YOGA FOR GOLFERS

Whether your goal is to win a major golf tournament with a torn ACL and double stress fracture in your leg or just break 100 one day soon, there's no denying the importance of a strong and healthy body.

Beyond the usual work on the swing and positive mental approach, Tina Gokstorp has one more suggestion, yoga.

Gokstorp owns and operates OSO Yoga in London and Ailsa Craig and specializes in relating yoga techniques to other sports. An avid athlete, she sustained a running injury seven years ago. After trying a lot of traditional treatments without much success, she turned to yoga, almost out of desperation.

'I didn't think it was very athletic and it took me a while to come around to it,' she says candidly. 'But then it just clicked, and I realized what a perfect complement it is for people doing other sports.'

Today, Gokstorp, 35, specializes in yoga classes geared to runners, kids and golfers.

She has teamed up with one of London's best known golf pros, Bob Martin, and his partner, Ron Lampman, to offer a unique set of golf performance clinics for men, women and juniors this summer.

Martin and Lampman operate Golf Unleashed Entertainment. They travel to a variety of events and entertain crowds of golf fans with an almost unbelievable assortment of trick shots.

'We're both golf pros, but what we do with Golf Unleashed is entertainment,' says Martin, 68. 'It's a lot of fun.'

Lampman, 39, handles most of the trick shots at the clinic. He finished third at the 2006 world golf trick shot championships and also competes in long drive championships, where his record is 412 yards.

The Golf Unleashed website gives a sample of some of the eye popping shots he can make. Though there's rarely a need when playing a Saturday round of golf with friends to juggle a ball with an iron before hitting it with a driver, or to hit a ball while balanced on a medicine ball, it's fun to watch.

In addition, Martin and Lampman work with a Kitchener-based company, Golf Without Limits, to offer hands on instruction and high-tech feedback to golfers who want to improve.

'When you add the entertainment we offer, the Golf Without Limits clinics and Tina's expertise on yoga, it's a complete package,' says Martin.' There's nothing like it anywhere.'

Gokstorp uses the highly regarded Katherine Roberts Yoga for Golfers program, which she says helps golfers to develop better stability, flexibility and a stronger back, a worthwhile combination for golfers and non golfers alike.

The clinics concentrate on more traditional golf teaching, from the swing to the short game. But all three partners believe the emphasis on yoga acts as a catalyst, so all the instruction has more impact on players' games because they can do more with their bodies.

The next Golf Unleashed show is July 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Bob Martin's practice facility on Wonderland Road South.

The trio also is organizing several golf trips to locations such as Myrtle Beach, S.C., this fall and winter. They will include lessons, lectures, golf fitness and golf at top courses.

By CHRISTOPHER CLARK

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA AND FACIAL BEAUTY

Cleansing, toning, moisturizing is out of fashion and now there's a new way to facial care. Yoga! That's right! Now you can do yoga to tone up your facial muscles. And it's not just for the 50 plus, but even the y gen. Yoga will make you look vibrant, glowing and youthful. So junk all that boring skin and face routine. And the best part is, you can do this even in the car before you reach your workplace! So here are some ways to tone up your face:

1. Lion's roar

Open your eyes wide and stretch the tongue out and down as much as you can. Now roar like a lion. Bring as much tension as you can to your face and neck. Hold it for about 20 counts with normal breathing. Then relax. Now, you can see your face going red with increased blood circulation. This will help you fight the wrinkles and instead you'll get glowing skin.

2. Laugh it off

This is something that comes most naturally to all of us. Still to get you in the habit, you can join a laughter club in your neighbourhood park, or better still, try watching a cartoon a day. All this will surely make you laugh.

Apart from the numerous benefits of laughter, here’s what it does to your face: it brings a happy glow to your face and makes your eyes shine with a thin film of tears. This helps to increase the lung capacity, thus enhancing oxygen supply to the body and face and toning those uncorked muscles.

3. Exaggerated vowels

Try and stretch and exaggerate each vowel loudly, putting as many facial muscles to use as possible. Aaaa—eeee---iiiii----ooooo----uuuuu. This is regarded as one of the oldest facial exercises with all good benefits for the face one can think of. And moreover, its fun getting back to kindergarten!

About the author: Juhi is a yoga and naturopath buff since the age of eight. She believes that yoga is the best way of life and wishes to promote it thus, especially amongst the younger generation. Mail your queries to her at… juhi217@hotmail.com.

By Juhi

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA ON YOUR MOBILE PHONE

Shemaroo Entertainment has released Shilpa Shetty's yoga DVDs and VCDs on mobile. The company has tied up with various mobile operators to offer content for download to mobile phone customers.

The videos have been cut and edited such that each video captures one complete Asana. The Asanas are categorized according to the benefits they provide like Back Asanas, Stomach Asanas, Neck & Shoulder Asanas and Pranayam [Breathing] among others. Also on offer are detailed write ups explaining the benefits and description of each Asana. Apart from these videos, consumers can also have Shetty in her Yoga poses as their mobile wall papers and screen savers.

