Surf Fitness Training - Upper and Lower Body

Surfing fitness training should require some strength training; especially in your arms and legs.

Surf Fitness Training - Upper Body

Strength training in your upper body would be ideal for surfing. You are going to be doing a lot of paddling and pulling yourself up on the board. You are going to use more than just your arms to do this, though your arms are still very important. The muscles in your chest and back are going to play important roles as well.

Certain exercises will help build up the strength in these areas. Some of them are fairly simple and include; butterflies, pull-ups, push-ups, and rowing. All of these will strengthen your upper body. Surfing is a ton of fun, but sore or tired muscles can make you regret having so much fun. This makes surf fitness training important.

Lower Body

Surf fitness training for your lower body should consist of two elements; strength and balance. For strength you might consider lunges, squats, and leg presses. It's important to work both the front and back of your legs. For balance you might want to incorporate a stability ball, or even some yoga poses.

Surf Fitness Training - Footnote

Swimming laps would also be a good idea for surf fitness training. This will increase your stamina, cardiovascular strength, and lung capacity. Being able to swim well is never a bad idea when considering water sports. Swimming will also work out most of the muscles you need for surfing; keeping them in good working condition. It will also get your body accustomed to working against the water.

Being in the water puts a slight resistance your body when you try to move in it. It's not a huge resistance, but over time it can exhaust you. Getting your body use to that resistance means that you could stay out surfing longer without getting as tired.

surf-fitnessonline.com Surf fitness training is not only a great way to get in shape, but a good way improve you confidence when surfing bigger and badder waves. It will also improve your paddling ability. To learn how to increase surfing strength, stability and mobility visit surf-fitnessonline.com surf-fitnessonline.com

Nutrition - It's What's Eating You That Counts

"It's not what you eat, it's what's eating you that counts."

Before we talk about food, the most important nutrients we put in our bodies are air and water. Forget about air if you live in Los Angeles, or now Kona, it's bad there. Also pure tap water is now next to impossible to find in most cities. Even in beautiful Hawaii most people drink purified or filtered water. Our bodies being a high percent of water (about 75%) it becomes imperative to not drink polluted or chlorinated water. By adding chlorine in water we are attempting to purify it, maybe from some bacteria, but we don't take out any of the toxic chemicals that end up in our water source. Besides, chlorine has been linked with heart disease and who knows how long term use may affect our health. Boiling water only kills some bacteria, it makes more sense to get a good water filter, because much of the bottled water is questionable. Well there is smart water, there are new water products in the market with treated water, usually it has been ionized, or chemically altered, the best one I know is Angel FIre water, from New Mexico, Hi guys.

FAT

We are all aware of the fat revolution; Battle of the Bulge. Even my fifteen year old

daughter reads all the label to see how much fat or other junk is in the products we

buy. She has now decided to be a vegan, and so I have the opportunity to teach and

remember why I became a vegitarian once myself.

We know that it's eating the wrong kind of fat that can hurt the immune system and

put that extra fat on our body. For many years we thought that it leads to heart

disease as well. There is some new research that heart disease is more linked to

stress than to fat consumption. Well maybe moderate amounts of fat, are ok. Most

doctors are still telling us to cut down fat anyway, both the saturated (meats and

milk products) as well as other fats and Polyunsaturated (oils) fats.

Saturated fats are; chicken, beef, lamb, pork, duck and milk products. You want to

be able to reduce these high-fat foods and modify your favorite recipes. Especially if

you eat them more than three times a month. A good number is to keep fat at about

15 or 20% of your diet (Good fats are better).

Most people are making an effort to cut saturated fat in their diets by reducing the

eating of meat, taking the skin off chicken, whole milk is almost eliminated, most

people that drink milk are using 2%, I recommend cutting out dairy products all

together and going into soy, or almond milk. Cut down on butter, never use

margarine, vegetable shortening, and all products made with tropical oils or

partially hydrogenated oils, these are not any good for human consumption. Read

the labels they are in lot's of stuff you buy.

Polyunsaturated oils are not that good for us either but less harmful they are;

safflower, sunflower, corn, soy, but especially avoid cottonseed oil, it's downright

toxic. These oils are unstable and many experts feel they react with oxygen and can

damage DNA and cell membranes. Especially hazardous are the solid vegetable

shortening, butter is better than margarine, but we should try to eliminate these

from the diet for optimal health. Hydrogenated oils are in lots of products as well,

these are toxic to our cardiovascular system and should be eliminated as well.

