will fit for one. One should take some time for deciding which type of yoga clothes will fit the best. It is the preferred choice if one top is bit fit for body.

Shorts would also be good as it allow you to see your knees, feet and ankles in proper alignment.

Due to the numbers of yoga postures, in which head moves toward lower the hips that can be go ahead to top sliding down. There are many types of yoga clothes that are many features in nature. One can wear these clothes to do yoga and is better to wear before going to the yoga class.

Value For Money And Attractiveness

Tank tops are favorites that are made of materials that breathe and with designs that are trendy and appealing. Semi-fitted or spandex pants allow comfort while covering full range of motion movements. Pants come in many different cuttings and designs. You can opt from Capri, to boot cut, to leggings and many more. Plus sizes are available for the big people. It offers an individual a good feeling during workout. An individual can perform exercise with more confidants.

One should be practical while purchasing clothes for yoga. Never let clothes designer makes order one selections as the selections might not necessary fitting for your body structure. Note that valuable yoga clothes does have a guarantee at all. One can purchase comfortable yoga clothes as per budget.

If you are practicing yoga outdoors, it would be good to wear a snug-fitting hat that provides enough protection against the sun's rays. A cap with a wide front brim and a tail at the back would protect your face and nape from the harmful UV rays.

It is very common that outfits alter their shape after washing them. If this appears with clothes for yoga, it can hinder exercise, as shapeless yoga outfits will get in the order of the different poses and postures. Therefore, it is good that one buys only clothes that are constructed from organic materials.

Conclusion

Yoga is centered at giving you a healthy body and peaceful mindset. Dressing right, while doing yoga is necessary. If you did yoga dressed in ill-fitting and uncomfortable clothes, you just might not be able to achieve the right effect of yoga. Take heed that yoga is supposed to make you calm, unmindful of your surroundings. Invest in the right yoga clothes to get the desired results of yoga.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit I Learn Yoga Online to learn more about buying yoga shoes or finding a yoga spa.

The History Of Yoga - An Overview

The history of yoga can be traced back as far as 1500 BC to the Vedas. These are literary texts that lay down the framework of the Hindu religion and are divided into four main groups.

Patanjali is often considered as the father of yoga and his yoga-sutras still strongly influence all styles of modern yoga. In Patanjali, the art of yoga is divided into an "eight limbed path" that contain the steps to obtain the enlightenment. Patanjali is considered to be the father of yoga.

Hatha Yoga was then created because of this exploration on the physical-spiritual connections as well as body centered practices. Hatha yoga is one of the styles of yoga that the westerners of today are practicing. It is a very good style of yoga to start on the path of yoga. Hatha Yoga is perhaps about 1000 years old. Its purpose is also beyond the body, it too has a spiritual purpose.

Hatha Yoga masters also later utilized the yoga sutras for still meditation. Hatha yoga is only one of the two concepts of yoga that concentrates on the physical culture and the other yoga is the Raja yoga but both of these are referred to as Ashtanga yoga. The main difference is that the Raja yoga concentrates more on the "asanas" or postures to get the body ready for a prolonged meditation that concentrates mainly on the meditative "asana" poses. Hatha Yoga follows in that vein and thus successfully transcends being particularly grounded in one religion.

The hathayoga developed mostly during the period of 14th century. Hatha and tantra yoga , the major branches of yoga, were both developed in the Post-Classical Period, around 1000 CE. Tantra taught students how to cleanse the body, mind and spirit and to break the ties that bind us to any form of physical existence. Hatha yoga attempts to balance mind and body via physical exercises, or "asanas", controlled breathing, and the calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation. Asanas teach poise, balance & strength and were originally (and still) practiced to improve the body's physical health and clear the mind in preparation for meditation in the pursuit of enlightenment .

