Santos Yoga

en do you think about the way that you breathe? If you’re like most people you probably aren’t aware of how you breathe. But how you breathe can have a huge impact on your life and your health. Medical studies have shown that the simple act of deep breathing can have significant health benefits. Here are the top 5 ways that simply taking a few moments to breathe deeply can really improve your health: 1. Deep breathing reduces stress — When you’re very stressed out stop and take 10 very deep breaths. You will instantly feel more relaxed. Try it, you’ll see. Deep breathing supplies the oxygen that your body needs to function well and that extra influx of oxygen can...

Hip Rotation Benefits Tones the muscles of the waist Focus Keep your legs strong, so that you feel steady to rotate your hips as widely as you can without upsetting your balance. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhaling, circle your arms overhead, and bring your palms together. Interlock your fingers, with index fingers pointing up. Look up at your hands. With your pointed fingers, "draw" a small, imaginary circle on the ceiling in a clockwise direction. Move your hips at the same time, also in a clockwise direction. Make a slightly larger circle, with your arm and hip movements still coordinated. Make progressively larger circles until you have completed 7 circles. With each rotation...

Hip Rotation Benefits Tones the muscles of the waist Focus Keep your legs strong, so that you feel steady to rotate your hips as widely as you can without upsetting your balance. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhaling, circle your arms overhead, and bring your palms together. Interlock your fingers, with index fingers pointing up. Look up at your hands. With your pointed fingers, "draw" a small, imaginary circle on the ceiling in a clockwise direction. Move your hips at the same time, also in a clockwise direction. Make a slightly larger circle, with your arm and hip movements still coordinated. Make progressively larger circles until you have completed 7 circles. With each rotation...

Confused by the many types of yoga? With all the different styles and variations, it's no wonder. Don't let it get you down. This article will give an overview of the eight most popular styles of yoga; iyengar, kundalini, bikram, ashtanga, power, hatha, kripalu, and sivanda. Let us shed some light on these and you'll be a yoga pro in no time! The three types of yoga you may have heard of are hatha yoga, power yoga and bikram yoga. These are the most popular in this day and age. Hatha yoga is the style of yoga most practiced today. It is what you will think of when you think of yoga in general. Power yoga is a more aerobic-style yoga, with an emphasis on cardio. Bikram yoga is a style of...

Yoga is gaining popularity in the western world, which raises the question to those who want to begin practicing... What yoga class should I start with? Iyengar yoga is a really good style for beginners because it uses props, such as blocks and a belt, as aids in the different postures. It is extremely structured and focuses on the structural alignment of the physical body through development of postures (asanas). Every style is based on asanas but each has a different emphasis. Below is a summary of other popular yoga styles that are good to begin with. Iyengar The focus of Iyengar yoga is on body alignment. Props such as blocks and straps allow beginners to flow in asanas more easily. As oppose to...

We all breathe without even really thinking about it, but many of us don't breathe to our full potential. We tend to breathe shallowly and quickly, and therefore don't give our bodies as much oxygen as we could. By learning to breath more effectively and fully we can increase our energy levels and general sense of wellbeing considerably. But learning to breathe effectively is harder than it sounds - we are so used to breathing incorrectly and we don't even think about it. We have to first become aware of our breathing patterns and then re-learn new patterns. Much like fat loss already! We have to re-learn patterns and new habits in order to reap the rewards, such as increased energy and wellbeing...

But the most severe cases can be found in people suffering from osteoporosis - a condition where the bones, particularly those in the spine, wrist and the hips - become thin and weak. Disc degeneration, narrowing of the spinal canal, thickening of bones, joints, ligaments and gynecological problems, such as ovarian cysts or an infection in the pelvis, are also major factors in causing backache. "Because people hardly ever walk, do not play many outdoor games, use lifts and escalators instead of the stairs and generally lead a very sedentary lifestyle. This leads to a lot of people being overweight. That excess weight puts a lot of stress on your spine and leads to backache. "It is a vicious circle...