Unsaturated fatty acids when heated form TFA's or Trans-Fatty-Acids. Many doctors

believe this damages the body at the hormonal level as well as our natural immune

system.

I have always loved olive oil as my oil of choice and it turns out that

monounsaturated oils are the best for the body; that includes virgin olive oil, canola,

peanut and avocado. These oils can help reduce the bad cholesterol in the body as

well. Olive oil being the best and it's best use is raw, in salad dressings, or to dip

your bread into. Another good fat we can increase the consumption of is Omega 3

(fatty acid) by eating the appropriate fish such as; Tuna (Yellow or blue fin),

sardines, mackerel, herring and salmon, salmon having the most oil. Other great

sources which many people are taking now are hemp or flax oil, or flax meal, a

good source I prefer to get the seeds and powder them as oils can go rancid.

CARBOHYDRATES

We have heard all these theories of weight loss, stop carbos they are the enemy, eat

all proteins, the blood type diet, eat less, eat more, it's confusing. It seems every

few years we see a new diet for weight loss. I personally have tried many diets, not

for loosing weight but to experience them first hand. Carbo's are still a great food

for clean burning fuel in the body and especially good for athletes. Carbos are only

fattening if you're not burning enough calories, as we know that fat and carbos burn

clean. It's only protein that does not burn clean, it actually creates toxic residue, see

below. For athletes to get the benefits from carbo-loading you need to carbo-starve

for three days first, then carbo-load for three days before a competition.

PROTEIN

We need protein to grow, maintain and repair our tissues. Very few people actually

don't eat enough protein, quite the contrary, most people in modern society eat too

much protein. Because of the complex molecules, protein is harder to digest. The

essential nutrients cannot be duplicated by the body nor found in other foods these

key components are the amino acids (see next article).

Most people still rely on animal products for protein such as: meat, chicken, fish,

and milk or it's products. These however are not as good an energy source for the

body. Primarily because it's hard to digest and worse it actually creates toxic

residue, in the form of nitrogen, which can irritate the immune system. Also another

waste product called ammonia, a very toxic substance. Because it is so toxic, the

body protects itself by turning the ammonia into urea, which is then carried to the

kidneys and excreted. Balance is the key, to get enough protein so that your body

has enough for repair and growth, but not so much that it's overburdened with

trying to eliminate the excess and overworking the digestive system. All this extra

effort can lead to your body to actually having less energy, more toxins and overall

a weaker system.

Some good vegetable sources of protein are; beans, grains, seeds and some nuts at

times spouts can give amino acids or even a product called Dr. Braggs Amino acids.

The difference between animal and vegetable sources is that meat is very

concentrated, whereas the vegetable sources have lots of edible starch and fiber.

Another important component for a well functioning digestive system, fiber is one

of the things too much meat eating is lacking. We need that roughage for a better

functioning colon.

How much protein does the body need? We have all heard many approaches to this

and if we take the information from the Blood Type Diet what type of protein you eat

is also important. Most doctors say from 4 to 6 ounces a day is plenty. Some

cultures do fine on less. For some diabetics they recommend 4 ounces per meal. I

think you should feel it out for yourself. Some vegetarians say you don't need

animal protein at all. If you are a vegetarian and your body works great, well then

great. However I was a vegetarian for fifteen years, now I eat some fish and

occasionally organic, buffalo or eggs you just have to feel it out I sometimes saw

some very unhealthy vegetarians so you need some information. There is also

information that says that you can't get all the amino acids from vegetable sources. I

don't really know myself for sure, but again, there is lot's of confusion on that

subject. Once again the key is try something and see how you feel. One meal a day

with protein seems to be the recommendation, according to most. They key for

most bodies is to increase vegetable and grain intake and reduce animal protein.

Grains and beans are a great source of fiber and protein. It's always a good idea to

get organic foods, and hormone free meats, what they put in their feed and inject

into them these days is scarry.