Yogis on the other hand focused almost exclusively on Meditation and neglected the Asanas. They were attempting to exit the mortal coil and merge with the ultimate reality through contemplation. Yogis usually think of God as an impersonal, spiritual substance, coexisting with all of reality. This doctrine is called pantheism which is the view that everything is God. Yogi Matsyendranath taught that before taking to the practices of meditation, the body and its elements need purifying. One of the most outstanding authorities on hatha yoga, Swami Swatmarama wrote the Hatha yoga pradipika, or 'Light on yoga' in Sanskrit, which describes the various Asanas and breathing exercises, which forms the foundation of the modern practice of yoga.

Yogic attitudes, simple Asanas, Pranayama, relaxation and health orientated techniques were systematically devised to help people solve the problems of daily living. Yogi is not a religious title. Most modern people associate the word "yoga" with Hatha yoga, in one of its many style variations.

Ashtanga, which means 8 limbs in Sanskrit, is a rhythmically fast, intense set of yoga practice always performed in the same order. Ashtanga Yoga is physically demanding and it is meant for people seeking body strength, flexibility and workout including challenging series of postures with Ujjayi Breathing and vinyasas. Ashtanga is the Sanskrit name for what is referred to as the eight fold path of yoga. Ashtanga Yoga is another type of yoga which is also known as 'power yoga'. This type of yoga comprises push ups, which increases strength and stamina in human body.

Modern evolutionary approaches to yoga have created clear delineations between the Hindu religion and the practice of yoga. Modern yoga positions and principles have evolved from these earliest meditative practices and continue to be fused by modern practitioners.

Terrine Pearsall is the owner of Wonderfully Fit. Terrine has been working in the fitness industry as a Long Beach personal trainer, yoga teacher and pilates instructor servicing Long Beach, Seal Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and San Pedro.

Terrine thrives on custom designing interesting, creative and fun programs for individual needs. She uses a variety of tools - from conventional weight training with machines and free weights to core focused workouts utilizing: stability balls, BOSU, and medicine balls.

Terrine is constantly networking and scanning the internet for the latest fitness and health information and attends an international fitness convention annually to stay on the cutting edge. Terrine is a member of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, the world's leading membership organization of health & fitness professionals.

Exploring Free Online Yoga Classes

So many people seem to be interested in free online yoga classes. Some may just be curious while others may not be able to afford full yoga classes yet. If you are in search of free classes, there are a couple of things that you should have in mind first.

The Benefits of Yoga

First of all, it is important to understand why yoga is worth your time and effort. Yoga has a great many benefits. It improves your physical strength and flexibility and keeps your organs and systems functioning properly. It also calms and relaxes you and relieves pain and stress. In the end, yoga ultimately leads people to physical, mental and spiritual harmony. In other words, yoga can help you achieve overall health and change the way you respond to life situations and conditions.

Free Online Yoga Instructions

Many sites now offer yoga instruction for free, and there are many ways you can get instructions. Some sites offer step by step e-mail instruction while others provide free newsletters. The more advanced sites will let you download whole yoga class videos or view the videos online. The perfect choice of mode of instruction will depend on your learning style and preference. Regardless of your mode choice, you should always pick a free offer that provides clear and easy to understand instructions to avoid possible injury.

Different Kinds of Yoga

Before you go for any free online yoga program, you should know that there are different kinds of yoga. Yoga techniques can fall under Kundalini, Hatha, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Bikram and others. You need to find out first what kind of yoga you would like to learn and practice.

Free yoga videos can be for either beginners or more advanced students. Check the level before downloading the material. Otherwise, you might get into techniques that are not good for you to handle on your own. In some cases, a free yoga program may only teach you yoga techniques up to a certain point, and you need to find out for yourself whether free program is fully geared or will leave you hanging.

Yoga Instructors

Just as there are different yoga disciplines, there are also a great number of yoga masters. This is especially true online. Since authenticity is a little difficult to check on the internet, some scam artists may even pose as yoga masters. Do a little research on where exactly your free material comes from. This can protect you from injury and help you achieve the goal of yoga better.

Self-Monitoring

Since you are on a free program, you have to understand that your pace of improvement relies heavily on you. Without an actual instructor staying with you to check on your performance, you have to watch out for yourself. Even if you have a very good free material, you may not fully enjoy the benefits of yoga if you do not follow the instructions seriously or correctly.

