Tag Archives: Yoga

October 4, 2019

THE STRESS EFFECT.

It’s no secret that stress is bad for your health. Long-term exposure to anxiety is linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke and other conditions.

But new research shows negative emotions may alter your bodies immune response, leading to increased inflammation.

The results showed that those who experienced negative moods several times a day, for extended periods of time, tended to have higher levels of inflammation in their blood. 

It is hoped that further research may lead to psychosocial interventions to break the cycle that can lead to chronic inflammation and disease.

Meanwhile, hit that yoga class or meditation session.

November 3, 2017

JUST BREATHE.

Breathing techniques can help calm your nervous system and reduce muscular tension.

One key principle is to prolong your out breath, which helps to calm the body.

Try this technique:

1. Breath in through the nose, for a count of four

2. Pause for a count of one

3. Breath out slowly for a count of six.

October 2, 2015

EXERCISE OF THE MONTH: OCTOBER.

Pilates

BIRD DOG

Benefits:
This move strengthens and tones the stomach, sides of the stomach, hips and back. The emphasis on balance and alignment also helps with posture.

How to do it:

  • From all fours, reach your left arm forward at ear level and extend your right leg straight back at hip height. Imagine you are balancing a cup on your lower back and another on your upper back between your shoulder blades.
  • Brace your core and hold this position for 30-60 seconds. Make sure you’re not holding your breath. Carefully return your arm and leg to the floor. Repeat on the opposite side.
November 14, 2014

YOGA FOR RUNNERS: DOWNWARD-FACING DOG.

Mediation

Everyone knows Yoga is a great stress buster. But it also packs serious perks for runners, like improving flexibility, easing aches and pains, and helping you recover from long runs and races faster.

The Downward-Facing Dog pose will help you to stay strong and balanced while you train.

Instructions: Start on hands and knees. Place your palms a handprint’s distance in front of your shoulders. Tuck your toes under and lift knees off floor.

Pull your hips up and back away from your hands. Keep knees bent and focus on lengthening your torso – press down into your hands, pull up on your arms – then shift your weight onto your legs.

Without losing that sense of direction or length in your torso, begin to lift thighs up as you reach your heels back and down, which will straighten your knees.

Engage your quads by pulling your kneecaps up. Hold for five to 10 breaths. Lightly lower both knees back to floor.

Benefits: Down Dog stretches the hamstrings and calves, and creates length in the spine.