mario

...true that aerobic exercise may very well burn more calories. However you will still use about 240 calories in an average 1 hour classic hatha yoga class and burn many more (about 400) with some highly physical forms such as astanga yoga. And you can practise yoga every day without over-exercising your muscles which is not the case for many forms of aerobic exercise

6. Yoga offers psychological benefits

Through yoga practise you tend to re tune into your body and increase your self-acceptance and self-esteem. You build positive body confidence and help quiet any negative messages that may arise in your mind. Yoga teaches us to respect our bodies and this helps us when choosing our food and avoiding junk food and alcohol.

7. Yoga is for everyone

Most people can take up yoga even if they have been inactive for a while although you should always get your doctor's approval before beginning an exercise program if there is any doubt about your health. While jogging and working out at the gym might seem too much to contemplate you can start wherever you are with a yoga class and make steady progress.

Copyright 2006, Janice Elizabeth Small

The Westernization of Yoga or Why Stretching & Flexibility is Not Yoga

... just one flow. You can only unite separate and different flows.

This is another area where most Western Yoga Instruction falls short. Most instruction is only in the placement of the various body parts. And while it is true, that the flow of ones Prana will be influenced by where ones body parts are in relation to each other; this is also low level Yoga. The flow of ones Prana should be directly regulated and controlled by ones mind. Of the Yoga classes that do talk about the flow of Prana, they usually talk about the main flow of Prana in the Asana and not the counter flow.

Since Hatha Yoga is the Union of the Ha or the Sun Flows of Energy and the Tha or the Moon Flows of Energy, talking about only one flow means they are practicing either Ha Yoga or Tha Yoga. They cannot be practicing Hatha Yoga.

Most people are not aware that the practice of the Asanas or stretches is actually the third step in the classical school of Raja Yoga. The first step is the practice of 5 Restraints: Non-Harming, Truthfulness, Non-Stealing, Self-Restraint and Non-Possessiveness. The second is the practice of the 5 Observances: Purity, Contentment, Austerity, Self- Study and Surrender to God. (Notice there are 10, as in the 10 Commandments).

The concept behind this is that since the practice of the Yoga Asanas does make you Healthier and does give you more energy regardless of your State of Being, if you have not become a better person first, all the Yoga Asanas will have accomp...more

Do You Know The Different Types Of Yoga?

...The ancient practice of yoga is not merely about stretching and flexibility. It is a philosophical movement that seeks to free the body of toxins, create a space for God, unite the mind and body, and bring a deep sense of peace and relaxation into your life. Some styles focus on the fitness aspect, while others combine the meditative side as well, so one should consider the various styles before beginning.

For beginners, Hatha yoga is slow-paced and gentle. It is believed that one cannot control the mind until the body is adequately prepared to receive spiritual guidance. By a series of postures, stretches, breathing and relaxation techniques, one can find focus, concentration and a sense of inner peace.

This yoga is good for increasing flexibility and toning muscles. Iyengar yoga focuses on aligning the body to provide maximum results and minimal injury, making it another smart choice for beginners, including ill or elderly participants.

Contrary to "flow" styles of yoga, Iyengar uses fewer pos...more

Yoga And Balance? Yoga Teaches About Balance

...sing them. Rather this is the practice of non-reaction and non-attachment.

Yoga teaches that balance already here. To find your balance just stop. Not to say that stillness is the goal of yoga. Rather yoga teaches how to move into any situation from a point of stillness. In this way we always act from our full potential. Our wholeness is the balance point within us. This wholeness is our deepest self without all the extra programming. From our center point we have the potential to move in any direction at any time. As soon as a belief or an idea about how something should be like such and such then we have lost our center. Only let go and notice balance.<...more