Vodafone is offering a pack of Rs 99 where the user can download unlimited Shilpa's Yoga videos in one hour. The pack also contains a step by step process of each Asana. Likewise Airtel, Tata, Reliance, BPL and Idea are also offering Shilpa's Yoga content for download.

Shilpa's Yoga is picturized on the scenic beach in Kerala with ceremonial elephants and Kalaripayattu fighters in the background. And the Asanas are demonstrated in a simplified manner.

Directed by Manish Jha, under the instruction of Yoga instructor Shiv Kumar Mishra and produced by Shetty, the Yoga DVDs & VCDs were released in Delhi on 6 June where Shetty launched them along with other eminent personalities.

During the launch of Shilpa's Yoga DVDs & VCDs, Shetty said, "Unlike other fitness regimes, we do not have to rely on equipments for practicing yoga; we just have to rely on our self. The objective of Shilpa's Yoga is to make 'practicing yoga' simple for people. I am completely overwhelmed by the beauty and power of yoga. It is a lifestyle choice."

Adds Shemaroo Entertainment director Hiren Gada, 'We wanted to give consumers anytime, anywhere access to Shilpa's Yoga content. The DVD and Digital sales, both compliment each other. Many consumers decide to buy the complete DVD after sampling the videos on their mobile phone....'

By www.businessofcinema.com

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA AND KARATE

Pratt Recreation Commission is offering a 2 month morning or evening yoga class for adults. Joni Siemens is the instructor. Classes are held at the Municipal Building.
The evening class, Yoga for Relaxation starts July 7 and will be held Monday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m. The fee is $20.

The morning class, Yoga for Energy and Strength, meets from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday mornings, starting on July 1. Class fee is $40.

Beginner and advanced karate classes for ages 7 and older will be offered July 2 through Aug. 27. The classes will meet from 7 to 9 ;.m. Wednesday evenings in the PHS wrestling room.

Instructors are Deny Bowe, Carlos Garcia, Jerry Tucker, Darrell Stroda. Melissa Rempe, Sharon Lukens and Gary Barker.

You may pre register at the Pratt Recreation Office or you can register at the first class session. Call the Pratt Recreation Office at 672 3261 for additional information.

By www.pratttribune.com

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA EVENT CROSSES BORDERS

The rusty fence may divide the beaches of U.S. and Mexico, but it can't break up a yoga class.

A few dozen yoga aficionados rolled out their mats Sunday on both sides of the wall between Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego. The international group stretched and meditated together before exchanging hugs through the fence bars.

The session was organized by the Border Meetup Group, which promotes cross-border understanding by staging social events on the divided beach.

Coordinator Dan Watman said the group aims 'to make friends across cultural, political, societal, even emotional barriers.'

The Tijuana beach is a popular destination for families who come to chat through the fence with loved ones on the other side.

By www.azcentral.com

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YOGA FOR TODDLERS

On Friday, June 27, 2008 Yoga Journey of White Plains the largest sunlit yoga studio in Westchester will be hold it's next Toddler and Me yoga class for children ages 2 to 4 years old.

'Being a mother of two toddlers myself, I can't think of a better way to bond and connect with such a curious and energetic age group,' smiled Sinda Anzovino, Owner & Instructor at Yoga Journey. 'We feel that we are offering a unique class for caregivers and their children in Westchester County. Toddlers are often overlooked as a receptive age group to begin harnessing the benefits of yoga.'

The importance of bonding with your active toddler in a creative and inspirational environment cannot be understated. Yogic interaction is a magical way to help create focus and concentration skills. This class will focuses on developing a connection with your growing toddler as you give them a strong foundation in yoga. From animals, colors, shapes and sounds to partner yoga movement, this class allows the caregiver to teach them to breath, laugh and love in a setting that welcomes and encourages this method of learning.

Yoga Journey also offers a variety of other yoga classes for every member of your family from prenatal yoga, mommy and me, beginner classes, yoga for adults and more in addition, classes for seniors . Please visit our website at:www.yogajourney-ny.com for schedules, fees and other special events.

Yoga Journey, a Registered Yoga School with Yoga Alliance is a welcoming yogic community dedicated to assisting students in moving deeper through their own physical and mindful journeys. Yoga Journey was founded in 2005, by Sinda Anzovino, E RYT, CATYMT , Owner and Director of Teacher Training. The studio is Vinyasa style with something for everyone including 200M hour Teacher Training Certification, Pre Natal, Mommy and Me, Family Classes in addition to daily Adult Classes. The studio offers Reiki, Reflexology, many types of massage, as well as a full line of yoga products. Yoga Journey brings a feeling of connection to all who enter its doors. www.yogajourney-ny.com

by Westchester.com

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

A YOGA MESSAGE

Work can mold me into the shape of a frightened turtle. My shoulders rotate forward. My neck lowers and perches in front of my chest. My back rounds. You know, the computer staring position. Add a little stress to cement the pose, and there you have it.

