FitSugar

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.

Ommmm my back hurts...

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 13:30:00 PST

A mini meditation quiz:

Which meditation principle suits you?

Meditation is quiet "me" time.
Meditation is a time to take 15 minutes to truly relax.
Meditation is feeling the om.
Meditation is my back aching after sitting for only 10 minutes. Leaving me with some pain and no om.

If you answered yes to #4 but love to meditate, the Salubrion Meditation Chair is the answer for you. The L-100 meditation seat provides proper back support so you can achieve proper meditation. Salubrion states:

The L-100 Salubrion Seat™ provides exceptional support for floor sitting, assisting in proper back alignment and lumbar curve for superior comfort. At a slightly elevated state, the user benefits from increased blood flow to the legs and greater relaxation. Deeper and longer meditation sessions are achievable due to the elimination of distracting aches, pains, and fatigue.

Omazing!

Buy it here for $48.95.

Geeks We Love: Om Malik of GigaOM

GeekSugar — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:08:28 PST

Shows like Beauty and the Geek give male geeks a bad rep. I have news for you folks, not all geeks think pocket-protectors and worn corduroy pants are trendy. In fact, I know plenty of eligible geeky bachelors that showcase the very best of geekiness: smarts, passion, chic clothing, success in their field and the ability to program your TiVo, computer or Blackberry when you’re not in the mood. In an effort to celebrate this month of love, I have put together a series of interviews with some of the most interesting geeky bachelors I know.

Om Malik, who is the founder of GigaOmniMedia, Inc. and executive editor of GigaOM.com, a popular tech blog that offers news, analysis and opinions on topics ranging from broadband to online games and Web 2.0, is the epitome of geek chic. He just happens to love clothes as much as he does gadgets – and has an awe-inspiring gadget collection and closet to prove it! For the full interview with Om,

read more GS: How did you get into the tech world? Om: I have dreamed of being a journalist all my life, ever since I was a kid. I started as a rookie reporter at a teen magazine, The Weekly Sun in New Delhi, India. GS: What’s the geekiest thing about yourself? Om: I often brag about the total computing power in my apartment, and proud of the fact that have a terabyte of data around the house. GS: What you are looking for in a significant other? Om: Intelligence, kindness and humor. Someone who I can look at from the corner of my eye and be pleased as punch that I am her guy! Virginia Madsen, except for real! GS: What are your Top 5 favorite gadgets? Om: MacBook Pro, Nokia e70, Sonos Music System, iPod Nano, and my LCD TV. GS: What are the top 5 luxury gadgets you really want? Om: Sony Bravia LCD TV (50 inch model), iPhone, Aston Martin, The Prada Phone and Bang & Olufsen phone. GS: Your first computer was a… Om: A no name laptop with Windows 3.1. Yuck! GS: What are your favorite websites? Om: PopSugar, Gawker, TorrentFreak, WebWorkerDaily and Fark. GS: Your line of work means you are exposed to more gadgets and tech news than your average citizen (and blogger) how do you decide what is relevant or necessary? Om: I have a lot of friends who are not really interested in technology. I hand them the device, and then watch how they react. If they like it or are intrigued by it, it is something worth paying attention to. Otherwise, I go for elegance, simplicity and intuitiveness of the gadget. GS: How do you feel about people calling you a “geek?” I suppose I should first ask, have you ever been called a "geek?" Om: Not to my face, but I am sure people say that all the time. GS: What do you consider to be your greatest contribution to the tech/blog industry – don’t be modest. Om: I get to tell the greatest story to be ever told – technology – that’s as good as it gets. GS: How many hours do you spend online a day? Om: I am connected all the time, except when I am sleeping. GS: What is one geeky habit you’re trying to quit? Om: Instant messaging – I hate the sound iChat makes. GS: What makes you an eligible geeky bachelor? Om: I like clothes and the good life as much as I like gadgets. I think I am kind, thoughtful and thanks to my training as a writer, I do have the ability to listen and pay attention. GS: Describe your ideal date. Om: I have not been on one yet. If you have expectations, then you are going to be disappointed. If you are disappointed then even the best date can never be an ideal date. That said, I want a date of thousand surprises, little ones, that make every minute worth remembering. GS: What do you look for in a significant other? Om: She should take as much interest in men’s shoes as she does in Jimmy Choo’s. GS: Tell me more about GigaOm! Om: GigaOM started off as a personal blog five years ago, but since then has become a daily chronicle of the technology industry. I left my job at Business 2.0 in June 2006, raised venture capital and turned it into a little media company. Think of us as rapidly aging former yuppie brother of Sugar Publishing. My inspiration is curiosity and the desire to learn new things every day. As a kid my grandfather used to warn me to not mistake education for a finite process. My profession is my education, my motivation. My writing is a mix of analysis, sarcasm, humor and plain old news reporting. Editor’s Note: Before launching his own publishing venture, Om was a senior writer for Business 2.0 magazine covering telecom and broadband stories. His site, GigaOM.com, is now ranked in the top 100 IT news sites by Hitwise, an Internet tracking service and is among the top 50 blogs as ranked by Technorati, and part of C/Net 100 Most Influential Blogs. Want more Om? Check out GigaOM.com. Given Om’s flair for fashion you may have to act fast to beat FabSugar to the punch!
Photos courtesy of Thomas Hawk

Namaste on Your Way: Yoga Journal's FindYoga

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:09:36 PST

Whether you're visiting your in-laws or on a business trip, spending a few days in a new location doesn't mean you have to put your yoga practice on hold. Word of mouth is great for finding a yoga studio nearby, but if there's no one around to give you a recommendation, you can turn to your iPhone, Blackberry, or Android and use Yoga Journal's new app FindYoga.

