#Beginner-Friendly Chair Yoga Routines

[basicshealthtips]

Chair Yoga for Weight Loss: Beginner-Friendly Workouts

Discover a new way to get fit from your chair. Chair yoga is easy and gentle, perfect for everyone. It’s great for those who have trouble moving or want a low-impact workout. TheseChair yoga for weight loss is effective as these workouts help you lose weight and get healthier. No need for hard workouts that exhaust you. Chair yoga is a unique way to get your body moving. It boosts your…

[hathayogaclasses]

Gentle Hatha Yoga for Beginners: Feel Amazing!

Hatha Yoga is an excellent introduction to the world of yoga, especially for beginners seeking a gentle, approachable practice. Known for its slow pace and focus on foundational poses, Hatha Yoga helps you ease into movement while building strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Whether you’re joining Hatha Yoga classes or practicing at home, this style offers an accessible and transformative experience that leaves you feeling amazing, inside and out.

What is Gentle Hatha Yoga?

Hatha Yoga is a practice that combines physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and mindfulness to create harmony between the body and mind. Unlike more vigorous styles, gentle Hatha Yoga prioritizes slower movements and simple poses, making it perfect for beginners or those looking for a calming experience.

The goal is not just physical fitness but also mental clarity and relaxation. Each pose is held for a few breaths, allowing you to focus on alignment and deepen your connection with your body.

Benefits of Gentle Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga’s benefits go far beyond physical movement. Here’s what you can gain:

Improved Flexibility: Gentle stretches help release tension in muscles and increase range of motion. Poses like Seated Forward Bend and Butterfly Pose are excellent for loosening tight hamstrings and hips.

Strength Building: While the practice is gentle, poses such as Warrior I and Chair Pose engage and tone muscles, building overall strength.

Stress Relief: The integration of breathwork and mindfulness calms the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting a sense of relaxation.

Better Posture: Regular practice strengthens the spine and core muscles, improving alignment and reducing discomfort caused by poor posture.

Increased Energy: Gentle Hatha Yoga revitalizes the body and mind, leaving you refreshed and ready to take on the day.

A Beginner-Friendly Routine

If you’re ready to try gentle Hatha Yoga, here’s a simple routine to get started:

Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand tall with feet together, arms at your sides. Focus on your breath, grounding yourself in the present moment.

Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): On hands and knees, alternate between arching and rounding your back, warming up your spine.

Child’s Pose (Balasana): Sit back on your heels, stretching your arms forward for a restorative stretch.

Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): Sit with legs extended and gently reach for your toes, stretching your hamstrings and lower back.

Corpse Pose (Savasana): End your practice lying flat on your back, focusing on deep, relaxed breathing.

Join a Hatha Yoga Class

Attending a beginner Hatha Yoga class can be a fantastic way to learn the basics with the guidance of an experienced instructor. Classes provide a supportive environment to build confidence and ask questions as you progress.

Final Thoughts

Gentle Hatha Yoga offers an approachable path to better health and well-being. By combining movement, breath, and mindfulness, it transforms not just your body but your entire outlook on life. Whether you're looking to increase flexibility, relieve stress, or simply feel amazing, Hatha Yoga is the perfect place to start.

Step onto your mat today and discover the transformative power of this gentle, beginner-friendly practice!

[emw2030]

Best gyms in New York

New York City is a hub of activity, with people constantly on the move. Among the hustle and bustle, fitness remains a priority for many residents and visitors. If you're looking to get in shape or maintain your fitness routine, choosing the right gym is essential. Here are the top five gyms in New York City that cater to various fitness needs and lifestyles.

 1. Equinox

Equinox is synonymous with luxury fitness. With multiple locations across New York City, it’s a top choice for fitness enthusiasts who value premium services and state-of-the-art facilities.

- What to Expect:  

  Equinox gyms offer cutting-edge equipment, spacious workout areas, and stylish interiors. Classes range from yoga and Pilates to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cycling.  

- Perks:  

  Membership includes access to eucalyptus-infused towels, steam rooms, and spa-like locker rooms. Many locations also feature juice bars and personal training services.  

- Who It’s For:  

  Ideal for professionals and individuals seeking a gym experience that blends fitness with luxury.  

- Price:  

  Membership fees can range from $200 to $300 per month, depending on the location and services included.

 2. Blink Fitness

Blink Fitness stands out for its affordability without compromising quality. With numerous locations across the city, it’s a great option for budget-conscious gym-goers.

