Water Yoga a.k.a Aqua Yoga or Pool Yoga is yet another modern adaptation of the age old art of Yoga and a convenient way to beat the heat this summer without missing out on your fitness. Using the same poses as traditional yoga with minor modifications this type of yoga can be performed in any medium of water, be it a swimming pool, beach or lake taking things to a deeper level.

Aqua yoga is a great activity to take up after a high-intensity workout as a cool-down stretch or any time of the day on its own. Ideal water depth is chest-high, which provides the perfect amount of resistance yet allows you to crouch or bend a little as most poses require. Besides being just another type of yoga, performing yoga asanas (yoga poses) in water is recommended for people recovering from surgery or those with restricted movements as the water not only relaxes the muscles but also support your weight. Other than being a good restorative workout, water yoga allows you to work on getting deeper into a pose and holding it longer without fatigue.

Poses such as the Warrior poses, Tree pose, Triangle pose with the support of the pool wall and even back-bends against the wall are recommended for Pool yoga. Take the warrior pose for example- Place your feet leg-length apart, and lunge one leg forward. When your shoulder comes out of the water, slowly lift arms to the sky with the toes of your rear-positioned foot turned slightly inwards. Sinking your lower body into the water, lift the upper body (stretching out, at the ribs). Your arms should be straight. Squeeze the shoulder blades together and lift chest up and forward. Tuck your pelvis in and push your tailbone towards the pool bottom, keeping your feet aligned avoid moving your knee past your ankle. Ensure that your arms are beside your ears. Hold for 10 seconds to one minute, depending on your comfort level. Switch sides and hold for the same amount of time.

So this summer, if your sticky mat gets a little too sticky, take your practice into the pool and you’ll be chanting H2Om instead of just Om!

*Photo credits: photos by pocketmonsterd, randomtruth, Homies In Heaven on flickr.

For  special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

Sadly, for most people, the outdoors is a place where they commute, purely transitional from one indoor space to another. They lack consciousness of the natural world, as they never fully experience it. Yoga outdoors will reward you with the awareness of the outside space, and a renewed presence of mind. Many studios have beautiful ambient lighting, or burning incense that create a distinctive mood once you enter but many are just a mere recreation, a replica of what nature has to offer. Sunkissed mornings, pleasant smells and fresh air. In the outdoors, you practice yoga with a certain awareness, taking careful note of your surroundings and feeling the true connection with the universe, as yoga (meaning union with the Supreme) intends. Enjoy the warm summer morning or the pleasant chill of autumn, dewy grass beneath your feet or a pink sunset as you practice stillness.

Take careful note of your surroundings and feel the true connection with the universe, as yoga (meaning union with the Supreme) intends. Ever consider why so many asanas reflect nature, animals especially? Enjoy the warm summer morning or the pleasant chill of autumn, dewy grass beneath your feet or a pink sunset as you practice stillness in the elements. Weather permitting, choose the time of the day that feels best and head out in your favourite yoga apparel with your mat or without if the terrain allows it. Find your rhythm in a spot you feel at ease. It doesn’t have to be far from home, not everyone has access to a lush forest or a peaceful riverbank. Your own backyard, Central Park, the beach, a tiny creek, a terrace garden, any location you feel is right will do.

Sink into the ground beneath you and breathe deeply. Enjoy the change from what’s most likely recycled air to increased oxygen as it floods your lungs. Allow your breath to fall in sync with the rhythms of nature – a chirp or a coo, a gentle wind, the crashing of waves. For a minute, forget about repetitions and encourage flow through your asanas, let nature dictate the sequence in which you perform your asanas. It will inspire and rejuvenate your practice.

If you feel distracted by the elements, change your thought. Rather than a challenge, think of the four elements earth, wind , water and fire as your guide. Meditate with the flowers and leaves, find your balance in the ground beneath your feet, release your worries into the wind, feel the sun on your skin and warming your bones, push yourself into a challenging pose that will create heat in the body, imagine your breath is like the tides, going in and out. Visualize these elements moving through you as you forget fancy flooring, air conditioning, humming lightbulbs, mirrored walls. Just you and the universe. Enjoy being a part of it and it being a part of you.