Nuts and seeds, like almonds and sunflower seeds, are great sources of vegetable

protein, they do have some fat (mostly polyunsaturated) so moderation is still

important. My yoga teacher once said only eat a handful of nuts or seeds a day. In

fact there is a theory that you should always eat only when hungry as well as eat

less and more often. Once again try some of these on your own body, and see how

you feel.

Soybeans have the most protein as well as significant amounts of polyunsaturated

fat. Soy protein is not only made into tofu, but all kinds of products. I personally

feel we overdid the soy bean revolution. Also make sure you get organic. Everyone

replaced meat with tofu when we where vegetarians. I didn't think it was that great

of a food not having much roughage and being high in fat. Many people feel it's a

great source of protein, there is cheese, tempeh, yogurt, milk, wieners, burgers and

lunch meats made from soy now. Most health food stores carry these products.

There may be great health benefits to soy that is just coming to light (I quote Dr.

Weil).

"Two of the best known soy phytoestrogens -genistein and daidzein-are now being

explored for their ability to moderate human hormonal imbalances."

Eggs are a good source of protein, just don't overeat them either. Get fertile natural

range fed chickens that scratch on the earth to get their minerals, and no hormones

please. Avoid raw eggs, there is salmonella in them quite often. Eat eggs once or

twice a week, if you are going to eat them, not daily.

To summarize eat less protein. Begin to replace animal protein in the diet with fish,

vegetable and soy products. Eat more vegetables and create meals that have smaller

servings of animal proteins. Eat more whole grains, legumes and products made

from whole grains the best breads are sprouted breads, like bible bread, because in

sprouting the seeds they become more digestible and less alergetic. Eat more fruit,

yogurt and raw juices. Reduce your calorie intake by eliminating high-fat foods,

canned sodas are slow death, the diet kind the worse. Variety is clearly important,

eating the same foods all the time will not give you the different nutrients a varied

diet can give.

Do not use polyunsaturated vegetable oils for cooking. Use only good quality olive

oil. Cut out cotton seed oil, palm oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, or partially

hydrogenated oils (trans-fatty acids). Read the labels, they put some of this stuff in

all kinds of foods, keep it simple and natural.

Eat more omega-3 fatty acids by eating the right fish (Salmon and Tuna) and by

adding hemp seeds or flax seeds to your diet.

Much of this information is readily available in most books on nutrition, just

remember don't be fanatical, it's more important to enjoy life and realize we have

eaten junk food for many years. Getting off that is difficult, take it easy, don't shock

yourself and consult with your doctor. The body can do wonders with poor eating

and bad food, but only so long.

VITAMINS

Taking vitamins is another controversial subject, however most doctors now

recommend vitamins, and the best are the natural source vitamins. One key is

taking them at the right time and with the right foods. To most experts vitamins are

our insurance program as well as our protection from toxins, and heavy metals, as

well as most vegetables now have low nutrient level due to spraying, chemical

fertilizers and high tech. breeding systems. If you can find liquid, or sublingual

vitamins they are said to be the best, see Dr. Robert Young's (Ph Miracle) vitamins

and supper greens.

A real simple vitamin program suggested by Dr. Weil (buy his book "Spontaneous

Healing").

At breakfast: Take I,000-2,000 milligrams of vitamin C and 25,000 IU of natural

beta carotene.

At lunch: Take 400-800 IU of natural vitamin E and 200-300 micrograms of

selenium.

At dinner: Take 1,000-2,000 milligrams of vitamin C.

At bedtime take another 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C

To summarize what to do about toxins in foods:

Reduce the percentage of processed foods in your diet and to choose only products

made without artificial additives. Cut down the consumption of meat products and

buy products certified to be free of drugs and hormones. Especially poultry, they are

loaded with toxins, growth hormones and antibiotics.

Reduce eating foods known to contain natural toxins, such as black pepper, celery,

alfalfa sprouts, peanuts and some commercial mushrooms.

Eat a varied diet rather than eating the same foods every week.

Wash and peel fruits and vegetables especially if they are not organically grown.

Better yet buy organic when you can.

Attempt to buy only organically produced apples, peaches, grapes, raisins, oranges,

strawberries, lettuce, celery, carrots, corn, green beans, soy beans, potatoes and

wheat flour. These products tend to be sprayed worse than the rest of the foods and

because they are grown in large numbers are usually also chemically fertilized.

