Vinyasa

Definition: Breath-synchronized movement. In Vinyasa-style yoga classes, poses will flow from one to another in conjunction with the breath. Vinyasa in also used as a noun to describe the series of poses that are done between Downward Facing Dogs as part of a Sun Salutation sequence. If the teacher says “go through the vinyasa at […]

How to Start Yoga With Arthritis

Arthritis Basics Arthritis is a general term that describes inflammation of the joints, which can manifest as variable amounts of pain, stiffness, and swelling. There are many kinds of arthritis, of which the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In osteoarthritis, the joints are deteriorating due to use over time; this type […]

10 Alternatives to Lululemon

Even some of the most dedicated fans of yoga-wear giant Lululemon have been given ample reasons to want to diversify their wardrobes. Maybe it’s the decline in quality, the high prices, or the tendency of founder Chip Wilson to run off at the mouth. Or maybe you just want to look different from the herd. The marketplace […]

Camel Pose – Ustrasana

Type of pose: Backbend Benefits: Stretches the front of the body including the chest, abdomen, and quadriceps. Improves spinal flexibility. Instructions: 1. Come up onto your knees. Take padding under your knees if they are sensitive. 2. Draw your hands up the side of your body as you start to open your chest. 3. Reach […]

Step-by-Step Moon Salutation – Chandra Namaskara

Exhale – Step the left foot forward to meet the right foot as you swing the arms down and interlace the fingers behind your back coming into a variation of Standing Forward Bend – Uttanasana.

Yoga Poses for Hamstrings

Improving your hamstring flexibility is usually a slow process, but practicing these poses regularly can help. Beginners Extended Side Angle Pose – Utthita Parsvakonasana Happy Baby – Ananda Balasana Head to Knee Pose – Janu Sirsasana Pyramid Pose – Parsvottonasana Reclined Big Toe Pose – Supta Padangustasana Seated Wide Legged Straddle – Upavistha Konasana Staff […]

Step-by-Step Moon Salutation – Chandra Namaskara

Inhale – Release the hands from behind your back and hook the thumbs in front of you as you come up to stand. In a continous movement, take the arms up and back behind you coming into Raised Arms Pose -Urdhva Hastasana. Exhale – Bring the arms back along the side of the body as […]

Legs Up the Wall – Viparita Karani

Type of Pose: Restorative, mild inversion Benefits: Achieves many of the benefits of inversions in a supported, gentle pose. Instructions: 1. Sit next to a wall with the side of your body on the wall and your knees bent into the chest. 2. Bring the lower back onto the floor while bringing the legs up […]

Women’s Flexibility Is a Liability (in Yoga)

FROM my own practice and research, I know that yoga is generally a good thing. The bending, stretching and deep breathing can renew, calm, heal, strengthen, lift moods, lower the risk of heart disease, increase flexibility and balance, counter aging and improve sex. In short, the benefits are many and commonplace while the serious dangers […]