Tag Archive | "fitness"

An Early Morning Yoga Practice for a Better You


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Guest post by Bethany Winston

It seems difficult to leave the comfort of bed, maybe just for few minutes, before actually beginning to execute the ‘to-do’ list. But if you can wake up in the quietness and soothing calm of a refreshing morning, you will be delighted to find its charm. A warm cup of water with lime can get your digestive system going. Try giving a similar dose to your mind as well.

Everyone seems overwhelmed with daily chores; whether it is managing the ever-demanding boss, creating portfolios to channel your hard earned money or catering to the big requests of children. Reasons are endless. But within the busy and tight chores, finding some time for your self is imperative. An open secret that it is, the body and mind needs replenishment. And this goes beyond taking a healthy diet! Spending exclusive moments with self is not a tall order. Determination is the key.

What to Include

Yoga is an inexpensive tool when working for a better mind and body.

Working when the rest of the world sleeps can give an immense satisfaction and contentment. When beginning try moves and stretches to prepare your body for more elaborate postures which follow. Balasana can start your session, followed by other stretches like Cat-cow. Thereafter, you can move on to the more extended postures. For resting, Sukhasana is appropriate. And when performing each of the postures, watch the breath going in and out of the nose.

Finding a morning yoga schedule is recommended. It will encourage an active and complete yoga session, concluding with Savasana (Corpse Pose). While some postures are energizing, others, like forward bends, are calming. Sun Salutations produce heat and flowing movement linked to breathing. Standing poses can help in building strength and stamina. For improving concentration, balancing poses are appropriate. You can also practice twists, which detoxify the body relieving stress in the head, neck, and back. If you want to examine the world with a different dimension, inversions (upside down) are apt postures.

The Benefits

The short, yet meticulous, session is meant to work not only for the muscles but also the nerves. Early morning practice helps in setting the tone for your entire day. Sessions can be one reason to leave the bed few minutes before your usual timing, a natural compulsion. For many yogis early morning hours are lively and energetic. Your yoga session can potentially connect you to the energy, contributing to a healthy living.

A dedicated morning practice certainly produces encouraging results, boosting up your energy to meet the demands of the day. Irrespective of the day, try to maintain a similar structure in your practice sessions. When you can stick to the format, penetrating further becomes easier. Some find it helpful to incorporate a ritual blend in their practice sessions, giving a more meaningful and tempting edge to the early morning practices. Sun Salutation is a popular choice.

Before grabbing that aromatic cup of tea or coffee and the newspaper, spend a few moments with yourself. A good beginning is kick-start your day.

About the author: Bethany is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on environment and technology. Beside this she is fond of books. She recently read an article on nail care and liked it a lot. Few days ago she bought some Bathroom Lighting for her home.

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Move With Me Action Adventures – The Interview


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Leah Kalish’s kids yoga resume is extensive (YogaED, Yoga Pretzels: 50 Fun Yoga Activities for Kids & Grownups, Yoga Kit for Kids, Yoga Playgrounds,and much more). She has now launched a new DVD series “Move with Me Action Adventures“- which presents story based movement enrichement for pre-school to Grade 3. In this episode she’ll share her expertise on teaching yoga to kids and the inside scoop on this newest adventure.

Original Air Date: October 20th , 2010

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Leah underscores the importance of creative and imaginative play for young children and explains how the Move with Me Action Adventure series are a valuable resource for parents and teachers. Each DVD  brings a movement specialist right into the room and engages children in story based activity which integrates self regulation exercises, mental development, emotional and social skills and much more.
Body Series: The Birthday Gift, Monkeying Around at the Zoo, Possum’s Tail
Mind Series: Lost & Found in Africa, Robot Makes a New Friend on the Moon, Set Sail
Heart Series: Tortoise, Hare & Dragon, Coral Reef, A Beautiful Dream

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Yogiños: Yoga for Youth DVD A Celebration of Ganesha


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Trilingual Kids Yoga Program offers Insights into Hindu Art and Mythology

This DVD features a 25 minute child’s yoga class conducted by Beth Reese which teaches acceptance, compassion and communication while developing strength and flexibility. The theme for the class is the story of how Ganesh became the elephant prince and I thoroughly enjoyed the creative use of yoga poses to tell the story. Beth does a wonderful job of presenting insights into and an appreciation for Hindu Mythology.

