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Gift Ideas For Yogis

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:00:59 -0800

Yoga love has blossomed everywhere it seems, and just about everyone I know has either tried it, or practices regularly. I'm sure you know a friend or family member who has yoga coursing through her veins, so this holiday season, give her a gift to support her obsession.

Soothing Stretches to Ease Digestion

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:00:58 -0800

With Thanksgiving coming up, I'm sure many of you are looking forward to chowing down on some delicious foods. Most of us end up eating way more than usual, and since many of the dishes may be richer or sweeter than you're used to, it can cause some major discomfort in the tummy department. Here are some gentle stretches you can do to ease digestion.

Don't see your favorite yoga pose here? Then write about it in our Yoga Stretch and Tell group. I am sure all of our digestive systems could benefit from a wide variety of stretches.

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Healthy App: iPractice

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:00:24 -0800

I heart my iPhone because there are so many awesome apps to inspire healthy living, from iTreadmill to Slim Down Shopping List. Here's a new app from Yoga Journal called iPractice. It contains 15 yoga sequences all in the palm of your hand. The mini-classes are designed for different needs - some uplift your spirit, some calm your mind.

Once you pick the sequence, you can look at each individual pose on its own, or play the sequence in a slideshow format. A nice feature is that you can choose to have audio instruction walk you through the sequence, so you feel like you're in a class. There's also music to go along with the sequence, but I thought the dreamy tunes made it hard to hear the person talking. If you just want to hear the relaxing melodies, you can also turn the audio instruction off, and since there's text underneath each pose, you can follow along on your own. The photos of the poses were clear and colorful, and the sequences included a mix of both simple and challenging poses.

If you're interested in checking it out, download the free version here which offers two sequences, or the full version here for $4.99, which offers all 15 sequences.

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Get your yoga on by getting iPractice on your iPhone.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Head to Knee A

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:50:03 -0800

Looking to loosen up inflexible hips and hamstrings? Here's a yoga pose that's a popular stretch among runners because it'll target the oh-so-tight backs of the legs.

Sanskrit Name: Janu Sirsasana A
English Translation: Head to Knee Pose A
Also Called: Flag

To learn how to do this forward bend variation read more.

Begin in a seated position with both legs straight out in front of you.
Bend your right knee and place the sole of your foot against your inner thigh, pulling your heel as close to your body as you can.
Sit up nice and tall, lengthening through the spine and keeping your left leg straight. Then fold your torso over your left leg. Rest your hands on the floor on either side of your leg or on your shin. Or if your hamstrings and hips are more flexible, reach for your foot - the right hand holds the left wrist.
Rest your forehead on your leg and stay here for five breaths, being sure to continue lengthening the spine as you relax the shoulders away from your ears.
Then release your hands, sit up, and either take a vinyasa to switch sides, or just switch sides from here. This time the left knee will be bent, and the left hand will hold the right wrist.

Have any burning questions about yoga? Then post them to the Yoga Stretch and Tell group.

Yoga Unites the Mind, Body, and Spirit

Fit Community — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:30:08 -0800

Barefoot chick from our Yoga Stretch and Tell community group wants to know what the practice of yoga means to you, and posted this:

I know most people do yoga to relax and tone their body and I think that is wonderful just of itself. But yoga [as defined in Sanskrit, the language of origin] actually means a union of mind, body, and spirit.

Besides the health and physical benefits does anyone also get into the spiritual aspect of yoga, or the meditative component of clearing your mind of thought? If you incorporate the spiritual dimension into your yoga or would like to talk about that part of the total yoga experience, I would enjoy hearing from you.

Have any questions or stories about yoga that you want to share? Join our Yoga Stretch and Tell community group and join the conversation! If you don't practice yoga, be sure to take a look at our other community groups - there's something for everyone.

A Little Yoga Insight You May Not Learn From Your Instructor

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:00:10 -0800

Sure, practicing yoga is all about health and wellness, but Smart Money knows that it is also booming business. There are some aspects of yoga class that may not be in keeping with the healthy lifestyle you seek - just don't expect your yoga instructor to let you in on them. Here are a few pointers for staying healthy while practicing yoga, and remember that even when taking a fitness class led by an instructor, it's best to think for yourself to figure out what feels right and what practices work best for you.

Your Instructor May Be New to Yoga Too - With all of the various certification programs around, there's a range of skill that's being taught to instructors. "The problem is that there’s no real standard for how much teacher training is required of instructors, so almost anyone can lead a yoga class," writes Smart Money. It's best to try out a class before you commit, and learn where the instructor trained.
Yoga Mats Aren't Just For the Die-Hard Yogi - Bringing your own mat to class doesn't mean you can do full lotus. It's simply good hygiene. Yoga studio owner Ann Merlo told Smart Money, "One of the key elements of yoga is cleanliness." Sure, many studios hose down the mats after a few sessions, but there's no guarantee they do. With all the contagions flying around this flu season, it just might be worth it to spring for your own mat and avoid catching a bug.

To learn more about how to make the most of your yoga time, read more.

It's OK If You Don't Want to Be Touched - Yoga tends to cultivate a very intimate atmosphere in the studio, and many members of the class may feel totally at ease with the instructor helping them into a pose (which is fairly common), but that doesn't mean that you do. "A thoughtful teacher should always tell you that he’s going to touch you," writes Smart Money, and all adjustments should be done with professionalism. However, if you'd prefer not to be touched at all, don't be shy about speaking up and making your preference clear.
The Advanced Class May Not Be For You - While yoga instructors may ask some general questions about your level of experience before a class begins, no one is likely to turn you away from a session that may be too advanced for you. Yoga requires serious strength and flexibility. The article suggests calling the studio beforehand to find a class appropriate for your ability.

To find out exactly what else your yoga instructor may not be telling you, get up to speed with all of SmartMoney's tips, and be sure to check out our Yoga Stretch and Tell Group to connect with fellow yogis and share your questions, stories, and advice.

You Asked: Is Morning the Best Time to Do Yoga?

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:30:21 -0800

Dear Fit,
The holidays are fast approaching, and I wish I loved this time of year but I'm already stressed out about hosting Thanksgiving dinner, what to get for my picky in-laws, and dealing with traveling. I've heard yoga can help people relax, so I wanted to give it a try. A friend of mine says that she does a short session in the morning every day, including sun salutations (whatever those are), and a sequence of standing and seated yoga poses. I'm really not a morning person, but if practicing in the a.m. will help me calm down after realizing a flight to my parents house for X-mas is going to cost over $1,000, then I'm ready to set my alarm early. What do you think, is morning yoga more beneficial?
-Aspiring Yogi

I'm really excited for you to try out yoga because personally it's helped me find inner balance, and I always feel calmer and more grounded after my practice. Although yoga can help relieve stress and tension, it's no free ride to tranquility town. What it can do is help clear your mind, so you're better equipped to handle the frustrations the holidays tend to throw our way. To find out if there's a perfect time to get on your mat read more.

Many people believe that yoga must be practiced in the morning, but really whatever time works for you is when you should practice. You should not eat for two hours before doing yoga, so that's why many people choose morning yoga before they've had breakfast. They may also like how it gives them some alone time before their busy day begins, and getting it done first thing ensures that they'll have the energy and time to practice. On the other hand, some people may be too hungry or stiff in the morning, or they may not be able to wake up early enough to fit in a complete practice. They may prefer practicing in the evening because it helps relieve stress from their day, and helps them relax before bed.

So the decision is up to you, and the bottom line isn't what time you practice, it's that you practice period. If you have flexibility (no pun intended) in your schedule, try out a class at different times of the day to discover what you prefer. Keep in mind that certain poses and types of yoga are calming and some are invigorating, so depending on the yoga you choose, you might prefer morning, noon, and night!

All you yogis out there, I'm wondering what time of day do you prefer practicing yoga? Visit the Yoga Stretch and Tell group and share.

DVD Review: Daily Energy - Vinyasa Flow Yoga

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:00:50 -0800

It's no lie that Shiva Rea is one of my yoga idols. Considered one of the best Vinyasa yoga instructors due to her calming energy and challenging sequences of postures, Shiva has created a new DVD. You know I was excited to try it.

Titled Daily Energy - Vinyasa Flow Yoga ($20), the new video contains seven 20-minute sessions to encourage a little time on the mat every day. Shiva believes a little daily yoga is more beneficial than occasional long and intense practices. The DVD is as flexible as its creator - you can practice for 20 minutes or longer by combining a few sequences for a longer yoga session. She has also created pre-set practices for you to experiment with if you're looking for longer combinations, with some practices being grounding and relaxing and others uplifting and energetic. Depending on your mood, you can choose which session will benefit you for the day.

I love that the video includes short yoga workouts, so you can always fit in a quick, yet complete practice. It's so much better than popping in a full-length video and following along for only part of the series. This video is great to do after a run or bike ride. The unique and fluid sequences strengthened my arms, core, and legs, but also gave me a good stretch. Shiva never lets me down and is always coming up with challenging variations of postures I've never seen before. Beginners and seasoned yogis will both love this DVD.

To see a clip of this video, read more.

New to Yoga

Fit Community — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:19 -0800

FitSugar reader dresstoimpress posted this in the Yoga Stretch and Tell group. Can you offer some advice?

Hello! I just joined this group so this is my first time posting! I'm planning on signing up for yoga at a studio nearby. It's inexpensive and they offer a lot of beginning classes as well as classes for all levels. I have done a few yoga DVDs in the past and I enjoyed it, but I never got very far. What can I expect from a yoga class? I am a little nervous about my ability. It is just basic yoga from what I understand. Is it difficult to keep up? What should I wear? What if I can never do the stand-on-your-head poses? Thank you!

If you love chatting about all things yoga, then post your thoughts and questions to the Yoga Stretch and Tell group. If you want to see your post featured on FitSugar, then private message me here to pitch your ideas.

Why Runners Should Do Ashtanga Yoga

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:55:54 -0800

As a runner, I feel like it's one of the best forms of exercise. It's fairly inexpensive, I can do it anywhere, and it strengthens and tones my legs and booty. It also works my heart and lungs, increasing my endurance for other forms of exercise like biking and swimming, and it prevents me from gaining weight. With all those benefits, running also has some disadvantages. My hamstrings and hips are much tighter, which sometimes causes pain in my lower back. I'm sure you fellow runners can relate, and although stretching can definitely help, let's be honest - I know most of us aren't stretching as long or as often as we should.

That's where yoga comes in. Ashtanga yoga is the perfect complement to your running routine for so many reasons.

To find out why, read more.

Ashtanga yoga classes are an hour and a half long, and in 90 minutes you stretch every part of your body. The room is also heated, so you're at less risk for pulling a muscle.
Primary Series is the first series you will learn in an Ashtanga yoga class, and many of the poses (like these) target your hamstrings, hips, and lower back - the exact areas runners need to stretch.
It's extremely challenging, and since many runners are tough and like to push themselves physically, Ashtanga yoga is a better fit than other types like Kripalu or Jivamukti.
Throughout the 90-minute practice, you do Sun Salutations and vinyasas, which strengthen the upper body. This is very important since running primarily works your legs. Strength imbalances between your upper and lower body can make you more prone to injury.
Yoga also strengthens your core, improving your posture when running.
Once you learn Sun Salutation B in class, it's a great running warmup.
Connecting your breath with your movements is essential when doing Ashtanga, and it's something you can practice on your runs too. By concentrating on each inhale and exhalation, my runs become something of a meditation.
The sequence in an Ashtanga yoga class is the same no matter who the instructor or where the class. So if you're traveling, you can always pop into a studio and you'll be doing the same order of poses you'd be doing at your home studio.

Are you a runner who already practices yoga? Then I have a poll for you in my Yoga Stretch and Tell group.