For  special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

* Photo credits: lululemon athletica, CrazyFast, Jordan Lewin, Shunpikie on flickr

_____

The music peaked with white-hot notes
That scorched the air and bade those bodies
To gyrate in flares and twirls.

The wooden floor enhanced the sound of
Heels as if to give applause and praise
so they would hear that all is going well.

On center stage, a figure flowed in full control of
All the hearts of all the men that begged for
Just a glance, perhaps a smile to make their day.

And as she turned, a smile appeared with
Fire dripping from her eyes that sent the
Music fever high then tumbling to a crashing end.

Then laughter’s echoes in the halls soon faded into
Memories as hard realities replaced
The feather-light buoyancy of that night.

The fire in her eyes cooled as she gazed into
Far away places and days of struggle, sweet with
Hope and promise of eternal bliss.

Now time for chores and obligations that
Lay before her like steps beneath her feet,
And define her adequate existence.

Thoughts of the next getaway fill her head
As she turns the key and enters to realize
How cold a house can feel when love is not at home.

*Photo Credits: photo by V О И on flickr

With temperatures and hemlines raising fast with the approaching summer, another aspect of fashion you need to consider is fabric choice. Here’s a look at the top fabrics for this season-

Natural Fabrics – Cotton, Linen and Silk
Cool summery natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk lend that fresh feel on those hot days will be in the forefront this season. Linen, often misunderstood cos of it’s label as a bedding and furnishing material, is on of the most sophisticated and durable clothing fabric out there. Whether worn casually in the form of a white linen dress or linen shorts or formally like a well cut suit, linen possess an “exclusive look” other materials cannot deliver. This natural moisture-licking fabric is a must have in your wardrobe this summer.

For your comfort clothing of the season, there no other way to go but cotton! This cool, soft and breathable fabric does have a tendency to wrinkle a bit, but don’t let that stop you. Available in different blends that do not need to be ironed the cotton will ultimately keep you cool.

Shiny and Rich – Chiffon and Satins
Along with the au natural fabrics this Spring Summer will be feminine, soft, fluid and slippery. Shiny and rich materials like chiffon, satins, taffeta and silks are will make a feature in the more trendy evening wear lending a chic and sophisticated feel to the night.Chiffon brings to the table a flowy feminine look to dresses and tunic tops.

Silk that oozes sensuality and elegance for a number of reasons is triumphant this season. Silk absorbs moisture, which makes it a versatile fabric wearable in both summers and winters. Matched with the color of the year, a sizzling yellow called Mimosa, according to the Pantone Institute is just hot hot hot!

Sheers and Lace
Sheer and light fabrics along with lace aptly suitable to beat the summer heat are the new trend for the season. Elegance is the key to wearing the sheer fashion trend this year.

Laces is used layered over shiny fabrics in some contrasting colors is all the talk of the runway shows of hottest designers in their Spring/Summer collections.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing, clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality  Fitness Apparel

Here’s a look at some advanced yoga poses that look a little extreme yet make yoga so damn cool-

photo by milopeng on flickr

photo by Ron Sombilon Gallery on flickr

photo by domananda on flickr

photo by Sami Taipale on flickr

photo by Ron Sombilon Gallery on flickr

photo by milopeng on flickr

photo by milopeng on flickr

photo by domananda on flickr

photo by Kelly Loves Whales on flickr

photo by milopeng on flickr

photo by Pedro Moura Pinheiro on flickr

For  special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

1. Muladhara (Root Chakra)
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)

This chakra located at the base of the spine is the force that keeps us connected to this Earth and is the base of our existence. It is associated with the feeling of groundedness. The backbend asana called the Setu Bandha Sarvangasana or Bridge pose which requires your feet to be firmly grounded while the spine raised, opens up and focuses energy to this root chakra.

• Lying flat on your back, hands palm down by your sides, bend your knees and bring your feet close to your bottom making sure your feet are parallel on the yoga mat.
• Pressing your feet firmly against the ground, lift your hips up towards the ceiling.
• Interlace your fingers under you, straighten your arms and press them down on the to mat to raise your back and chest higher.
• Roll your shoulders and draw your chest towards your chin.
• Stay and breath
• Release the pose, by releasing your hands back into the palm down position beside you, then bringing the your upper, middle then lower back and hips down. Knees are still bent
• Allow your knees to touch and rest

See a specially designed Red Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘lam’ symbol dedicated to the Root Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

2. Svadisthana (Sacral Chakra)
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

The second chakra known as the sacral chakra is your sensing power station, connecting you to your feeling sensitivities or your inner child. It is situated in lower abdomen and womb area. Bhujangasana or the cobra pose emphasis that region and helps open up this second chakra.