A distinguishing feature of Yogiños is the tri-lingual nature of the class using Spanish, English and Sanskrit. As a language teacher I applaud this use of language instruction in a natural, culturally appropriate and meaningful manner. The DVD also comes with a complete Spanish translation.

Beth is a natural with the children, encouraging while using clear, precise and age appropriate instructions for the poses. She allows each child to discover their own pose, leading by example through individual, partner and group yoga poses.

My own children were fascinated by the story while enjoying the progression of yoga poses. You can watch a trailer for the video here.

Additional features on this DVD include:

  • Remy’s OHMazing Day – a brief exploration of how one young girl incorporates yoga into her daily routine.
  • Gifts from Ganesh – where Amy Hofland, director of the Crow Collection of Asian Art in Dallas, TX explains some of the symbols used in two Ganesh sculptures.
  • 11 individual poses (including Crow, Dancer, Eagle & Downward Dog) demonstrated and explained by young yogis

Yogiños graciously provided a DVD for this review as well as the give-away.

Buy yourself a copy of the Yogiños: Yoga for Youth DVD here through PayPal for $15.95 USD.

To Enter: Comment below stating something about Hindu mythology that you appreciate or about which you’d like to learn more. (You must do this first before additional entries will be considered.)

Additional entries:

The give away ends on September 30th at 9 pm. The winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted by e-mail.

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Newark Yoga Movement: Bringing Yoga to Every Child


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The Newark Yoga Movement’s mission is to help children in NJ reach their full potential. Founder Debbie Kaminsky shares her vision for bringing the benefits of yoga to every child so they may increase focus, peacefulness, confidence and creativity. Urban children face great challenges from succeeding on national achievement tests to avoiding gang activity. Debby show us how yoga can can help and sets an example for others to follow in their own communities
 
Original air date: August 18, 2010
 

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 From its inception in April 2009 to reaching over 2,000 students and 350 faculty members in Newark, NJ and with the backing of Mayor Cory Booker and yoga notables such as Shiva Rea and Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, the Newark Yoga Movement is making a difference in schools one child at at time. To learn more about the Newark Yoga Movement visit http://www.newarkyogamovement.org
 

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Ayurveda for Teens with Cate Stillman


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Teenagers Take Care of Your Self, Your Health, Your Life 

A teenager’s life can be filled with turmoil and stress. These are important transitional years as individuals move from childhood to adulthood. This episode will focus on how teens can take care of themselves in holistic and natural ways to ensure they live happy, healthy lives. Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist and Certified Anusara Yoga Instructor, Cate Stillman provides ideas on taking charge of your life and how you feel. Numerous suggestions for maximizing teens academic, creative and athletic performance including specifics in yoga, eating, sleeping, studying and meditation will be presented. And maybe even some ideas on how to get rid of those pesky pimples.

Original Air Date: August 5, 2010

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Some highlights from this episode include:

  • Ayurveda 101 – what is ayurveda and how does it work
  • The Three DoshasPitta, Vata, Kapha (the best explanation I’ve ever heard)
  • Living in synch with nature
  • Making prana filled food choices
  • Practicing inner hygiene

Cate Stillman can be found on Facebook and her website yogahealer.com.

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Tim Thomas Hockey All Star & Yoga Master


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The Boston Bruins are on a roll. Monday night they won against the Sabres and are now heading into the next round of the NHL playoffs.

Tim Thomas, a goalie for the  Boston Bruins, uses yoga to enhance his hockey performance and stay on top of his game both physically and mentally. Check out this video to discover how he does it.

Tim Thomas is considered one of the Top 10 Goalies in Bruins History. We are thrilled with the example he is setting for young hockey players and other elite athletes.

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