Posts Tagged ‘Yoga Style’

Power Yoga CD – the advantages

A power yoga CD is probably not the best choice to start with for beginners in the practice of yoga. A better choice for a beginner would be to buy a power yoga video or to go to a power yoga class where the instructor can make corrections to the way that the students are holding the poses. Power yoga CD’s can be beneficial for those that are familiar with the practice of yoga since they already know the poses and can understand just from listening to the instructions on the power yoga CD. However, for those that are not familiar with yoga, the power yoga CD will sound like another language, with the names of the asanas making no sense to them.

What to Expect

Many who practice yoga like it for the way they learn to breathe and relax the muscles in their bodies so that they are not as tense as a whole.There are other power yoga CDs that can be used by beginners or experienced practitioners alike. Power yoga CDs are now available that will lead the students through an entire power yoga workout from beginners to experienced.These CD’s take students through some meditations and meditation techniques that can help to relieve stress in their lives and give them a quick break from reality.

One can find a variety of power yoga CDs in the market today. Its important to know for yoga beginner, is the the inside information you need to feel comfortable when you are starting a yoga practice. Before purchasing your Power Yoga CD. Find out about the yoga style,your reason for yoga ie lose weight, observe proper yoga etiquette, and avoid injury. There are some power yoga CD’s that will lead the students through an entire power yoga workout. These power yoga CD’s are great workouts for those that are more experienced in the practice of yoga and can give a quick workout at home for those that do not have the time or ability to go to a class in a studio. The instructor will give the instructions about moving from one pose to the next as well as tips to holding the pose properly.

In power yoga, the students will hold all of the poses for at least five deep breaths so that they have to hold their body weight that entire time. Power yoga CDs that lead students through a workout will require that the students have a yoga mat to prevent slipping and to also give a certain amount of padding to help with some of the poses. The students will hold all of the poses for at least five deep breaths so that they have to hold their body weight that entire time. These workouts help to produce a lean, flexible body that is relaxed and feels good. A good Power Yoga CD should help with Circulation improves and back problems are often diminished as the core is strengthened and flexibility increases.

Good Yoga Mats

There is a very wide variety of yoga mats on the market. You will find both synthetic and natural yoga mats, and they come in many different sizes and colors. Which is best?

Natural or synthetic?

There two main types of yoga mat made from natural materials. The first is mats manufactured from natural fibers such as cotton. These can be good if you are in a power yoga class such as ashtanga yoga (or astanga yoga) where you will move quickly from one pose to another. If you are sweating you may be more comfortable on natural fibers. Check that the mat has a non-slip surface on the underside if you will be placing it directly on a hard floor.

You may also see some rubber mats. Rubber is of course a natural material. These will grip well on the floor but can become slippery if your feet and hands are perspiring.

Sticky yoga mat which is made from synthetic materials is the most popular form of yoga mat today. These are designed so that the mat will not slip on the floor while also providing good grip and cushioning for your feet and hands. Sticky yoga mats are good security for stretch poses and for balances. They are also lightweight and easy to roll and carry.

Size

Yoga mats come in various sizes but you will want to be sure that it is longer than your height so that you can lie stretched out with both your head and heels on the mat. For most women a 6 ft mat will be long enough but some men will need an extra long size.

The width depends on the poses that you will do and how you use the mat. Usually if the mat is 1.5 times the width of your shoulders, that is fine. Keep in mind that a wider mat will make a longer roll and may be more awkward to carry.

If your yoga style includes a lot of sitting and lying relaxation and breathing exercises, you may want a thicker mat for comfort.

Color

The color may not seem important but it is! Feel calm and relaxed when you are practicing, having your yoga mat a colour you like will help. Always avoid very bright colours. For most people green or blue mats are best. If you always practice in the same room it is good if the color of your mat harmonizes with it. Any clash of colors will affect your mood.

Grid patterns are printed on some yoga mats. This can help you check that your feet and hands are correctly positioned in the yoga poses.

Caring for your yoga mat

A yoga mat should be easy to clean and care for. Remember that your mat is used on the floor and often in public spaces, so for hygiene you should wash it regularly. If your mat is machine washable remember to keep it at low temperatures and do not spin or tumble dry. You can simply wipe down with a mild antiseptic household cleaning product with other mats. After cleaning the mat, leave it out to dry thoroughly. When yoga mats are wet never roll or store them.

If you found this article interesting please visit Hot Yoga Blog

Jivamukti Yoga Information

Created by David Life and Sharon Gannon, Jivamukti yoga is a yoga style that combines physical, spiritual and philosophical aspects of traditional yoga. The Jivamukti method of yoga is one of the nine internationally recognized styles of Hatha yoga, the other eight being Ashtanga, Iyengar, Viniyoga, Sivananda, Integral, Bikram, Kripalu, and Kundalini. In the west the rather physical part of yoga is mainly emphasized. More and more people start taking yoga classes in order to make their bodies firmer and fitter.

Yet, lots of practitioners come to realize that what may seem a very strenuous physical workout is in fact a way to the inner self that opens one towards spirituality. David Life and Sharon Gannon became teachers because they felt the need to share the fact that yoga is more than just a system of exercises, but a path to enlightenment and a spiritual practice. Jivamukti yoga thus becomes a relevant translation of the Indian system of yoga for the approach of the westerner mind so that it can be easier to grasp. Among the elements emphasized by Jivamukti yoga there are meditation, devotional chanting or the study of the ancient texts.

The meaning of the word Jivamukti (pronounced Jee-va-mook-tee) can be translated as follows: Jiva means individual soul and mukti means liberation. The word is derived from the Sanskrit jivanmuktih, which translates liberation in this life. The name Jivamukti yoga reflects the fact that it is possible to have a beneficial and fulfilling life in the world but also progress spiritually, perhaps even touching the liberation state.

There are five tenets of Jivamukti yoga which must be considered before taking into account the practice of it. The first one is the study of the ancient yoga teaching including Sanskirt chanting. The second one is the acknowledgment that universal consciousness is the goal of all yoga practices, known under the name of Bhakti. The third tenet is Ahimsa, that is a non-violent, compassionate life-style, which stresses the importance of ethical vegetarianism. The forth one is the Nada, as the development of a sound mind in a sound both through deep listening. The last tenet of Jivamukti yoga, but not the least, is meditation, the connection with the unchanging reality within. Another fact to be considered before taking on Jivamukti yoga is the fact that the classes tend to be quite physically intense. Although it may seem difficult, the great fame of Jivamukti yoga in the United States cannot pass unnoticed; there is a Jivamukti yoga School in New York, and there are experienced instructors teaching it all over the country.

For more about Tibetan yoga schools and yoga instructors Monroe NY, check out our web site.