Feel the Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is a wellness science that originated thousands of years ago in India. The origin of yoga lies in the Vedas, commonly thought to be the earliest scriptures known to mankind. They date back to 2,500 BC. Back then, yoga was more than an exercise class or a series of poses, it was a culture and a way of life for millions of people. Yoga was developed as a means of strengthening and energizing one’s physical as well as mental and spiritual state of well-being.

Medical sciences are now beginning to recognize yoga and meditation as ways to prevent and treat certain health ailments.

According to an article published by Harvard Medical School, yoga may reduce an individual’s perceived stress and anxiety levels by regulating the body’s stress response systems. This physiological reaction can be effective in reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure and soothing respiration activity. The article also states yoga helps increase heart rate variability. Heart rate variability can have an impact on how well the body responds to stress. The body’s relaxation response is also activated through deep breathing often emphasized in yoga.

In a German study, 24 women who described themselves as “emotionally distressed” were split into two groups. One group was advised to maintain their normal schedule. The second group was asked to attend two yoga classes a week for three months. After three months, women in the yoga group reported lower depression and anxiety scores. The yoga group participants’ depression scores improved by 50%, anxiety scores by 30% and well-being scores by 65%.

Yoga, especially vigorous varieties, build muscle strength and improve flexibility. Standing yoga poses that require you to hold the position for a period of time build lower body strength. Many other poses such as the Downward Dog and Plank build upper body strength. Flexibility can be increased at any age. Yoga practitioners see an increased range of motion from flexibility. Good flexibility and strength help improve posture. The deep abdominal strength that is engaged during poses will also have a positive effect on posture.

Other physical benefits often cited by yoga participants include an increase in energy levels, normalization of gastrointestinal functions, sleep improvements and improved athletic performance.

Athletes who practice yoga have a reduced risk of injury because of their level of flexibility and increased range of motion.

Many of the benefits of yoga are hard to quantify with scientific evidence. Among them is an increased sense of spiritual awareness. Some practitioners see yoga as a lifestyle beyond the yoga studio. They may practice healthy, clean eating habits or strive for a peaceful existence by helping others and having a sense of respect for all life.

To see the benefits for yourself, acquire the proper yoga equipment and find a yoga class or event in your area!

Shake That Thought, Give Yoga A Shot

We’ve heard it from every angle and we’ve read it on the cover of every magazine, the benefits of yoga and the myths of yoga. If you are a beginner or maybe a little bit skeptical of yoga, we can clear some common misconceptions up for you!

There seems to be a popular misconception that you have to be flexible to do yoga. Sure, yoga has a lot to do with flexibility but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from trying it even if you don’t consider yourself flexible. If you are a beginner, you should start in a beginner’s class, that way you can ease your body into the idea of performing the new yoga moves. Yoga is an individual practice, not a team sport, so your level may be different than that of your friends, remember this is okay! Flexibility from yoga comes with time. You have to begin somewhere so just be patient and consistent and you might surprise yourself at how quickly you will see and feel the results. Some gravitate towards yoga because it is assumed as the new found religion, while others steer clear from it because of any perceived religious affiliations. Either way, yoga should be looked at as a practice to calm the mind, body and soul. Yoga itself is not a religion. It should be looked at as a self meditating practice, to self reflect, to feel the silence of the body and most importantly, to breathe which many of us sometimes forget to do.

Another myth is that yoga is an expensive hobby. It can actually be one of the most inexpensive forms of exercise, if you want it to be! Whether you are in a yoga studio, a park or even in your own home, yoga is yoga. It shouldn’t matter where you are doing it, as long as you are doing it. Think about it, you may be spending 20-60 a month on a gym membership when you can practice yoga for free in your backyard! Not to mention all the energy you are saving by not using heavy powered machines as a part of your daily workout.Many assume that yoga will not give you a workout because it is not considered cardiovascular activity. However, it is a different type of work out, which still gets your heart rate dancing. It is also very good for your heart and lungs as you learn how to inhale and exhale properly.

So bottoms up to a healthy you in 2010. Now that the misconceptions have been cleared up you can be on your way to one of the most invigorating and relaxing workouts your body deserves!

The most important piece s of equipment you need for doing yoga are your body and your mind

- Rodney Yee

If you need any yoga equipment, we have a variety of great eco friendly yoga products! Check them out!

Tis the Season to be Stressed Out

Tis the Season to be stressed out, fa la la la la la la laa. But I am here to remind you that it doesn’t have to be. Sometimes we become so overwhelmed with big picture stresses like Christmas parties, family vacations, bills, work schedules, money, buying presents, cooking, etc (and the list goes on and on and on…). This Holiday season try to remind yourself that just because you are facing a problem doesn’t mean you have to be one for the people around you. Try to maintain a healthy physical and mental state of mind this Holiday season. Here are a few things I recommend:

Cozy up with some green tea and lose yourself in a good book

Go for a run! Release those endorphins and you will immediately feel better after you work out your daily stresses

Drink a cup of warm vanilla milk, it soothes the soul

Enjoy your surroundings and mother nature. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful world; breathe in the fresh air and be thankful

Sing. Belt your favorite song loudly, badly, off key, in the car, wherever-however

Slow down. Take a moment to look around you and find beauty in your surroundings. You will see that the little things are enough to make you smile

Bake some holiday cookies

Be kind and polite and you’ll find that you just might receive it in return

Take the dog for a walk. Nothing will entertain you more than watching your dog try to mark its territory on every single fire hydrant

Be present. Turn off your cell phone and computer for awhile

Take a power nap with your head at the other end of the bed

Indulge in your guilty pleasures

Choose happiness, gratitude and a positive behavior

Play hooky J (you deserve it every once and awhile)

Take a warm shower before bed to help calm your nerves so you are able to get a good nights’ sleep

Volunteer at a local organization, good for the heart, mind, body and soul

Practice Yoga and breathe deep

Listen to some good music… Pandora Christmas Station will surely get you back in the Christmas spirit

More importantly, remind yourself what the Holiday season is really about. Hopefully once you have given yourself time away from a stressful situation you can look back and realize it may not have been as stressful as you first thought it was. So, when you feel yourself slipping into a bad mood, try and think positive and remind yourself… it’s all good