• Lie flat on your stomach, palms face down on either sides just under your shoulders, elbows touching your body.
• Without using your hands for support, start lifting – forehead, nose, chin, shoulders and chest up as much as you can using your back muscles.
• Once you reach a point where you can’t go up higher, press your palms down on the floor and using your arm support slide your chest forward and higher. Your elbows should be touching your sides and not away from your body.
• Make sure the pelvic bone and your legs are not raised but firmly touching the ground
• Roll your shoulders back, opening the chest further, look upwards without cranking your neck and breathe
• To release the pose, using your arms support lower your body back down, face down and rest with your hands besides your shoulders.

See a specially designed Orange Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘vam’ symbol dedicated to the Sacral Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

3. Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra)
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

The Manipura chakra located in the area of the navel is associated with Will and Power. Dhanurasana or the bow pose is a great way of energizing this chakra as it works the region of the body where the pancreas, adrenal gland and digestive system is located.

• Lie flat on your stomach, arms stretched out by your sides.
• Reaching your arms back, take a hole of your ankles and breathe  normally.
• On an inhalation, lift your legs up from the thighs and your torso will raise too. Try not using your arms to pull you legs.
• Lift your torso higher, opening up your chest and breathe deeply while holding the pose.
• To release- lower your thighs until they are touching the floor and let go of your ankle to rest.

See a specially designed Yellow Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘ram’ symbol dedicated to the Solar Plexus Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

4. Anahata (Heart Chakra)
Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

The heart chakra is the power house of the human energy system and the center of love and healing. It is also your link between body and spirit. The Camel pose or Ustrasana, raises your chest towards the sun and is excellent for opening this chakra.

• Start from a kneeling position
• Extend your arms behind you and as you open up your chest looking up and then backwards
• One at a time, take a hold of your heels while keeping your hips pushed forward so they are inline with your knees.
• Let you head fall back and open your throat, your chest towards the sky and breathe.
• To release, bring your head up and let go of your heels one by one coming forward until you are back in a kneeling position.
• Rest in vajrasana sitting on your heels.

See a specially designed Green Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘yam’ symbol dedicated to the Heart Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

5. Visuddha (Throat Chakra)
Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

The Blue throat chakra is the center of our communication and rules the neck region including the thyroid, throat, trachea, neck vertebrae and mouth. It is also associated with the shoulders, arms, and hands, there fore Matsyasana or the fish pose is a good posture to open up and call attention to the neck and throat region.

• Lie on your back arms by your sides and slowly come up onto your elbows.
• Positioning your arms under your back as close together as possible, palms pressing down on the floor near or even under your buttock, with your weight on your elbows, lower your body back
  while puffing your chest.
• Looking backwards drop the crown of your head onto the floor and open up your throat.
• Hold and breathe, pressing your forearms and elbows to raise and open your chest up further.
• To release, push up on your forearms and elbows to raise your head off the floor. Then gently lower your body and head to a sleeping position.

See a specially designed Blue Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘ham’ symbol dedicated to the Throat Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

6. Ajna (Third Eye/Brow Chakra)
Seated Yoga Mudra

The third-eye chakra located in our forehead, between the eyes is the key to our wisdom, learning and putting things in perspective. This seated mudra helps open up the tird eye and stimulates the brow chakra.

• Start in Vajrasana (sitting on your heels) back straight.
• take your hands behind you and interlace your fingers pulling your arms down and your chest up to straighten your spine further. Roll back and squeeze your shoulder blades together, opening up your chest.
• Now bend forward from your hips keeping your bottom firmly seated your arms still locked behind you. Allow your back to round over your knees and put your forehead (third eye) to the ground.
• Slowly raise your arms up behind you so your hands are reaching towards the ceiling, shoulders still rolled back and arms straight.
• Hold this position and breathe
• To release, lower your arms back down to your behind and slowly raise your body back to the seated position.

