Yoga Exercises For Weight Loss Beginners

When you think about weight loss, and dieting and exercising makes you remember those unsatisfactory times, you should start thinking of other alternatives, such as yoga. Yoga exercises for weight loss is a form of meditation that helps you lose weight and help metabolism, toning up the muscles, etc.
You have to remember that even though yoga poses help with weight loss, all of them aren't meant for it. There are some that are there for the peace of the mind. But you have to remember one thing: Dedication is very important. Well try to maintain good eating habits as well.
Below are a few yoga exercises for weight loss for you:
1. Wind Releasing Pose
For this pose, you have to lie down on your back and hug your knees to your chest, making sure that both of them are not spread apart. From there, use your fists and take them in front of knees and trying raising your head from the ground or floor. All you have to do is keep breathing throughout and notice the slight ache in your abs.
2. Cobra Pose
Lie down on a mat with your face to the ground and your feet aligned on the ground. Then using your hands right below the shoulder, push down so that your head and torso lift up.
Then move your head to face straight ahead and spread your fingers, the shoulder blades going lower and behind. Then push your shoulders backwards, making sure you stretch it all throughout the spine. While doing so, breathe deeply, and then when you are in the normal position, breathe out.
3. Side Stretch Pose
If you need a pose that is going to accelerate your heart beat and work on the waist, this is it. All you have to do is stand erect with the feet spread a little more than the shoulders.
Start turning your torso towards your right side along with your legs. Make your torso parallel to the ground by bending it. Repeat the same process with the other side, and remember to keep breathing.
4. Bow Pose
In this pose, you have to lay down on your stomach, bending your knees behind so that you can try to reach out for it. Push your feet higher along with keeping your tummy sucked in.
While doing so, you can try raising your upper torso with the shoulder blades outwards. Keep your breath held and then relaxed while doing all these. This pose is for toning the area around the abdomen.
5. Warrior Pose
You have to stand upright and move both the feet, around four feet outwards, and the torso to the torso to your left. Make sure that one knee is bent, the left one, and the other is perpendicular to the ground. Then, reach upwards with your hands and turn your head to look at them. This is good for your thighs, abdomen and the hands.
The yoga exercises for weight loss that help the most in yoga are quite intense, so feeling a little burn may be due to burning of fat around the areas you're concentrating on.

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Benefits of Yoga

Whenever we think about Yoga, we will usually think about how the three elements, the body, the mind and the soul can benefit from it. So what are the specific benefits to each of these elements? Let's find out more about the benefits of yoga the physical, mental and spiritual aspects.

For the physical aspect, by practicing yoga, you will able to increase your flexibility, improve your strength and better your breathing. Firstly, as yoga involves multiple stretching techniques, it will enable your body to become more flexible. This also means that there will be more movements in your joints and muscles. In time, your shoulders, back, hips and hamstrings will also become more flexible. Secondly, yoga teaches you to support your own body weight. There are poses that involves you balancing on one leg or using your arms to support yourself. This will effectively help in improving your strength. Thirdly, yoga introduces breathing exercises, which teaches you how to make better use of your lungs. This will provide you with better breathing and also helps to benefit the rest of your body.

When it comes to the mental aspect of yoga, the benefits include stress reduction, body awareness and mental calmness. Firstly, any form of physical exercise can help to relief stress. However, yoga is a great form of exercise to relief stress as it involves a lot of concentration. By focusing more during your yoga practice, you'll able to experience the present and not worry about the past or future. Secondly, when you are practicing yoga, you will actually move in ways that can improve your alignment. This allows you to be more aware of your body and in turn, enables you to be comfortable in your own skin. Eventually, you'll have a higher confidence level and a better posture. Thirdly, as yoga requires complete concentration, it helps to calm your mind from other distractions. Apart from that, meditation also assists in your breathing techniques and ultimately, leads you to calm your senses.

As for the spiritual aspect, yoga teaches you to be patient and forgiving. To put it simply, it shows the way of dealing with ourselves and others. This means that it does not only provide you with awareness of your body, it also enables you to be more aware of your feelings, the world around you and the needs of others.