One popular type of fitness routines today is yoga. Although it is the current rage, it is certainly not new. Yoga is one of the oldest forms of fitness. People who practice yoga generally attend classes and work with yoga instructors to perfect their mental and physical skills. Let's take a look at what yoga class entails. Yoga has been in the world for over 8000 years. But recently it has gained momentum as a choice fitness program. There are several different types of yoga to choose from; Ashtanga Yoga, Power Yoga, Bekram Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Iyengar Yoga. It is a good idea to observe some of these classes to determine which yoga is right for you. Once you make your choice, you...

JANU SIRSASANA: Correct foot placement Sit up straight with legs evenly extended in front. Bend the right leg at the knee and place the foot so that the heel is in the right groin and the front of the foot touches the left thigh. Turn the foot so that the bottom of the foot is facing upward and press the knee back to form an obtuse angle with the body. This position will be difficult at first; don't force it. Put a folded blanket under the knee and also under the hips. Gradually the knee will move farther back. Just keep the foot correctly positioned. JANU SIRSASANA: Correct, perfect posture Having positioned the foot and knee correctly, stretch the left leg out, keeping the leg firmly on the mat...

The term Yoga generally refers to variations of the Hatha Yoga practice of physical postures (asana) for health and experience of well-being. In the west, generally, there tends to be less of a spiritual approach and the focus is more physical with stretching, strengthening and breathing. There are many different styles of Yoga available. Most are variations in aerobic quality, sequencing of postures, breath control, room temperature, alignment, use of props or in some cases meditation, philosophy and chanting. Most classes consist of a series of static postures or asanas. Some postures are practiced standing, laying down or are inverted. One posture, Salutation to the Sun, is a dynamic aerobic...

Everyday life can be hectic with all that there is to deal with, such as jobs, families, and relationships. Therefore, it is important to find a way to get rid of the built up tension and stress within the body; it is not healthy for you. Yoga is known to help to relieve body stress, but it also provides other benefits. For beginners to yoga, here is a short and quick overview of the 3 most popular Yoga types that many people choose as a starting point: 1) Hatha Yoga - This is the most popular and commonly practiced form of Yoga, and it's a combination of asanas synced with a balanced breathing. It combines meditation, pranayama (lengthening of the breath), and relaxation techniques. This make Hatha...

When you practice a yoga workout you should wear a practical and comfortable outfit that suits you well, so that you have enough give to perform the postures without be restrained by the wrong clothes. For the lower body you can wear clothes that do not restrict your movements such as basic leggings, shorts or yoga pants made mainly from polyester with some elastane. These kind of clothes allow you to move freely and do not get in the way while you are working out. For safety reasons you should practice yoga on a proper yoga mat in bare feet. This is because the mat provides a good grip for your feet, helping you to keep your balance and stability during the yoga practice. If you wear socks there is...

You hear so much about Yoga these days, and there are so many Yoga styles to choose from, that it is advisable to research a particular Yoga style which suits your needs. Some Yoga classes are gentle, athletic, cerebral, religious, meditative, or hot. Therefore, research the style of Yoga which attracts you most. Then visit a local Yoga studio, or wellness center, for further information. If you have any concerns, you could set up an appointment with a potential Yoga teacher, and share your thoughts about your specific needs. There are many benefits you can expect from regularly attending Yoga classes, but the five of the most common benefits of Yoga are listed below. Choose a Yoga teacher who...

ys world, tension-depression-worries are some of the most commonly used words. Depression has become a very common problem now. More the world is getting civilized more the tensions and worries are getting into our lives. Our busy and complicated lifestyles are the main source of these tensions, worries and depression and nobody can escape it. But what one can do is include yoga in his daily lifestyle. Yoga is perhaps the best weapon to combat depression which comes with our fast-paced lifestyle. Any kind and form of yoga, be it Kundalini yoga or Ashtanga yoga, are in true sense, beneficial to human kind. Yoga has the magical power of helping the mind to ward off all unnecessary tensions and thus...

