Yoga Undressed (Adult) O Ya!

I was recently enlightened with information about a yoga series........ http://www.yogaundressed.com/. Yoga Undressed is AMAZING!!! I bought it!! Despite the strategic camera angles, all that kept running through mind was the Seinfeld episode where Jerry explained the difference between good naked and bad naked. The instructor was nothing but inspiring.

Photo credit: Yoga Undressed

The videos are well instructed, beautifully shot and tastefully executed. As the narrator said, yoga in the nude should make you feel like the bold goddess you really are, giving you permission to feel at home in your own skin. I agree with this concept wholeheartedly. If you are on a mission to build self-esteem and enhance your body image, I highly recommend this series as an excellent starting point.

Naked yoga not only assists in developing a strong body and peace of mind, it inspires self love. It helps people create a healthier, more balanced feeling about themselves, resolving the internal conflict that arises from poor body image and low self-esteem, facilitating the integration of all aspects of the self in a harmonious way. For this reason and so many more, naked yoga is a powerful vehicle for self-improvement, heightened consciousness and spiritual fulfillment.

Integrated wellness, fitness and lifestyle expert Jennifer Kries is credited with being the first to bring Pilates to a mass audience. Her award-winning videos, DVDs, and TV show revolutionized the fitness community and started the explosive wave of enthusiasm for Pilates and mind/body exercise. In addition to Yoga Undressed, she is the creator and producer of several other original DVD Series and modalities including Waking Energy, The Hot Body Cool Mind Series, and The Pilates Method Master Trainer Series. Jennifer has inspired countless readers, practitioners, graduates of her programs, and viewers alike to embrace her all-encompassing philosophy of movement, art, health, life and energy. yogaundressed.com

* Bonus Men LOVE anything naked! Especially Yoga! 

http://www.yogaundressed.com/store/

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2012/04/yoga-undressed-love-thyself-jennifer-kries-adult/

Bend Your Way To A Better Mood

Ever wake up on the wrong side of the bed and allow a bad mood to spoil your day? If you’re nodding yes as you read this, you’re probably not doing enough yoga. (Or maybe you’re not having enough sex…in which case yoga for couples may help you connect with your partner.)

Yoga can help you power through your moodiest moments and leave you feeling empowered, playful, and upbeat. Backbends, in particular, can lead to a release of endorphins, those feel-good neurotransmitters produced by your body to create a feeling of well-being. Here’s a sun salutation that incorporates two lovely backbends to keep you feeling, flexible, upbeat, and full of happiness.

http://blog.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/bend-your-way-to-a-better-mood/

YOGA AMAZEBALL POSES

http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/2800

http://www.fitsugar.com/latest/Strike-a-Pose

http://www.subdude-site.com/WebPages_Local/RefInfo/StretchExerciseEtc/BackPainSolutions/LowBack_MorningPain/lowBack_morningPain.htm
http://www.eternity-yoga.com/free-yoga-exercises.html
http://www.dayspamagazine.com/article/om-safety

Pilates Vs. Yoga

 http://www.pubarticles.com/article-understanding-the-benefits-and-differences-of-yoga-and-pilates-1285628789.html

Prenatal Exercise Tips - Prenatal Yoga Tips

Starting a Prenatal Exercise Program

Becoming fit during pregnancy requires safe, regular, sustained, moderate exercise -- now is not the time to embark on a new sport or engage in strenuous workouts. Even if you have never exercised regularly before, you can safely begin a workout program during pregnancy.

The safest and most productive activities during pregnancy (especially for the woman exercising for the first time) are swimming and walking. These exercises are best because they can usually be continued until almost the day of delivery, and they carry little risk of injury that would prevent further exercising. Talk with your doctor about how much exercise you can safely perform. Then all you need before beginning is a sound exercise program and appropriate clothing.

Continuting Your Current Program

Most health care providers agree that if you are already regularly engaged in a sport or an exercise program when you become pregnant, you can continue it during pregnancy. Depending on the activity, you may need to modify, slow down, or change activities due to fatigue in early pregnancy or due to added weight and the normal softening of joint ligaments as your pregnancy advances.



Your body is your best guide and usually responds with pain or fatigue if an activity becomes inappropriate. Pay attention to these signals. Be especially aware of your lower back, hip joints, and pelvis-they are your most vulnerable areas.

General Exercise Guidelines

-Exercise regularly. You can't make up for lost time, and you shouldn't push too hard to catch up. Plan ahead and take this special time for yourself without fail. Make exercise a habit! (Remember The Half- Life of Exercise Theory: When more than two and a half days elapse between exercise sessions for the same muscle group, you lose the benefits of the first exercise session!)

-Stop if you feel pain. Modify your exercise program if necessary or substitute other forms of exercise. Check with your physician before resuming your program, but do so right away -- don't waste precious time.

-Finish eating at least 1 to 11/2 hours before working out. Otherwise, you may experience burping, belching, or abdominal discomfort as a consequence of exercising on a full stomach.

-Drink water before, during, and after your work -- out -- even if you aren't thirsty. It's very important to replace the liquids lost through exertion. Without sufficient fluid, your body becomes slow to react and easily fatigued. And it's best to drink four to eight ounces frequently, rather than taking one long drink.
-Don't go on a calorie-restriction diet during pregnancy. This is very dangerous for your baby. Eat a nutritious, balanced diet.

I strongly suggest you try prenatal yoga! There are so many great benefits! 

