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Yoga.
Catch the spirit...at United Dance Arts, in Valparaiso, IN.
Catch the spirit...at United Dance Arts, in Valparaiso, IN.
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Are you tired of your usual workout routine? Are you looking for something "new" and fulfilling to try? Something that would make you feel great and healthy? Give YOGA a Try!! |
Why "Do" Yoga??
Simply put, Yoga has many scientifically proven benefits.
Find those benefits that interest you, and then take Yoga
because you want what it can give you.
Here are just some of the benefits...
Simply put, Yoga has many scientifically proven benefits.
Find those benefits that interest you, and then take Yoga
because you want what it can give you.
Here are just some of the benefits...
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YOGA is fun!
Students describe the classes as fun, addictive,
energizing and healthy.
YOGA classes are very interactive and group
orientated.
You will get plenty of group encouragement and
make a few new friends too.
You are learning new moves and skills which you
would never thought you could do but find you can!
Our YOGA instructors are supportive and motivating
whereas most fitness classes or gyms involve
motivating yourself which is sometimes difficult.
Students describe the classes as fun, addictive,
energizing and healthy.
YOGA classes are very interactive and group
orientated.
You will get plenty of group encouragement and
make a few new friends too.
You are learning new moves and skills which you
would never thought you could do but find you can!
Our YOGA instructors are supportive and motivating
whereas most fitness classes or gyms involve
motivating yourself which is sometimes difficult.
Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years, and currently, close to 11 million
Americans are enjoying its health benefits. Yoga can hardly be called a trend.
Most Westernized yoga classes focus on learning physical poses, which are called
asanas. They also usually include some form of breathing technique and possibly a
meditation technique as well. Some yoga classes are designed purely for relaxation.
And then there are styles of yoga that teach you how to move your body in new ways.
Choosing one of these styles offers the greatest health benefits by enabling you to
develop your flexibility, strength, and balance.
Americans are enjoying its health benefits. Yoga can hardly be called a trend.
Most Westernized yoga classes focus on learning physical poses, which are called
asanas. They also usually include some form of breathing technique and possibly a
meditation technique as well. Some yoga classes are designed purely for relaxation.
And then there are styles of yoga that teach you how to move your body in new ways.
Choosing one of these styles offers the greatest health benefits by enabling you to
develop your flexibility, strength, and balance.
Flexibility
Yoga has positions that act upon the various joints
of the body including those joints that are never
really on the ‘radar screen’ let alone exercised.
When some people think of yoga, they imagine
having to stretch like a gymnast. That makes them
worry that they're too old, unfit, or "tight" to do yoga.
The truth is you're never too old to improve flexibility.
The series of yoga poses called asanas work by
safely stretching your muscles. This releases the
lactic acid that builds up with muscle use and
causes stiffness, tension, pain, and fatigue. In
addition, yoga increases the range of motion in
joints. It may also increase lubrication in the joints.
The outcome is a sense of ease and fluidity
throughout your body.
Yoga stretches not only your muscles but all of the
soft tissues of your body. That includes ligaments,
tendons, and the fascia sheath that surrounds your
muscles. And no matter your level of yoga, you
most likely will see benefits in a very short period
of time. In one study, participants had up to 35%
improvement in flexibility after only eight weeks of
yoga. The greatest gains were in shoulder and
trunk flexibility.
Yoga has positions that act upon the various joints
of the body including those joints that are never
really on the ‘radar screen’ let alone exercised.
When some people think of yoga, they imagine
having to stretch like a gymnast. That makes them
worry that they're too old, unfit, or "tight" to do yoga.
The truth is you're never too old to improve flexibility.
The series of yoga poses called asanas work by
safely stretching your muscles. This releases the
lactic acid that builds up with muscle use and
causes stiffness, tension, pain, and fatigue. In
addition, yoga increases the range of motion in
joints. It may also increase lubrication in the joints.
The outcome is a sense of ease and fluidity
throughout your body.
Yoga stretches not only your muscles but all of the
soft tissues of your body. That includes ligaments,
tendons, and the fascia sheath that surrounds your
muscles. And no matter your level of yoga, you
most likely will see benefits in a very short period
of time. In one study, participants had up to 35%
improvement in flexibility after only eight weeks of
yoga. The greatest gains were in shoulder and
trunk flexibility.
Effects on other medical conditions
As yoga has become more popular in the West,
medical researchers have begun studying the
benefits of therapeutic yoga. This is also called
integrative yoga therapy or IYT. It's used as an
adjunct treatment for specific medical conditions,
from clinical depression to heart disease.
