Yoga News


30
Jun 11

The benefits of engaging in yoga apply to both genders

When it comes to working out, many men prefer tough activities that build up their strength, endurance and stamina. Sports such as wrestling, football and rugby have historically been dominated by males. However, taking things down a notch with meditation, gentle poses and breathing exercises can be beneficial for guys. Yoga is one form of physical activity that even the manliest of men need not feel ashamed of.

According to the Globe and Mail, when Greg Sarney revealed to his father, brother and brother-in-law that he practiced yoga on a regular basis, his declaration was met with skepticism. However, when he described to them exactly why the holistic mind-body regimen was good for physical well-being – and improving skills in golf, their favorite sport – they began to warm up to the idea of engaging in the exercises.

"Side twists increase mobility and flexibility in the spine, which can mean a bigger backswing and a longer drive," Sarney told them, quoted by the news source. "And deep breathing can intensify your focus, which can improve your putting."

He wrote in his article that he considered this conversation a major success in his attempt to introduce yoga to the men in his life. 


30
Jun 11

Residents of British Columbia may benefit from participating in a week-long yoga event

The holistic Eastern art of yoga has helped people all over the world enhance their physical and mental well-being. The beauty of the program is that it is versatile and can be performed virtually anywhere, at enthusiasts' convenience. Busy employees have been known to perform the soothing poses during their lunch break, and overworked moms can engage in the deep breathing exercises while waiting in the car to pick their kids up after school.

People all over the world have reported experiencing positive effects from engaging in meditation and gentle stretches. These exercises can strengthen the delicate connection between the mind and the body, facilitating the flow of the life energy Ki.

This year, the Chopra Center for Well-Being in British Columbia will be holding a week-long yoga event to help enthusiasts learn how to achieve optimal mindfulness and tranquility.

"Each day, as we meditate, practice yoga, and engage in meaningful discussions with like-minded people, we reconnect to why we are really here – and how we can live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives," said founder and instructor Deepak Chopra. 


28
Jun 11

More men engage in yoga

Yoga is a holistic mind-body regimen that is known for welcoming enthusiasts of all ages, shapes, sizes and levels of experience. The Eastern art is flexible when it comes to the right place or time to perform it, and appropriately enough, it also helps its practitioners become more limber. Much like the stretching of a wire, which can enable it to become more functional and strong, yoga helps elongate and tone the muscles of the body.

The breathing exercises, stretches and poses of the regimen are popular with both men and women. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the lingering stereotype that yoga is a feminine activity has been eradicated due to the great number of confident males who have incorporated the routine into their daily lives.

“Most men feel like they need a tough, hard workout,” said enthusiast Duane Welte, quoted by the news source. “But they can go to yoga and they can be challenged. It's not just a women's thing.”

Instructor Claudine Beeson said that the majority of her yoga class tends to be female, but that this trend is changing rapidly in many areas of the country. Urban regions in particular tend to have a greater percentage of male yoga students.


28
Jun 11

Twilight star Kristen Stewart spotted in LA, heading to yoga class in loose, comfortable clothes

The holistic Eastern art of Dahn Yoga has captivated the minds, bodies and spirits of countless individuals all over the world. Engaging in the regimen's deep breathing techniques, soothing poses and rejuvenating stretches have enabled many people to look within and reignite their truest selves, like a candle coming to life in a dark room.

Yoga has taken the Western world by storm due to its many positive effects on mental, emotional and physical well-being. Individuals who incorporate its gentle exercises into their daily lives have reported greater success at striving for good health and relaxation.

Recently, Twilight actress Kristen Stewart was spotting headed to a class in Los Angeles, according to Hollywood Life. The 21-year-old brunette wore a loose-fitting gray top paired with dark yoga pants, an outfit that many instructors recommend to enthusiasts in order to optimize comfort while posing and stretching.

Whether one is a celebrity or simply a normal human being, doing yoga can help one stay fit, flexible and healthy.


24
Jun 11

When money and influence don’t bring happiness, individuals may turn to yoga for fulfillment

Sometimes, it is easy to forget that although money can bring comfort and leisure, it is not the key to one's happiness. The blind pursuit of material possessions, coupled with the stress that many feel as a result of juggling too many responsibilities, can take a toll on the delicate link between the physical and mental aspects of one's well-being.

This epiphany has taken place for a number of individuals with high-flying careers, according to the Times of India. Despite the prestige, power and money that came with holding such jobs, these people chose to quit and become yoga trainers. The holistic Eastern art, which consists of gentle stretches and poses, has helped thousands of enthusiasts achieve personal growth.

"I started training for the selfish reason of keeping fit myself," said former architect Apurva Prasanna, quoted by the news source. "I got acquainted with yoga as a student. I used to be mediocre in college, but it helped me gain concentration and focus. Yoga develops your mind and interpersonal skills too."

