mario

...yoga has hundreds of poses (or asanas). Some are for balance, some are for flexibility, some are for strength, and some are for focus. But if you are just starting out, is there one asana that you can practice for a while, to see if yoga is for you?

The Sun Salutation is actually a series of asanas, but it provides an excellent introduction to yoga and is a terrific full-body workout. I use it to get back into yoga if I have not practiced for a while. I also use it as a warm-up for exercising. It stretches all your muscles, adds an element of balancing and breathing, and gets the blood flowing.

Here is a quick overview of the Sun Salutation. This article is not long enough to give detailed descriptions of the poses. However, a good introductory text to yoga should have descriptions and usually photos or drawings of the postures.

Start by standing straight up, with feet together, hands together in a prayer-like pose on your chest. Raise your hands straight up and back over your head, bending backwards as your hands arc backwards. Bring your hands forward, arcing over your head, until you are touching your toes. Your legs should still be as straight as possible, and your forehead should be close to your knees.

Place your pa...more

Explore The History Of yoga - The Beginning

...stian background, you will see how closely the yamas resemble five of the 10 commandments.

2. Niyamas: The five niyamas are inner-disciplines that influence they way we take care of ourselves: purity, contentment, austerity, study of sacred texts and living with an awareness of the divine.

3. Asanas: These are the postures that Americans think of when they hear the word yoga. Significantly, in the early history of yoga, the asanas were designed to prepare the body for long periods of meditation, which required a strong, flexible body. Our current reasons for practicing yogaemotional well-being, muscle tone and weight loss among themwere not of importance.

4. Pranayama: Prana is the life-force and pranayama, control of the breath. Throughout the history of yoga, this was a practice meant to clear the mind and body in preparation for meditation.

5. Pratyahara: This is the ability to withdraw from your senses, to meditate free from distractions.

6. Dharana: Here, practitioners learn to ...more

Patterned yoga Mats

...re also non-toxic and eco-friendly. Other different kinds of mats are: sticky mats, travel mats, foldable mats, light weight mats and others. These mats are available in plain colors as well as interesting colors and patterns.

yoga mats are available in beautiful and interesting patterns and colors. The most popular yoga mat patterns are: the lotus, the hibiscus, the marigold, zebra prints, leopard prints, stripes, dots, moons and circles. yoga mats can also be custom-designed with the kind of pattern w...more

Using yoga Poses To Improve Your Health

...se poses can be done while sitting.

Sitting Neutral

Vajrasana or Hero Pose

Dandasana or Staff Pose

Baddhakonasana or Bound Angle Pose

Gomukhasana or Cow Face Pose

Sitting Forward

Pascimottanasana or Sitting Forward Bend

Paripurna navasana or Boat Pose

Sitting Back Bends

Bidalasana or Cat Stretch

Ustrasana or Camel Pose

Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose

Dhanurasana or Bow Pose

Sittting Twist

Ardha matsyendrasana or Half Twist

Inverted Postures and Balance Poses - These poses help to increase circulation, stimulate the brain, enhance glandular system functioning, and relieve pressure on the abdominal organs helping with digestion and blood flow.

Sarvangasana or Shoulder Stand

Halasana or Plow Pose

Adho Mukha Svanas...more