- What to Expect:  

  Blink focuses on providing a clean and friendly workout environment. The gym has all the essential equipment, including cardio machines, free weights, and resistance training tools.  

- Perks:  

  A positive and inclusive atmosphere, friendly staff, and a variety of machines make Blink appealing.  

- Who It’s For:  

  Great for beginners, students, and anyone looking for a no-frills, high-quality gym experience.  

- Price:  

  Plans start as low as $15 per month, with additional options for access to multiple locations.

 3. Chelsea Piers Fitness

Located in a stunning waterfront location, Chelsea Piers Fitness offers a unique gym experience with a mix of fitness and fun.

- What to Expect:  

  This gym has a 25-yard swimming pool, a 10,000-square-foot functional training space, and a rock-climbing wall. In addition, it offers group classes, including boxing, yoga, and dance fitness.  

- Perks:  

  The gym is known for its large, open spaces and diverse workout options. After your session, relax at their spa or take in the views of the Hudson River.  

- Who It’s For:  

  Perfect for people who want more than just a gym – it’s ideal for those looking for a comprehensive fitness and leisure experience.  

- Price:  

  Membership costs around $180 to $230 per month.

 4. Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is a favorite for those who prefer a judgment-free gym environment. With several locations throughout NYC, it’s one of the most accessible gyms in the city.

- What to Expect:  

  Planet Fitness emphasizes a welcoming and non-intimidating atmosphere. It provides a wide range of machines, free weights, and cardio equipment.  

- Perks:  

  Members enjoy free fitness training sessions and access to massage chairs and tanning beds (depending on the membership plan).  

- Who It’s For:  

  Ideal for beginners and anyone seeking a casual and relaxed gym experience without breaking the bank.  

- Price:  

  Memberships start at $10 per month for a single location and $24.99 per month for access to all Planet Fitness gyms.

 5. The Dogpound

The Dogpound is a boutique gym known for its celebrity clientele and intense, high-energy workouts. If you're looking for a place to challenge yourself, this is the spot.

- What to Expect:  

  The Dogpound offers personalized training programs tailored to your fitness goals. The gym is equipped with premium equipment and has a reputation for producing results.  

- Perks:  

  Workouts are custom-designed by professional trainers, and the community is supportive and motivational.  

- Who It’s For:  

  Ideal for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and individuals who are serious about achieving their fitness goals.  

- Price:  

  Membership and personal training packages are on the pricier side, with costs starting at $200 per session.

 Choosing the Right Gym

When choosing a gym in New York City, consider factors such as location, price, amenities, and your fitness goals. Whether you're seeking luxury, affordability, or a unique workout environment, one of these top gyms will meet your needs.

Make time for fitness and enjoy the best that New York City's gyms have to offer!

[fitnessreview]

Torch Calories at Home: Weight Loss Workouts

Calling all Weight loss beginners! Ready to ditch the gym membership and kickstart your weight loss journey from the comfort of your own home? Strength training might seem intimidating, but it's a powerful tool for burning calories, building muscle, and boosting your metabolism – all key ingredients for sustainable weight loss.

The good news? You don't need fancy equipment or a lot of space to get amazing results. This guide will equip you with a beginner-friendly, at-home strength training routine that requires minimal fuss and delivers maximum benefits.

Why Strength Training is Your Weight Loss BFF:

Muscle-Building Machine: Strength training builds muscle mass, which is metabolically active tissue. More muscle burns more calories, even at rest, giving your weight loss efforts a long-term edge.

Fat-Burning Furnace: Strength training workouts elevate your heart rate and torch calories during the session itself. Plus, the increased muscle mass helps you burn more calories throughout the day.

Body Composition Champion: Strength training helps sculpt a leaner, more toned physique, boosting your confidence and motivation to keep moving forward.

Beginner's Strength Training at Home (No Gym Required!):

This routine utilizes bodyweight exercises you can do anywhere, anytime. Aim for 2-3 sets of 10-12 repetitions for each exercise, resting for 30 seconds between sets. Perform this workout 2-3 times a week, allowing rest days for recovery.

Warm-up (5 minutes):

Light cardio – jumping jacks, jogging in place – to get your blood flowing.

Dynamic stretches – arm circles, leg swings – to prepare your muscles for movement.

Strength Training Circuit:

Squats: Build strong legs and core. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly outward. Lower yourself as if sitting in a chair, keeping your back straight and core engaged. Press through your heels to stand back up.