See a specially designed Red Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone  ‘lam’ symbol dedicated to the Root Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

7. Sahasrara (Crown Chakra)
Continued from Seated Yoga Mudra (6th Chakra Pose)

The Crown Chakra is our connection to our spiritual nature and rules the entire connects to the central nervous system. Meditation in full or half lotus or even the headstand pose called Salamba Sirsasana helps stimulate the crown chakra. However from the seated mudra pose explained in the 6th chakra you may continue the following steps that focus on the 7th chakra – the crown chakra.

• Before releasing the your arms down from the last pose, from the same postion lift your buttocks up off your heels to come onto your knees.
• Roll your head from the forehead to come on the crown of your head, continue to keep your arms overhead and stretched.
• Focus on the crown of your head as you hold the pose and breathe.
• To release, come back to you forehead and lower your bottom back to your heels in a seated position and release in the same way explained in the 6th chakra posture.

See a specially designed Violet Chakra T-shirt with Rhinestone thousand petals symbol dedicated to the Crown Chakra at Yogacarashop.com

*Photo Credits: Photos by tarnalberry and Kelly Loves Whales on flickr

Stimulate your chakras with these specially designed Chakra Colored T-shirts with Rhinestone symbols only at Yogacarashop.com

The almost rhythmic breath-synchronized movements in Vinyasa Yoga and other types of yoga are not that far off from a form of dance. That’s why a new fusion of the two activities is fast becoming all the rage these days. Yoga dance can be a fun yet hardcore fitness routine. The combination of the two brings  some serious cardiovascular benefits from the upbeat tempo of the music while the balance, flexibility and strength of the movements is what the comes from the yoga aspect.

So what does a yoga dance class entail?
In most yoga dance classes, not many people are game to just start dancing in front of a bunch of strangers, so gentle yoga postures and the usual yoga stretches are done to bring the body slowly into movement. Then comes the music and beat along with instructions to try a dance move inspired by the belly dance or African dance. Before you know it you’ll be gliding around the room, waving your arms in the air your hands in the air painting the walls as the music engulfs you in a full-on free-form dance groove. The dance prepares the body and muscles for a pose. It often helps you get deeper into the pose and more balanced and flexible without even realizing it. Dancing your way into poses encourages a state of mind that makes you open to possibilities. Dance is truly one of many ways through which one can explore an openness in ourselves that we’re often too guarded let down.

What makes the combination of Yoga and Dance any good?
The usual strictness and structure of performing yoga asanas is shed in this this fun new activity, which is quite liberating. The music and dancing allows people to loosen up and disregard comparisons with others for perfection of movement. It’s light, fun and comes from deep within ourselves. The free movements and stress release of dance yoga awakens elements of your own being through music and movement.

Unlike regular yoga which can often be a somewhat inward-centered, and a solitary experience, yoga dance is a complete group activity. After a class of yoga dance you’ll usually find yourself, red-faced, sweating and giggling with a bunch of people you hadn’t even known before. And once you’ve dance with them, what’s there in a little conversation which may perhaps lead to a real camaraderie.

Yoga dance classes are often designed to progress through the elements of nature: earth, water, fire and air. The music both reflects these elements as well as cleanses and energizes the Chakra system. The overall experience is sacred, sensual, silly and fun which can be described as celebration of life that lets you leave behind all the worries of the day and just enjoy your body, unconsciously opening the heart. If you aren’t in it for just the feel good factor, the sheer exhilarating aerobic work out for your body including cardio, flexibiliy, agility, strength inducing moves, without feeling like exercise at all will definitely sell it to you!

*Photo Credits: photos by [desta] and Listen Missy! on flickr

For  special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing, comfort dance apparel, clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

Two of the most common words thrown out there today when it comes to fitness- Yoga and Pilates. But what is all the buzz about? Why are they so popular? and most asked… What’s the difference between these two?

Yoga
Lets start with Yoga. As we’ve seen previously on this site (Read: Energize Your Body & Soul with these Different Types of Yoga, Yoga: A Spiritual Quest for Enlightenment) Yoga is not purely physical activity. In fact it aims at uniting the mind, the body and the spirit through a philosophical and spiritual focus. The physical aspect of yoga, i.e the poses, stretches and  postures are only one of the 8 parts of yoga. While this is the most focused on aspect of Yoga in the west, it only touches the surface of the ancient philosophy  of yoga which is complete lifestyle and not a mere exercise routine. Meditation plays a very important role in Yoga (Read: The Importance of Meditation in Yoga and Our Lives). At the same time however, Yoga can also be interpreted or adapted as a fitness routine as you will see in Power Yoga: The Physically Intensive and Exercise Driven Modern Yoga. While there are yoga props used in some types of yoga like Iyengar Yoga, you can practice it with only a yoga mat.