Grow a small garden, sprout seeds or look for sources of local organic produce

farmers markets are everywhere now. A lot more vegetables are available in health

food stores and even some major chains, now carry organic foods.

Stop eating fast and deep fried, processed foods, preservatives, chemical dyes and

artificial sweeteners.

DRUGS, & COSMETICS

Remember what you put on your body is absorbed into your skin. Shampoos, make-

up, creams and all the other drugs we take can have long term detrimental side

affects to our health. This includes prescription as well as illegal drugs. Know what

you are taking or putting on your skin.

Most doctors use drugs to treat disease, it's all well and good and we are lucky to

have some of these drugs. However, it's important to be well informed of any drug

you are taking as well as to look at the alternatives; such as herbs, Chinese

medicine as well as naturapathy, or homeopathy. One of the widest use of drugs is

in athletics, steroid use is very dangerous and there is enough research out that

proves this.

It's easy to get confused with so much information on nutrition, my intention is to

make the reader aware of substances that can help you heal and resist the effects of

toxins, stress, and aging in your body. As well as help you feel, perform better and

improve the quality of your life. There is lot's to learn and we are discovering more

powerful nutrients to help us every day. One of the most revolutionary products out

is deer antler extract or Igf1 which is a pre-cursor to HGH (Human Growth

Hormone) which I don't recommend without a professional doctor treating you.

Deer antler not new, the Chinese have been using it for thousands of years as a

tonic. It's sexual powers are just one facet, it actually contains all the amino acids,

as well as promoting the human growth hormone (HGH) which can get our

metabolism on track again. It's good for increasing muscle mass, reducing fat,

building new cell tissue, giving a boost to our immune system, natural anti-

inflammatory, good for arthritis and much, much more.

Being Mexican I have always eaten lots of onions, chiles and garlic. Eating more

garlic, onions and ginger; not only help the food taste better, the benefits; like

lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, blood clotting, antioxidants, aiding

digestion are well known. There are more benefits coming out every day. We have

not done much research with ginger in the states, but it is a great tonic as well and

used very extensively in the Asian cooking.

If you drink coffee eat something with it, it's very damaging on an empty stomach. It

can make your adrenals work extra. You can buy organic as well and on some days,

switch to green tea, or herbal teas.

If you have been exposed to toxins or feel you have a high toxic overload. Take milk

thistle to help your body recover, as well as the suggested vitamin program of Dr.

Weil.

If you are generally weak or lacking energy, or you catch all the bugs that come

around. Try a cleansing diet, work out, walk more, or see a specialist and find out

why you have low energy. Experiment with Siberian ginseng, Dong Quai or

cordyceps, change your diet. Give your body a break, try a fast by eating only raw

foods one day a week, come off gently with soup. Move into raw juice fasting, or the

master cleanser diet. Read some books, experiment with your body. Not all bodies

are the same we each must find the perfect eating system for our needs.

This is all very simple and can be implemented into your lifestyle very easy, it just

takes desire, remember don't get fanatical and go easy. Your body will go into shock

if you jump into fasting too fast. Consult with your doctor, get informed have fun.

This is not an article to prescribe or diagnose any disease. Eating is the natural way

to take good care of your body. Much of this information is suggested by Dr.

Andrew Weil (buy his book "Spontaneous Healing") and John MacDougal MD. and not

intended as medical advice.

One of Dr. Weils' best sayings is "Do not seek help from a conventional doctor for a

condition that conventional medicine cannot treat, and do not rely on an alternative

provider for a condition that conventional medicine can manage well".

As my good friend Dr. Bruce Parker says, "It's not what you eat, but what's eating

you that counts".

For more information or other articles see molinamassage.com molinamassage.com

Othon has been involved in the health field as a massage therapist, manual therapist and personal trainer for over thirty five years. He was one of the first therapist to teach in the University of Hawaii and had one of the first licensed massage schools in Hawaii. He has studied with some of the top doctors and healers of our times. Like The Touch for Health foundation, Bernard Jensen DC., John Christopher ND., Everts Loomis MD., Ram Dass, Tony Robins, Rolling Thunder, and many more to list here. His specialty is treating sports injuries, back problems, and teaching others how to improve their health or athletic competition using nutrition and other fitness technologies.

