The Top Five Benefits of Yoga Exercise

Yoga has been practiced by people the world over for many centuries, and it is still very popular today. Many people use it to strengthen the mind, body and spirit connection. There are actually several forms of yoga, and a seemingly infinite array of poses and postures that can be used. But however you choose to make use of yoga exercise, here are the top five benefits of including yoga in your home fitness routine.

1. Yoga not only strengthens your muscles but also increases their flexibility. Many people today use weight training to help build larger more powerful muscles. However, short and powerful muscles can be prone to injury. And flexibility is often ignored in many workout routines. Yoga can help round out your workout schedule, not only strengthening the muscles of your body but also making them flexible enough to protect you from injury as you exercise.

2. Yoga also helps increase your energy level. There is an emphasis on increasing the oxygen level in your blood while doing yoga exercises, and that in turn leads to a more energetic overall feeling. And because of the increased flexibility that yoga brings, there is a tendency to move more anyway because there is a wider range of free movement available in the body. And staying active also leads to higher energy levels as well.

3. Yoga also stimulates endocrine gland function by utilizing twisting and bending poses that activate the endocrine system and helps normalize sluggish glands.

4. One of the most popular benefits of yoga exercises is that it not only strengthens and improves your physical condition, but also helps relieve stress and tension to improve your mental outlook too. Today's society is fast-paced and hectic, and this can take its toll on one both physically and mentally. Yoga recognizes this, and many of the slow stretching movements and deep breathing that is part of most yoga exercises help clear your mind of the cares of the day and focus it on positive things instead.

5. Closely related to your mood and mental outlook are other psychological benefits of using yoga. Very often we carry negative messages and feelings inside, and the practice of yoga helps a person better tune into the person that they are inside, increasing self awareness and self esteem.

There are lots of other advantages and benefits of adding yoga exercise into your fitness workouts, including the fact that it is both inexpensive and relatively easy to do. You may find by incorporating yoga into your daily routine, that even more benefits become readily apparent. This is fine because yoga is a deeply personal experience. It is not necessarily the same for each person who practices it. But hopefully the benefits of yoga exercise that we have covered in this article will help convince you that it should be a major part of your daily fitness routine from now on.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including fitness. You can find homefitnessconsumerreview.com/yoga-exercise.html free yoga exercises and homefitnessconsumerreview.com/index.html free yoga poses by visiting our Home Fitness website.

What Should I Pay For a Yoga Teacher Course?

Where do you start, when considering the many paths of happinesslifetime.com Yoga teacher training? It is always best to compare happinesslifetime.com Yoga certification programs to each other. There are many factors that you might want to take into consideration. Unfortunately, much of your decision making, when choosing a course, depends on time, obligations, money, and flexibility in your schedule.

All of these factors are important, but let's take a closer look at what it can cost you to attend a Yoga teacher intensive. Not everyone has $3000.00 in US dollars to pitch a tent on a mountain side for a month. This may be your lodging cost only, and does not include the extra $3000.00 for tuition.

Do you want a private room and bath? That option is available. It may cost you $6000.00 for a private room. Hidden fees and additional costs are the keywords of some Yoga teacher intensive courses. You should be aware of extra fees for registration, application, fund transfers, testing, tutoring, consulting, counseling, mentoring, additional testing, membership, books, DVDs, CDs, and any other form of learning tools.

Did I forget anything? The bottom line is questionable fees. Interns should question them from the very start. This is much like renting a car when you are on vacation and realizing you should have bought it for the price you paid. Therefore, if you are going to spend a "king's ransom" for your training, you should insist on full access.

Please do not forget food. If you are going to be at an intensive for two weeks or a month it is not going to be free. If you are in the middle of a tourist trap disguised as a Yoga instructor course, you may want to bring some food that does not require refrigeration.

Two more items to consider: Calculate your lost wages and your transportation costs involved, in traveling to and from, your destination. If you are presently employed, your employer will not likely understand why you want to become a Yoga teacher. You may have to "make up" a tactful excuse.

Transportation costs can vary, but how close is your retreat to the nearest airport? If you travel by car, your costs depend on the price of gasoline and the condition of your car.

Read any agreements before signing them. Be completely aware of the policies of the certifying Yoga organization. For example: Does the certifying body place a 50 mile radius around their existing studios? This would bar you from teaching within that radius.

Finally, you may want to make a cost comparison with a Yoga teacher distance learning program. Before spending an astronomical amount of money, it might be wise to become certified through correspondence. In this way, you are able to begin your journey, without having to pay for it over a fifteen year period.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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. aurawellnesscenter.com aurawellnesscenter.com 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: yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

The Perfect Workout?