By turning away from their desire for material possessions, these individuals have turned their hearts and spirits to a greater power – that which resides within themselves, a glow of everlasting light that burns with infinite peace. 


24
Jun 11

Yoga can be a powerful stress management tool

The pressure of everyday life can be overwhelming at times. Dealing with professional and personal responsibilities, following a strict schedule and not taking enough time out to relax can take a significant toll on one's health and happiness. Prolonged tension and anxiety can feel like walking blindly in the dark or meandering along a foggy road that seems neverending. Everyone visits this winding path from time to time, but emerging into the sun is necessary to achieve contentment and reach for one's full potential.

Countless individuals all over the world have found their way into the light by performing gentle breathing techniques, soothing poses and rejuvenating stretches. These exercises are included in the ancient Eastern art of yoga, which many herald as a powerful tool for stress management.

According to That's Fit, one woman discovered that entering her 60s did not mean that it was too late to make a difference in herself and her life. By engaging in yoga, she was able to look inward for guidance and strengthen the mind-body connection.

"It is through my yoga practice that I am more able to stay present and internally balanced, and to enjoy health and a lean body through the principles of breath, alignment and movements," she wrote in her article.


20
Jun 11

Australian inmates transcend their past offenses through yoga

The practice of yoga has helped countless individuals all over the world achieve good health. Engaging in the holistic mind-body regimen's gentle stretches, soothing poses and deep breathing techniques has enhanced the well-being of people of all ages, from toddlers to the elderly. The exercise can be performed virtually anywhere and at any time, making it a convenient as well as an efficient type of physical activity for many busy enthusiasts.

Recently, the Herald Sun reported that incarcerated Australian criminals are being introduced to the gentle art of yoga as a way to overcome the past.

Instructor Bernice Bailey explained that she worked with some of the worst and most notorious criminals in the country, but preferred not to know the offenses that they had committed.

"It can be challenging for them. It can be very challenging," she told the news source. "But the people who make it through, they get heaps out of it. I get back from them a lot of humanness."

The voluntary program takes place four times a week, during which prisoners engage in the soothing technique for two hours at a time.


20
Jun 11

Addicts overcome struggles through the practice of yoga

Individuals who live with alcohol, drug or gambling addictions may feel as though they are walking a long, dark and lonely path. It can be easy to feel hopeless, angry or frustrated when dealing with such struggles, and this anxiety can lead to poor health.

However, engaging in a mindfulness regimen may be able to help these people overcome their troubles and improve their well-being. Those who take the time to learn Dahn Yoga basics may enhance their emotional, mental and physical health.

Recently, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that one rehab facility has begun offering yoga sessions to its patients in order to help them break free of the chains of addiction.

"Yoga is a mind, body, spirit practice, and addiction is a mind, body, spirit disease," said instructor Mary Kate Farley, quoted by the news source. "The result of surrendering to what's happening in the moment is a feeling of peace. Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without."

Farley confessed that she herself struggled with alcohol addiction before discovering the tranquil beauty of yoga. 


15
Jun 11

Yoga can enhance flexibility, the third pillar of fitness

Flexibility may not seem that important for anyone other than ballet dancers and gymnasts, but in fact, stretching and elongating the muscles can have countless benefits for your body and mind. According to CNN News, too little attention has been paid to flexibility, which could reduce the risk of some cancers and even improve memory.

Learning to stretch and gently move the body by doing the soothing poses of yoga could help individuals improve their physical well-being and stay supple.

"Flexibility is the third pillar of fitness, next to cardiovascular conditioning and strength training," said David Geier, who directs the sports medicine department at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, quoted by the news source. "Even if you're aerobically fit, it helps to be limber, too, so your body can easily adapt to physical stressors."

This may be excellent news for those who engage in the relaxation techniques of yoga. In addition to improving their physical health, enthusiasts can also work on enhancing their emotional and mental well-being by participating in the ancient Eastern art several times a week.


15
Jun 11

Annual yoga park festival to be held in Europe

Countless individuals all over the world have fallen in love with the breathing exercises, relaxing poses and gentle stretches of yoga. In Germany, for example, some 5 million people have engaged in the holistic mind-body regimen, and the number is increasing sharply every year as news of the multiple benefits of this exercise spreads.

Contrary to what some may believe, yoga is not only reserved for the limber and flexible. In fact, the point of this ancient Eastern art is to make the body stronger and more supple, as well as improve concentration, mood and mental well-being.

In order to celebrate the myriad benefits of the mindfulness practice, yoga professionals will be gathering at the World Culture Festival in Germany on July 2-3 to showcase their love for the exercise. Each year, the event is held in one of the largest open-air arenas in the country and has been designated the largest yoga park in all of Europe.

"Inner peace is the basis for a peaceful society," said Ruud Lubbers, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands. "Yoga is a powerful way to relaxation and stress resolution, because only those who are at peace with themselves can project this outward to our environment."