Some of his specialties are Kinesiology, Polarity therapy, Reflexology, Iridology, Nutrition, herbs, Native American Indian Medicine, Neuro-Lynguistics and sports medicine with an emphasis in body mechanics. He has been an athlete and runner all his life, and competed in many triathlons, 5k's, 10k's and marathons. Competing at an elite level gave him the experience to help train...

P90X Facts

From celebrities to professional athletes, everyone seems to be talking about the P90X program. P90X is an intense home exercise system which was developed by Tony Horton. P90X stands for "Power 90 Extreme". It is a 90 days rigorous training program that has been proven time in time again. P90X is a full body fitness program that consists of all types of proven exercises. It's made up of cardiovascular training, strength training, and yoga routines. The whole program is divided into three 30 days phases.

P90X has change many lives and it success it founded on it technique referred to as "muscle confusion". The P90X workouts are changed every 30 days, your muscles do not get used to a certain movement which prevents plateauing. There are many professional athletes as well as the celebrities who have gone through this program. Some of the hot personalities are Pink, Demi Moore, Matt Diaz and so on. They have always taken the name of this program when asked about the fitness program which they follow to keep their body slim and trim.

Let me tell you again that it is a 90 day workout routine which uses cross training type exercises. Daily workouts are about 60 minutes long but this hour includes both the warm-up and cool down. It's focus is old school exercises like push-ups and pull-ups. Don't worry if you are unable to do pull-ups as there is an alternative exercise that can be practiced. It also utilizes jump training which is also referred to as plyometrics. There is yoga routine as well as a cardio-type kenpo workout. Workouts that involve weight training are done 3 days a week.

You are required to workout 6 days a week with the 7th day being a rest day. The first week of exercises are as the following: Chest & Back, Plyometrics, Shoulders & Arms, Yoga-X, Legs & Back, and Kenpo-X.

This program is available in various versions. Some ladies may not want to bulk up so they could choose the P90X lean version but others may want to gain muscle mass so there is aversion for them too.

These are some of the facts about P90X program. I hope that you are influenced and will soon join this program.

fightfatblogger.com/p90x-plan-day-20 P90X plan is an extreme home workout program.To experience the fightfatblogger.com/p90x-results-%e2%80%93-day-24 p90x results and p90x reviews, please visit our website.

Paschimotanasana Yoga

Purva and paschima are the Sanskrit words for the east and west. In the context of the human body purva means the front side or the ventral side, paschima meaning the dorsal or back side. Tana means to stretch. Thus the name of this asana indicates that in it the back side is stretched. It is also called Paschimottana because the back side faces up (uttana). A third name often given to it is Ugrasana, ugra meaning fierce. This posture is highly talked about in the yoga texts. The description of it in the Shivasamhita as follows: "Keeping the legs straight in front of the body and holding the feet fast with the hands, the forehead is placed on the knees. This is called Paschimottana. One who masters it and practises it every day makes the vayu (air) flow through the dorsal path."

Making the vayu flow through the dorsal path has a great significance in connection with the arousal of the dormant spiritual power called Kundalini. This asana is very important for that because of the stretching influence on the lower back where the Kundalini power is said to reside.

Sitting on the seat, the legs are kept straight in front of the body with the heels on the ground and toes pointing upward. The hands are kept on the thighs with the palms facing downward. The hands are then advanced slowly forward, at the same time bending the trunk forward, and without allowing the knees to be raised even slightly, the toes are grasped with the hands. The forehead is then lowered on the knees. Many people find it impossible to achieve this in the beginning because there is much strain on the hamstring muscles (on the inner side of the knees). But these muscles can be trained to bear the strain within two to three weeks by subjecting them to a steadily increasing stretch every day for a few seconds. If one fails to grasp the feet with the hands on the first day, one should take the hands as near the feet as possible, and remain in that state for a few seconds. The hands may then be brought back to the starting position, and after relaxing for a few seconds the procedure may be repeated again.