We are all in search of the perfect exercise, the perfect workout, "The Perfect Pushup," and sole solution to achieving our health and fitness goals. But does such a thing exist, or is it just a great marketing ploy feeding upon our desire to get something for nothing or at least next to nothing. There's the "10-Minute Trainer," "8 Minute Abs," and "Shapely Secrets in 7 minutes" to name just a few of the infomercials we are inundated with on a Sunday morning or on late night television. All promise to give more for less, just what we want to hear, right?

Then there are the guru wars. It started with Richard Simmons, Body by Jake, then Tony Little, next came Billy Blanks and "Tae Bo", and now we have Tony Horton. Is one guru truly better than another, is one method of exercise superior to it's alternative? There are so many to choose from. There's Pilates and yoga from which we now have yogilates because someone couldn't decide. They thought weightlifting was dangerous and took some "know how", so they created universal and nautilus machines. Then they realized people got just as hurt on machines, so we looked towards physical therapy and came up with functional training. Then functional training wasn't enough so they combined functional with weightlifting and "strong man" workouts, and created something called cross-fit for the real masochists. About 10 years ago we were so bored with training we went back several hundred years and brought kettle bells to the mainstream and now they are a staple of many commercial facilities.

Is there a one size fits all prescription to achieving superior health and fitness? Is there only one method or one tool for getting the job done? If you could only have one tool what would it be? Would it be a kettle bell, a stability ball, a pull -up bar, or a Pilate's reformer? Would it be the ab-lounge, ab-roller, ab-rocker, or "Perfect Pushup" handles? Or, would you just do cardio using your spin bike, elliptical cross trainer, or stepper? Maybe you would take to the road and become a runner, running in the rain, in the snow, in the heat, in the cold? Maybe you're a purist and would say that the best machine ever created was the human body and that's all you would need to get the perfect workout and perform the perfect exercise?

So what's the answer? Yes, all of the above. I'm sure you saw this coming, but there is no one size fits all solution. The perfect workout is the one that you get up for everyday and perform on a consistent basis. If I design for you what I deem as the perfect exercise regimen, but I can't get you to commit to performing it regularly then I guess it's not that perfect. Just like a carpenter has a variety of tools at his disposal to choose from depending on the job, the same is true for the exerciser. There are no good and bad tools, there are only appropriate and inappropriate tools based upon your goals, fitness level, and health history. All of the gadgets are cool but that is all they are gadgets or tools. Like the carpenter you determine what job needs to get done and then you select the appropriate tools to make it happen. So for one person that may be yoga and spinning, and for another it may be taking a "cross-fit" class and running. And for others it may be hiring a fitness professional that incorporates ideas and strategies from all of these forms of exercise. I'm all for efficiency. My days of training three hours a day are long gone, but the idea that training for 10 minutes per day for the rest of one's life is a solution that is appropriate for everyone I find a little misleading. As mentioned in previous articles variety is a key component of any program so that the body doesn't reach a plateau and remain there indefinitely.

The American way has taught us that in order to get real results that are long lasting and retain real value, hard work is necessary; it is expected. Then why should we expect anything less from our approach to achieving superior health and fitness? We shouldn't. The quest for achieving superior health and fitness is a never-ending journey and not simply a destination. I wish you the best of luck on that journey and don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any help.

-Jason Mittelman

trainwithj.com trainwithj.com

Jason Mittelman (trainwithj.com trainwithj.com) has over 15 years of teaching, coaching, and training experience. He is dedicated to helping people get to the next level. In addition to private fitness training, Jason serves as a sports performance coach, helping athletes of all ages and levels in New York and New Jersey develop speed, quickness, agility, strength and overall conditioning.

Jason has honed his exercise philosophy and methods in the gym and in the classroom. He holds a master's degree in exercise science from Montclair State University and a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University. His philosophy focuses on achieving exercise adherence along with performance based and task mastery goals. Jason's approach to fitness is straightforward: move consistently, move efficiently, and move effectively. His exercise programs include flexibility, strength, and aerobic training.

On the basketball court Jason has worked with some of the nation's top athletes, who moved on to college and professional basketball careers. He is a former NYC, PSAL boys high school basketball coach. Currently, Jason is the head jv and assistant girls varsity basketball coach in Glen Rock, NJ. He also serves as a coach and clinician for the Glen Rock Youth Basketball League (GRYBL).

Jason maintains certifications by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, and by the National Strength and Conditioning Association both as a personal trainer and as a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS). Jason frequently attends national conferences, workshops, and conventions, staying on top of the industry's latest findings in research, trends, and technology. Over the years Jason has had the opportunity to consult with, write for, and appear in the following publications: Vogue, Self, Allure, Elle, Men's Fitness, and People.

