FitSugar

Class Act: Kripalu Yoga

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:30:00 -0700

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.

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Yoga Props Explained: Blocks

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 02:30:00 -0700

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 read more

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.

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Yoga: What's With the Om?

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 08:45:00 -0800

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 -0800

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.

Weekend Well-Being: Take a Wellness Retreat

FitSugar — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Summer is a great time to get away from your job and take a vacation. Sometimes it's hard to get away for a whole week, so why not take a long weekend to get away on your own? It'll be a time for renewed perspective, emotional wellness, physical health, and spiritual growth.

There are tons of wellness retreats going on at one of my favorite places, the Omega Institute in Rhineback, NY. You can sign up for a retreat and stay there on their beautiful campus complete with home-cooked organic meals. You'll come back from your workshop feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

July 6-8: Seane Corn: The Body & Beyond, $340
July 13-14: Couples Massage, $265 per person
July 20-22: Flying Trapeze, $475
July 27-29: The Dance of Tennis, $265
Aug 3-5: Yoga & the Gentle Art of Healing, $270
Aug 1-17: 7-Day Cleanse, $745

Want to see some others that take place at Kripalu, in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts? Then read more

July 1-6: Circusyoga for Adults, $190
July 6-8: Yoga and Kayaking, $240 (add $200 if you need to rent a kayak)
July 13-15: Introduction to Kripalu Yoga, $190
July 13-15: Introduction to Thai Yoga Massage, $210
July 15-20: Salsa and Yoga, $295
July 22-25: Yogilates Roll & Release, $280
Aug 12-17: Sacred Nourishment: The Art of Eating Mindfully, $350
Aug 17-19: Anusara Yoga Weekend, $225
Aug 17-19: Traditional Ashtanga Yoga, $225

Fit's Tips: If these are too far to travel, check out the retreat centers in your area. Sometimes you don't have to travel that far to "get away."