When I get like this, I realize I've forgotten to stretch, let alone in a thoughtful way. I've even forgotten how to relax. Sometimes, I follow a yoga DVD. Sometimes I seek a massage to work out the kinks. But mostly, I convince myself I have no time to be so passive and charge ahead.

A few months ago, I heard about Thai yoga massage. What's this, I thought? Yoga and massage at the same time? Why not?

So I went to see Hiu-Hung 'Grace' Phong, who owns Graceful Massage (www.gracefulmassage.com) in Bellevue. She is a veteran practitioner who trained in Thailand and administered the therapy in her homeland of China before coming to Seattle in 2001.

Mind-body connection

'It's holistic bodywork,' said Phong. 'It's not just stretching. It's about the connection between the mind and body. The structure of the body can affect the emotional side. It's about breathing, touch, sensation and stretching. Many people don't stretch and many who do don't do it correctly. In America, many people approach stretching like achievement.'

Thai yoga massage, while relatively unknown in the U.S., is about 2,500 years old.

While Phong says the shortcut description of 'yoga for lazy people' is apt enough, she notes that the bodywork therapy that was developed in Buddhist temples and by Indian ayurvedic doctors has a strong spiritual component to it. But I was interested in the physical side, and prefer the notion of 'active massage' to 'lazy yoga.'

And, in fact, Phong helped me achieve yogalike stretching and calmness through hands on direction and manipulation. You sometimes must accept your limbs being put into challenging stretches. (Because the therapist works with what the customer needs, and should ask about limitations before starting, nearly everyone can do it.)

The actual practice

Through much of it, I lay fully clothed and prone on a floor mat, closed my eyes and focused on my breathing as she used her palms, fingers, thumbs, forearms, knees and feet to knead, push and apply acupressure to my 'Sen' line, a channel of energy the Thai believe flows through the body and which roughly corresponds with the Chinese concept of chi.

Phong is a slight woman, but used leverage and clever angles to gently twist, pull and stretch my body into angles. At various points along my body, she cut off blood flow for 30 to 40 seconds so fresh blood would flow into areas she had worked on.

The giver and receiver must have faith in each other, and Phong was good about letting me know what she was about to do so I wasn't spooked by the newness to me of her techniques.

She seemed careful in gauging my range of motion, which was good. Some of the twisting movements sound scary and take a little faith, like the one in which she put one of her feet in the small of my back as she pulled my bottom arm and my top leg behind me as I lay on my side. She calls it 'the bag' because my body was forming a "U." She was gentle and efficient. I had certainly never stretched that way before.

With 'elephant palms,' she leaned over and placed the weight of her palms as she moved up and down my back. Eventually, I was sitting cross legged while she pulled my arms behind my body to help me open my chest. Throughout the entire exercise, she always seemed to have a hand touching me, to, in her words, keep the connection. It was, in a way, her way of saying, relax.

'In America everyone is all about achievement,' she said. 'So some people think, 'If I can put my leg above my head I will be happy.' But Thai yoga massage is a more soft way, it's more about joy than achievement.'

She ended the session with a short prayer, which reminded me that the practice is not all about the body. She charged $100 for the 90 minute session, reminding me that that kind of work is not free. And I stood straighter and felt looser for several days after the session, which reminded me that the fee was worth it, and I need to pay more attention to my body more often.

By Richard Seven

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA IN CAIRO

To Mohamed Mahmoud, a medical student, yoga was the key to a healthy lifestyle. Beginning yoga as a means of exercise, Mahmoud soon realised that its breathing techniques are similar to the ones he is studying in anatomy at medical school. During the course of eight months, he read about yoga and practised it, ultimately ridding himself of his chronic back pain and correcting his breathing.

A couple of weeks ago, the seven day Third International Yoga Festival, held in Egypt and Jordan, and focussing on children with special needs, touristic yoga and Arab women, ended with great success.

'The word 'yoga' is derived from the Sinsikratian, the ancient language of India, and it means to be one unit, united through balance. It is an art of life that shapes my relationship with my body and my mind, and teaches me how to deal with my emotions,' Wafaa Hassanein, secretary of the International Yoga Federation for Egypt and North Africa, told Al-Ahram Weekly.

The Arab world is currently undergoing political, economical and psychological instability, yet deep down inside, the people are still wed to their traditional spirit of perfection and harmony, for their land remains the cradle of civilisations and religions, Hassanein opines. 'With yoga, we teach people how to slow down their rhythm and heighten their sense of beauty; yoga is a way of life. On a parallel note, Arab women by default have a multitude of daily obligations and yoga helps them release tension through simple exercises that can be done at home or at the office,' she said.