Yoga benefits other chronic medical conditions,
relieving symptoms of asthma, back pain, and
arthritis.
Most worldwide clinical studies are happening
outside of the United States. But even the NIH has
funded clinical trials on yoga and its health benefits
for insomnia.
As yoga has become more popular in the West,
medical researchers have begun studying the
benefits of therapeutic yoga. This is also called
integrative yoga therapy or IYT. It's used as an
adjunct treatment for specific medical conditions,
from clinical depression to heart disease.
Yoga benefits other chronic medical conditions,
relieving symptoms of asthma, back pain, and
arthritis.
Most worldwide clinical studies are happening
outside of the United States. But even the NIH has
funded clinical trials on yoga and its health benefits
for insomnia.
"One of the far-reaching benefits of
yoga is the uncanny sense of
awareness that it develops in the
practitioner of an impending health
disorder or infection.
This in turn enables the person to
take pre-emptive corrective action."
yoga is the uncanny sense of
awareness that it develops in the
practitioner of an impending health
disorder or infection.
This in turn enables the person to
take pre-emptive corrective action."
Strength
Some styles of yoga, such as ashtanga and
power yoga, are more vigorous than others.
Practicing one of these styles will help you
improve muscle tone.
But even less vigorous styles of yoga, such as
Iyengar yoga, which focuses on less movement
and more precise alignment in poses, can
provide strength and endurance benefits.
Many of the poses, such as Downward Dog,
Upward Dog, and Plank pose, build upper-body
strength. This becomes crucial as people age.
The standing poses, especially if you hold them
for several long breaths, build strength in your
hamstrings, quadriceps, and abdominal
muscles.
Poses that strengthen the lower back include
Upward Dog and Chair pose. When practiced
correctly, nearly all poses build core strength in
the deep abdominal muscles.
Some styles of yoga, such as ashtanga and
power yoga, are more vigorous than others.
Practicing one of these styles will help you
improve muscle tone.
But even less vigorous styles of yoga, such as
Iyengar yoga, which focuses on less movement
and more precise alignment in poses, can
provide strength and endurance benefits.
Many of the poses, such as Downward Dog,
Upward Dog, and Plank pose, build upper-body
strength. This becomes crucial as people age.
The standing poses, especially if you hold them
for several long breaths, build strength in your
hamstrings, quadriceps, and abdominal
muscles.
Poses that strengthen the lower back include
Upward Dog and Chair pose. When practiced
correctly, nearly all poses build core strength in
the deep abdominal muscles.
Breathing
Because of the deep, mindful breathing that yoga
involves, lung capacity often improves. This in turn
can improve sports performance and endurance.
But yoga typically isn't focused on aerobic fitness the
way running or cycling are. Taking an intense power
yoga class that gets you breathing hard in a heated
room, however, can provide an aerobic benefit.
Most forms of yoga emphasize deepening and
lengthening your breath. This stimulates the
relaxation response -- the opposite of the
fight-or-flight adrenaline boost of the stress
response.
Less stress, more calm
Even beginners tend to feel less stressed and more
relaxed after their first class.
Some yoga styles use specific meditation
techniques to quiet the constant "mind chatter" that
often underlies stress. Other yoga styles depend on
deep breathing techniques to focus your mind on the
breath. When this happens, your mind becomes
calm.
Among yoga's anti-stress benefits are a host of
biochemical responses. For example, there is a
decrease in catecholamines, the hormones
produced by the adrenal glands in response to
stress. Lowering levels of hormone
neurotransmitters -- dopamine, norepinephrine, and
epinephrine -- creates a feeling of calm. Some
research points to a boost in the hormone oxytocin.
This is the so-called "trust" and "bonding" hormone
that's associated with feeling relaxed and connected
to others. That may be why so many romances start
in the yoga studio.
Because of the deep, mindful breathing that yoga
involves, lung capacity often improves. This in turn
can improve sports performance and endurance.
But yoga typically isn't focused on aerobic fitness the
way running or cycling are. Taking an intense power
yoga class that gets you breathing hard in a heated
room, however, can provide an aerobic benefit.
Most forms of yoga emphasize deepening and
lengthening your breath. This stimulates the
relaxation response -- the opposite of the
fight-or-flight adrenaline boost of the stress
response.
Less stress, more calm
Even beginners tend to feel less stressed and more
relaxed after their first class.