Acupuncture Vs Yoga for Trigger Point Pain

Regional and persistent pain are the two common complaints of people suffering trigger point pain. Commonly affected areas include muscles in the shoulders, neck and pelvic girdle. These debilitating symptoms do not only decrease normal range of motions but also affect correct body posture. When trigger points are discrete and hyper-irritable spots, they do not exactly lie on the region of the body that hurts. They produce radiating pain in referred pattern, which usually accompany other chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Trigger point pain result from developing stress or undue tension on muscle fibers. While pharmacological treatments like trigger-point injection offers immediate pain relief, longer lasting benefits are generally experienced with non-pharmacological treatments such as acupuncture and yoga therapy exercises.

Acupuncture Trigger Point Pain Treatment

Trigger point pain may result from old or new injuries, over training, incorrect body mechanics and poor body posture. In this light, acupuncture treatments can help return the balance to your muscles. It uses an aggressive and direct manipulative approach to relieving muscular tightness and tension. Using FDA-approved grade of acupuncture needles, it stimulates the muscle fibers, generating involuntary twitching of muscles located on the suspect trigger point. This results to gradual reduction and elimination of pain-causing pressure and tension over the affected muscle region.

Aside from relieving your muscles from stress, acupuncture helps restore balance to the biochemical functions of the body. One of its known benefits is the hastened production of pain-killing biochemicals like endorphins. In restoring balance to brain and nervous system functions, it helps regulate blood pressure, blood flow and body temperature, which is indirectly beneficial to managing and relieving body stressors.

Yoga Benefits

Since the debilitating symptoms of trigger point pain reduce the body's full range of motion, it prevents full lengthening of the muscles. This makes the body prone muscle tension and stress, which leads to the development of more musculoskeletal disorders. Yoga helps prevent repetitive muscle stripping, cold distraction and ischemic compression, which make the body prone to developing trigger points.

Doing regular yoga exercises helps strengthen and lengthen muscles. It helps stimulate and massage the muscles, keeping them less prone to injuries and disorders. It helps correct and improve posture. Since it works out the different joints in the body, it promotes joint lubrication and strengthening of ligaments and tendons. It tones your muscles in ways that it will be less flaccid or weak when subjected to tension and stress, which are known to develop trigger points and cause.

Pros and Cons

Unlike drug-based treatments, these non-pharmacologic treatment modalities like acupuncture and yoga address trigger point pain directly from its causes with minimum intervention.

But while acupuncture is generally safe and effective, people may have different opinions about it. Some people may not be comfortable thinking that they will be inserted with multiple hair-thin needles and might even feel pain during treatment. But while people may experience minimal localized soreness, some feel energized after acupuncture sessions.

On the other hand, relaxing yoga sessions are generally safe for all, except for individuals with underlying health conditions like cardiovascular disorders. Yoga works through the pain through trained and researched poses that lengthens and strengthens the muscles. People who are not comfortable about needles can try yoga. It's relaxing effect helps relieve body stresses and muscular strain, which are directly linked to trigger points. However, it would be wise to work with a trained yoga expert to avoid excessive stretching and straining of affected muscles.

In addition to acupuncture and yoga, there are also some great self massage techniques which can alleviate trigger points. I've been interested in self massage for almost as long as I've been into yoga. The two really can go hand in hand. For more information about yogatuneup.com/products/self-massage-therapy-balls self massage therapy techniques please visit Jill Miller's Yoga Tune Up? site. Jill's teachings inspire me because her program combines yogatuneup.com yoga with body therapy and self-massage. I'm a huge fan.

Tantra Yoga

Tantra Yoga is an ancient system of spiritual practice which originated in India and spread to Tibet and South-east Asia. Of all the spiritual paths on this planet the Tantric teachings are unique, since they deal with energy or Shakti.

Unlike most spiritual paths which consider the world a place of transition or suffering, a reality meant for testing the human being and which is an illusion (Maya in Sanskrit), Tantra sees reality as a source of power and as a part of the divine consciousness itself. Ultimately Tantric teachings say that The Ultimate reality (also called Shiva) and Shakti are one and the same thing.

Because of this approach and deep understanding, the Tantric teachings cover much of nature and it's forces/energies and even more importantly the forces and energies which govern and drive the human being. This study can be found in the traditional Tantric texts (ancient texts from India called the Agamas). There you can see that Tantra explores fascinating fields such as: Astronomy, Astrology, The science of colours and sounds, sacred dance, architecture, alternative therapies, spiritual realization, Kundalini, Chakras and much more.

Among all these fields of interest and mastery, the Tantrics also discovered the most powerful energy in creation and therefore in the human being - the sexual energy. The sexual energy can be seen in action at every level of reality, from the tiny Atom to the largest galaxy. And in the human being this energy, the Tantrics realized, is responsible for the spiritual evolution.

