FitSugar

Choose a Yoga Class That Fits Your Personality

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:00:05 PDT

When I tell people I teach yoga, I hear things like, "I always wanted to take yoga but it's way too hot," or, "I could never do yoga because it's way too slow." The thing is, there are so many different types of yoga that whatever your personality, one style will be right for you. If you've always wanted to try a yoga class, check out the chart below to see which kind of class you should attend.

Type of Yoga	Personality
Ashtanga	Type A, competitive with yourself, high energy, can't sit still, strict, rigid, likes order, likes knowing the right and wrong way to do things, needs to move in order to de-stress
Anusara	Scientific, interested in body alignment and how your body moves internally, introspective, creative, likes to use props, in touch with your emotions

If those two don't seem to fit your personality,

Class Act: Kripalu Yoga

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:30:00 PDT

Looking to try Yoga? Not sure what kind of yoga is best for beginners? I recommend you try Kripalu Yoga; it is a great place to start because these classes tend to involve slow and gentle movements. This approach makes Kripalu suitable for people working with injuries. In this style of yoga, poses are sometimes held longer than in other yoga classes, which is helpful if you are trying to learn the basics.

Kripalu Yoga combines postures, breathwork, meditation, inner focus and personal awareness. Classes explore the release of blocked energy and the integration of emotion and spirituality, so it's much more than just a workout for your muscles. The Kripalu experience is centered upon knowing the body while achieving balance in your mind.

This 90 minute class will help you understand the proper alignment of your body (where your bones go), and how to connect your breath to your movements. Props are often used such as blocks and bolsters, to help you get even deeper into poses. You'll get a complete body and mind workout, and feel extremely relaxed by the end.

Just because a Kripalu class moves slower than say Ashtanga, doesn't mean it's any easier. From my personal experience, if you are used to pushing yourself physically when you exercise, or if your mind is constantly moving, this class will be extremely challenging for you (it's tough to slow down when you're used to "go, go, go" all the time). Kripalu will help you learn how to still your body and calm your thoughts, which is an excellent skill to have when faced with a stressful situation.

Fit's Tips: I definitely recommend trying out a Kripalu class. Check out your local yoga studio and see if they offer this style. If you can't find a class near you, take a long weekend for yourself and check out the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Lenox, Massachusetts. They offer weekend retreats focused on Kripalu, and other types of yoga and movement as well.

Source

Yoga Props Explained: Blocks

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 02:30:00 PDT

When I walked into my first few yoga classes, I was intrigued by all the blocks neatly stacked against the wall next to the perfectly rolled-up mats. I soon came to realize that those different sized blocks had many useful purposes.

Blocks are often used by beginners and those with injuries to help them modify certain postures, but they are also used by experienced and flexible yogis as tools to get deeper into poses. I'm a huge fan of blocks, and here's why:

Blocks can be used when doing standing poses to bring the ground closer to your hands if you can't quite reach yet.
Blocks can also be used in restorative poses to support your bones and the weight of your body. Iyengar and Kripalu classes often use blocks to deeply open certain parts of the body, or for relaxation poses.

Want to see how else you can use yoga blocks? Then

Blocks can also make poses more comfortable, especially in seated poses. Sitting on a block will bring your hips above your knees, reducing pain if there is too much pressure on a certain muscle or joint.
Placing a block beyond your reach can help you stretch your muscles even further, increasing flexibility.
You can also use blocks to makes poses more challenging. I like to work on more advanced poses such as inversions, and the blocks help to keep my hands (my base) steady.

Source, Source, and Source

Yoga: What's With the Om?

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 08:45:00 PST

I've been to many different yoga classes, from Kripalu to Ashtanga to Jivamukti, and they all have something in common. At the end the teacher always leads the class in chanting "Ommmm."

Om, actually pronounced "Aum," is an affirmation of the Divine Presence that is the universe and is similar to the Hebrew "Amen."

In the Hindu belief, Om is the sound that was made when the whole universe was created. Om is a "word of power," so chanting it before and after a yoga class is believed to produce a profound effect on the person chanting, and in the world.

The symbol to the right represents Om. In this Sanskrit letter the long lower curve represents the dream state, the upper curve stands for the waking state and the curve coming from the center symbolizes deep, dreamless sleep. The crescent shape stands for "maya", the veil of illusion, and the dot represents the transcendental state (beyond thinking).

When the individual spirit passes through the veil and goes beyond thinking, they are liberated from the three states, and achieve enlightenment. Whoa.

I don't necessarily think of "Om-ing" like that - that's just too transcendental for me. I like to focus on the more physical benefits, like the rhythmic pronunciation of chanting Om slows down the nervous system and calms the mind, like meditation. If the mind is relaxed, then it will help to decrease blood pressure, which will in turn improve heart health.

It is also good for relieving congestion or sinusitis. The vibrations created by chanting Om can help clear your sinuses and ward off infection.

Also, chanting Om collectively in a group gives you a wonderful sense of community.

Want to hear what Om sounds like? Then

read more I'd love to hear about your good and bad experiences having to do with chanting Om in class. Tell me about it in Yoga Stretch and Tell. At the studio where I go, we do something called Continuous Om-ing with a big group. At the end of class, we all sit up and the teacher starts saying "ommmm..." and other people join in when they are ready, and the whole group of us are following our own breath, Om-ing at different times so it sounds like one rolling beautiful sound, kind of like the Om playing up above. It's amazing and so relaxing to be a part of.