There should be no haste and no feeling of undue strain. When one starts grasping the feet with the hands without raising the knees, the head should be kept on the knees and the elbows should be kept on the ground by the two sides of the knees. The duration of the final pose may be increased gradually from a few seconds to begin with, to one minute. This posture exercises the muscles of the limbs and the back, especially the base of the back by stretching them, and improves the tone of the organs in the abdominal cavity. This influence on the abdominal viscera can be enhanced by contracting the anus and pelvis with a deep exhalation during the final pose, and hulding the breath out. This asana helps to reduce the fat accumulated on the belly.

Read more on yoga4fitness.org/articles/yoga-weight-loss.html Yoga for weight loss. Check out for folding treadmills [bodybuildingblog.net/treadmills/folding-treadmills.html] and arthritissymptom.org arthritis treatment.

Using Cardio and Strength Training For the Best Way to Lose Belly Fat

If you are looking for the best way to lose belly fat, don't be surprised if the answer is something you've already heard about many times before. Fat burning workouts, such as jogging and indoor cycling, will help to take off excess pounds all over the body not just around the middle.

Forget the ab crunch machine at the gym to target a big belly. There is no such thing as spot reduction to get rid of abdominal fat, and you will get better results if you focus on the traditional 1-2-3 approach of: dieting, and a dual fitness program of cardio and strength training.

Five Fat Burning Workouts

Look at five sample fitness workouts below that are effective and intense enough for slimming down your entire body. The best way to lose belly fat would be to do a combination of them, or select a variety of physical activities that interest you. Variety is actually important for weight loss. For cardio and strength training, change up your workouts every few weeks to keep your body on a progress path. Your body will plateau during any fitness regime, and will need a new challenge to keep the muscles guessing - and progressing.

Running remains the number one activity and the best way to lose belly fat. At just 5.5mph, a runner can burn up to 700 calories in an hour. This cardio conditioning exercise is effective for those who can handle the pressure put on the feet and knees. As an alternative for those who can't run, walking at 3.5mph for an hour, several days a week or daily, is a low-impact way to burn calories.

 

Cardio machines such as treadmills and elliptical trainers are the best way to lose belly fat if you don't want to exercise outside especially if you live in an unsafe area or if weather is a problem. Many overweight people choose machines over road running because using them can lessen the stress on joints in the knees and hips. For example, treadmill decks are cushioned to soften the foot strikes during striding, and elliptical trainers are ergonomically designed to be very low-impact on the joints.

 

Cycling indoors or out on road bikes, stationary bikes, and recumbent bikes can help you burn around 400 calories an hour. Like treadmills and elliptical machines, cycling as a cardiovascular workout is not only great conditioning for your heart and lungs but the moderate to intense aerobic activity will help to drop excess pounds everywhere on your body.

 

Yoga is not an aerobic exercise but it an intense program that can be practiced by anyone at any age. It engages the mind in meditation achieving a positive mental balance, and yoga slims the body through deep breathing practices called pranayama, and core training exercises called poses or asanas. Yoga does more than just burn fat and strengthen muscle; it improves digestion (by eliminating water retention, bloating, and constipation), and it helps to control appetite and mood.

 

Strength training is the best way to lose belly fat for those who don't like to jog or feel a modality like yoga is too complex. Unlike the other activities on this list, weight training takes only 20 minutes two or three times per week for an effective workout. The effects of lifting weights in a home gym are lasting too; you'll build muscle mass and condition your body, and improving your metabolism will cause your body to burn fat all of the time even while you sleep. Cardio workouts alone cannot do that.

Have the Goal to Lose Fat, Not Weight

The best way to lose belly fat is to pursue any exercise modality that will pump your heart and muscles in overall body conditioning, and not to follow some gimmick that promises to target just those extra pounds around your waist. Losing weight and losing belly fat are two different things. For example, you can lose weight through muscle loss, and you can even dehydrate yourself on a crash diet and "lose weight" through water loss. Have it your goal to burn off fat permanently and keep it off by following a proper diet, as well as following a cardio and strength training program to build a leaner healthier body.

About the Author:

Kevin Urban is the editor of TreadmillTalk.com, the web's premier site for treadmilltalk.com treadmill ratings and reviews - Our treadmilltalk.com/treadmill-reviews.html treadmill reviews make your buying decision easier.

Copyright 2009 TreadmillTalk.com

The Purpose of Yoga - Holistic Health

What is the true purpose of Yoga? Yoga encompasses many holistic aspects, but Yoga's true purpose is to prevent suffering in this life. Yoga is a system, which enables a practitioner to be pro-active about his or her complete health.

