Darth Vader and Yoga: A Connection Through Breath

FitSugar — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 04:41:07 -0800

Yoga is all about connecting your breath with your movements.

It's called ujjayi pranayama (pronounced oo-jai pra-na-ya-ma). Some instructors call it "ocean breath," "victorious breath," or "Darth Vader breath." It is said that Yogis performing this breath alone can create enough heat to melt snow around them. If you walk into an Ashtanga yoga class, you will be overwhelmed with an amazing and powerful sound - it feels like the walls themselves are pulsing.

Basically you are turning your ordinary breath into an audible one. When you can hear your breath, it's easier to follow and concentrate on. You can focus on letting your inhalations and exhalations guide your movements - then it's kind of like a moving meditation.

Want to know how to have that audible breath? Then read more

Say out loud - "I love Yoga."
Now whisper the same words, "I love Yoga."
Keeping your mouth closed, slowly exhale out through your nose and whisper "I love Yoga," again. Now inhale and whisper the same phrase.
The breath is moving to the back of your throat and nose.
Now slowly inhale and whisper one syllable,"Love." Exhale and whisper out "Love."
When you're ready, practice breathing this way, through your nose, keeping the breath deep in the back of your throat.

This breath creates the rhythm you use to guide your yoga practice. Take long and deep breaths, and you'll feel its relaxing effects instantly.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Goddess

FitSugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 04:30:00 -0700

Channel your inner goddess with this simple but bold yoga pose. Goddess pose builds your inner and outer strength; since it is like a wide squat you will be working your quads and glutes.

Sanskrit Name: Utkata Konasana
English Translation: Fierce Angle Pose
Also Called: Goddess or Victory Squat

To learn how to do this pose read more.

Stand at the top of your mat in Mountain pose.
Step open to the right, opening your legs about three feet apart. Turn your heels in.
Bend your knees coming into wide squat until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Your knees should be directly over your ankles, so adjust your feet if you need to.
When you're ready, lift your arms up, bending your elbows so they are at 90 degree angles, and open your palms away from you.
Hold here for five deep breaths.