If you have been to a yoga class recently, you may have wondered: Where are all the men? It is a surprise to see one or two men in a yoga class. The way the advertising industry has portrayed yoga, it is a wonder there is even one man in a class. Yoga is marketed towards women to sell everything from mattresses to yogurt to candles. It is always a woman seen rushing off to class in a chic outfit with matching accessories. The celebrities touting the greatness of yoga are usually women: Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. When Madison Avenue uses a picture of someone (a woman), the posture is always a ballet like super flexible out of reach for most mortals yoga posture. It is easy to understand a man's...

Relaxation - Endurance - Stress Management - Flexibility What do all these things have in common? First, they are all things we need to work on improving in our busy American lifestyles. Getting better at these areas has long been advocated by health experts as a way to increase our quality of life, reduce the risk of injury or illness, and even to live longer! Second, these are all benefits of working out with Yoga! Hatha yoga - the physical yoga postures or "asanas" that most of us associate with yoga exercise - is a great way to build muscle, increase the range of motion in our joints, and create an opportunity for calm, balance and relaxation in our daily schedules. Now before you get nervous...

Sick of wearing plus size women's clothing? Wishing to finally fit in those medium-sized dresses? Well, you really need to put your foot down and exert extra effort to lose weight. How? Yoga may just be the solution. As it has become rather fashionable across countries, it is now labeled as the best way to drop weight. First, in able to lose weight efficiently you need to raise your heart rate to approximately 65% of its maximum. And you can reduce weight by doing yoga as it raises your heart rate adequately. Yoga can also help you lessen appetite and manage your hunger. Not to mention that it alleviates stress that may be the reason of gaining weight. If you are already sick of your plus size women...

This activity seems fresh and new, invented in the late nineties, but it has, at least, 3000 years old, when it was created in India. The term yoga comes from word in Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages on the east, and it means to unite body, mind and spirit. Yoga is much more than just physical activity, where this exercise is just one of the components of the lifestyle that is yoga. The main objectives of this lifestyle are to train your body, mind, breath and connect all this components with your spirit. That physical activity that everybody knows as yoga is called Hatha. This Hatha is based on poses or Asanas. The person goes through some specific poses, and in the same time controls...

Yoga is a centuries old practice that came to us from India. In India, Yoga is viewed as more a spiritual practice than here in America. To most of us, it is use more so for exercising, to tone muscles or gain more flexibility. However, there are many benefits to performing yoga. Some of them are increased muscle tone and increased flexibility. Yoga can also lower stress and improve your breathing. Another plus for yoga is that anyone can perform yoga regardless of age, disabilities or limitations. Yoga Help Clear the Mind · Yoga can help you clear your mind. It helps you improve your concentration and focus. · When you focus on your breath, concentrate on holding the pose. ·...

There are many types of yoga, some with more emphasis on the physical part of the practice and some with a more spiritual approach, some that will make you sweat and some where you'd spend half a class holding the same posture. There is a type of yoga for anyone! When choosing a class that's right for you, you have to consider your personal preferences. It's perfectly normal to try out a few yoga methods, until you find the system that you feel the most comfortable with. Ashtanga is a very physically challenging practice, that is based on ethical principles. Hatha yoga is a classical practice that is a little slower-paced, with more emphasis on held postures. It is well suited for seniors or for...

Yoga seems to be the newest fitness craze with more people signing up for yoga classes than ever before. While yoga may be a great way to tone your muscles and work on your core strength, you may be surprised to know that yoga won't necessarily help you lose weight. If you're hoping to find some weight loss motivation by turning to yoga, then you might want to heavily consider the type of yoga that you are about to sign up for. The fact of the matter is that most kinds of yoga don't allow your heart rate to speed up enough in order to lose weight. Further, strength training and cardiovascular workouts must be added to any yoga routine in order to drop a few pounds. Therefore, the best kind of yoga...

With the popularity of yoga rising throughout the western world, you have probably heard about it's healing powers by now. However, you still aren't sure exactly what kind of yoga may be right for your lifestyle. Chances are, you have probably asked everyone you know who practices yoga. While they may have a few suggestions, they may be bias in their decision making when it comes to which type of yoga you should choose. Iit is fairly simple to find the right kind of yoga for you. Especially if you have all of the information there is to know about yoga. First and foremost you should try to consider why you are planning on entering the yoga lifestyle. Whether it was suggested to you from your doctor...