Yoga instills complete empowerment within the practitioner. If we could end suffering, that would be better, but mankind seems to always find new paths for self-abuse.

Each style of Yoga will have a subtle difference from a similar style, but health is always the aim in all forms of Yoga. Superiority of method is an illusion, since all Yogic paths lead to better mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health.

The need to sort, prioritize, and judge Yoga styles, and aspects of Yoga, is an example of our limited mental perceptions. The reality is we make these same mistakes when the mind is not disciplined and our comprehension is challenged to its limits.

It is possible to miss the entire purpose of Yoga, if the mind is not trained and tutored properly. How many students will discipline themselves without the guidance of a Yoga teacher? How many Yoga teachers see Asana as the "Holy Grail" of Yoga?

The "monkey mind" will not be disciplined without pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques), meditation, and japa (repetition of mantra). A Yoga teacher, or student, can practice an untutored form of Yoga, but to practice without guidance is not a holistic approach.

A Yoga devotee cannot usually transcend beyond the superficial aspects of Yoga without guidance. For example: Look at the covers of most Yoga publications. If I want to sell more Yoga magazines, I have to put Yoga on display. There is a saying: "A picture is worth a thousand words," but one picture of an "advanced" Yoga asana, will intimidate some members of the public.

How many people, in the west, think that a Yoga teacher must be thin, young, extremely flexible, muscular, and physically gifted? Most of the non-practicing public believes this, and many Hatha Yoga students believe it. Worse yet, some Yoga teachers have a narrow-minded view of Yoga, as a stricly physical recreation, similar to gymnastics.

Recently, I was addressing an audience in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, about the benefits of Chair Yoga. One member of the audience raised her hand and asked, "What is the most important physical exercise in Yoga?" My answer was that if you are only looking at the physical aspect of Yoga, Pranayama is the most important exercise, but there is much more to Yoga than physical exercise.

Even though my answer went into great length about the aspects and benefits of Yoga, a gentleman later told me than he would have imagined the Headstand (Salamba Sirsasana) was the most important aspect of Yoga. My reply was, "Did you ever take a Yoga class?" He admitted that it was the fear of doing a headstand, which kept him away from trying a Yoga class.

Now, unless Yoga teachers explain the holistic health benefits of a steady Yoga practice to the public, decades will pass by and these myths will flourish.

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. riyoga.com riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

? Copyright 2007 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

How to Lose Belly Fat Through Exercise

The question that everyone wants to know is how to lose belly fat through exercise. The numerous ads showing diets, ab exercises and machines all claim to help you lose belly fat. An exercise system of interval training, a healthy diet, and decreasing stress is the most effective way to having a flat stomach.

Training with interval sets is a good way to increase our body's metabolism. The quick intense sets cause the muscles to lack oxygen and produce lactic acid and accumulate carbon dioxide. As a result, these waste products need to be removed from the muscle, so it will be ready for further activity.

The increased metabolic activity in the muscles consumes more energy and results in the body having to burn more calories both from the food we eat and the excess body fat that is stored in our body. The muscles end up clearing, replenishing and repairing the muscles for a longer period of time even up to several hours after the physical activity has ended.

Eating healthy is another way we can get rid or our stomach fat. Eating a diet balanced in carbohydrates, fat, protein, minerals and vitamins will help us consume and burn calories better. Avoiding fast fatty foods, sugary snacks and carbonated beverages will help us better manage our caloric intake and keep from consuming excess calories, which ends up being stored as fat.

Increasing our meals to 5-6 meals throughout the day is another way we can provide our body with constant energy and keep our blood sugar levels from dramatically going up or down.

Decreasing stress in our lives is another way we can keep fat from being stored in our belly. In a stressful situation, our body produces Cortisol, a hormone that stores fat in the belly and keeps it there in case of an emergency.

Activities such as relaxation, deep breathing, tai chi, yoga and mediation have all shown to be effective in helping our body get rid of stress and better manage how we handle it.

Knowing how to exercise and incorporating interval training, a healthy diet and decreasing the stress in our lives are the best ways to getting a flat stomach. This is your guide to being able to lose belly fat.

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