Pilates
Pilates on the other hand is purely physical. It focuses on strengthening the entire body, increasing muscle control, improving flexibility and coordination through exercises centered around the abdominal muscles, lower back and buttocks referred to as ‘The Powerhouse’. Pilates teaches six principles – concentration, control, centering, breathing, flow and precision. This trains the body to move efficiently with minimal impact on the body. Some Pilates exercises are done on just a mat, however, specialized equipment is used in Pilates such as the Reformer, which utilizes pulleys, springs and weight resistance to build strength. The principle behind pilates is to strengthen the core powerhouse (abdomin, lower back and behind) and allowing the rest of the body to move freely, which is why all its exercises abdominal intensive. If the center is strong, it enhances everything from posture to agility.

So Which Is Better?
This question is subjective to what an individual is looking for. Yoga meets the needs of a person looking for a low-impact, body toning fitness exercise that improves balance and flexibility along with, the tranquility, relaxation and balance of mind, body and spirit. Yoga will definitely help you stay fit, be more energetic, happier and peaceful in your overall life.

If you’re looking for a dynamic workout sans the spirituality, then Pilates is just the thing for you. With core focus on strengthening muscles, improving posture, stabilizing and lengthening the spine, Pilates is an overall vigorous workout and fitness routine.

However to get the best of both world’s you can always combine the two and practice them in conjunction of each other. Get the stretch from yoga, the strength from pilates, that’ll improve your yoga postures. Breathing techniques from yoga, to help in a pilates sessions and the relaxing tranquility from yoga meditation. Who said you can’t have it all!

*Photo Credits:  photos by Kelly Loves Whales, natalia.sanmartin and gio50000 on flickr

For  special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

As we’ve seen in previous posts (Read: All About Colors And What They Say About You), colors are a huge part of our everyday life in almost everything we do and have a profound and undeniable impact on our lives. They reflect  our mood and evoke different feelings. They say a lot about our personalities. Cheery colors like bright yellow reflect optimism and joyfulness, icy blues associated with water evoke a refreshing cool feel even if the weather is hot and orange represents energy & warmth but also shows playfulness.

Take a look at the latest information on Colors of the Season:

BOLD Yellow
Yes, the color of Sunshine, Sunflowers and Summer this year is non other than Yellow. This bold shade has recently been in the limelight as a popular red carpet choice of young celebrities. The lovely sunny spring weather calls for a splash of the vibrant lemony yellow on dresses, jackets and skirts.

Bleached Neutrals
As temperatures are on the rise sun-bleached shades like corals, champagne, tuscany and most commonly nude are creating a delicate palette to beat the heat. These bleached pastels provide the much needed soothing tones and are perfect for intimates, loungewear, fitness wear such as yoga, as well as for glamorous evening wear as seen across runways and red carpet events.

Icy Blues
Summer conjures up images of the ocean and it’s tropical turquoise color. Shades of blue with that icy cool feel will be very appealing these summery days as they evoke a feeling of escape.

Dry Earth
With nature and the environment under the spotlight, eco-friendly Earthy tones ranging from dark humus to dark bark, stone beige to puddle browns. You’ll see these shades teamed with a lot of natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk.

Effervescent Brights
Bold, bright and daring best describes these shades that’ll complete the perfect summer look. Colors like candy orange, magenta, electric blue, eye-popping purple are up-beat tropical all the way. Bright colored dresses, accent pieces and accessories are Red Hot this season!

White
The classic summer color or non-color is back! Short flirty dresses in white are chic, fashionable and bound to keep you cool this as the temperature rises.