Patanjali, the father of Yoga was a great physician too. Supposed to have lived during 200 B.C to 200 A.D, his book Yoga Sutra is a guide book for simple and healthy living. Yoga Sutra has 195 aphorisms or sutras which actually do not describe the yogic postures or asanas. Yoga as described by him is not only about asanas or postures and well being. Yoga according to Patanjali is a way of life. His book is basically an ethical outline for living a principled life and includes the science of yoga into your daily life. The basis of the teachings of Patanjali is entwined in the eightfold path of yoga or the ashtanga yoga. These teachings are suggestions for a better life. The eight fold path is as...

Practicing Yoga on a regular basis boosts the energy levels of an individual and by continued and regular practice the body increases its flexibility and balance and the muscles become toned and strengthened as well. At the start of Yoga, some people find it difficult to carry out certain postures due to a variety of reasons such as lack of flexibility, difficulty in holding the posture, etc. In these cases, using Yoga props is an excellent option. Having said that, a person who is flexible may opt for Yoga props because of the additional support and comfort, thereby making the entire experience of Yoga more full and beneficial. One of the most popular and versatile Yoga props are Yoga Bolsters...

Yoga has become extremely popular over the last decade. Today, almost everyone knows someone who says they are practicing Yoga. Many of these new yogis/yoginis are quite dedicated and go to class several times each week. Let's take a look at what they are practicing: Most classes are 60-90 minutes of doing various Yoga poses/stretches/asanas, which can vary from gentle to intense. The intensity will vary from class to class, style to style and teacher to teacher. And so, the student will say they are practicing Yoga regularly every week. I do not wish to belittle anyone's practice or imply that anyone is claiming to be or do something they are not. Yet, the fact remains that this is not Yoga. To...

Yoga asanas is the equivalent of Yoga postures in the English language. You can refer to them as postures because they are very well and systematically designed to suit every individual in their quest for a healthy life. I try not refer to Yoga postures as exercises because they are some differences amongst the two. Exercises are more vigorous, as it makes you tired, and more importantly it burns out your energy. Yoga on the other hand, seeks to conserve energy. Therefore the primary difference between the two would be: - Yoga conserves energy - Exercise dissipates energy Most types of exercises, be it aerobics, cardio workouts or resistance training, requires your body to make fast forceful...

Ashtanga Yoga is a type of yoga exercise that involves moving from one posture (asana) to another asana in a specific sequence. It is considered a more intensive form of yoga. The specific sequence of asanas is joined by set of connecting movements which is called vinyasa. The vinyasa increases the temperature of the body which allows for better muscle flexibility and improved circulation. In Sanskrit, ashtanga means 'eight limbs.' It is known as the yoga with eight components that includes: posture, ethics, morality, breath control, concentration, sense control; concentration, meditation, and absorption. The complete arrangement of asanas is broken down into three series known as primary...

Yoga has countless healing powers and health advantages. Originated from India where yogis were Buddhists who practiced to attain spirituality and harmony. You might have dwelt on the pictures of yogis floating in the air with their legs crossed and eyes closed and pondered over its implication. The idea behind the picture is very simple. Yogis believed that such immense lightness of mind and body was achieved from meditating that the body itself floated in the air like a feather in the wind. Today yoga is still as popular over there as it was in dark ages but modern yoga does not deal with floating in the air but focuses more on health and fitness of the body as well as that of the mind. Yoga...

The basics. How easy is it to get started? Very, all you need is a positive attitude, loose fitting clothes, a willingness to open yourself to learning, to enlightenment. It is normally advisable to practice yoga on an empty stomach. There are Yoga poses to partake in and they are as followed: * Warm up Poses: This is a general warm up to loosen tight muscles, each level of yoga can offer different levels of warm ups. * standing Poses: Again it all depends on what level yoga sessions you attend or practice, in general this covers hands to feet Pose, triangle Pose, sun salutation, Tree Pose, Stretch Pose, Warrior Pose and Stand spread leg forward fold. * Seated Poses: These are exercises whilst...

