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<title>Latest Yoga Articles</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/</link>
<description>Articles at Populate.NET</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>Keep calm and cool dispositon at all times</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/keep-calm-and-cool-dispositon-at-all-times.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/keep-calm-and-cool-dispositon-at-all-times.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:26:22 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ We are gifted with the faculty of thinking unique only to human beings.Our mind is the source to thoughts and we can not be free from thoughts even for a second.As such naturally our thoughts influence our actions because we are guided by our impressions formed as a result of these thoughts which will be stored in our heart waiting for an appropriate situation to materialize into action.<br /><br />In other words our daily life is mostly influenced by the impressions we carry as a result of our involvement with people and situations.  if we are influenced by negative thoughts we act in that manner and our actions as a result lead to counter actions and thus complicate our life.Similarly if we are influenced by positive thoughts then our actions too will be positive resulting into happiness and joy to us as well as others around us or connected with us.<br /><br />Whatever be our past experience if we want to have only joy and happiness we can create that by our own will force directing our thought in that direction, that is positive.Then what is positive thought and action? If we derive happiness and satisfaction coupled with a sense of achievement by executing  our duties and rewarded suitably then we can term it as a positive action.Only positive thoughts drive us to do positive actions if we execute our duties with discrimination.This discriminating faculty is the result of organized thinking, that is developed due to mind regulation.How can we regulate our mind? As already mentioned we are consciously or unconsciously guided by our mind which is unique to us and which controls our thoughts and thereby our actions.If somehow we have control on its function we can make it work according to our will instead of being its slave and being controlled by its misguided thoughts for a temporary gain of pleasure which may later lead to misery ultimately and make our life miserable with anxiety,insult, frustration and regret.<br /><br />Thus we ourselves have spoilt our mind for temporary gains   without thinking about the consequences of our actions.Our elders with their rich experience found out a solution to this problem and gave us the method of Meditation .Then what is Meditation?<br /><br />Meditation is a process of exercise which if done properly  under the guidance of expert yield the desired results of mind regulation, that is we can make it work according to our will rather than having a control on us.The simple process is to sit with eyes closed ,in a comfortable posture for at least an hour without any external disturbance Preferably early in the morning since that is the most ideal time when there will not be any external disturbance.Even if we are disturbed with unwanted thoughts we should not move away or open our eyes and just observe them like watching a TV show.Thus if we do not care about our thoughts during this sitting and continue  this process daily for at least three months then we get accustomed to this process and derive the following benefits.<br /><br />We feel fresh and keep a positive state of mind for the day.<br /> <br />Our thoughts stop troubling us and we can feel a newly  gained freedom from our troubling thoughts.<br /><br />This newly gained freedom from our thoughts lead us to a state of non attachment since we experience the separation from our thoughts.<br /><br />This state of non attachment help us to keep calm and peaceful since we are not INVOLVED in our actions as a result of non attached thinking.<br /><br />If we divert our attention due to influence of our thoughts from unpleasant situations and people we can avoid similar unpleasantness in our daily routine.<br /><br />Thus with our own will force we can regulate the mind and thoughts according to the demands of the situation and thus avoid unpleasantness.All this is possible and any one can try and find out by themselves.  <br />      ]]></description>
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<title>What Is Anxiety Sleep Disorder?</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/what-is-anxiety-sleep-disorder.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/what-is-anxiety-sleep-disorder.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2009 03:30:30 -0800</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Sleep disorders are usually caused by anxiety and emotional distress. The factors that may cause any anxiety sleep disorder could be phobias, compulsions and fears that frequently occupy the person's mind. Constant worrying of certain aspects of life can cause anxiety sleep disorder which in turn affects your overall health.<br /><br />People need to sleep in order to recharge the energy they have used up during their waking hours. Having anxiety sleep disorder disturbs the usual sleeping pattern of individuals and causes lapses in judgment and concentration for more details visit to www.101-save-money.com which can be fatal in some cases. The lack of sleep often goes against our desire to do things which brings to mind the saying that the mind is willing but the body can not.<br /><br />These types of sleeping disorders are usually caused by too much worrying and thinking about things. Some worriers often suffer from anxiety during sleeping because their subconscious has been preoccupied by their worries that it manifests itself in their sleep as nightmares and other disorders.<br /><br />Treating Anxiety Sleep Disorder<br /><br />The more common remedy for anxiety sleep disorder is to clear your mind during the time that you prepare for sleep. Trying not to think of worries and problems may be easier said than done and will need some effort on your part. Getting rid of the worry and the problem is also a good way to get rid of the anxiety sleep disorder that may be plaguing you.<br /><br />Some doctors recommend medication to treat the anxiety sleep disorder but it is better to try and resolve this without them initially. Being dependent on medication and drugs is not a good thing since some of the sleeping aids medications are addictive and may be fatal when the wrong dosage is used.<br /><br />Hypnotherapy or other alternative means of treating the anxiety sleep disorder may be useful and safer for your body since these do not employ drugs or other medications that could be detrimental to our health. Other alternative methods are aromatherapy such as chamomile, lavender and valerian. These can be in the form of teas, for more details visit to www.tips-getting-healthy.com  essential oil massages and others. Massages can really help the body relax and get much needed sleep.<br /><br />Acupuncture can also help to alleviate anxiety sleep disorder along with meditation. Exercise can also help to get rid of sleep disorders because it promotes proper blood circulation and helps to use up excess energy which may cause sleeplessness. Using up our excess energy is a good form of keeping fit and trim.<br /> ]]></description>
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<title>Pain Releif With Yoga And Meditation Techniques</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/pain-releif-with-yoga-and-meditation-techniques.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/pain-releif-with-yoga-and-meditation-techniques.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ If you would like to get rid of pain, we give you a few pointers on how to go about it by using yoga and meditation techniques. The great thing is that they are not terribly difficult to do nor are they tough to pick up or to follow on a regular basis. 