Kinds of Yoga

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 03:00:00 PST

Deciding to try out a yoga class is really exciting, but it can also be confusing since there are so many different types. Here's a brief explanation of some popular kinds of yoga:

Ashtanga - Hot, fast-paced, same series of poses every 1 1/2 hour class. This style is great for runners, bikers, or anyone looking to really move and strengthen your entire body.

Jivamukti - Physically challenging with a strong focus on spiritually. You'll chant, meditate, and learn about yogic philosophy in this class.

Anusara - Grounded in spirituality, the poses are heart-oriented. Instead of trying to control the body and mind from the outside, the poses originate from a deep creative and devotional feeling inside.

Iyengar - Deep emphasis on correct body alignment, with the use of props like straps, blocks, bolsters, chairs, and blankets.

Vinyasa - Poses flow from one to another in conjunction with the breath, like a choreographed dance. Music is usually played and the class moves quickly incorporating a whole range of poses.

Bikram - The hottest yoga by far - you complete a series of 26 postures, twice, in a room heated to 100 degrees.

Kripalu - A gentler class that's great if you're looking to relieve stress, relax, and spend a lot of time moving deeper into poses.

Do you have a favorite type of yoga that I didn't mention? I'd love to hear all about it at Yoga Stretch and Tell.

Will Yoga Help Me Lose Weight?

Jenny Sugar — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 03:07:02 PST

Trying to slim down and wondering if yoga is the answer? In order to lose weight, you need to burn calories, and like anything physical, doing yoga can help you achieve that goal, but it depends on what style of yoga you do. You want to choose vigorous vinyasa, power, or ashtanga classes rather than slower-paced styles such as kripalu or iyengar. These classes move quickly so they really get your heart pumping - you can burn over 400 calories per 90-minute class! These styles also incorporate poses that strengthen your muscles, and more muscle mass also contributes to your caloric burn.

What about Bikram? While this style of yoga involves practicing in a super-hot room so you sweat your butt off, sweating alone isn't what results in dropping pounds. You'll experience water weight loss, but as soon as you rehydrate with a few gulps from your water bottle, you'll "gain" it right back.

Keep reading to find out how to get the greatest calorie burn from yoga.

Common Yoga Myths Busted

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:08:16 PDT

Yoga offers numerous health benefits, but there are some rumors about this ancient practice that need a little debunking. While it's obvious that regular Down Dogs won't cause instant enlightenment or help you live to 150, we'd like to dispel some persistent yoga myths before you step on your mat.

Hot Yoga Helps You Lose Weight
Certain types of yoga like Bikram and ashtanga are practiced in a heated room, and you end up sweating buckets. Weigh yourself after one of these intense classes, and after sweating so much you probably lost a couple pounds. This is only water weight and will quickly be "gained" back as soon as you rehydrate. While any type of exercise will help with weight loss, yoga is better for building muscle rather than burning calories. If it's pounds you're trying to drop, complement your yoga practice with cardio sessions.

It'll Give You Better Orgasms
Yoga improves sex right? Not exactly. I'm sorry to say hitting a few classes won't instantly turn you into a sex goddess and make your time under the sheets more satisfying. What practicing yoga can do is increase your flexibility, which increases your ability to try new and adventurous positions in the bedroom.

Continue reading to hear more yoga myths.

Tips For Surviving Sweaty Summer Yoga Classes

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:01:12 PDT

Summertime heat means practicing yoga in an extremely hot and humid room that can make breathing unbearable - especially when the guy next to you forgot his deodorant. Who can focus on their drishti when sweat is pooling in their eyes? If you're not used to practicing in super high temps, you'll need to take some precautions to get through the 60- to 90-minute class without passing out. First, make sure to drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and bring an insulated water bottle with ice water with you to class. Sip your chilled water every 15 minutes or so to cool yourself down and prevent overheating.

Make your yoga outfit work for you and wear clothes made of lightweight, breathable material designed to wick moisture away from your skin. You'd think sporting less clothes, like spandex shorts and a sports bra, would be the perfect outfit for a sweaty practice, but you actually want material to cover your body. Slip on your regular tank top, but wear leggings on the bottom that cover your calves. Loose shorts or pants tend to trap heat, so make sure they're skintight. Pants or capris won't make you feel that much hotter than shorts, and they'll help absorb your perspiration, keeping puddles of sweat off your mat.

Speaking of your mat, some types become dangerously slick when wet. When it's really hot and humid, sweat may pour off your body like a leaky faucet, so invest in a rug or towel designed to go on top of your mat. It'll absorb dripping perspiration and offer a stable surface you can grip without slipping. Don't forget to bring along a hand towel to wipe sweat off your face and arms.

For more tips on enduring your hot and sweaty Summer yoga class, keep reading.

Type of Yoga	Personality
Bikram	Type A, extreme, over the top, needs discipline, loves heat, loves to sweat, craves order and strictness
Iyengar	Strict, rigid, interested in body alignment, likes to be told the right and wrong way to do things, likes to use props
Kripalu	Easy-going, slow-moving, meditative, spiritual, introspective
Kundalini	Meditative, slow-moving, spiritual, likes to be physically and mentally challenged, likes to focus on breath and chant, interested in the chakras and awakening the energy (kundalini) that resides in the base of the spine
Jivamukti	Spiritual, meditative, creative, likes to move, needs to de-stress, likes to be physically and mentally challenged, likes to chant
Vinyasa	Creative, spontaneous, up for a challenge, likes to move quickly, likes to sweat