Experience the color in your every day life with stylish casual wear at Yogacarashop.com

References:
Spring 2010 Color and fabric forecast retrieved from
Fashionsnoops: http://www.fashionsnoops.com/
Stylesight: http://www.stylesight.com/
PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2010: http://www.pantone.com/spring2010

There’s a lot of common talk, notions, assumptions and mistaken beliefs about Yoga, keeping people from trying it for the first time. But, just like other myths, a little knowledge on the subject can dispel the misconceptions and clear the air. Here’s a look at some Common Yoga Myths:

#1. Yoga Is A For Physical Exercise Only
This myth stems from the most widespread misconception of Yoga . A major contribution to this image of yoga lies in the fact that most information on the subject is always accompanied by a picture of a person twisting one’s body into an intricate pretzel or doing headstands or balancing acts. Well, it is hard to show the bigger picture of yoga with a photo, which is a school of thought that includes physical, mental and spiritual practices to bring about a complete balance in a person for their well being. The physical aspect of yoga called Asanas (yoga poses) is only 1 step of the 8 Limbs of Yoga. (Read more in: The 8 Steps of Yoga- A Spiritual Quest for Enlightenment). This disciplined path is chosen for the purification of our attachments to the temporary material world of form in search of greater spirituality and truth (which doesn’t mean it can’t be used to get you Madonna like arms and physical workout). This leads to the second misunderstanding about Yoga…

#2. Yoga Is Religious
While yoga plays an integral role in religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, it is not a religion in itself. Yoga is a 5,000 year old practice of meditation and lifestyle of greater consciousness which some may choose as a path to God, which ever they may believe in. In other words, Yoga is a path to spiritual consciousness or away to quiet the mind and connect with one’s inner-self.

#3. Yoga is Best Left to the Young and Fit to Practice.
This again comes from the misunderstanding that yoga is merely physical. When we hear the word Yoga many people have the fixed image of a thin, well toned woman contorting her body in a way we would think fit for Cirque Du Soleil. While yes, yoga requires some flexibility it doesn’t mean if you’re as flexible as a carrot stick you can’t practice yoga. In fact the flexibility comes eventually with the practice of yoga asanas and in the meantime there are hundreds of poses to get you there. Yoga is not competitive nor comparative, which is why you’ll notice the lack of mirrors in a yoga classroom. Each individual is different with different physical limitations. One may find certain yoga poses easier than others, but the most important is achieving proper body alignment in each posture. Poses can always be modified to make them more accessible. The Use of Props in Yoga is a great way of overcoming our physical while getting the best from each pose.

As for age, it plays no part in Yoga. The misconception that younger people are more fit and flexible than older folk is a myth dispelled by yoga teachers themselves. The most famous Yogis and Yoginis are not what you would call young, yet the perform and teach just the same proving older people can have the same level or more dexterity than youth. Yoga in fact is good for the problems that come with age like arthritis, blood pressure it’s what can helps us to age well, battle health issues and improve immunity.

#4. To Practice Yoga You Must Be a ‘Health Freak’ and Turn Vegetarian.
This is just not the case. This notion of Yoga is for “those earthy-crunchy weirdos” or “hippies” couldn’t be more from the truth. Yoga is practiced by millions of people and a huge number aren’t vegan or vegetarians even. Usually the people that turn to Yoga are looking for a healthier lifestyle and a spiritual quest. While vegetarianism is consistent with the non-violence which yoga advocates, many people turn to vegetarianism for the health benefits validated by the mainstream medical community to double it up with the health benefits of practicing yoga. It’s in no way a requirement or even asked of anyone choosing to practice yoga.

#5. Yoga is a Woman’s Activity
Yoga actually originated among men in India about 5,000 years ago. One look at World’s well-known yogis- Patanjali, B.K.S. Iyengar, Baron Baptiste, Bryan Kest should dispel this one. Yes, 72% of Yoga practitioners today are women and that makes it intimidating for a man to join a class, however most men that overcome the initial nerves will vouch that Yoga is a great great way to work out physically as well as bring about a balance in their lives, keeping them centered. After all, not just women look for peace of mind, good health and inner calm. So leave out the gender stereotyping when it comes to yoga.

So, let go of all these notions, assumptions and mistaken beliefs of Yoga holding you back from trying yoga for yourself. Grab a yoga mat and give a class a try! You’ll experience first hand the holistic benefits of yoga.

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* Photo credits: photos by Kelly Loves Whales, domananda, apolaine, milopeng on flickr.

For  special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

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