The New/Not So New Bikram Yoga

Standing Legs Separate Pose #8

2008-07-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

(BIBHAKTAPADA-PASCHIMOTTHANASANA)

Improves joint and hip flexibility

Increase blood flow to the brain
Helps functioning of most abdominal organ, especially the small and large intestine
Helps clinical/psychotic depression
Good for diabetes and hyperacidity of the stomach
Reduces signs of aging (the yogic fountain of youth!)
Stretches sciatic nerves
Combats abdominal obesity
Stimulates hypothalmus source of the human growth hormone

Yoga Pose # 7-Balancing Stick-Tulasandasana

2008-07-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

DETERMINATION, STRENGTH, CONCENTRATION

stretches the back and relieves stress from the spine.
builds leg strength
exercises the pancreas, spleen, liver, nervous and circulatory systems.
strengthens the deltoids, trapezius and lastissimus muscles.

Choosing A Yoga Mat

2008-06-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

How's Your Yoga Mat Holding Up?

Now that you've been practicing Yoga for a while, you realize that it's healthy for the mind and body. You've also realized how important your Yoga mat is in performing your poses. Whether you are a beginner or have been doing Yoga for some time, keep these thoughts in mind before purchasing this vital piece of equipment.

Durability

Thickness

Comfort

Non-slippage

Style

Color

Transport

To Learn More About

" Choosing Your Yoga Mat" Please Visit

http://ezinearticles.com/?Choosing-the-Yoga-Mat-For-You&id=1247907

Yoga Pose #6-Standing Bow/Pulling Pose

2008-06-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

Dandayamana Dhanurasana

This pose requires concentration,

patience and determination.

Benefits By Systems

Cardiac: Improves functioning of the heart and blood flow from the heart.

Musculoskeletal: Extends the rib cage, increases joint elasticity and relieves lower back pain.

Renal: Enables the kidneys to function better eliminating waste and toxins.

Nervous: Improves concentration by focusing on the pose.

Standing Head(Dandayamana) to Knee (Janushurasana) Pose #5

2008-06-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

What's the Purpose of This Pose?

Enhances the development of patience, concentration and determination.

Requires a mind and body connection.

Sharpens memory, improves flexibility and circulation.

Strengthens back and knee joint muscles.

Tightens abdominal and thigh muscles, biceps and triceps.

Aids in digestion and pancreatic functions resulting in flatulence and acidity relief.

Pose #4-Garusana-The Eagle Pose

2008-06-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

Benefits of Garusana

Strengthens ankles, knees and legs.

Relieves stiffness in the shoulders and neck tension.

Improves balance and hip mobility.

Works twelve major joints.

Yoga Pose #3 Utkatasana The Awkward Pose

2008-06-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

Benefits of Utkatasana

Strengthens and tones total body

Relieves painful joints

Decreases cellulite under buttocks

Maintains skeletal alignment

Aids in digestion

Relieves cramping

Exercises internal organs (pancreas, liver and intestines)

Requires concentration

Bikram Yoga Pose #2-Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Bend)with Pada Hastasana(Hands to Feet Pose)

2008-05-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

Ardha Chandrasana

(Half Moon Pose)

Benefits: Increases spine flexibility, opens shoulder joints, helps lower back pain, scoliosis, kyphosis. Strengthens the shoulder muscles namely the deltoid and trapezius. Internal organs such as the large intestines, colon, pancreas, and kidney are stretched.

Pada Hastasana
(Hands to Feet Pose)

Benefits: proves circulation to the brain and lower extremities. Strengthens the buttocks, thighs and calves.

HOT (Bikram Yoga) Poses-Pranayama Breathing

2008-05-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

What is Pranayama Breathing and How to PerformPranayama?

Yoga science of breathing is called prayanama. Oxygen is the most vial nutrient to our body. It is essential for the integrity of the brain, nerves, glands and internal organs. We can do without food for weeks and without water for days, but without oxygen; we will die within a few minutes. You actually inhale 6 pounds of oxygen in 6 seconds and in time will achieve a lung capacity 4 times that of an average person.

PRANAYAMA BREATHING(Standing Deep Breathing)
Opens cervical vertebrae
Stretches nervous system
Relaxes the mind
Quadruples lung capacity
Counteracts emphysema, asthma, and other breathing problems
Helps regulate blood pressure
Helps detoxify the body
Exercises the nervous, respiratory and circulatory systems

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Where to Perform Pranayama yoga?

Pranayama techniques are best practiced while sitting on the floor on a folded blanket. This form of practice is applicable to padmasana also. However; any other posture will do provided the back is kept erect from the base of the spine to the neck and perpendicular to the floor. Bad and poorly performed posture will lead to shallow breathing and low endurance. One must empty the bladder and bowels before starting pranayama yoga.

When to Perform Pranayama?

Pranayama yoga must be performed in empty stomach. The best time for practice is the early morning, preferably before sunrise when the pollution is at its lowest level, and the body and brain are still free. However, if morning is unsuitable, pranayama may be practiced after sunset, when the air is cool and pleasant. The place suitable for all kinds of Yoga must be clean and calm.

By: Patricia Coates

The New/Not So New Bikram Yoga

2008-05-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

By: Patricia Coates

What Is It: A style of yoga also known as “Hot yoga” consisting of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. This exercise is performed in a heated room between 100-105 degrees Farenheit and a humidity of 40-60%.

History: Bikram yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhury after seeking healing for a knee injury he suffered. His teacher Bishnir Ghosh, a physical culturist was the first to scientifically prove the curative effects yoga has for chronic physical pain and in promoting healing.

Benefits:
1. The heat allows you to safely go into deeper yoga poses by increasing flexibility.
2. Reduces stress and increases blood circulation.
3. Promotes body cleansing and detoxification through sweating.
4. Weight loss and increased muscle tone and development.
5. Increase in metabolism allows more fat burning.
6. Strengthens your inner core.
7. Symptom relief of arthritis and other orthopedic conditions with yoga poses.

Length of Session: Usually last 90 minutes.

Poses: www.bikramyoga.com/Yoga/26postures.htm

Precautions: Yoga, like any exercise should be practiced in a safe manner. There have been reports of lightheadness and difficulty breathing because of the heat. You should drink plenty of water and monitor your breathing. If you have difficulties move to a cooler environment. Some injuries that may occur involve overstretching your muscles by pushing your body beyond it’s limit. The most important preventative measure you can take is to attend Bikram yoga classes that are taught by qualified instructors. Your instructor can assist you in modifying poses as needed to avoid pushing your body beyond it’s limits.