HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website
|
Specialty Yoga
Needs
This page quickly targets specific needs
with DVD's and other aids.
There are a mix of items here, from
basic yoga accessories to Yoga DVD's that cater to special
needs such as for people
who want to quickly address stress relief.
There is a section for Seniors and people with restricted
movement. And a Woman's section with Prenatal information.
All sections have recommended DVD and book instructional
aids with a TakeTimeYoga review.
For a more complete understanding, we
recommend that you view the articles from the left menu to
get more
in-depth
information
about
yoga.
|
|
 |
Our modern
life is filled with activities and responsibilities. We
accumulate stress and we store it in our muscles as tension,
particularily in the shoulders, neck and lower back. By focusing
our minds and bodies on Yoga, we can release that stress
naturally, in a life-affirming way in which we become stronger.
These DVD's have a Yoga approach that targets stress relief
in particular and will leave you calm and rejuvenated, ready
to face the day or transition from the work day to your life
back home.
|
|
It's Yoga with a twist. Shiva Rea's Trance dance is the
DVD version of an invitation and celebration of the spirit
through yogic improvisational dance. Yoga Shakti and Fluid
Power are improvisational, but to a lesser degree, focusing
more on traditional postures. The Awakening the Spine book
by Vanda Scaravelli is a deep, artistic, inspirational sharing
of how intertwined her practice of yoga was with her life.
|
|
|
Yoga is not limited to the young and or flexible. Anyone
can participate in Yoga and grow in strength, flexibilty
and energy over time. These instructional aids have a modified
approach to Yoga and meet you where you are. Read the TakeTimeYoga
reviews and the Amazon.com reviews to locate the DVD's that
are right for you.
Seniors that practice yoga are often in much better condition
than sedentary people who are much younger. Just because
someone is in a senior body, doesn't mean they cannot do
physically challenging yoga poses. Remember that the benefits of Yoga are gained as you move
towards the postures, you do not need to do the postures
fully.
|
|
|
Prenatal yoga classes are very popular. Yoga is particularily
beneficial because one learns to breathe deeply and
relax, which
will equip you as you face the
physical demands of labor, birth, and motherhood. One practice
that you learn in a yoga class is how to breathe fully. The
breathing technique known
as Ujjayi
requires you to take in air slowly through your nose, filling
your lungs, and exhale completely until your stomach compresses.
Yoga can also alleviate many of the discomforts of pregnancy
such as nausea, constipation, varicose veins, swelling, back
pain and sciatica. When
paired with a mild aerobic exercise such as walking, yoga
can
be an ideal way to stay in shape during your pregnancy.
This gentle and familiar practice keeps you limber, tones
your muscles, and
improves your balance and circulation, with little, if
any, impact on your joints.
If you locate a local prenatal class that you resonate with,
you may find that you can connect with other pregnant woman
and become part of a community.
You will find that the Shiva Rea prenatal DVD
below
is
excellent as it addresses each trimester separately.
|
| |
|
|
 Yoga Mat
ESSENTIAL: A
Yoga Mat is the most essential accessory in that it provides
you with both a non slip surface and slight cushion for
knees, hands and feet. Practitioners at all levels need
one of these.
Yoga Mat Guide:
 Get
the 1/4" or 6mm thickness, it is not too thick
or too thin, 1/8" is definately too thin as it
might not protect your knees. Too thick, and you cannot
as easily balance on it. It should have a texture so
your feet do not slip. If you do a yoga that produces
sweat, also use an even more textured mat or towel.
See recommended items below. Once you get it, you will
want to wash your mat when it first arrives. Wash it
with a little soapy water, then rinse, then hang it
up over a shower rod to dry. Wash from time to time.
Yoga Strap
Optional: Yoga straps can
assist you in the bending postures and getting into
more advanced postures that you might not otherwise
be able to get into. For beginners and intermediates.
See recommended items below.
Yoga Blocks
Optional: For beginners and
intermediates. See recommended items below. Blocks are
usually made from sturdy foam with beveled edges. Yoga
Blocks are placed under the hips, hands, heels, or between
the hands, they provide the stability and grounding needed
to extend fully.
Yoga Kits
As we have not seen a `Yoga kit'
with a thick enough Sticky Mat, we do not recommend buying
any kits unless their mats are 1/4" or 6mm thick. Better
to buy a
Mat and Block, and maybe a strap separately.
|
|
It’s hard to focus on practicing
yoga if you’re feeling self-conscious. Tops and pants
that are too tight or cut too low might be distracting to
you and to others. Your practice clothes can be modest and
practical, enabling you to feel comfortable and look attractive.
Try to strike a balance between clothing
being tight and loose. Too tight, and it constricts your
movement and blood flow. Too loose, and it might bunch up
and get in
your way (as in an inverted pose) or not let you see your
body in the mirror or not let your instructor see your alignment.
Generally clothing made of cotton is
superior as it wicks moisture away from your body as you
generate it. Aim for clothing that is comfortable, breathable
and attractive. Stretchy fitted garments work well. T-shirts
may not work well in inverted poses as they tend to collapse
up.
For women: For women,
cotton pants that are three quarter, ankle or ending above
the knee are popular. Sports bras are a good idea.
|
|
|