It may be an ancient practice but it is still performed the world over when it comes to handling stress in an effective manner. When you meditate, you feel the stress draining out and the calmness and stillness flowing in and this is what makes this technique so wonderful.

Different techniques are available and may be performed with chants, meditation music or in absolute silence. The focus of your concentration may be an object like a picture, the posture itself or even the rhythm of your breathing. You need to find a place where you won't be interrupted when you do this so never mind what technique you use, the place you are in is important.

Identify your object of focus - it can be a mantra (word or phrase), your breathing cycle or a physical object and attain a comfortable posture (do not lie down as it would induce sleep). The aim of the exercise is to enter a state of 'mindfulness' in which one is aware of all around and at the same time is in a detached mental state from the immediate surroundings as in a trance. There are in total three states to learn and many manage to reach the primary or Alpha state, the second and the third state will make your mind even calmer. 

However, it is closely associated most with yoga and Buddhism. Buddhism uses the technique to control one's mind and to draw within oneself in an endeavor to attain enlightenment. Although it can be performed in any position including standing, sitting, walking or lying down, the sitting position or 'zazen', is the most recommended.

There are so many benefits that accrue when you meditate and the physical as well as psychological ones have been documented by Herbert Benson, a Harvard professor in a study. Sessions as short as 20 minutes when done regularly can do a world of good to you including reduced blood pressure, reduced tension in the muscles and healthy metabolic activity. The deeper states will very often bring about mental images like bursts of color and images and maybe even a still, small voice. 

Studies have been done to prove the efficacy of meditation in relieving stress-related illnesses as well as pain and mental diseases like depression.

With better awareness comes a better state of health and you will find that your functioning - whether physical, mental, emotional or psychological - is so much more enhanced and healthy. While traditionally meditation was a tool to get you to a higher spiritual level, today it is also used to help you manage the stresses and tension that are a part and parcel of the modern lifestyle. When you combine yoga and meditation, you will find it a perfect recipe to help you to a life without stress and tension. ]]></description>
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<title>Powerful Yoga Exercises for Ripped Abs</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/powerful-yoga-exercises-for-ripped-abs.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/powerful-yoga-exercises-for-ripped-abs.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Core abdominal training and power is perhaps the most important aspect of physical fitness, and yoga is an excellent science to help target and develop this region.  According to yoga, the abdominal area is governed by the Solar Plexus Chakra, called the Manipura Chakra in Sanskrit, and this chakra is responsible for not just providing the body with the physical energy it needs, but is also responsible for your willpower and strength of character.