This free app is a cinch to use and can find you a yoga studio faster than you can chant "om." Just type in the zip code, tap "Search Listings," and it will offer you a directory of reputable yoga studios in the area complete with a phone number, website, description of the studio, and a map to get you there.

Not sure about the styles of yoga offered? Just tap "Styles" and there's a comprehensive list of 25 different types of yoga so you know what to expect from a class whether it's ashtanga, forrest yoga, or vinyoga. An extra bonus is the "Poses" section that includes 360-degree instructional videos that talk you through fundamental poses like Bridge, Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend, and Butterfly. Sanskrit names of poses are included for beginners since many teachers use them in class. If you travel a lot, this is a helpful app you'll definitely want to download.

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Wed, 04 May 2011 12:10:00 PDT

Design pinups: tour the home of some handsome hipster craftsmen! - ShelterPop
J'adore this collection of colorful stairs. - AT:NY
I'm going to have to make some of this heirloom button art. So cool! - Craftzine
Learn the shortcut way to paint your front door! - DIY Life
Find a company to build you a secret lair! - Shelterrific
Get a glimpse of Rob Lowe's cozy beach house. - Hooked on Houses
Turn your bathroom into a striped serenity! - The Nest

Beginner Tips For Hot Yoga

Heather Dale — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 02:16:59 PDT

Hot yoga, aka bikram yoga, can be quite intimidating for those who are either new to yoga in general, or haven't been to a hot yoga class before. If the 105ºF temperatures aren't enough to scare you away, the thought of getting sticky and sweating with a group of strangers can be enough to turn you off of it. But, once you get past the heat and the sweat factor, hot yoga classes can provide you with some of the best workouts of your life. Here's what you should know before attending your first hot yoga class.

What to bring: Unlike traditional yoga, hot yoga requires a few more accessories to make the class more enjoyable. I like to bring a big bottle of water so that I can stay hydrated throughout class; my own yoga mat; a slipless yoga towel to help keep me in place during the practice; and a smaller towel for face/neck sweat. Note: towels are not required, but with all of the sweating you do, they are nice to have.
What to wear: I tend to just wear my regular yoga clothes to class which are made out of sweat-wicking materials. I would suggest steering clear of baggy or articles of clothing made out of cotton because anything baggy will just become a nuisance, and cotton actually traps sweat, so you'll feel even more uncomfortable.

Keep reading for more tips.

Best of Yoga: Hybrid Classes

Self — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:28:37 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Still think yoga is for hippies? Think again! Instead of chanting, there are lots of yoga styles that fuse elements of other workouts to make a killer two-for-one workout for any exercise personality.

Since you've never been one to play by the rules, why should your yoga practice? Think of this as your yogi cheat sheet of fusion classes to help guide you through National Yoga Month. And be sure to brush up on first class tricks of the trade to look like a pro!

AntiGravity Yoga: Having trouble mastering the handstand? This is for you. Also known as cocooning and aerial yoga, AntiGravity yoga, created by former aerial acrobat Christopher Harrison, involves using a giant hanging fabric (think of a hammock) to assist with yoga pose and stretches.

AcroYoga: Need a spot? AcroYoga combines traditional yoga with Thai massage and Acrobatics for a partner-based practice. You'll massage, flow, invert, spot and asana with a buddy who is the ying to your yang.

Breakti: It's yoga with a beat! Founded by Anya Porter, Breakti is the fusion of break dancing and yoga.

Learn about more hybrid yoga classes after the break!

5 Meditation Styles For Beginners

Heather Dale — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 03:08:32 PDT

Quiet the mind. Slow down your breath. Awaken your chakras. It's time to meditate! I'll be the first one to admit that I used to be like Ms. Paltrow, in that I didn't have the slightest idea how to meditate. I would dim the lights, make sure the apartment was quiet, and try to focus on my breath. Problem was, I was so focused on "conquering meditation" that my mind couldn't relax and just "be." After hearing about all the health perks associated with meditation - including stress reduction, a heightened self awareness, and being able to tune out distractions - I knew I couldn't give up. The good news is, I realized that there are many different types of meditation. This is key, because once you explore the various meditation styles, you can choose one that suits you best.

Keep reading to find out what they are.

Healthy Dose Link Time: Raw and Refreshing Tomato Basil Soup

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:46:42 PDT

Refreshing, raw, and easy to make: tomato basil soup - Mind Body Green
Myth or fact: does chewing gum curb your appetite? - DailySpark
Twisty yoga poses to increase your metabolism. Om yeah! - Shape
Eat your peas! Being a picky eater is seriously bad for your health - Huffington Post
The fun (and burn) of hula hooping never fades - Fit Bottomed Girls
Great fitness tips from Chelsea Handler's trainer. Really - Fitness
Harness the power of fiber to help flatten your belly - Blisstree
Do you live in one of the 10 most depressing states? - Health

Top 10 Signs You're a Devoted Yogi

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:20:22 PDT

Yoga is a huge part of my life, ever since a friend introduced me to the ancient practice in college over a decade ago. I do a little bit every day, but I'm definitely not as obsessed with yoga as some of my friends. Are you? Here are 10 signs you are unmistakeably a yogini through and through.

Your voicemail begins and ends with "Namaste."
Black leggings are your LBD.
At your fave Mexican restaurant, you accidentally order a "Chaturanga" instead of a "chimichanga."
You think yoga is better than Pilates, although you'd never dare say it out loud because it's not very yogic, and it'd be bad for your karma.
When you have a headache, you do a headstand instead of popping Tylenol.

I'm just getting started. Check out five more signs when you read more.