Hatha Yoga - One of the Best Yoga Methods For All Ages

Are you a young athlete who thrives on power workouts? Are you a baby boomer and stressed? Are you a senior citizen who needs to stretch those hamstrings? Hatha Yoga can be the yoga method for you.

Yoga is a field of study which includes a variety of yoga methods to practice. Compare it to music study where you can be a performer or a composer, play violin or trumpet, sing or dance. There are many traditions of yoga practice available today including Iyengar, Bikran, Astanga, Vinyasa, and Hatha. All are wonderful traditions, but one yoga method adaptable for all ages is Hatha Yoga.

Iyengar emphasizes alignment and preciseness of movement. Postures are generally held for longer periods of time.

Bikran, Hot Yoga, uses a set series of twenty-six postures and two breathing exercises. The temperature of the room will be around 105 degrees.

Vinyasa, Flow Yoga, usually emphasizes the yoga series knows as the Sun Salutation. The yogi moves effortlessly and continuously through the series while focusing on the breath.

Hatha Yoga includes most of the features of these other traditions. For this reason, it is one of the best yoga methods for all ages and all types.

If you choose to be a yogi (male) or yogini (female), develop your Hatha Yoga practice around your interests and needs. Your needs will change on a daily basis and will change as you age. Your practice can be stepped up or slowed down accordingly. For a vigorous practice, hold poses longer, move from pose to pose without pausing, or invert with handstand or shoulderstand. Slow down with stretches and twists. Always enjoy corpse pose.

Dandasana is an excellent pose to aid with stretching. In this pose you sit with your legs stretched out in front of you and your hands at your side, palms down. Press the soles of your feet against a door or wall. Begin your movement by stretching your torso up and then down toward your ankles. Lift your arms and grab your legs, ankles or toes. Keep your back flat and your head aligned with your shoulders. Hold the pose for five breaths. As you progress, you may reach the full pose, resting your torso on your thighs.

For quieting the mind and relieving stress at any age, try Uttanasana, standing forward bend. To move into this pose, stand straight with feet about hip width apart. Reach your arms up and then move them down towards the floor, keeping your abdomen tight and your back straight. Stay in this position for five deep breaths. Repeat three times.

A power practice using the Hatha Yoga method could begin with five Sun Salutations as a warm-up. During the next series, add chair pose at the beginning and end. After four legged limb pose, turn to the side for Parsva Dandasana, side staff pose. Do one on each side. There are many choices in the Hatha Yoga method for asanas guaranteed to accelerate your heart rate and tax your strength.

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Yoga Essentials - A Checklist

Yoga has been booming in popularity for years now. Offering a way to connect with yourself through exercise and relaxation. However, if you are new to the world of yoga it can get confusing. While many instructors will give you a list of what you will need, and what to expect. Some might not, which will still leave you with the question; what exactly do you need to practice yoga?

Well, with this yoga essentials checklist you no longer have to worry. Simply print it out, and bring it along on your yoga shopping spree. If you'd like to make it an even easier shopping trip, look around the store. There is everything that is a must-have with yoga, and many more accessories that will help to make it much easier.

* First and foremost you need to get at least a couple yoga outfits. While it is a common misconception, that normal workout wear is fine. They can often times be too cumbersome and loose to practice yoga, without having to worry about adjusting your clothes. Most yoga workout wear is snug-fitting, and meant to help you achieve inner peace without worrying about your clothes.

There are shorts, tops, pants, and even capris that are produced for yoga. Giving you a wide variety of clothing to choose from. The one key to selecting the perfect yoga outfit, is by keeping the weather in mind. Chances are, if it is snowing outside you don't want to be caught wearing shorts. However, yoga pants will last throughout the year.

* Second, you have your yoga mat. Whether it is a tai inspired mat or your standard issued yoga mat. They can be found almost anywhere these days, and are affordable for any budget. Some yoga mats have even been made to be somewhat sticky, which will keep the risk of slipping at a minimum. Try going organic! One of the major players in yoga, is living with the world. Giving you more reason to go green.

* The third essential item you must have for yoga, is a few props. Depending on what your instructor plans for the day. It wouldn't be wise to be caught unprepared. From bolsters to meditation stands, there are a lot of props and accessories that are essential for yoga classes. They can be found almost anywhere, from online yoga specialty shops like this one to local shops. However, be mindful of quality. Chances are, if it is too cheaply priced you aren't going to get the amount of use out of them that you'd want.

* The fourth essential yoga item is the yoga bag. Giving you the ability to keep all of your yoga essentials in check. There is nothing worse, than your yoga mat falling into a pile of mud before your lesson. Keep them all in one snug place, all with a little additional style.

* Meditation cushions, while an accessory can help with your yoga practices. Giving you the ability to attune yourself from within. There is nothing worse than a sore bottom on the floor, when you are trying to reach inner peace.

* Yoga dvds to keep your lessons going. Can't make your appointment this week for yoga class? No problem! You've got a couple yoga dvds meant to keep you in the yoga mind set. They are essential for any yoga practitioner, especially those who are short on time.

* Foam blocks, while they would be considered props. Are by far one of the highest priority props for yoga. Thus giving them a spot on the essentials checklist. They can be found separately, or in yoga essential kits.

* A yoga strap is your friend! They are utilized frequently throughout a yoga class, or at home on your own. Much like the foam blocks, they can be found both in a kit or stand alone.

* The yoga ball and hand pump. While they can be found separately, they usually come as a pair. It will give you a leg-up at your class, when you come prepared with these two fantastic yoga essentials.

There are countless amounts of yoga items available. Which means that we have only begun to touch the basics on the yoga essentials checklist. There will always be something that you need or want with yoga lessons. Whether it be on the list or not, it is always a good idea to ask your instructor if you aren't sure what you will need. Chances are, they will have an in-depth list of anything they require. Which will give you the ability to purchase your own, rather than utilizing their hand-outs.

Remember with all yoga items, you should try to go green. Many companies such as this one, will offer both an organic and non-organic version of all of these must-haves. Which will help you to keep our earth clean of chemicals, without having to skip a beat in your yoga lessons. Last but not least, the most essential yoga item is yourself. Keeping your body clean and free of chemicals and in tip-top shape, is by far the most important thing for yoga.

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