Yoga abdominal exercises work on many dimensions of your being.  They not just tone and strengthen the stomach muscles, but they also open and balance the Manipura Chakra mentioned above.  Thus, not only is your core strength and power improved, but, also your willpower and strength of character developed.  In this article I will give three excellent yoga exercises for developing this all important center.

1. Single Yoga Leg Lifts:

Lie on your back with your hands underneath your buttocks palms facing down.  The hand position is to support your lower back.  If you feel pressure or discomfort in your lower back, go ahead and roll more of your arms underneath you, this will give even more lower back support.

Now lift your left leg up to ninety degrees in a slow, smooth motion keeping it as straight at the knee as possible.  Inhale as you lift you lift up, then exhale and bring the leg back down.  Next repeat this exercise with the right leg.  Continue in this fashion, lifting alternate legs to ninety degrees for one to three minutes.  

Take a break in between if you need to.  Remember never to overdo anything when it comes to yoga.  Slow and steady is the golden rule.

2. Double Yoga Leg Lifts:

Once you complete your single leg lifts take a short break and then try the same exercise but this time lift both legs together is a smooth motion to ninety degrees and then back down.  Again try to keep the legs as straight as possible.  Keep the hands underneath the buttocks as above to support the lower back.

3. Criss-Cross Legs:

You will find the above two exercise really target the central abs, and this exercise will attack the obliques, which are the stomach muscles that line the side of the abdominal.  For this exercise, again remain on your back with the hands underneath your buttocks palms facing down, then raise your legs twelve to eighteen inches above the floor and keeping the toes pointed begin to rapidly criss-cross them.

By criss-cross here, I mean that let the legs cross over each other at the ankles, where fist the right leg crosses over the top of the left, and then the left crosses over the the top of the right.  This action will really work the stomach muscles and is excellent training for abdominal strength and toning.

Summary:

So there you have three excellent exercises for toning and strengthening your abdominal muscles and activating the Solar Plexus Chakra.  These exercises also provide the added benefit of helping your digestive system and is an excellent set for those who are just starting out their yoga practice. ]]></description>
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<title>Pilates: Celebrity Fad with a Historical Grounding</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/pilates-celebrity-fad-with-a-historical-grounding.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/pilates-celebrity-fad-with-a-historical-grounding.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Walk through or browse online the DVD section of entertainment retailers and you cannot help but become engulfed by a seemingly ever-growing selection of celebrity-fitness 'gurus' flogging their soul with a Pilates programme that promises you a better body. If you, perhaps not literally, cut away all the celebrities endorsing the discipline is one with a pretty serious medical grounding.

With figures estimating over 11 million people practicing the discipline and more than 14,000 instructors in, unsurprisingly, America alone, one cannot help but wonder where the idea started. One would also be forgiven for assuming that the majority of those lycra-clad, celebrity-obsessed 'devotees' would be unaware that the regime has its origins in First World War Germany.

Developed in Germany by Joseph Pilates, the aim of the fitness sysetem was to improve the rehabilitation program that was in place for the many returning veterans in the belief that physical and mental health are essential to one another. Pilates strongly believed that the mind controls the muscles and he recommended a some precise movements emphasizing control and form to help aid injured soldiers. 

Pilates had strong grounding in his methods having spend most his life trying to improve his physical health. As a child, Joseph suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever and would go on to study body-building, gymnastics and yoga. When he was 14 he was in such physical prime that he would pose for anatomical charts and would develop the belief that bad health had it's roots in the modern life style, poor breathing and bad posture. Having earned a living as a boxer and a self-defense trainer, Pilates was interned by the British authorities during The First World War and he would train other inmates in fitness and exercise. 

Contrology, as Pilates named his method, took it's name from 'control' and the Greek 'logia' and would publish two books on the method: Return to Life Through Contrology (1928) and Your Health: A Corrective System of Exercising That Revolutionizes the Entire Field of Physical Education (1934). The aim of his method is to create a fusion of mind and body so that the body will move with economy, grace and balance without thinking about it. Odd, then, that so many of its Hollywood practitioners still lack basic grace.

Pilates held the belief that circulating the blood allows the cells in the body to awaken and carry away fatigue-related waste. Accordingly, blood must be charged with oxygen and and freed of waste gas via proper breathing. If you stop breathing during your exercise your practice is flawed so deep and thorough breathing is a part of every correct Pilates exercise. Effective breathing will mean that muscles become oxygenated an gives the added benefit of reduced tension in the upper neck and shoulders. 

There are many elements in Joseph Pilates' exercise programme and each requires a concerted effort and level of discipline if it is to work. The exercises are aimed at giving an increased awareness of breath and alignment of the spine with a strengthening of the deep torso muscles.

Joseph Pilates himself died in New York in 1967 and wasn't alive when a US federal court ruled that the term "Pilates" was generic and free for unrestricted use, thus allowing anybody to use it and for many an untrained and under-qualified practitioner to set up shop, or dress in lycra and push out celebrity fitness DVDs.  ]]></description>
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<title>Childrens Yoga</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/childrens-yoga.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/childrens-yoga.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:50:53 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ These days it is very alarming how many children are suffering from psychosomatic disorders such as sleeping disturbances, eating disturbances, headaches and very often wrong posture like sagging shoulders as well as stress related to pressure, competition and aggression in school. Children today are under a lot of stress and strain. Grounding, pressure to compete with other children, endless after-school activities, over-working - it all adds up. And just like their parents, kids today are turning to Yoga to help them relax.<br /><br />Children's yoga can be great fun as well as being tremendously advantageous to a child's health and well-being. Stretching will help children become more flexible as well as strengthening their arms and legs. Doing yoga helps children exercise, play, connect more deeply with the inner self, and build up an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounds them. Yoga brings that stunning inner light that all children have to the surface. Yoga will also improve a child's breathing and circulation. Regular yoga practice for children will make them calmer, more relaxed and much happier.<br /><br />Another approach is to create a guided imagination by telling them a story with a calming theme of some sort.<br /><br />As you know children have the most active mind's eye, they imagine all sorts of things. So when doing children's yoga let them think that they are walking on a green pasture.<br /><br />You can even let them think that they are butterflies in a beautiful garden. The main idea in here is to instill a sense of peace and feeling of oneness with nature. Children's yoga should be taught more often and in different places. It is important to teach children the meaning of union of mind, body and spirit.<br /><br />To get more information about Children's Yoga, feel free to contact Tatty Bumpkinâ„¢â€¦ ]]></description>
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<title>Yoga Classes For Children</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/yoga-classes-for-children.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/yoga-classes-for-children.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:46:46 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ A yoga teacher often says that children are natural yogis.<br /><br />We don't generally consider children as having stressful lives, but when you think about how busy they are and we are as well, always rushing around to school, sports, lessons and so on, we can begin to realise that they are under major pressure. This can definitely have a negative effect on their lives in many areas.<br /><br />If you closely watch your children when they are playing and being silly, you too will notice some basic yoga postures, or asanas that children do naturally. The most obvious is the child's pose. Another pose you may see a child take is the Downward facing dog, or to squat very low to the ground. Because children are naturally flexible and open-minded yoga is an ideal form of physical activity that will suit them.<br /><br />Yoga classes for children that take this multi-disciplinary approach are certainly an excellent learning experience. Kids are provided with the opportunity to explore their innate abilities across many planes: linguistic, logical, visual, musical, kinesthetic, naturalistic, interpersonal and intrapersonal.<br /><br />The great challenge in teaching kids is to be able to hold their attention. Fortunately, kids love to be in motion and they love to talk. They can do both of these in a yoga class and they will love playing like various animals, trees, flowers, cobras and warriors. The instructor should allow them to let go and roar in the lion pose, bark in the dog pose, meow in a cat stretch and hiss like a cobra.<br /><br />In yoga classes for children lessons can be integrated as well. Narrating their ABC's or practicing counting their 123's can be a lot of fun while holding a pose. Children love the release of making sounds and their yoga classes will allow them to connect an auditory experience to a physical sensation. Providing a responsive, creative and loving environment in a yoga class will help children to discover the world on their own and is an optimal method for instruction. Their minds can be engaged as they perform animal and nature asanas to deepen their awareness. When they're snakes, invite them to really imagine that they're just a long spine with no arms and legs. Could you still run or climb a tree? In Tree Pose, ask them to imagine being a giant oak, with roots growing out of the bottoms of their feet. Could you stay in the same position for 100 years?<br /><br />Yoga classes for children provides benefits like: balance, flexibility, focus, peace, grace, connection, health and well-being can be imparted to children in an interactive and pleasurable way that create the foundation for a life-long practice. Children will be given the occasion to express themselves and learn important principles such as reverence for life and the interdependence of all beings.<br /><br />To get more information about Yoga Classes For Children, feel free to contact Tatty Bumpkinâ„¢â€¦ ]]></description>
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<title>Top 5 Widespread Yoga Myths Exposed</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/top-5-widespread-yoga-myths-exposed.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/top-5-widespread-yoga-myths-exposed.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ It is not surprising to those of us who are long time yoga practitioners that the popularity of this profound spiritual science is now exploding on a world wide scale.  Unfortunately though some of the authenticity and truths about yoga are being lost and some myths are creeping in with regard to what yoga is and how it is to be practiced.   In this article I will look to clear up what I find to be the top 5 myths about yoga.  

Top 5 Myths About Yoga:

1. Yoga is a Form of Physical Exercise:  

This is perhaps the most common view of yoga.  That it is a form of physical exercise.  This certainly needs to be clarified and I am going to provide some details about true yoga practice in order to do this.

Yoga is actually has 8 parts to it, with the physical aspect being just 1.  These 8 parts, include yoga dos, yoga don'ts, physical exercises (asana), breathing exercises, sense control, concentration, meditation and divine union.

So you can see from above that although the physical aspect of yoga, which is called asana, is an important part of yoga, yoga as a whole is certainly more that just a series of postures and movements.  Yoga is essentially a spiritual science whose objective is to still the mind of thoughts, so that the truth of Oneness hidden behind the waves of the mind can be clearly seen and embraced.

2. Yoga is a Religion:

The other extreme and incorrect view on yoga is that is it a religion.  Commonly yoga is considered part of Hindu religion, but yoga is not a religion.  It is a time tested spiritual science with the goal of revealing the true nature of reality.  As indicated above, yoga practice is a step by step process with the end goal of calming down the thought waves in our mind and thus prevent them from distorting the truth.

3. To Practice Yoga You Must be Vegetarian:

There is a notion floating around that in order to practice yoga you must not eat meat and be a vegetarian.  This is not true.  Although there are tremendous benefits to being vegetarian and this is being more and more validated by the mainstream medical community, there is no requirement of vegetarianism in order to practice yoga.

One point I would like to add here is that, vegetarianism is consistent with the non-violence which yoga advocates and it certainly would be to your benefit to reduce meat intake, nevertheless, you don't have to be vegetarian in order to be a great yogi.

4.  You Need to be Initiated by a Guru:

I have also come across this notion that many believe you need to be initiated and have a guru in order to learn and practice yoga.  This is not true.  According to yoga, the true guru is within and although it would be to your benefit to learn yoga from an accomplished teacher, this is not a requirement.  

5.  You Have to be Flexible to do Yoga:

Not so.  No doubt yoga will improve your flexibility, along with your strength, balance and overall health, but in order to practice yoga you do not have to be flexible.  Yoga is designed to be practiced by all. 

Different bodies have different degrees of flexibility and in this case one size does not fit all.  For most of the complex yoga posture which require great flexibility to do, there are plenty of modifications which allow you to get the same benefits for those who are less flexible.  In fact one of the original reasons I took up yoga because I was not flexible and wanted to improve this aspect of my physical dimension. 

Summary:

So there you have the top 5 myths about yoga.  Essentially, what these myths do is prevent people from taking up this wonderful science.  So if you feel you will have to change faiths, find gurus, stop eating meat or are too inflexible to take up yoga practice, you are wrong.  Don't pass up the wonderful opportunity to learn and practice this amazing science, which helps you discover your true divine and eternal nature. ]]></description>
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<title>Roll-Down & Fold-Over Yoga Pants Available Online!</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/roll-down-and-fold-over-yoga-pants-available-online.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/roll-down-and-fold-over-yoga-pants-available-online.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I really love the variety and styles of yoga pants that are available today. If you are searching around online for different clothing items to wear during your Yoga work outs, you are in luck! There are several different sizes, colors, types, and fabrics that are used in producing these items. I really love the look and feel of the roll-down or fold-down styles (as they are sometimes referred to). The great thing about Roll-Down yoga pants is they are not only for Yoga workouts! 

These pants are so incredibly comfortable, durable and stylish that you can wear them practically anywhere at any time! If I am running errands I sometimes throw on any of my yoga pants and a top and I am all set. They are stylish and make me feel like I am getting a work out while running around stores and getting in and out of my car. Also, here's an extra added plus; I have found that a lot of pregnant women really love these roll down pants because they can still wear them for comfort when they are pregnant. 

I think comfort all in all is one of the most important part of buying any sort of clothing and the roll down pants certainly fit the bill. These roll-down pants come in a variety of sizes for different women's shapes, as well as colors and types of fabrics. I have several sets of Yoga pants but it seems the roll down are the ones I pick as my favorite. If I ate too much and feel a bit bloated, then I can roll them up a little further that usual. 

Sometimes I just like to look fabulously cool and show off my "yoga curves" so then I roll them down and throw on a Yoga Sports bra. Either way the roll down Yoga pants let you wear the same pants with a different look. Yoga pants surely have come a long way and now is a good time as any to take advantage of that! Listed below are a few examples of sizes, types, as well as colors that these Yoga roll-down pants offer: You can find them in black, white, pink, gray and different shades of blue, just to name a few. 

You can also get them in Capri style, great for warmer weather. I also must mention that you can find them for children in a variety of colors and sizes. You can go on several websites to find a range of prices, some which are very reasonable. I love that idea as I would rather have a large variety in my closet that I pay less for then to have a few expensive pair. But whatever your preference, you will find the stock of Yoga clothing online is amazing. ]]></description>
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<title>2 Important Rules to Avoid Yoga Injuries</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/2-important-rules-to-avoid-yoga-injuries.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Fitness/Yoga/2-important-rules-to-avoid-yoga-injuries.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ It never ceases to amaze me how many time I have seen seasoned yogis injure themselves when practicing yoga.  This is independent of the type of yoga they practice and independent of how fit they are as well.  So, it scares me to think that if this is the state of expert yogis what might be the state of those who are just beginning this wonderful science. 

Well, don't worry in this article I will provide 2 simple guidelines for yoga practice which will go a long way in helping you avoid unnecessary injuries when doing your practice.  After all, you decided to do yoga to get healthy and happy, it is totally unacceptable that such a gentle, healing science should become the source of your injury and pain. 

2 Simple Rules to Avoid Yoga Injuries: 

1. Warm-up: 

Although this is common sense, I have noticed the following special occasions when warm-up is unfortunately skipped and the yogi ends up risking injury.  Here are these three occasions when you need to be especially vigilant and avoid getting injured due to insufficient warm-up. 

A.  You are Late to Class:  

Many times I see students who come in late to class jump right in and start doing the exercises and postures that the class is doing at full stream.  This is a recipe for disaster.  If you are late coming into a class which has already picked up steam, you need to start out very slowly and gently till you feel ready to catch up with the rest of the students. 

B.  You are Giving a Spot Demonstration:

Often if you are a yoga teacher or even just a regular yoga student, occasions arise where you are asked to, or want to, give a quick demo of a pose or exercise.  If you encounter this situation, immediately your injury antenna should go up.  This type of spot demonstration is perhaps the most common reason for injury.  Don't try to show off at this time, but instead do the posture or exercise as gently and safely as you can.  Trying to all of a sudden demonstrate Plough Pose, is the best way to injure your back, or worse, break your neck.

C.  You Don't Have Enough Time: 

Here is another dangerous situation which often leads to skipping a proper warm-up and jumping ahead to a challenging set or routine, when you don't have enough time to fit in your full practice.  In this situation it is very important to make an adjustment to any difficult routine and posture and be conservative with regard to how hard you go at it.  Tone it down in such situations and live to practice another day.

2. Don't Compete:

Yoga is not an Olympic sport.  It is not a tournament.  It is not a competition.  It is amazing how when you put a bunch of people together for the same activity, comparisons and judgments immediately come into the picture.  As a yogi, you have to remember the golden rule that yoga is just about you and you.  It does not matter how anyone else is doing, it only matters how you are doing.  Forget about competing and comparing with others and just do your practice, intelligently, mindfully and most import of all, safely.  Comparing often leads to pushing yourself further than you should have, which is perhaps the number one reason for incurring injury.

Summary: 

If you follow these 2 simple rules, of doing your warm-up no matter what and not overdoing it ever, I think you will enjoy a healthy and long-term yoga practice, the benefits of which are immeasurable. ]]></description>
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