From this Tantra comes with revolutionary teachings about sex and spirituality. Tantra discovered that sexuality can be transformed (through special Tantric techniques and training) into a spiritual act, a conscious powerful act that can set the human being free and bring spiritual evolution and even spiritual realization.

The science of Tantra Yoga brings to the human being happiness, fulfillment and pleasure beyond belief. Through Tantric lovemaking, human beings can heal themselves miraculously and reach the most amazing multi-orgasmic pleasures and ascend to unparalleled spiritual heights.

3-Month Weight Loss Program

If you want to burn fat fast, then use these 3 simple nutrition and workout tips to lose weight fast.

First, you need to tackle your nutrition. Without a doubt, what you eat has the greatest impact on your fat loss success. You can devour hundreds of calories in less than a minute, so be careful. So stick to these 3 rules at all times.

1) Don't eat any foods with added sugar or that come in a bag or a box. This will help you avoid high-calorie processed carbohydrates.

Don't eat sugar.

Focus on eating foods that contain fiber along with carbohydrates, such as apples and other fruits, oatmeal and other fiber-rich grains, and all different types of vegetables.

2) Avoid all liquid calories. This tip alone can result in almost overnight fat loss, and often adds up to over 10 pounds of weight loss.

So no more sodas, juices, energy drinks, Frappacinos, or other calorie-added beverages. Avoid mixed drinks because this can double your calorie intake.

3) Fill up on fiber rich foods at every meal. From oatmeal in the morning, to almonds between meals, and fruits and vegetables at lunch and dinner, you'll control your appetite by increasing your fiber intake.

Eat foods that go straight from the garden to your plate. You can also eat nuts, another great whole, natural food that gets a bad rap. Eat 1 ounce of almonds, walnuts or pecans everyday to help curb your appetite. Each half an ounce in the morning and half an ounce in the afternoon for snacks.

While nutrition is the key to fat loss, you can't maximize your fat burning without doing some type of exercise. The most important factor here is consistency, so choose something you like. When you are ready for advanced workouts, take these tips into account.

1) Do three 20-minute total body strength training workouts per week. Have a trainer show you how to do squats, pushups, rowing exercises, and other multi-muscle exercises that allow you to train lots of muscle groups in a short amount of time.

For more exercises, take a look at the Turbulence Training workouts. You will learn how to do supersets and get the workouts done fast!

2) Do three 20-minute interval sessions per week immediately after strength training to complete a 45 minute workout. By alternating between hard exercise and easy exercise, you demand more from your muscles during the workout, and that burns more calories after the workout.

3) Stay active with fun, relaxing activities on your four "non-workout" days. Have fun with your kids, do yoga, walk the dog, or play sports.

You don't need to be in the gym everyday to get results. Make this plan your new lifestyle and you'll be over 10 pounds lighter in 90 days.

Go to this turbulencetraining.com fat burning workout site to learn why cardio sucks for fat loss. Post your fat loss questions in the ttmembers.com fat burning members area.

How Do I Find The Right Yoga Instructor? 5 Top Points To Consider When Looking

I have friends and colleagues who used to ask me all the time "how do I find a good yoga instructor?" Unfortunately there is no simple method. Every yoga teacher and school is different and is not suitable for everyone. You need to find an instructor or school who fits your own personality and can help you reach your goals.

You need to start your search by finding out if your potential yoga teacher is certified. There is not a single governing body out there that certifies yoga instructors which means that you could go on a two week training course and get yourself a yoga training certificate. So use some common sense when looking around at least if they are certified it shows a desire to learn yoga and teach others.

The best method is judge for yourself, and then try out some different classes from teachers whose style appeals to you. Here are the five musts to consider;

Do you feel safe in the class? A good yoga tutor is always mindful of their students experience level and will not ask their students to perform exercises beyond their reach.
Did the teacher offer modifications? In other words a good tutor will often offer simplified or broken down methods of routines. This is a good way for the teacher to build up the early beginner to a more advanced stage of a certain routine. This enables the teacher to give tuition to more advanced students and beginners simultaneously.
Did the teacher give lessons without directing the learning to a specific person? A good teacher will make all their students feel at home. Except in praise, singling out someone is rather inconsiderate, it will make the student feel embarrassed and will knock their confidence to do the routines and their ability to master yoga.
Did the teacher ask if they had new students today in class? A good teacher will wish to know about their students so they can tailor training accordingly. This shows that the teacher is willing to help the student from the bottom up.
Did the teacher have eyes in the back of their head? A good experienced tutor will know if someone is slacking or not putting the effort in whether they are at the back of the room or the front and if there are five students or fifty.

If you have friends that do yoga ask them. Everyone is different some people love intense hard workouts with someone pushing them and some prefer the opposite. Just be sure to trust your instincts when the choosing the yoga teacher for you.

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