Despite the lack of supporting research in Egypt, the use of tailored yoga exercises has proven successful in numerous cases of children with special needs. "We are still inserting some yoga programmes on trial bases, in collaboration with academic medical support," Hassanein said. 'We combine the yoga philosophy and the medical point of view in devising yoga programmes for children with special needs. One of the key successful ways to communicate with children with special needs is to acknowledge that they are regular children who happen to have a wavelength that is different than ours. We have to acquire the right wavelength to be able to tune in to their lives.'

According to Hassanein, yoga for children with special needs helps bridge the communication gap between them and their parents. For those who are visually challenged, yoga can teach them how to use and sharpen their other senses and to feel colours through other senses.

At the spacious ground floor of the Anas Al Wogoud Foundation (AAF), children follow their daily routines, such as singing, learning how to walk and carry a tray properly and how to read and write. 'AAF is a non profit organisation that caters for children with special needs and adopts the Montessori system in education,' said Nadia Ali, AAF's chairperson and managing director.

The Montessori educational methodology depends on the self directed activity of the child, stresses on the importance of adapting the child's learning environment in accordance to his/her development level, as well as the role of physical activity in absorbing academic concepts and practical skills. This method was first invented by Italian educator Maria Montessori in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Practised in numerous mainstream elementary schools, this method has done wonders with children with special needs.

Ali explained how the system has a lot in common with basic yoga postures that balance body, mind and soul. After having a successful yoga intervention with a student with special needs, Ali is now determined to include yoga in her educational programme, as well as for parents, making AAF the first Egyptian non profit foundation to adopt the yoga initiative.

It is worthy of note that during the course of four years, dozens of children with special needs succeeded in developing their learning abilities and joining mainstream schooling after completing the Montessori classes at AAF.

'Children, in general, are fond of yoga because it is a venue for self exploration, freedom and new body postures that they are not accustomed to,' Hassanein noted.

"'he exact history of yoga practice is not clear,' explained Ajara Sahoo, a geriatric care and yoga teacher at the Indian Cultural Centre who holds a degree in yoga education and an MA in yoga psychology. 'However, some documents go back to the early 2700 BC in the Eastern world.' Sahoo explained how ancient yogis who lived a strict and disciplined lifestyle used to base their learning on nature's wisdom. Yogis often took their postures from animals. However, yoga techniques were kept secret, only passed down from mentor to disciple by word of mouth and were never written down until 200 BC, at the hands of Patanjali, who confided the yoga teachings into 196 short aphorisms or sutras.

'Yoga is an ancient cultural heritage of India and is one of the most brilliant systems of self expression. It is a practical science of physical, mental and emotional progress. Now even the World Health Organisation has defined human health as being physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, which is in accordance to the yoga perspective,' said Sahoo.

Patanjali defined eight stages of astanga yoga. Yama and niyam are moral disciplines related to our moral health so that our attitude and behaviours are harmonious and balanced, asana and pranayama are related to our physical health, teaching proper breathing and postures through which we remove the blockages and imbalance from our body and brain, prathyahara and dharana are for concentration and relaxation of the brain, giving us mental and emotional health. Dhayana, or meditation, along with samadhi, the advanced state of meditation, provide us with spiritual health and well being.

Today, yoga is being practised by hundreds of thousands around the world and Egypt is no exception. At the Indian Cultural Centre in Cairo, people were lying stretched with their backs on the famous blue yoga mats scattered on the floor in a 'relaxing posture'. Leaving their shoes and worries behind, they slowly start the journey of self realisation and acceptance that clarity of mind generates.

To Siham Sabri, a young gynaecologist who had just started practising Yoga, the experience was great. 'I have a hectic lifestyle, between the hospital, the clinic and my studies. I am constantly stressed and very edgy. Yoga helped me relax, focus and sleep deeply even if it's for a few hours,' she told the Weekly. To housewife Mary Sedqi, yoga has been the answer for the past four years. 'Yoga gave me harmony between my thoughts and actions and also made me more productive, less shy and, most of all, it made me closer to God,' she said.

We spoke to journalist, Amira Fahmi, who, after going through some hard times in 1995 took on yoga. 'I cannot say that yoga solved my problems, but it helped me attain balance and put things into perspective. It also rid me of my breathing allergies,' she said.

By Amira El-Noshokaty

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA AND PILATES

The blend of the two fitness disciplines, yoga and pilates, is becoming increasingly popular.

Both are sophisticated systems of integrative exercise with a lot in common. They both focus on alignment, strength, flexibility, control and breath.

Pilates, developed by Joseph Pilates, focuses on a systematic approach to exercise with a strong focus on core training. The philosophy of pilates is quality of movement rather than the traditional fitness approach of quantity of exercise.