So, why should I do yoga? I don't have time to fit any more into my busy life. 1. Yoga works in a holistic way, that is, it addresses the whole body, improving the entire structure. By working with physical movements known as postures or 'asana', we can improve the range of movement within our joints, increasing both suppleness and strength. Tight muscles can restrict our movements and cause structural strain; tightness in the hips can put pressure on the knees and the restriction of short hamstrings can put the lower back at risk. Strong muscles help to support and bring stability to our joints, especially the spine, which is a common site of strain. Yoga postures take the spine through its full...

/p> Yoga in Sanskrit means “union” and derives from the Hindu religion. It can be a spiritual practice that incorporates meditation and other mental exercises. A yoga session combined with mindful breathing can be a “moving meditation.” There are many schools of yoga, but hatha yoga is the form most commonly practiced in Western countries, and classes and private lessons are available in health clubs, dance centers, yoga centers, and community centers. This form emphasizes physical postures called asanas and integrates them with breathing techniques. Inactivity alone is responsible for much of the physical and mental deterioration I equate with illness, aging, and “...

New to yoga? Start here! Yoga means union, and hatha is a combination of words meaning sun and moon. So, hatha yoga, which is the practice we are most familiar with in the West has a meaning stemming from the uniting of opposites. Yoga is an ancient Indian philosophy described by Patanjali in his famous Yoga Sutras as the spiritual discipline or practice with the intent of uniting the individual soul with the World soul. Before the deep thinking involved discourages you, you can rest assured that in the West, and indeed for many Indian people, the modern practice of yoga encompasses only one or two of the original eight branches that Patanjali described. When you look for a yoga class, or an...

In addition to all the mental and physical benefits, that hatha yoga has to offer to those who practice it with a serious diligence, it also has practical utilities such as helping us to lose weight, and once we achieve our desired goal to keep it for ever. Yoga postures known as "asanas" in Sanskrit, are not simple physical exercises, as each of them directly affects several muscle groups, the internal organs and one or more endocrine glands. In addition, the practice with a concentration of the mind focused on a specific part of the body and breathing, it is of utmost importance to achieve the full benefits of the practice. We can read often that there is no yoga without concentration, and this is...

Looking for a small community where you can practice your yoga, a community with sidewalks and greenways, and a town where it's safe to ride your bike on the streets? Maryville may just be your place. Maryvile, TN is a quiet town of under 30,000 residents. It is located between Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Blount County. This small town is home to Maryville College, a small liberal arts college, and has some of the best public schools in the state of Tennessee. Not only that, but there are a number of different styles of yoga classes and teachers in Maryville. Whether you're interested in studying hatha yoga or one of its various forms -- Anusara Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Yin...

History of Hatha Yoga: The history of hatha yoga goes back in the fifteenth century India when Yogi Swatmarama, a sage during those times, introduced it as a form of "a stairway to the heights" of Raja Yoga which is the preparatory stage of physical purification that makes the body fit for the practice of higher form of meditation. Hatha yoga is also known to be called as "hatha vidya" and the word "hatha" is a combination of the words, "ha" which means sun "tha" that means moon and they are said to refer to the prinicipal "nadis" or the energy channels of the body and must be fully operational to attain the state of "dhyana" or a certain aspect of meditation. Some people may link that the origins...

Practice Yoga regularly, let children over 5 (some suggest over 4s can benefit) join in as well in all appropriate exercises, and it will strip away the obstacles that separate you from your source. Yoga can be wonderful for this process, as it can alleviate tension from and clear energy blocks in the body and mind. Practiced for thousands of years in India, its birth home, yoga has become a refuge for so may around the world, and is indeed the greatest unsung great cure in the western world. Nobody has ever attempted to estimate the suffering alleviated and the shear cost of healthcare avoided by those that use yoga in their lives. In the Far East, yoga is a spiritual path to be followed towards...