Some yoga styles use specific meditation
techniques to quiet the constant "mind chatter" that
often underlies stress. Other yoga styles depend on
deep breathing techniques to focus your mind on the
breath. When this happens, your mind becomes
calm.
Among yoga's anti-stress benefits are a host of
biochemical responses. For example, there is a
decrease in catecholamines, the hormones
produced by the adrenal glands in response to
stress. Lowering levels of hormone
neurotransmitters -- dopamine, norepinephrine, and
epinephrine -- creates a feeling of calm. Some
research points to a boost in the hormone oxytocin.
This is the so-called "trust" and "bonding" hormone
that's associated with feeling relaxed and connected
to others. That may be why so many romances start
in the yoga studio.
Concentration and mood
Harder to pin down and research scientifically,
concentration and the ability to focus mentally
are common benefits you'll hear yoga students
talk about. The same is true with mood. Nearly
every yoga student will tell you they feel happier
and more contented after class.
Recently, researchers have begun exploring the
effects of yoga on depression, a benefit that
may result from yoga's boosting oxygen levels
to the brain. Yoga is even being studied as an
adjunct therapy to relieve symptoms of
obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Harder to pin down and research scientifically,
concentration and the ability to focus mentally
are common benefits you'll hear yoga students
talk about. The same is true with mood. Nearly
every yoga student will tell you they feel happier
and more contented after class.
Recently, researchers have begun exploring the
effects of yoga on depression, a benefit that
may result from yoga's boosting oxygen levels
to the brain. Yoga is even being studied as an
adjunct therapy to relieve symptoms of
obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Heart benefits
Perhaps one of the most studied
areas of the health benefits of yoga is
its effect on heart disease.
Yoga has long been known to lower
blood pressure and slow the heart
rate. A slower heart rate can benefit
people with hypertension, heart
disease, and stroke.
Yoga was a key component to the
heart disease program designed by
Dean Ornish, MD. This was the first
program to partly reverse heart
disease through lifestyle and diet
rather than surgery.
On a biochemical level, studies point
to a possible anti-oxidant effect of
yoga. And yoga has been associated
with decreased cholesterol and
triglyceride levels as well as a boost
in immune system function.
Perhaps one of the most studied
areas of the health benefits of yoga is
its effect on heart disease.
Yoga has long been known to lower
blood pressure and slow the heart
rate. A slower heart rate can benefit
people with hypertension, heart
disease, and stroke.
Yoga was a key component to the
heart disease program designed by
Dean Ornish, MD. This was the first
program to partly reverse heart
disease through lifestyle and diet
rather than surgery.
On a biochemical level, studies point
to a possible anti-oxidant effect of
yoga. And yoga has been associated
with decreased cholesterol and
triglyceride levels as well as a boost
in immune system function.
Posture
With increased flexibility and strength comes
better posture. Most standing and sitting poses
develop core strength. That's because you're
counting on your deep abdominals to support
and maintain each pose.With a stronger core,
you're more likely to sit and stand "tall."
Another benefit of yoga is the increased body
awareness. This heightened awareness tells
you more quickly when you're slouching or
slumping so you can adjust your posture.
With increased flexibility and strength comes
better posture. Most standing and sitting poses
develop core strength. That's because you're
counting on your deep abdominals to support
and maintain each pose.With a stronger core,
you're more likely to sit and stand "tall."
Another benefit of yoga is the increased body
awareness. This heightened awareness tells
you more quickly when you're slouching or
slumping so you can adjust your posture.
There are many different styles of yoga being taught
and practiced today. Although all of the styles are
based on the same physical postures (called poses),
each has a particular emphasis.
Here is a quick guide to the most popular types of yoga
that can help you decode the schedule at your gym and
figure out which class is right for you.
and practiced today. Although all of the styles are
based on the same physical postures (called poses),
each has a particular emphasis.
Here is a quick guide to the most popular types of yoga
that can help you decode the schedule at your gym and
figure out which class is right for you.
| Yoga Benefits |
| Yoga Styles |
HATHA
Hatha is a very general term that can encompass
many of the physical types of yoga. If a class is
described as Hatha style, it is probably going to
be slow-paced and gentle and provide a good
introduction to the basic yoga poses.
VINYASA
Like Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term that is
used to describe many different types of classes.
Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized
movement, tends to be a more vigorous style
based on the performance of a series of poses
called Sun Salutations, in which movement is
matched to the breath. A Vinyasa class will
typically start with a number of Sun Salutations to
warm up the body for more intense stretching
that's done at the end of class.
ASHTANGA & POWER YOGA
Ashtanga, which means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit,
is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga. A set series
of poses is performed, always in the same order.
Ashtanga practice is very physically demanding
because of the constant movement from one
pose to the next. In yoga terminology, this
movement is called flow. Ashtanga is also the
inspiration for what is often called Power Yoga. If
a class is described as Power Yoga, it will be
based on the flowing style of Ashtanga, but not
necessarily keep strictly to the set Ashtanga
series of poses.
Hatha is a very general term that can encompass
many of the physical types of yoga. If a class is
described as Hatha style, it is probably going to
be slow-paced and gentle and provide a good
introduction to the basic yoga poses.
VINYASA
Like Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term that is
used to describe many different types of classes.
Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized
movement, tends to be a more vigorous style
based on the performance of a series of poses
called Sun Salutations, in which movement is
matched to the breath. A Vinyasa class will
typically start with a number of Sun Salutations to
warm up the body for more intense stretching
that's done at the end of class.
ASHTANGA & POWER YOGA
Ashtanga, which means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit,
is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga. A set series
of poses is performed, always in the same order.
Ashtanga practice is very physically demanding
because of the constant movement from one
pose to the next. In yoga terminology, this
movement is called flow. Ashtanga is also the
inspiration for what is often called Power Yoga. If
a class is described as Power Yoga, it will be
based on the flowing style of Ashtanga, but not
necessarily keep strictly to the set Ashtanga
series of poses.
SIYENGAR
Based on the teachings of the yogi B.K.S
Iyengar, this style of practice is most
concerned with bodily alignment. In yoga, the
word alignment is used to describe the precise
way in which your body should be positioned in
each pose in order to obtain the maximum
benefits and avoid injury. Iyengar practice
usually emphasizes holding poses over long
periods versus moving quickly from one pose
to the next (flow). Also, Iyengar practice
encourages the use of props, such as yoga
blankets, blocks and straps, in order to bring
the body into alignment.
KUNDALINI
The emphasis in Kundalini is on the breath in
conjunction with physical movement, with the
purpose of freeing energy in the lower body
and allowing it to move upwards. All asana
practices make use of controlling the breath.
But in Kundalini, the exploration of the effects of
the breath (also called prana, meaning energy)
on the postures is essential. Kundalini uses
rapid, repetitive movements rather than poses
held for a long time, and the teacher will often
lead the class in call and response chanting.
BIKRAM / HOT YOGA
Pioneered by Bikram Choudhury, this style is
more generally referred to as Hot Yoga. It is
practiced in a 95 to 100 degree room, which
allows for a loosening of tight muscles and
profuse sweating, which is thought to be
cleansing. The Bikram method is a set series
of 26 poses, but not all hot classes make use
of this series.
Based on the teachings of the yogi B.K.S
Iyengar, this style of practice is most
concerned with bodily alignment. In yoga, the
word alignment is used to describe the precise
way in which your body should be positioned in
each pose in order to obtain the maximum
benefits and avoid injury. Iyengar practice
usually emphasizes holding poses over long
periods versus moving quickly from one pose
to the next (flow). Also, Iyengar practice
encourages the use of props, such as yoga
blankets, blocks and straps, in order to bring
the body into alignment.
KUNDALINI
The emphasis in Kundalini is on the breath in
conjunction with physical movement, with the
purpose of freeing energy in the lower body
and allowing it to move upwards. All asana
practices make use of controlling the breath.
But in Kundalini, the exploration of the effects of
the breath (also called prana, meaning energy)
on the postures is essential. Kundalini uses
rapid, repetitive movements rather than poses
held for a long time, and the teacher will often
lead the class in call and response chanting.
BIKRAM / HOT YOGA
Pioneered by Bikram Choudhury, this style is
more generally referred to as Hot Yoga. It is
practiced in a 95 to 100 degree room, which
allows for a loosening of tight muscles and
profuse sweating, which is thought to be
cleansing. The Bikram method is a set series
of 26 poses, but not all hot classes make use
of this series.
BANUSARA
Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara
combines a strong emphasis on physical
alignment with a positive philosophy derived from
Tantra. The philosophy’s premise is belief in the
intrinsic goodness of all beings. Anusara classes
are usually light-hearted and accessible to
students of differing abilities. Poses are taught in
a way that opens the heart, both physically and
mentally, and props are often used.