Yoga, on the other hand, is practised in many different ways, from meditative yoga to very physical approaches such as Ashtanga yoga. Typically, the blended yoga and pilates classes are designed to be a flowing style of class that is more physical in nature.

Although pilates and yoga may seem similar, they are also very different, and it is in the differences that they complement each other so well. In both cases, these two practices will increase strength, balance and flexibility in the body. There is also a strong emphasis on breath control and the use of breathing patterns to enhance movement and health in general. Both practices are associated with stress reduction and increased well being through focus and concentration.

This modern approach fuses the two practices in a complementary manner. For example, the focus on core stability and strength from pilates work can assist in yoga postures, and the flexibility training in yoga can assist in the pilates exercises.

Pilates mat classes are done on the floor and the addition of the yoga standing and balance postures give you a total body workout. For me, this blended format makes good sense, as it is a time efficient means of getting the benefits of both pilates and yoga.

The class will typically start with a warm up, including sun salutations and range of motion activities, followed by standing and floor postures and exercises, finishing with stretching and relaxation.

As a teacher of this style of class, I find there are endless possibilities for variety and modification to the traditional forms. Admittedly I'm not much of a traditionalist, so this really works for me.

Who would like it?

If you are new to yoga and pilates, this may be a great way to introduce them into your wellness program. The blended program will give you a taste of both yoga and pilates. As well, if you have limited time in your busy life, you will find the blended classes to be a great option. In a one hour class, you can get the benefit of pilates core conditioning and yoga strength, balance and flexibility. Working full time and having two young children, I find this is the only way I can fit both of these great systems of training into my life.

Who wouldn't like it?

If you are devoted to either yoga or pilates, you may not like this approach.

While the blended classes are valid and can enhance your fitness level, they are both very complex disciplines and require a great deal of practice. As this modern approach is not true to either practice, you may wish to study them separately. As well, if you are practising either of these two methods for reasons other than the physical benefits, the blended format may not be for you.

The learning curve

Both pilates and yoga take time to master. In fact, the more you do this type of training, the more challenging it becomes. Initially, you will be focused on how to do the posture and the exercises. As you begin to master them, you will find they will become more challenging. The class is taught in a slow and mindful manner, giving you time to make the exercise or posture feel right for your body. Participants with a variety fitness and experience levels can be successful in this class.

The gear

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. A pair of fitness or yoga pants and a T shirt or fitness top are ideal. The only equipment you will need is a fitness mat.

The sweat factor

Depending on the class or program you choose, you will definitely work up a sweat. The exercises and postures will train strength, balance and flexibility. However, keep in mind that these classes are not cardiovascular in nature. I would recommend that you also complement this type of training with cardiovascular activity such as walking, running, swimming or fitness classes.

Where to get it

Pilates and yoga blended classes are available at a variety of yoga, pilates studio and fitness centres throughout the city. There are a number of training programs. Two of the most popular training methods are Yogilates or the Fusion programs. To find an instructor in your area, go to www.yogilates.com and www.fusion-fitness-training.com. Both programs have DVDs available, ranging in price from $25 to $45 for a package set. Also many yoga and pilates instructors have created their own blended classes.

How much does it cost?

To attend classes in Calgary expect to pay a drop in fee of $10 to $20, depending on the facility. Often you can sign up for a weekly program or purchase a drop-in card to reduce the cost per visit.

The bottom line

If you haven't added yoga or pilates to your health and fitness routine, it is time to start. Both of these methods of training have so many benefits to offer. This modern approach of blending yoga and pilates makes sense to me. It's time efficient and gives you the benefit of both practices. What are you waiting for?

By Helen Vanderburg

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

ANTI GRAVITY YOGA

Instructor Robin Retherford runs through a quick checklist of warnings for about 15 students who stand before white, hanging cloths that look like mutant sized cocoons from an X Files episode.

Don't take this class, she cautions, if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma or, she laughs, if you've recently had Botox injections. 'This is South Beach,' she jokes. Inversions might not be a good idea.

Otherwise, Antigravity Yoga Wings is a boon for yoga enthusiasts since it incorporates many familiar asanas but gives you greater movement. For example, to execute a downward facing dog, the hammock wraps around your pelvis and pulls your hips up and back to lengthen the legs.

For headstands and hanging back bends there is support from the fabric. But, as Steinhauser notes, 'as you get stronger you're not just hanging in the hammock.'

Using the hammock takes some getting used to as your body presses on the fabric and can initially feel uncomfortable, especially if you're carrying extra weight around the middle. (The hammocks are reputed to hold 1,000 pounds, whew, we're within range.)

One skill calls for you to remove one leg at a time from the support while inverted. It's a cool, choreographed move.

Note: you might feel a bit dizzy after the 60 minute class. That's normal.