Lunges: Work your legs and glutes. Step forward with one leg, lowering your hips until both knees are bent at 90-degree angles. Push back to starting position and repeat with the other leg.

Push-Ups (Modification: Knee Push-Ups): Strengthen your chest, shoulders, and triceps. Start in a high plank position, hands shoulder-width apart. Lower your chest towards the ground, keeping your core engaged. If this is too challenging, modify by performing knee push-ups from a plank position with your knees on the ground.

Rows (Modification: Chair Rows): Sculpt your back muscles. Stand with feet hip-width apart and hinge at your hips, keeping your back straight. Reach your arms back as if rowing, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Modification: Sit on a sturdy chair with a back. Lean forward, grasping the chair back with your hands and pulling yourself towards it.

Plank: Engage your entire core. Start in a push-up position with your forearms on the ground. Keep your body in a straight line from head to toe, engaging your core muscles.

Cool-down (5 minutes):

Static stretches – hold each stretch for 30 seconds to improve flexibility.

Remember, consistency is key! The more you stick to this routine, the stronger you'll become and the more weight loss benefits you'll experience.

Pro Tip: Looking for an extra metabolism boost? Check out my FREE video on Java Burn. This natural supplement might be the missing piece in your weight loss journey!

Embrace the power of strength training at home! It's a convenient, effective way to build muscle, burn calories, and achieve your weight loss goals. So, lace up your sneakers, grab a yoga mat (optional), and get ready to transform your body!

Do you have any questions about strength training at home? Share them in the comments below!

Let's get sweaty and strong together!

- Sarah

[medicinal-products]

Finding Relief and Relaxation: My Experience with the Meridian Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set V.1

As someone who juggles a demanding job and a busy family life, stress and tension are frequent companions. Over the years, I've tried various methods to unwind and manage muscle aches, from massages to yoga. While these offered temporary relief, I craved a more natural and accessible solution. That's when I discovered the Meridian Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set V.1, and it has become a game-changer in my relaxation routine.

Acupressure Power for Natural Relief

The Meridian Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set V.1 caught my eye because of its unique approach to relaxation. Both the mat and pillow are covered in hundreds of small, non-toxic plastic spikes that stimulate pressure points throughout the body. This acupressure technique is believed to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and alleviate muscle tension. I was initially sceptical, but the promise of natural pain relief without resorting to medications was very appealing.

Relief from Aches and Pains

After incorporating the acupressure mat and pillow into my nightly routine, I noticed a significant improvement in muscle tension and aches. Lying on the mat for 20-30 minutes before bed allows the spikes to target key pressure points in my back, neck, and shoulders. The initial sensation can be a bit intense, but within minutes, it transforms into a deeply relaxing warmth that eases away built-up tension.

Enhanced Relaxation and Improved Sleep

Beyond the physical relief, I've experienced a significant improvement in my overall relaxation levels. The acupressure stimulation seems to trigger a calming effect, allowing me to unwind more effectively before bed. This has led to deeper, more restful sleep,

which has had a positive impact on my energy levels throughout the day. Waking up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle my day is a welcome change.

A User-Friendly and Customizable Experience

The beauty of the Meridian Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set V.1 lies in its user-friendliness. The mat can be easily placed on a bed, chair, or even the floor, allowing you to customize your acupressure experience. The pillow is equally versatile, providing targeted relief for your neck and head. Additionally, the intensity of the acupressure can be adjusted by placing a thin cloth between your skin and the spikes, making it suitable for beginners or those with sensitive skin.

Durable and Well-Made Product

The quality of the Meridian Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set V.1 has also impressed me. The mat and pillow are constructed with durable materials that can withstand regular use. The spikes are firmly attached and haven't shown any signs of wear and tear since I started using the set. This ensures a long-lasting and reliable experience.

A Natural Path to Relaxation

Overall, the Meridian Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set V.1 has become an indispensable part of my relaxation routine. The natural approach to pain relief, combined with the improved sleep and overall sense of well-being, has been a welcome addition to my life. If you're seeking a natural and effective way to manage stress, muscle tension, and promote better sleep, I highly recommend giving the Meridian Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set V.1 a try. You might just be surprised at the positive impact it has on your overall well-being

[yoga-updates]

Unlocking the Benefits of Yoga: A Beginner's Guide to Weight Loss

Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, you'll discover its holistic benefits are immense. Yoga not only supports weight loss but also promotes overall good health. Today, let's explore some beginner-friendly yoga asanas that you can incorporate into just 10 minutes of your daily routine to aid weight loss.