Some free online yoga materials can be just as good as the paid ones and can truly change your life. You need to be sure though that you have the right materials and the commitment to practice yoga techniques on your own.

If you are truly interested in taking free online yoga class, you may like to get started with our free yoga videos. While you are on our site, you can even narrow your video search with your own specific queries. You can also get a complete guide on yoga class, yoga teacher, and different types of yoga from our main site.

Must Have Yoga Accessories

Yoga

Yoga is a great exercise for our minds and our bodies. It helps to teach our bodies how to relax. It helps us to develop strength and flexibility. Plus, it tones and tightens our muscles. Yet, to practice this ancient art as effectively as we would like there are some must have yoga accessories we all should have.

First, begin with a good mat.

A yoga mat is considered an essential part of most people's yoga routine. It helps to make sure we do not slip. If we slip, we don't just loose our pose, we may injure ourselves. A yoga mat can also help us to achieve the stability to not only hold a pose longer, but to deepen it.

A good yoga mat is one that is:

Nonslip

Lightweight

Washable

One that provides transaction

Comfortable for standing or lying

It doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, you can find a quality mat for fewer than twenty dollars. Plus, they come in every color imaginable.

Yoga straps or belts

Yoga straps or belts are used to help us to reach our limbs. Yoga practices of all levels find these beneficial.

When searching for a good belt or strap looks for one that is:

Made from high quality fabrics

A width of at least 1.5"

These come in a variety of colors and fabrics

Yoga balls

You have seen these balls everywhere. They help a person practicing yoga or dance moves to create many more poses and stretches. They are especially beneficial in such poses as: back bends, hip openers and restorative poses.

A good yoga ball is one that is:

Easy to inflate

Durable

Made from anti burst material

Textured, slip free surface

Able to hold several hundred pounds of pressure

Size of the ball should be based on the height of the individual. A person who is under 5'6" should use a 55 cm size yoga ball, a person who is between 5'6" and 6' should use a 65 cm size yoga ball and a person is over 6' should use a 75 cm sized yoga ball.

Yoga blocks

Yoga blocks come in many different sizes and designs. They are used as a way to help a person with support and extensions on various poses and yoga movements. They can be placed under ones hips, hands, heels or between one's hands.

When buying these yoga blocks, you should make sure they all are:

Durable

Lightweight

Soft

Scratch resistant

Yoga wedges

These are used as yoga blocks are, to help one achieve a boost while performing a deeper stretch. Works great when performing the downward dog by placing under one's heels.

Yoga sandbags

Similar to punching bags. These bags are filled with sand, beans, rice or grains. Generally, they will hold about 10 pounds.

There are some yoga accessories that are being bough ten that aren't particular used during the practice of yoga, yet make the yoga experience or life in general much more peaceful, rewarding and make the user feel more special by owning. Here is an example of some of these types of yoga accessories.

The yoga neck pillow

This is used for relaxation or mediation purposes. Generally these are covered in silk covers that are removable and feel luxurious to touch.

Sometimes you will find these filled with such items as unscented organic buckwheat or wonderfully scented lavender.

Eye Pillows

These are used to help one's sleep. They are used to help block out light and to relax one. Generally, you will find the covers made from glorious silk. The pillow itself can be filled with flax seed and then an array or herbs used for relaxing purposes such as lavender or rose scents.

Mat towels

These are placed right on your yoga mat. What is their purpose? They are used for when you are working out hard and you are sweating. They are used to soak up your sweat, keeping your mat firmly in place and help keep your pose straight and poised.

Aluminum Water Bottle

The green way to stay hydrated. Leave those old plastic bottles at the store. Fill your own aluminum water bottle up at home, bring it along. Save the planet and give your body the water it deserves and needs.

Fashionable mesh bags

You will need one of these to carry your gear, if you are planning on taking a yoga class or practicing outside in the sun.

Yoga is a great benefit for your body and mind. Must have yoga accessories, makes your yoga practicing more enjoyable.

Jeffrey Meier at Jam727 Enterprises at http://www.thearticlehome.com blog offers even more detailed information on a wide variety of topics.