FUN FACTOR

Both instructors urge everyone to smile during the course. I've never felt compelled to smile like some goofy exercise bunny on an '80s fitness videotape. But Antigravity Yoga had me grinning. The freedom of soaring in the air, that sense of accomplishment, the feeling of growing strength, it all proved infectious.

TO DO IT

Where: Crunch Fitness, 1259 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; 305 674 8222; www.crunch.com

When: 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, 7 p.m. Thursday, 4 p.m. Sunday. (Another instructor coaches at 10 a.m. Wednesday).

Cost: $24 day pass (includes use of gym). Crunch also hosts The AntiGravity Yoga Workshop on July 12, with 45-minute sessions at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. These sessions are free.

By miamiherald.com

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FORM IT IS YOGA

YOGA IN THE SUMMER

The Wellness Center is sponsoring summer yoga, beginning Tuesday, June 24. Classes are open to St. Thomas students, staff and faculty. No experience is necessary.

Learn to relax your body and mind through the stretching and breathing activities of Hatha yoga. Typical benefits of this practice include increased energy, improved flexibility, reduced stress and more restful sleep.

Classes will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, June 24 to Aug. 12, in Room 357, Terrence Murphy Hall. The cost is $50 for the full session (eight classes) or $10 per class. Wear loose comfortable clothing and bring a mat or towel to class.

The classes will be held only if eight people commit to attend.

By stthomas.edu

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA AT THE YMCA

The Victor YMCA is offering a yoga class at Ganondagan State Historic Site, 1488 State Route 444, Victor.

The class, which has already begun, is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m., through Aug. 28, and includes instruction in proper breathing, meditation and relaxation.

Registration should be done at the Victor YMCA, 200 High St. The program is free for the Greater Rochester Area YMCA members, costs $50 for Friends of Ganondagan and is $65 for the general public. For more information, call (585) 742 4940.

By democratandchronicle.com

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA AND SLEEP

Alarming statistics about the number of Americans who suffer from insomnia and sleep deprivation prompted Surya Center for Yoga owner Shannon Buffington to develop a class that takes a yoga approach to nighttime wakefulness.

The 'Yoga for Better Sleep Workshop' includes specific poses (beginners welcome), breath work and systematic relaxation to slow the body, calm the mind and induce a state conducive to sleep.

It'll be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at the center, 848 S. Denton Taproad, No. 250, in Coppell. Participants should wear comfortable clothing, dress in layers and bring a blanket and pillow. People may also bring personal yoga mats.

Need more info? Click here. Or leave a message at 972 304 8484. Fee is by donation. Kim Pierce

By Leslie Garcia

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA TO LOSE WEIGHT

You're asking and I'm answering.

'Hey Fit. I've heard that people lose a lot of weight when doing Bikram Yoga. What's your take?'

Heated Heather

When I say Bikram Yoga is hot, that's quite an understatement. You don't know how hot it is until you set foot in a Bikram studio. It's like walking into a sauna. The room is heated to at least 105°F and 40 percent humidity. The extreme heat is meant to encourage your muscles to open up quickly, so you're able to get deep into poses. It's a grueling 90 minute class that many people endure because the stretching feels amazing and because they think that this specific kind of yoga promotes weight loss.

To find out if I think it's the key to losing weight, just read more.

While Bikram will sure make you sweat out buckets, I'm sorry to say that it won't help you shed pounds. Any weight you think you've lost after a Bikram Yoga class is all just water weight. As soon as you drink to rehydrate your body, you'll gain those few pounds back instantly. Sweating is a natural process that's good for your body, but it isn't a measurement to gauge how many calories you've burned.

A Bikram yoga class done regularly (at least three times a week) will help you tone up and will burn calories, but if you have a lot of weight to lose, you'd be better off doing some more effective cardio training such as walking, jogging, using a machine, swimming, or biking

By fitsugar.com

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA FOR CALM

Katie Flinn from Coil Yoga, along with her student Katie Garavello, stops by the KSEE studio. They demonstrate how to utilize yoga to reduce stress and bring balance to your life. They give you the tools to learn different ways of taking care of your body. For more information go to Coil Yoga

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGIC ANTI-AGEING

An article in Prevention magazine suggests yoga can make you feel and look younger. Here's how:

Minimizes wrinkles Yoga can reduce stress by nearly a third. As a result, clenched jaws and furrowed brows relax, helping to smooth away wrinkles. Yoga may also rejuvenate skin's glow by reducing oxidative stress, which breaks down skin's elasticity. In an Indian study of 104 people, oxidative stress levels dropped by 9% after just 10 days of yoga.

Slows weight gain During a 10 year University of Washington study of 15,500 men and women over age 45, those who didn't do yoga gained up to 13.5 pounds. Those who practiced regularly lost up to 5 pounds.

Eases pain Yoga is twice as effective as stretching at relieving back pain, according to another University of Washington study that had 101 people with lower back pain do either yoga or stretching once a week for 3 months.

