...The other day, soon as she found out that I did yoga, a co-worker asked me; Besides being all flexible, what are the other benefits of doing this yoga-thing?, It looks like stretching to me anyway

Well, I told her that's asking (and saying) a lot really, the health benefits of yoga are so much that it may be hard to see which exact one is the most important.

Nonetheless, the main benefit of doing Yoga may lie in the fact that it works not only one part of the body, for example the physical, but the spiritual as well. All the while making sure that the body is tra...more

The Process of Yoga Instructor Certification

...essful completion of 200 hours of training, the student is granted Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT) status.

Students, who wish to pursue their study of yoga, and yoga teaching, can go on to complete another 300 hours of training. This level of training covers more intensive study of anatomy and physiology, and a deeper look at the different branches of yoga. It also includes a study of the yoga scriptures (such as the Bhagavad Gita). Additionally, it incorporates student teaching and observation of teaching methods in a yoga class setting.

There are myriads of other training courses offered for yoga instructors. However, not all of these courses...more

Yoga is the Perfect Exercise

...Yoga is the perfect exercise! Anyone can do it, it is easy to learn, requires no specialized equipment, and it is easy on your joints. Yoga combines stretching your muscles and improving your mental condition, along with working out your cardiovascular system. So if you are looking for the perfect exercise, yoga is it!

Just what is yoga? It is an ancient discipline, more than 3,000 years old from India. It is designed to bring your body, mind and spirit together. While the exercise is very popular, it is only one component of the whole. ...more

Starting a Yoga Practice

...es. The strap is held in the hands and usually wrapped around the foot, essentially acting as an arm extension. You can purchase straps at many yoga studios, online; or you can use a belt or a scarf.

Yoga Bolster - bolsters are cylindrical cushions about two feet long, usually filled with cotton. Bolsters are used for forward bending poses, for many restorative yoga poses, and as modification for certain relaxation poses (e.g., tucked under the knees during savasana). You can purchase yoga bolsters online, many yoga studios will have bolsters available, and may be able to order them for you if there are no yoga supply retailers in your area. If you do not have a bolster, you may also use a stack of blankets.

Meditation Cushion - a zafu or meditation cushion is not necessary but it is a nice item to have, sitting on the edge of the zafu is ideal for proper pelvic alignment and ease of posture when meditating. If you do not have a zafu, a firm cushion or pillow will work as well.

It is always best to purchase good quality yoga props and supplies, but you can improvise with household items while you are developing your home practice.

Un...more

Living Well With Yoga And Pilates