Pras (Mountain Pose)

Begin by standing straight with both feet together or slightly apart. Place your hands in front of your chest, close your eyes, and focus on balancing your body. This foundational pose sets the stage for the following asanas.

Hutas (Raised Arms Pose)

Stand with your feet slightly apart. Inhale deeply as you raise both arms overhead and arch backward, stretching your entire body. This pose improves posture, expands lung capacity, and increases body awareness.

V bhadas (Warrior Pose)

Start in a standing position. Gently bend your right knee forward while extending your left leg behind. Join your hands above your head and stretch upward, holding the pose for several seconds. Warrior pose engages multiple muscle groups, enhancing strength and metabolism.

Utkatasan (Chair Pose)

Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale as you raise your arms to shoulder level, palms facing down. Exhale as you squat down, keeping your knees aligned with your toes. Hold the pose for a few seconds before returning to a standing position. This pose strengthens the lower body and boosts metabolism.

Konan 3 (Triangle Pose)

Stand with your feet about 2 and a half feet apart. Raise both arms sideways and open them wide. Exhale as you bend towards your left side, aiming to touch your left toe with your right hand. Hold the pose for a few seconds before returning to the starting position. This pose stretches and strengthens leg muscles and improves circulation.

Malas (Deep Squat Pose)

Stand with your feet about 2 and a half feet apart. Join your hands in a Namaste position and squat down deeply. Hold the pose for a moment before returning to a standing position. Deep squat engages thigh, hip, and lower back muscles, aiding digestion and flexibility.

Hangas (Cobra Pose)

Lie on your abdomen with your hands placed beside your chest. Inhale as you lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the ground, arching your back. Hold the pose for a few seconds before releasing back down. Cobra pose strengthens the back, arms, and shoulders, while stimulating digestion.

Pimas (Forward Bend Stretch)

Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you. Inhale as you reach your arms forward, then exhale as you bend forward to touch your toes. Hold the pose for a moment before returning to the starting position. Forward bend stretch improves spinal flexibility and releases stress.

Noasa (Boat Pose)

Lie on your back with your legs lifted off the ground and arms stretched forward. Hold the pose, balancing on your tailbone, for a few seconds before releasing back down. Boat pose strengthens the core muscles and stimulates digestion.

Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

Lie on your back with your arms and legs spread apart. Relax your entire body, focusing on your breath. Shavasana induces relaxation, reduces stress, and aids in weight management.

Remember to practice these asanas regularly, mindfully, and with full attention to your body's needs. Modify the poses as necessary and seek guidance from an experienced teacher or reputable institute, especially if you're new to yoga or have specific health concerns. Combine these yoga techniques with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes for effective weight loss. May your mind and body remain in good health. Namaskar!

Please note that the Best Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh is offered by Rishikesh Nath Yogshala, providing comprehensive 200-hour and 300-hour yoga teacher training courses.

[thefootworkclinic]

From Yoga to Tai Chi: Gentle Exercises to Soothe Your Aching Heels and Ease Heel Spur Pain

Heel spurs, those bony growths on the bottom of the heel bone, can leave you hobbling with every step. While medical interventions offer relief, incorporating gentle exercises into your routine can be a powerful tool for managing pain, improving flexibility, and preventing future flare-ups. Enter the world of yoga and tai chi, ancient practices that combine movement, breath, and mindfulness, offering a pathway to soothe your aching heels and find harmony within.

Understanding Heel Spurs and Their Painful Impact:

Heel spurs develop over time due to repetitive strain or pressure on the plantar fascia, the connective tissue that supports the arch of your foot. This strain causes calcium deposits to build up, forming the bony spur. The resulting pain can be sharp, stabbing, or a dull ache, often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

How Yoga and Tai Chi Can Be Your Heel-Healing Heroes:

Both yoga and tai chi offer a non-invasive, holistic approach to managing heel spur pain. They work through a combination of:

Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: These practices increase the flexibility and strength of the plantar fascia, tendons, and surrounding muscles, reducing strain and alleviating pain.

Improved Blood Flow: The flowing movements and mindful breathing enhance circulation, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the affected area, promoting healing.

Reduced Inflammation: Certain poses and movements can help reduce inflammation around the heel spur, further alleviating pain and discomfort.

Mind-Body Connection: Both yoga and tai chi emphasize body awareness and mindfulness, allowing you to focus on your sensations and control your movement, fostering a sense of empowerment over your pain.