JIVAMUKTI
This style of yoga emerged from one of New York’
s best-known yoga studios. Jivamukti founders
David Life and Sharon Gannon take inspiration
from Ashtanga yoga and emphasize chanting,
meditation, and spiritual teachings. They have
trained many teachers who have brought this
style of yoga to studios and gyms, predominantly
in the U.S. These classes are physically intense
and often include some chanting.
FORREST
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and
gaining popularity around the U.S., Forrest Yoga
is the method taught by Ana Forrest. The
performance of vigorous asana sequences is
intended to strengthen and purify the body and
release pent-up emotions and pain so that
healing can begin. Expect an intense workout
with an emphasis on abdominal strengthening
and deep breathing.
Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara
combines a strong emphasis on physical
alignment with a positive philosophy derived from
Tantra. The philosophy’s premise is belief in the
intrinsic goodness of all beings. Anusara classes
are usually light-hearted and accessible to
students of differing abilities. Poses are taught in
a way that opens the heart, both physically and
mentally, and props are often used.
JIVAMUKTI
This style of yoga emerged from one of New York’
s best-known yoga studios. Jivamukti founders
David Life and Sharon Gannon take inspiration
from Ashtanga yoga and emphasize chanting,
meditation, and spiritual teachings. They have
trained many teachers who have brought this
style of yoga to studios and gyms, predominantly
in the U.S. These classes are physically intense
and often include some chanting.
FORREST
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and
gaining popularity around the U.S., Forrest Yoga
is the method taught by Ana Forrest. The
performance of vigorous asana sequences is
intended to strengthen and purify the body and
release pent-up emotions and pain so that
healing can begin. Expect an intense workout
with an emphasis on abdominal strengthening
and deep breathing.
SIVANANDA
The first Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center was
founded in 1959 by Swami Vishnu-devananda, a
disciple of Swami Sivananda. There are now
close to 80 locations worldwide, including
several ashram retreats. Sivananda yoga is
based upon five principles:
1. Proper exercise (Asana, focusing on 12 poses
in particular)
2. Proper breathing (Pranayama)
3. Proper relaxation (Savasana)
4. Proper diet (Vegetarian)
5. Positive thinking (Vedanta) and meditation
(Dhyana)
The first Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center was
founded in 1959 by Swami Vishnu-devananda, a
disciple of Swami Sivananda. There are now
close to 80 locations worldwide, including
several ashram retreats. Sivananda yoga is
based upon five principles:
1. Proper exercise (Asana, focusing on 12 poses
in particular)
2. Proper breathing (Pranayama)
3. Proper relaxation (Savasana)
4. Proper diet (Vegetarian)
5. Positive thinking (Vedanta) and meditation
(Dhyana)
INTEGRAL
Integral yoga follows the teachings of Sri
Swami Sachidananda, who came to the U.S. in
the 1960s and eventually founded many
Integral Yoga Institutes and the famed
Yogaville Ashram in Virginia. Integral is a
gentle hatha practice, and classes often also
include breathing exercises, chanting, kriyas,
and meditation.
Integral yoga follows the teachings of Sri
Swami Sachidananda, who came to the U.S. in
the 1960s and eventually founded many
Integral Yoga Institutes and the famed
Yogaville Ashram in Virginia. Integral is a
gentle hatha practice, and classes often also
include breathing exercises, chanting, kriyas,
and meditation.
KRIPALU
The name Kripalu is associated both with a style
of hatha yoga and a yoga and wellness center in
Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Both were founded
by yoga guru Amrit Desai, who came to the
United States from India in 1960. Kripalu is a
yoga practice with a compassionate approach
and emphasis on meditation, physical healing
and spiritual transformation that overflows into
daily life. Kripalu also focuses on looking inward
and moving at your own pace.
The name Kripalu is associated both with a style
of hatha yoga and a yoga and wellness center in
Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Both were founded
by yoga guru Amrit Desai, who came to the
United States from India in 1960. Kripalu is a
yoga practice with a compassionate approach
and emphasis on meditation, physical healing
and spiritual transformation that overflows into
daily life. Kripalu also focuses on looking inward
and moving at your own pace.
| "Harness the power of yoga and gain the 3-fold Advantage of Fitness + Freedom from stress + Happiness." |
| It's fun for men and women of all ages!!! *** WARNING!!! Yoga is GOOD for you, and may cause improvements in your health. *** |