Helps you sleep Levels of the brain's natural nighttime sedative, melatonin, decrease with age, but another Indian study found that when 15 men, ages 25 to 35, practiced yoga daily for 3 months, their melatonin levels increased.

Keeps you sharp Researchers at Jefferson Medical College discovered that just one yoga class helps keep the stress hormone cortisol in line. Elevated amounts may contribute to age related memory problems.

By Nancy Churnin

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

NEW YOGA MATS

After specializing in luxury yoga mats since 2005, RoZCoo LLC (pronounced Rosie Ku) has launched a line of stylish everyday accessories for men and women. The line's signature pieces include brightly colored large purses with nautical lining for women and a handsome corduroy messenger bag for men. Smaller accessories are also available. In line with the vision behind this brand, all products are 100% animal friendly and designed with the needs of the user in mind.

RoZCoo products range in retail price from $16 to $119. Wholesale prices and ordering information are available upon request, and products are now available to the public for purchase at http://www.rozcoo.com.

RoZCoo was founded by Rosemary Ku, an MD/MBA candidate at Columbia University. Besides her science background, she has been working with fashion designers and stylists in NYC since 2004. While accepting that fashion will always include furs and animal skins but armed with a vision that living in style does not require sacrificing animals and millions of dollars, Rosemary aims to open the minds and hearts of the public to a new type of luxury.

By prweb.com

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA AT SEA

As part of his initiative to popularize Yoga around the world, the famous Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev is proceeding on a week long trip on cruise.

People from 15 countries besides India and the Indian Diaspora are participating in this six day cruise that will connect ports in China and Halong Bay in Vietnam. The cruise started from China.

The event has been orgainsed by the Vishwa Jagriti Mission that seeks to promote Yoga while sailing on sea.

Talking to the media Baba Ramdev said: 'This attempt to teach Yoga on cruise will help in mitigating geographical, religious and all boundaries and develop a feeling of oneness among all. Learning Yoga will also enable everyone to control their urges and live a more controlled everyday life. It will also help in promoting the concept of Yoga tourism being promoted by his Patanjali Yog Ashram in Hardwar.'

Meanwhile, learning yoga from Baba Ramdev in a completely pollution free environment of the sea and surviving on a strict vegetarian and non alcoholic diet on a cruise is likely to remain an unforgettable experience for yoga enthusiasts taking a week-long trip here.

All the yoga enthusiasts on the cruise hope that the Asanas (Yogic exercises) learnt from Baba Ramdev will enable them to practice yoga in daily life for a better healthcare.

The first day of the cruise started from Hong Kong to Sanya city in China with over 400 participants.

People of all age groups and social milieu belonging to different countries have confluenced to learn yoga from Baba Ramdev.

On the first day, Ramdev taught different Asanas like 'Pranayam' that everyone could practice with ease despite official routine. He also taught various breathing exercises like, 'Kapalbhati' and 'Alom Vilom' and other yogic methods to enable practitioners to overcome depression and anxiety problems.

Baba believes that yoga can transform a person's life thus diverting him from different negative influences like addiction to alcohol and gambling. In the long run, yoga would help them to change lifestyle. It will help them take on a stressful lifestyle in a better and health mindset.

Many of the practicing individuals have found the yoga on cruise as a rejuvenating and distinct experience.

Every morning, the yoga session starts at five o'clock and continues for three hours. Baba Ramdev teaches different Asanas and methods to overcome chronic ailments and also warns that that if left untreated, can cause a lot of harm to the human body irrespective of one's age.

On Tuesday, the cruise reached Halong Bay in Vietnam, and Baba Ramdev after his Yoga session spent time in personal interactions with the learners.

Swami said that the mother nature has blessed them to make the six day course of Yogic exercises a success despite obstacles of rain which interrupted the first day for a while.

The group members also visited the Vietnam's caves.

Learning yoga from Baba Ramdev in a completely pollution free environment of the sea and surviving on a strict vegetarian and non alcoholic diet on a cruise is likely to remain an unforgettable experience for yoga enthusiasts taking a week long trip here.

Many practitioners or students on cruise have admitted having realised the value of a healthy living that is possible through natural exercises and a balanced lifestyle.

One of the passengers on cruise is Shashi from the UK, who said that Yoga holds the power to overcome stress and other problems.

Tarun Dabey, who once got confined to a wheelchair due to some problems in his bones, claims that he could walk properly because of the help of yoga.

Tarun narrated how he fell ill and met Baba Ramdev for help. He started performing yoga everyday. It showed brilliant results for him. And, today, he feels grateful to Baba Ramdev for the 'miracle' took place with him.

Talking over phone Hardwar based Acharya Balkrishan of the Patanjali Yog Peeth described the yoga on cruise experiment as a first of its kind attempt to popularize a vegetarian and non alcoholic culture through Yoga at a place (cruise) where it is generally believed to be unthinkable or impossible.