These are the reasons why many people decide to practice yoga. They believe that through yoga, they will be able to satisfy all three elements of a human being. Hence, yoga is gradually becoming more popular worldwide.

The author, Tan Ryan, is the founder of OMG Yoga, an exclusive yoga school that provides private yoga classes in Singapore. For more information with regards to yoga classes, please visit http://www.yogasingapore.net/

Yoga Is a Way of Life

Yoga has become the "in" thing these days. Well known celebrities are practicing yoga, dietician and doctors, politician, grade school teacher even simple housewives are into it. But what is Yoga? Some says it is a science of life while to others it is a spiritual, physical and mental discipline.
The term YOGA is referred to as "Yuj", a Sanskrit word which means - to unite, to join or to yoke. Traditionally, yoga is passed from one individual to another through a teacher-student relationship, using the practical demonstration and oral teachings. There was no formal technique during those times unlike now, where a logical and structured procedure or process is given to those practitioners. Hence, modern times see it as a "science".
There has been a misconception that yoga came from Hinduism. Archaeologists have discovered stone carvings with figures in different yoga positions that predate way back Hinduism's time. Hinduism had evolved and incorporates practicing yoga later on. Yoga came in the U.S. around 1800s and started to get noticed by 1960s. Gradually, people accepted Yoga because of it benefits and advantage to the physical, mental and emotional well-being.
These days, yoga is being seen as a form of exercise. In fact, people from different countries thought that yoga was a kind of "American exercise", and an Indian workout that happens to get popular in the U.S.
Yoga is more than just a system or structure of exercises, breathing and stretches. Yoga is a 'way of life' - an individual is able to break the negative habits and views of life. Yoga provides tools and guidelines in order to gain a balance in your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional aspect of a person. It is uniting the body, mind and spirit - which ultimately seek all these relationships in a complete balance. Its philosophy lies in understanding oneself and the world - it was only later when other religions like Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam and Buddhism incorporates such practice in their religious practice.
Medical practitioners have seen the benefits of yoga in a person's health. It is effective in increasing flexibility, lubrication of the joints, tendons and ligaments. It is also an excellent toning exercise for the muscles.
For stressed out career persons and businessmen or even a simple housewife and a mother - yoga has a great stuff to offer. Regular yoga practitioner becomes calmer - they are more relaxed and have a better perspective of the world. In fact, some says they become more compassionate of others. They see life as individuals trying their best to become the best they can ever be. For them it is liberating - there is no need to see others as a potential competition so there is no need to hold on to grudges and ill-will against a fellow human being. With this in mind one can develop better relationships with others - so there is no need to stress it out!
Yoga reminds people to be mindful of what they bring in to their own body. Yoga has allowed them to see that they are responsible to take care of their body and that they need to pay more attention in taking care of it. This goes well with having that kind of confidence. Indeed, it is true - it does take a strong will to break and change those bad habits affecting one's well-being.
Anyone can start practicing yoga - people of different age and condition, even pregnant women and little kids. Wouldn't it be better if the whole family practice yoga?
Yoga has different step by step techniques and guidelines that can be easily followed by anyone - gender or age. Kids can practice simple meditation and breathing exercises to help them relax, concentrate and become less impulsive. Study shows that kids who are trained in these exercises are better in term of coping with stressful conditions and are able to manage their own emotions.
There is a recommended technique for pregnant women as well although it is highly recommended to keep the exercise to a minimum and focus extensively on the breathing techniques. The daily meditation and breathings exercises will help expectant mothers in easy delivery.

If you are interested to see videos of Yoga, try to check our site in http://yogapracticevideo.com/

The 5 Biggest Myths About Yoga

At some time, we've all had some preconceived notions about yoga, and it's time to get them out in the open and explore them. I've been practicing yoga for years but I have to admit that I was also guilty of having some ideas about yoga that weren't true. It wasn't until I tried yoga and got involved in the regular practice of it that I realized that they were, after all, only ideas and not very good ones at that!
Let's look at what some of these myths are that could do with some overhauling and some debunking!
1. Yoga is for the flower power hippie gang. Sure, yoga turned up at the same time as the hippies did in the 1970s. Somehow this has managed to colour its reputation - but times have changed. People aren't wearing the same outfits as they did back then for a start. You're just as likely to find upper tier athletes doing it as you will a hippy. For example Andy Murray (the tennis star), Kelly Slater (the surfer) and LeBron James (one of America's top basketball players) all stretch out on the yoga mat as part of their fitness training programs.
2. Yoga is for females. After 6000 years of yoga being a major part of the ashrams (a men only tradition), women are new to yoga. They've only really been involved for the last 60 years, since it arrived in North America. Yes, you'll find some women doing it, but many of the influencers are men - for example, Bikram Choudhury.
3. Yoga is some sort of a religion. Sorry, but that's just not true. Yes, there were some religions involved when it started out (Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism) but it's not about faith. It's about providing a better balance in life, through the toning of the body and mind.
4. Yoga is way too easy. If you're thinking this, then you've never taken a class. The first class I went to even put me off going again for a bit. I was expecting a slow moving stretching program, but the class that I went to was fast and made me feel dizzy. There are a variety of classes to choose from, so you can go slow or you can take the faster route, but it's not necessarily easy. Some of the poses are very challenging.
5. Yoga is only for the young and the flexible. Touching on my last point there are over 100 different types of yoga. Each of these can be suited to different levels of fitness. Modern yogi gurus have adapted yoga exercises so that it meets with the Western lifestyle. It's now possible to bend and stretch into different poses using equipment and knowledge.
You will only benefit from increasing flexibility, strength and a positive mind-set. If you want to get start in yoga, but don't know what to do, then there are several courses of action that you can take. You could either get started at a local gym or yoga studio, or alternatively use a DVD for home use. You'll be surprised what yoga can do for you.

Thomon Wardle is an experienced practitioner of yoga and pilates exercises. His range of yoga DVDs are listed and available from his site http://www.getfitwithpilates.com/ where you can also download a free eBook worth £9.95

Yoga Is Great For Weight Loss

Everybody knows that you need to stay active in order to get the best results when trying to lose weight. Most people think that you need to do lots and lots of cardio exercise to achieve the greatest results. We join gyms, go to spin class, run many miles, cycle and swim to shed off the unwanted pounds. Cardio is definitely an excellent way to stay in shape and I include it regularly. However, if I didn't also include yoga, I wouldn't be in as good shape as I am now.
If you want to keep your body in muscular balance you need to do more than just cardio training. When doing cardio, no matter what you are doing, you are repeating the same movements over and over again. This leads to your muscles becoming tight and stiff. You will gain huge amounts of strength in the muscles you are using, but will lose strength in the smaller stabilizing muscles. This causes the bigger muscles to compensate for the smaller ones and in turn creates an imbalance in your body. Yoga helps to fight and prevent this imbalance from happening in the first place.
Yoga is a whole body workout that lets you get in touch with every muscle in your body. By doing many different balances that move fluidly between poses, you gain an awareness of your body's strengths and weaknesses. These movements and static poses work out many of the smaller muscles in your body which increases their strength, flexibility and relaxes the body as a whole.
How Does Yoga Help You Lose Weight?
1. Reduces Stress - Stress causes the body to retain fat and also reduces your metabolism. The more stress you have in your life, the harder it is to lose weight. Yoga is a great stress reliever and can help you get rid of any weight that is caused by being overly stressed.
2. Workout Intensity - It is not always a good idea to push your body to its limits when working out. It is good to also include relaxing, muscle and balance-building routines that work out the entire body. You'd be surprised how much sweat you will produce in a one hour full body yoga workout.
3. Lean Muscle - When doing yoga you will notice your fat being transformed into lean muscle. More muscle means that your body needs more energy to function and therefore burns more calories.

Jerry Gladstone is a yoga enthusiast who loves to stay in shape. Click the following link if you want to learn more about yoga for weight loss

 

Ten Minute Yoga Perk-Me-Up

Whether you might be staying home with a new baby or working too many hours at the office, anytime is a good time for yoga. You can do yoga stretches and postures in bed or even while driving to work.
Hundreds of fitness seekers use their lunch hour to squeeze in exercise and take off extra pounds. Taking ten minutes during break time to do a little yoga really perks one up and refreshes you again.
I occasionally use my lunch hour for Yoga, said John Ray White, 35, who works at the Arkansas attorney general's office. Downward facing dog and sun salutation are two of the postures she practices every day.
Practicing yoga in the middle of day some people think is the break that they need to face the afternoon, said Ray.
Lunch-hour fitness routines also become more popular in warm weather as people prefers to stay indoors in the comfort of the air conditioned. And this makes indoor exercises attractive.
Yoga allows one to really work on those muscles and increases the circulation and heartbeat rate. It also gives one the mental and spiritual relief and wellbeing that relaxes the whole body and mind. That is why Yoga is such a popular choice when it comes to indoor exercises.
The below exercises can be brought into any exercise regime that you currently have. The exercises are easy and you can do it both at home and at work. See below for the ten minute Yoga plan.
- Kick Back Log-on Pose
Interlace your fingers behind your head. Relax your elbows and shoulders. Smile, breathe and stretch your elbows back. Let the tightness release slowly.
- E-mail Meditation
While reading your e-mail, remember to breathe slowly and focus your attention on your breath. Make the out-breath two times longer than the in-breath. This will immediately calm you.
- Photocopier Stretch
Place your hands on the edge of the copier. Stand back with feet apart. Drop your head and chest. Breathe and relax your shoulders.
- Close-the-deal Warrior Pose
Raise your arms to the side with fingers pointed. Take a big step to the side, with your right foot out and knee bent, your left foot planted, left leg straight. Keep the upper body straight and strong, shoulders relaxed. Relax into the stretch -- don't hold your breath. Return to a standing position, switch sides and repeat.
Now, you can practise the ten minute Yoga plan anytime!

Kelly Soh is an internet marketeer who has written numerous articles in different area interests and has benefited many people around the world. To see more Yoga articles or get a home yoga instructor, go to http://homeyogasingapore.com/

 

Teaching Yoga for the Waistline

Many women strive for that beautiful, slim waist seen on models, television actresses, and even important historical figures and actresses. The desire to have or maintain a narrow waist has been a part of lives for many years. Women will go to great lengths to get it, like sit-ups, weightlifting, jogging, aerobics and more. You might not automatically think of yoga when you think of a slim waistline, but many of the poses tighten the core while slimming the waistline, too. Even some men can benefit from a slimmer waistline. Try a few yoga poses to stretch, strengthen and lengthen the muscles around the waistline.
Triangle Pose
Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointing forward. Turn one foot out about 45 degrees. Extend both arms up to shoulder level and bend to the side from the waist and hips, reaching out and down toward the turned-out foot. Rest the bottom arm on the calf, ankle or floor. Extend the other arm up toward the ceiling, letting your gaze follow the upper fingers if it is comfortable. Hold for a few breaths, and then repeat on the other side.
Boat Pose
Begin in a seated position. Rest your arms beside your hips for balance as you pull your knees into your chest. Lean back onto your hips and find balance. Stay in this position, or continue by extending the legs out to form about a 45-degree angle. Extend the arms straight out, palms facing down. Hold for a few breaths and release.
Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
In a seated position, pull the knees so the feet rest flat on the floor. Bend the left leg, resting it on the floor. Bring the left foot to rest under the right hip. Step the right foot over the left leg to rest on the floor with the right knee pointing up toward the ceiling. Exhale as you twist your body to the right. Bring your right hand to rest behind the body, palm flat. Bend your left arm, placing the elbow on the outside of your right thigh near the knee. Keep your gaze where it is comfortable, either to the left or right of the body. Repeat on the other side.
Revolved Head-to-Knee
Sit with the legs opened wider than shoulder width. Bend the left leg in while keeping the right leg extended at about a 45-degree angle. Rest the right arm along the side of the right leg, palm facing up. Inhale, and then exhale as you bend to the right side, reaching the left arm up and over the torso. Repeat on the other side.
© Copyright 2012 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/