Prenatal yoga classes are more popular than ever. When paired with a cardiovascular exercise such as walking, yoga can be an ideal way to stay in shape during your pregnancy. This age-old practice keeps you limber, tones your muscles, and improves your balance and circulation, with little, if any, impact on your joints.

Yoga is also beneficial because it helps you learn to breathe deeply and relax, which will come in handy as you face the physical demands of labor, birth, and motherhood. In fact, one of the first things you learn in a yoga class is how to breathe fully. The breathing technique known as ujjayi requires you to take in air slowly through your nose, filling your lungs, and exhale completely until your stomach compresses.

Learning how to do ujjayi breathing primes you for labor and childbirth by training you to stay calm when you need it most. When you're in pain or afraid, your body produces adrenalin and may produce less oxytocin, a hormone that makes labor progress. A regular yoga practice will help you fight the urge to tighten up when you feel pain, and show you how to relax instead.

First-trimester yoga tips

Seek out an instructor who is specifically trained in prenatal yoga, but if that's not possible, make sure your instructor knows you're expecting, says Denise. You probably don't have many restrictions this early in your pregnancy, but remember to follow rules of safe pregnancy exercise such as drinking lots of water before, during, and after exercising to keep your body hydrated. 

Breathe deeply and regularly as you stretch. If you're a pro at yoga, recognize and accept that your regular routine will require modifications as time goes on. 

"Listen to your body and trust what it tells you," says Denise. If you're feeling pain or discomfort, make an adjustment or ask your instructor to recommend an alternative position.

Second-trimester yoga tips

Your joints are beginning to loosen up now, so proceed with caution. Be aware, too, that your slowly expanding girth will affect your sense of balance. Don't try to hold poses for a long time, and remember to sink into yoga positions slowly and carefully to avoid injury. Take your time and don't overdo it. Avoid lying flat on your back now, too, to keep blood flowing properly to your uterus.

Third-trimester yoga tips

You're probably feeling less graceful now that your belly is bigger, so perform standing poses with your heel to the wall or use a chair for support to avoid losing your balance and risking injury to yourself or your baby. Props such as blocks and straps can also help you move through different poses with greater stability. 

And remember: Don't hold poses for a long time; it's important to keep moving.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.


http://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/diet-exercise/how-to-exercise-while-pregnant1.htm
http://www.babycenter.com/0_great-pregnancy-exercise-prenatal-yoga_7862.bc
http://www.hipchickphoto.com/prenatal-yoga-maternity-photography-charlotte-nc/
http://mikadokids.com/tips-for-pregnant-women/benefits-of-yoga-exercises-for-pregnant-women/

Yoga Sequence & Why Should Give It A Whirl

Rumor has it that we can all benefit from a bit of Om-infused stretching. Studies touting yoga’s mental and physical benefits abound. We’d venture to guess that many of you will hit the treadmill than will hit the shower. But maybe you should reconsider…

A lot of people think of yoga as a means of increasing flexibility, but for those of us for whom touching our toes isn’t at the top of our to-do lists, what are some of its other benefits?

Yoga develops strength, increases metabolism, increases respiration, reduces stress, alleviates muscle aches and strains, creates internal harmony and increases focus, concentration and awareness. The benefits extend both to our mental and physical well-being and health. Physically, we feel better about our bodies while we develop strength and flexibility. Mentally, we find a sense of ease and balance in our lives.

A lot of us who haven’t tried yoga think of yoga as far cry from a strength-training workout. How, exactly, does yoga increase strength?

Yoga allows you to use your own body and body weight to develop strength.  Each pose focuses on strengthening individual muscle groups in different ways (balancing, inversions, twisting).  Opposing muscle groups contract and expand simultaneously, allowing the contracted side to develop strength, while the expanded portion is allowed to open and release.

Yoga can be intimidating to people who have never done it before (and think of it as being all about handstands!), what do you have to say about that?

Do not feel intimidated by the instructor or other practitioners.  If you have questions or need modifications, speak with the instructor before and/or after class.  Yoga should be tailored and safe for your body. While healthy competition is good, knowing and respecting your boundaries is better.  Another alternative is to work in one-on-one sessions with a private yoga instructor who will help you to attain your goals, work with your unique body type and schedule times appropriate to your schedule

If we’re interested in getting started, where should we start?

Find a reputable studio, with certified yoga instructors. Make a time commitment to yourself and set realistic goals. Find classes that are appropriate for your level and be patient with yourself.  For beginners, classes emphasizing technique, alignment and safety are crucial to building a proper foundation and protecting your body.

There seem to be a lot of different types of yoga our there. Are some better suited for people who are new to exercise versus athletes (runners, cyclists, etc) who have just never done yoga before?

There are some studios that offer specific classes/workshops that are tailored for runners, cyclists…etc.  An inquiry may be required of each studio.  Otherwise, many vinyasa-styled classes are great for regular athletes as long as it is at the appropriate level for the practitioner.  For beginners, Pure Yoga offers Iyengar, Basic and Slow Flow classes.  Restorative classes are for those who want gentle stretching and opening in a nurturing comfortable environment.   Ask your studio for a class description and its level of advancement to be clear as to how each instructor conducts his/her class.

How often do we need to practice yoga to see results?

Almost immediately you’ll feel the results of your practice. To see a physical difference, your body requires a more regular practice of 2-3 times per week at a minimum, where you are challenging yourself safely.

Have any other tips?

Be safe in your physical practice and have fun expanding your mental and physical boundaries!

http://thebeautybean.com/site/sweat/why-you-should-try-yoga/