'One should view it as an endeavour to spread Sativkta (spiritualism) amidst Bhautikta (materialism),' Balkrishan said.

The cruise, on Wednesday, was on its way to Hong Kong from where it would again go to a bay in China called Xiamen.

By economictimes.indiatimes.com

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA AND RELAXATION

Those in Bethany Beach seeking the benefits of yoga have a resource, the Bethany Beach Yoga Center.

After five years of operation, the center recently relocated to a building tucked away from the chaos of the shore.

Founders of the center, who take on the duties of instructors, opened shop to bring yoga where it was not yet popular. The facility offers an alternative to classes offered by area fitness centers, which, according to co director Pat Wood, are not always the best environment for achieving serenity.

'Yoga in a fitness center isn't quite the same as it is in a yoga center,' said Wood, who also instructs classes at the Central Avenue facility. There, she said, all aspects of yoga are taught, including meditation and breathing, without the distraction of constantly clinking weights.

'In a fitness center, you tend to be more focused on just the physical aspect,' she said.

Co director Georgette Rhoads said that because business increases tremendously in the summer, they offer more classes.

'We add more classes so that students have a larger variety of times to choose from,' Rhoads said. These additions also help to keep the class sizes limited to about 12 to 14 students.

Boardwalk Yoga is one of these summer additions. The classes meet at 6 a.m., taking place as the sun rises.

"It's lovely to be there at sunrise and watch the dolphins go by," Wood explained. Boardwalk Yoga begins Memorial Day weekend and occurs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, along with a few holidays.

Another workshop that has become popular is Chair Yoga, a program designed for wheelchair-bound participants. The workshop stresses arm muscle control, as well as breathing, and trains attendees to use their lungs entirely, which most people fail to do, Wood said.

The Wellness Community of Delaware, a non-profit organization that provides support to cancer patients during recovery, recently joined forces with the facility to offer free yoga sessions to cancer patients and their loved ones.

Wood, a breast cancer survivor, instructs one of the classes. She considers the needs of her students before stepping on the mat, she said. For example, breast cancer survivors focus on regaining arm muscle along with meditation and breathing to help release stress.

'Stress is stored in our muscles and yoga poses are designed to assist in release of our stress,' Rhoads said. 'Once we are freed from stress we have a clearer and focused mind.'

Add clear skies and a warm sun to a clear mind, and you have a perfect beach day.

By Kristen Boghosian

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA AND PREGNANCY

Yoga is one of the best practices you can engage in throughout your pregnancy.

Which is why it is so often and so highly recommended by physicians to pregnant patients.

Research has shown women who practice yoga find the pregnancy experience to be a more pleasant and healthy one than those who do not practice yoga.

The benefits of yoga have been proven to go even beyond labour into postpartum, helping new moms to heal faster and enjoy more fully the burgeoning relationship with their newborn.

With all of its benefits however, there are still some cautions to be observed throughout your pregnancy while practising yoga:

Before beginning a practice, check with your medical practitioner. Even if you have always been physically active, it is highly recommended. Not everything you have done previously will automatically be OK.

If you have never really been active, your medical practitioner can also provide you with appropriate advice for getting started.

Keep your practice consistent. This is the key to lasting change and conditioning of the body. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, you can safely engage in 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise per day.

Stay clear of hot yoga or power yoga. Unlike you, your fetus cannot sweat to cool itself.

As your core temperature rises, so does the fetus'.

As a result this form of yoga is dangerous during pregnancy.

Dress in layers during your yoga practice so that you can control your body temperature.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day and sip periodically throughout your practice. This will help to regulate your hydration levels and body temperature as well.

Avoid holding yoga poses for extended periods of time. Standing motionless for prolonged poses can decrease the blood flow to the uterus and cause venous pooling (blood to pool in the legs). This can cause dizziness. To avoid this, switch positions more frequently.

After the first trimester you may wish to cease lying on your back. This position puts your uterus on top of the vena cava (major vein) which can diminish blood flow to the brain, uterus and thus to the fetus.

Signs that this is taking place are dizziness and/or shortness of breath. Not all pregnant women will be uncomfortable in this position however, so listen to your body.

Move from seated positions into standing positions slowly and carefully. As your pregnancy progresses, your centre of gravity shifts. Your blood pressure also changes and getting up quickly may cause dizziness.

After your first trimester, avoid placing your head below your heart such as in Downward Facing Dog or Headstand. This increases blood pressure which may already be elevated.

Throughout your pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is being released within your body. This hormone builds up, causing your joints to become increasingly looser throughout the pregnancy.

With this in mind, do not stretch to your body’s limit, as that limit becomes increasingly further than you should go.

Kavita Maharaj is the owner/operator of Red Door Yoga. She can be reached at 751-1458 or go to www.reddooryoga.ca.

By Kavita Maharaj

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA