Fresh articles from ARTICLE GALLERYhttp://www.articlegallery.net/Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:06:35 CSTArticleFriendly.com http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/352862/91/Is-Gay-Yoga-Different.html
Yoga is a form of exercise, a discipline, and a lifestyle It has its roots in Vedic India and is actually a school of seven different disciplines for training one's mind and body to be as pure as possible In India there are still practitioners of all forms of yoga, but in the West the most popular style of yoga is based on physical poses, or flowing yoga This yoga is used primarily for fitness purposes, but until like other forms of exercise it also concentrates on mental relaxation and is a low-impact exercise that is good for people of all ages and physical levels On that note, yoga is also a very personal form of exercise even though it most often done in group classes Because of this, many efforts have been made to make yoga classes feel as comfortable as possible For instance, classes might be geared toward people of a similar community such as yoga for women, prenatal yoga, or even gay yoga classes

Yoga is all about focusing your mind and body toward the task at hand It is much easier to do so if you are in a situation in which you feel comfortable From the moment you walk into the yoga studio the entire atmosphere should be designed to put you at ease The lighting is generally soft and the floor supportive Even though you are using the additional support of a yoga mat, most studios designed specifically for yoga will also have a sprung wood base so there is a minimum of wear and tear on your joints Some studios will also play relaxing music at the beginning and end of each session

The room should be welcoming, and usually will have soft lighting and maybe even soft music playing at the before the session begins The floor should also be both supportive and cushioned so you don't have to worry about straining your joints as you go through your poses A good yoga instructor will also be someone who can put you at ease both before and during the session

The flow of a general yoga class is also designed to challenge you without stressing your mind or your body Generally the class starts out with some easier warm up exercises

Even the yoga class itself is designed to make you feel comfortable It starts out with basic breathing and warm up exercises that will help your mind clear out all the cobwebs of the day Then you move into more challenging exercises and poses

If you are doing a Pilates combination class, you will do those exercises toward the tail end of the classes when you are fully warm and ready to push yourself up to the next level

Then again you will engage in a cool down session and some more breathing and mediation exercises before you go on your way

Since the whole point of yoga is to calm your mind and reduce stress through physical work, the entire yoga experience should be comfortable for you This is why the atmosphere of the class is almost just as important as the exercises themselves If you don't feel safe enough to try new things you won't get the full benefit of the yoga experience Therefore, the rise of specialized yoga classes, such as gay yoga, should not be surprising For those that want to learn more there is gay tantra yoga

Column fashioned by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys advocates a gay yoga retreat and has ideas on gay spirituality.]]> http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/352862/91/Is-Gay-Yoga-Different.html http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/352852/91/Gay-Nude-Yoga-Retreats.html
Naked yoga brings good benefits to those who take it up What is gay nude yoga? It's just what the name says it is Doing yoga in the buff It breaks the boundaries of the 'norm' and gives the people who participate a fresh new understanding of the body and the art of yoga No clothing, no inhibitions

This type of yoga is designed to push you past the normal limits of your comfort range, and on to a more liberating and a more free experience It may sound unappealing to you at first, but once you get past those feelings and into the experience, it has many benefits for those who dare to practice it It's intention is not to exploit sexuality by any means, it's to go beyond that into a harmony and peace you haven't experience yet

The goal is to attain a freedom that you've never experienced before By feeling free with your body, overcoming any inhibitions you may have about imperfections, you can free your mind and experience things in a whole new light If you begin this practice with any self-consciousness, then it will help you to eliminate that, and to come to a different level of body consciousness

Even though this yoga is practiced in the nude, its still yoga It's an appreciation of self This means in the physical, the mental, and spiritual realms of consciousness Nudity is not commonly accepted by society, so one would not think this type of yoga would find many followers But in truth, this type of yoga is catching on like wildfire And in a very positive way

People have been practicing yoga for centuries There has always been a passion for people to connect with themselves and find harmony and peace The art of yoga is very easy to learn, and can produce a lot of good benefits if practiced consistently It can be done alone or with a group, adding yet another freedom to enjoy

Some of the benefits that can be had by practicing yoga may surprise many who aren't familiar with it Mentally, it's about the usual peace and tranquility and sensed of one-ness But in the body, it can mean help with blood circulation, help with lung capacity, getting rid of toxins, and assisting the whole digestive process The nudity simply takes you to a deeper level of appreciation for your entire being

Another popular term for naked yoga is 'naturism' This is a movement, that is political, and cultural It pleads the cause of nudity in society It's what took place over the issues of nudity on public beaches It's an appreciation of the body, an ability to see it in a different and deeper light Finding a freedom that isn't found on the surface

Naked yoga classes are becoming a big business There are some classes that are mixed and only a small few with women only The vast majority of these classes are for men It's an ancient technique, but it's taking on new life as more and more people are discovering the benefits it holds for them You can find classes and techniques online if you want more information It can be a very liberating and fulfilling experience when done properly and practiced frequently

As an offshoot to naked yoga you could also look at gay tantra

A gay naked yoga post written by Howie Holben. He and Spirit Journeys also presnt gay tantra yoga workshops and retreats.]]> http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/352852/91/Gay-Nude-Yoga-Retreats.html http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/351316/91/Bikram-Yoga-For-A-Great-Work-Out.html
Bikram yoga is a type of yoga invented by Bikram choudhury It comprises of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises and is generally practiced in a room with its temperature raised to 40 5 degrees Celsius and with a humidity of 40% The heat warms up the tissues in body and thus makes it easier to stretch

Each pose is done twice and held for a certain period of time These poses include bends and twists While in a hot room, the body finds it more able to flex and thus can perform more difficult poses

Reducing the risk of injuring and accelerating sweating, the hot room will help flush out toxins from the body The poses will also stretch and compress internal organs, bringing in greater blood flow, oxygenating these vital body parts

How Bikram yoga Can Help:

- Helps reduce stress
- prevents injury, promotes better sleep
- Increases blood circulation
- Helps lose weight
- Heals severe joint injuries
- Improves heart and lung function
- Improves flexibility of spine in all directions

The standing deep breathing pose, called Pranayama, is important in Bikram Yoga The hot air taken in while breathing is said to kill many germs in the windpipe, thus eliminating bacteria and protecting you from illness Deep breathing exercises help to prepare you mentally and aid in concentration

Due to the level of sweat during the 90 minute class a special mat is often used It is a mat with a high friction level to stop you from slipping while performing the poses

If you are looking to reduce stress or get your mind and body fit and healthy then consider taking a Bikram Yoga Course

Get fit and enjoy with the Benefits Of Bikram Yoga. Yoga training secrets on Hatha Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Kundalini and Ashtanga at http://www.yoga-courses.com]]> http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/351316/91/Bikram-Yoga-For-A-Great-Work-Out.html http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/351107/91/Is-Yoga-a-Religion.html
What is Yoga? Is it a religion? Is it a philosophy? Is it a workout? Although, with the progression of practice most people find that they have become a more spiritual person and even more devoted to their preferred religion, Yoga itself is NOT A RELIGION and can be practiced by anyone of any faith

Yoga can provide us with many benefits: lower blood pressure, increased flexibility (both physical and mental), emotional clarity, mental focus, and better sleep, to name a few We will notice some of these changes right away Others come with time, as the practitioner becomes more accustomed to the poses

Dating back almost 8,000 years, yoga is "scientific exercise" the poses ("asanas") have been developed and tested over the millenia and the provide a very specific benefit to a very specific muscle set Originally, yoga was practiced before a time of prayer and meditation to calm the mind and fatigue the muscles so attention could be paid to transcending the "inner conversation" That muscle strength occurs is a pleasant byproduct of the practice

When Yoga made its way into the Western world most of us were focused mostly on the physical practice of Hatha Yoga, and for some of us that will be our primary focus for a very long time, perhaps forever But for some, as we become more aware of our bodies and how they function we began to want to treat ourselves better, not only in ways like eating healthier, but also in how we communicate with ourselves This better, kinder communication with ourselves usually leads to treating others with more kindness, patience and understanding as well Once we have created this loving relationship with ourselves we generally began to think about the place we have to live, thrive and survive and we began wanting to make the world a better place for all beings

As with all good things, it's normal want to know more about the things that benefit us While yoga can very quickly help us to FEEL good, there's more to it than simply feeling good The philosophical principles of that underlay yoga are simple and practical and easily applied to our social and community lives

One of the great things about yoga is that we can take from it as little or as much as we like Moderation is an essential part of healthy living, and we can enjoy life more and contribute more fully to others because the physical benefits we derive from yoga In other words, we can take "off the mat" what we get in the class for the benefit of others

Webster's New Dictionary defines Philosophy as: the study of the principles underlying conduct, thought, and the nature of the universe It defines a Philosopher as: a lover of wisdom; one who acts calmly and rationally in the affairs and changes of life

In yoga, we study our actions, words , and thoughts with the intent of being a demonstration of peace and unity In our practice, we enjoy the mental and emotional space to distinguish between the chatter of our worldly minds so we can listen more openly to the promptings of the Spirit By embracing that Spirit we discover that our real design is to be good and DO good

Learn more about the benefits of yoga. Stop by Barbara Nobles's site where you can find out all about yoga in Jackson, MS and what they can do for you.]]> http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/351107/91/Is-Yoga-a-Religion.html http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/344160/91/The-Multi-Day-Challenge-Conclusion-Yoga-and-Meditation.html
What do yoga and animal rights have in common? Yoga is based on a discipline whose ultimate goal is to achieve a state of total awareness A place most of us either lost or are unable to recognize due to selfishness, lust, greed, gluttony or indifference

Chances are you have heard of the Adho Mukha Svanasana by its more commonly used name, the "Downward Facing Dog " Here is how we do it: Start in a standing position and kneel to the floor Next, place your hands on the floor to where they are directly under your shoulders (meanwhile your knees should be under your waist) This is the beginning position

Our breathing capacity can be increased through yoga It focuses on the breath by encouraging a relaxed 'steady' breathing during the physical postures and, in particular, during relaxation at the end of the class Dedicated breathing exercises can also be taught during the class All of these techniques help to improve lung function and reduce stress

A lot of yoga poses mimic animals If we just take the time to slow down and observe we will notice there is much to be learned from animal behavior Why animals were created is an important question where the obvious, logical answer is; for the benefit of humankind and the survival of other meat eating animals Many western religious leaders justify the killing and eating of animals because it is allowed and sanctioned in the Judeo-Christian Bible They claim that God created animals to be eaten and enjoyed and there is enough evidence in the scriptures to justify this opinion

The Bible teaches compassion to working animals, but also sanctions their slaughter and sacrifice Should we be critical of the biblical Israelites because they regularly sacrificed and slaughtered young lambs and bulls in the Temple? Historically, this was at a time when humans were sacrificed by neighboring Canaanite tribes In the Jewish religion only certain "clean" animals can be eaten They must be killed in a specific way then prepared to ensure no blood is eaten

All forms of yoga come from the same root and are, therefore, relatively interchangeable, so an hour-long class once or twice a week in any of the disciplines will quickly start to work wonders on both your physical and mental well being This article may be reproduced providing a hard link to the site in the resource box is retained Keira Benson found yoga last year after a two-year battle with a shoulder injury and has seen huge improvements since she began regular classes

Trabajar desde casa es fcil si sabes como Todo sobre Online Juegos para gente que le gusta jugar]]> http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/344160/91/The-Multi-Day-Challenge-Conclusion-Yoga-and-Meditation.html http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/344058/91/What-To-Gain-From-Yoga-For-Beginners-Yoga-Classes.html
A great way to reach better health of mind and body is through yoga There are numerous benefits which you will start to see and feel right at the start If yoga is new to you, don't be overwhelmed Many yoga for beginners yoga classes can be found almost anywhere Look through newspapers and the phone book to find where these classes are being taught They are popping up all over the place at spas, gyms and recreation centers People even teach them out of their homes Perhaps yo know somebody who does

Getting involved can be a great step towards feeling better- mind, body and soul What can be gained through yoga is so complete Just thinking about all there is to gain from yoga is exciting and motivating

Yoga will strengthen, build, and tone muscles It improves flexibility, balance and posture It can actually improve the inner workings of the body as well, like the digestive system and blood circulation This will lead to improved overall health and a decrease in health problems like blood sugar and cholesterol Yoga makes breathing easier, gives a boost to the immune system and relieves stress

This reduction is stress has a positive impact on neck and back pain, shoulder stiffness and other sore muscles Less stress also means having a more relaxed body and brain Your mind will be sharper and better able to concentrate

A key thing that yoga teaches is that the body is all one unit; everything is connected Every part affects the others Stress in the hand will lead to stress in the shoulder When you improve the stress in the hand, the shoulder will get better too

Relieving stress and tension is one of the basics taught in yoga classes This will start with correcting the breathing Proper breathing leads to better utilization of oxygen and will have an immediate effect on your entire body Just after a few breathing exercises, you will feel better than before

Other important aspects of yoga that will be taught early are the values of stretching and balance Along with breathing exercises, you will also learn ways to stretch every muscle in the body A lot of these stretching exercises not only make you more flexible, but will also build up your muscle strength Stronger muscles and increased flexibility lead to better balance When you are balanced properly, breathing improves, which makes you more able to stretch and build muscle So, you can see how everything is all connected! As you improve one aspect of the body, they will all improve, which in turn, allows you to keep improving!

When the body is working properly, the state of mental well-being is higher Saying good-bye to stress and tension improves circulation The heart and lungs are bigger and stronger and so is the brain The mind is sharper and more alert

This is just the beginning of what you will get out of yoga for beginners yoga classes You will become in tune with your body and self-aware People in yoga classes are generally relaxed and open, so don't feel awkward your first time

Practising hot yoga Toronto is an excellent way to keep your body in shape. Alternatively, you may prefer Toronto personal training for a further enriching fitness experience.]]> http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/344058/91/What-To-Gain-From-Yoga-For-Beginners-Yoga-Classes.html http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/342893/91/Benefits-Of-Gay-Yoga.html
Yoga is a form of exercise, a discipline, and a lifestyle It has its roots in Vedic India and is actually a school of seven different disciplines for training one's mind and body to be as pure as possible In India there are still practitioners of all forms of yoga, but in the West the most popular style of yoga is based on physical poses, or flowing yoga This yoga is used primarily for fitness purposes, but until like other forms of exercise it also concentrates on mental relaxation and is a low-impact exercise that is good for people of all ages and physical levels On that note, yoga is also a very personal form of exercise even though it most often done in group classes Because of this, many efforts have been made to make yoga classes feel as comfortable as possible For instance, classes might be geared toward people of a similar community such as yoga for women, prenatal yoga, or even gay yoga classes

Since you need to feel comfortable and relaxed in order to get the full benefit of yoga, besides tailoring classes to certain demographics of people, the entire structure of the yoga studio and class is geared toward a soothing atmosphere

A good instructor will have a tone that is both encouraging and soothing This means that you should push yourself has hard as your body lets you, but not feel tension if you can't immediately accomplish full-blown poses Being surrounded by people who are at your same physical level also helps to make you feel comfortable

They should have both a firm but comforting tone that challenges you to work your hardest but doesn't make you feel bad if you aren't as advanced as the other students Of course, being with students who share your physical level or interests is also important

You might even do some refreshing breathing exercises to cleanse your system before you start moving Then, once you have eased into the class, you will start to do more and more difficult poses Y

Once you are warmed up and ready to go you will start to do poses that gradually get more challenging as the class goes on It would be toward the middle or end of class that strength training and Pilates exercises would be held

Just when you think you can't work anymore, you will be given a chance to some simple cool down moves and mediation exercises before leaving the class

Since the whole point of yoga is to calm your mind and reduce stress through physical work, the entire yoga experience should be comfortable for you This is why the atmosphere of the class is almost just as important as the exercises themselves If you don't feel safe enough to try new things you won't get the full benefit of the yoga experience Therefore, the rise of specialized yoga classes, such as gay yoga, should not be surprising

Article generated by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys offers information on gay spirituality and gay weekend getaways. Locate material about gay meditation at Spirit Journeys website.]]> http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/342893/91/Benefits-Of-Gay-Yoga.html http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/342244/91/Yoga-Blocks-Maintains-Your-Your-Poses-In-Yoga.html
Yoga is not the easiest of the many fitness trends or practices or disciplines to get into However, it may very well be one of the most beneficial Yoga affects all parts of a person's life, body, mind and soul Getting into the art of yoga as an exercise can often require help Yoga blocks are helpful tools that might make becoming addicted to yoga a bit easier

Yoga is a traditional exercise method or discipline that originated in India It is a practice in which the mental, physical and verbal beliefs of Hinduism first were expressed Now, at least in terms of today's fitness world, it is a healthy way to stay fit, build strength, tone muscles and increase flexibility and agility

In the practice of yoga, people often seem to bend and twist and turn their bodies in many different positions These are called asanas or postures When someone is just starting out the practice or discipline of yoga, many asanas seem very difficult Instructors will bring into play yoga blocks, made of various materials, to assist beginners in achieving asanas

Yoga blocks in a general sense can help someone who is learning yoga to stretch a bit further The blocks can be placed beneath hands and bottoms and heels and heads to help someone see how far their bodies can stretch and what muscle groups should be working These tools can help yoga postures be a bit less intimidating to newcomers to the discipline

Some people who practice yoga have existing medical problems that they are learning to overcome with exercise and fitness in general People who have tight hips and hamstrings can use yoga blocks to improve their flexibility A little support in the right place can go a long way in helping someone maneuver themselves properly

One of the more difficult asanas is the Sarangasana, also known as a shoulder stand Another difficult posture is that of the 'hero lying down' or Supta Virasana pose For an experienced yoga practitioner, these might be easy to obtain and hold A newcomer or someone on the verge of pushing to the next level of yoga can use yoga blocks to help them get the perfect alignment that yoga requires Alignment in this discipline is crucial in preventing strain or injury to both newcomer and expert alike

The Hindu culture encourages tranquility in one's environment, through responsible guardianship over the earth and being at peace with one's choices When making choices, they are made fully and wholly It may seem strange but even choosing something simple like yoga blocks can facilitate this type of lifestyle These blocks are often made from renewable resources such as pine purchased only from New Zealand, or from cork or bamboo Making solid earth-friendly choices often comes part and parcel with yoga

People who are becoming involved in yoga know that it is a wonderful and healthy compliment to any existing health regimen It carries little risk of injury or strain when done right But there's no doubt that having tools such as yoga blocks nearby to offer that extra bit of support if or when needed can make yoga more appreciated by the newcomers The blocks exist for people to use as they need, not to rely on They actually help people increase their flexibility And that is the purpose of yoga as an exercise

For people that are interested in how to lose weight and you plan on going on a weight loss adventure, then we recommend you acquiring the Nike heart rate monitor. This gadget is very popular in today's weight loss world.]]> http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/342244/91/Yoga-Blocks-Maintains-Your-Your-Poses-In-Yoga.html http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/342243/91/Kinds-Of-Yoga-Mats-You-Should-Think-About.html
For the beginner and experienced alike, choosing a yoga mat is very important The kind of mat you have determines what you take from each yoga session In fact, the mat will probably be your most valuable piece of yoga paraphernalia And there are a multitude of styles from which to choose

A long time ago, grassy mats, animal hides, even the ground were all common surfaces on which to practice yoga Then, more than sixty years ago, the sticky mat was born This sticky mat gave very good traction and cushioning In the past ten to twenty years, though, mats have morphed into the many styles that you can find today Varying thicknesses, materials, and longevity are hallmarks of today's mats However, the aim is the same, regardless of the mat: provide a surface that's comfortable and stable

These sticky mats are most common amongst new yoga practitioners They can be found almost anywhere and they're not expensive A variety of thicknesses are available, and they provide a comfortable, stable surface to practice basic poses There are drawbacks, though When a tough session works up a lot of perspiration, these mats don't absorb the wetness well and the mat becomes unstable and slippery Also, these mats are made with environmentally- and biologically-unsafe chemicals

An alternative to these are rubber or latex found in nature, not made in a lab They offer more traction and have just as much a variety of thicknesses As they are more sustainable and have no toxins, they are more environmentally and biologically friendly But, these, too, have drawbacks The rubber smell of these mats is strong and often unbearable to many And they are also more expensive These both can be major issues

Some people are have rubber allergies, so alternative mats have to be considered Mats made of man-made rubber don't harm the environment It's a relatively new material and they don't have that rubber smell that can be offensive to many Though they are just as durable and comfortable as natural rubber mats, these are less expensive

There are also mats made from natural hemp or natural cotton These kinds of mats, including the Ashtanga rug, are made of woven fibers These are excellent absorbers of perspiration and foot traction is excellent However, traction on the floor is not Therefore, many veteran yoga practitioners place sticky mats on the floor beneath these rugs Alternatively, they buy fiber mats that have a rubber layer beneath

Next are mats made out of jute fibers Jute is put together with natural resins to make a comfortable mat that doesn't slip These mats are usually fairly thin, which limits cushioning So, if this matters, jute is not an option Jute fibers also wear out sooner if the product is used a lot And though these kind of mats are able to be washed by machine, they last longer when hand-washed

Last are what are called travel mats These are lightweight and thin They are easily packable They are easily carried But, inexpensive as they are, they provide almost no cushioning

Learn more about the benefits of yoga mats today! The right yoga mat will make it much easier to achieve and maintain each position easier.]]> http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/342243/91/Kinds-Of-Yoga-Mats-You-Should-Think-About.html http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/328702/91/Gay-Naked-Yoga-Brings-Good-Benefits.html
Naked yoga brings good benefits to those who take it up What is gay naked yoga? It's just what the name says it is Doing yoga in the buff It breaks the boundaries of the 'norm' and gives the people who participate a fresh new understanding of the body and the art of yoga No clothing, no inhibitions

The goal behind this form of yoga that's a bit different from just plain yoga, is to push yourself beyond your normal limits At first thought, this practice of yoga without clothes seems to be a bit unappealing and senseless Something else for sexually motivated people to use as a form of exploring another side of their sexuality This is not the case

When you practice this form of yoga, your goal is to attain a freedom you've never experienced before If you can free your body, clothes and all, then it seems easier to free your mind and spirit as well Inhibitions are seen as barriers to progress, and roadblocks to being able to connect the mind, the soul, and the body Once the barrier is removed, then a new and more gratifying sense of freedom can be attained

Even though this form of yoga is done in the buff, it's still a practice of bringing together an appreciation of the self, in the physical, mental, and spiritual elements of being While nudity is not commonly accepted, this type of yoga is catching on quickly in a positive way

The art and practice of yoga has been around for centuries Men have always had a passion for trying to connect the body with mind and soul, seeking a peace and a harmony between all that they are within themselves Yoga is very simple to learn and can be done about anywhere It can be practiced in groups, or you can practice it alone It's very versatile

Some of the benefits that can be had by practicing yoga may surprise many who aren't familiar with it Mentally, it's about the usual peace and tranquility and sensed of one-ness But in the body, it can mean help with blood circulation, help with lung capacity, getting rid of toxins, and assisting the whole digestive process The nudity simply takes you to a deeper level of appreciation for your entire being

The practice of naked yoga is also known by the term 'naturism' This is a political and cultural movement that defends social nudity both in public and private It's like the nude beach arguments It's an appreciation of the body, a testament to its beauty It's believed that by freeing the body of clothes, it's easier to then free your mind and spirit

Naked yoga classes are becoming a big business There are some classes that are mixed and only a small few with women only The vast majority of these classes are for men It's an ancient technique, but it's taking on new life as more and more people are discovering the benefits it holds for them You can find classes and techniques online if you want more information It can be a very liberating and fulfilling experience when done properly and practiced frequently

As an offshoot to nake yoga you could also look at gay tantra

Article about gay naked yoga by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys also offers gay tantra.]]> http://www.articlegallery.net/Art/328702/91/Gay-Naked-Yoga-Brings-Good-Benefits.html