Yoga Poses for Heel Spur Relief:

Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): This foundational pose stretches the calves, hamstrings, and plantar fascia, improving flexibility and alleviating tension.

Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): This pose strengthens the legs and ankles, while simultaneously stretching the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.

Chair Pose (Utkatasana): This pose strengthens the entire lower body, including the plantar fascia and calves, improving stability and reducing strain.

Tree Pose (Vrksasana): This balancing pose strengthens the ankles and improves proprioception, helping to prevent future heel spur development.

Mountain Pose (Tadasana): This standing pose focuses on alignment and posture, ensuring proper weight distribution and minimizing stress on the heels.

Adapting the Practice:

Remember, listen to your body! Modify or avoid poses that cause discomfort. Use props like blocks or straps to support your weight and enhance comfort. Focus on breath, alignment, and mindful movement instead of pushing into pain.

Tai Chi: Moving with Gentle Grace:

Tai chi offers a fluid and graceful approach to heel spur treatment. The slow, coordinated movements combined with deep breathing promote:

Joint Mobility: The gentle rotations and extensions improve the range of motion in the ankles and feet, reducing stiffness and pain.

Balance and Stability: Tai chi strengthens the core and lower body, improving balance and reducing the risk of falls, which can exacerbate heel spur pain.

Mindful Relaxation: The meditative aspect of tai chi helps manage stress and pain, offering a holistic approach to managing your condition.

Starting Your Journey:

Both yoga and tai chi offer modifications and beginner-friendly variations, making them accessible for individuals with varying levels of fitness and experience. Look for classes specifically designed for people with heel pain, or find a qualified instructor who can guide you through safe and effective modifications.

Beyond Exercise: A Holistic Approach to Heel Spur Relief:

Remember, exercise is one piece of the puzzle. Combine it with other strategies like:

Wearing supportive shoes: Choose shoes with good arch support and cushioning to distribute pressure evenly and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.

Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional stress on your feet, so managing your weight can help relieve pressure on the heels.

Applying ice packs: Cold therapy can reduce inflammation and pain. Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can offer relief.

Seeking medical advice: If pain persists or worsens, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

From Aching Heels to Mindful Movement:

Heel spurs don't have to dictate your step. By incorporating gentle exercises like yoga and tai chi into your routine, you can find relief from pain, improve flexibility, and cultivate a deeper connection with your body. Remember, listen to your body, modify as needed, and celebrate every step, from the gentle stretches to the graceful flow of movements. Your journey towards pain-free steps and mindful motion starts now.

If this exercise doesn't help you, you can visit The Footwork Clinic.

[desktobikini]

Get rid of that office weight quickly with my desk workout program! Stay active all day #deskworkout

Get rid of that office weight quickly with my desk workout program! Stay active all day #deskworkout https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8bqx2fh4nI Are you tired of feeling sluggish and sedentary during long hours spent at your desk? Say goodbye to the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle and welcome the game-changer: desk workouts. These innovative exercise routines are designed to help you shed unwanted pounds and boost your overall well-being, right from the comfort of your office chair. Gone are the days when you had to sacrifice your fitness goals due to a busy work schedule. With desk workouts, you can conveniently incorporate physical activity into your daily routine without compromising productivity. These workouts are specifically crafted to target various muscle groups and elevate your heart rate, leading to increased calorie burn and weight loss. One of the key benefits of desk workouts is their ability to combat the harmful effects of sitting for prolonged periods. Research has shown that prolonged sitting can lead to weight gain and various health issues, including metabolic disorders and cardiovascular problems. By incorporating desk workouts into your day, you can counteract the negative impact of sitting and keep your metabolism active. Desk workouts are designed to be efficient and time-effective, making the most out of your limited office breaks or short intervals throughout the day. They typically consist of a combination of seated exercises, stretching routines, and low-impact movements that can be performed discreetly without disturbing your work environment. These exercises engage your muscles, increase blood flow, and stimulate your metabolism, allowing you to burn calories even while sitting. Engaging in desk workouts not only promotes weight loss but also enhances your overall fitness level. Regular physical activity has been proven to improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength and endurance, boost energy levels, and enhance mental focus and productivity. By incorporating desk workouts into your routine, you'll experience improved physical fitness and mental well-being, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling work life. Furthermore, desk workouts offer a variety of exercises that can be customized to suit your fitness level and goals. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, there are exercises available for every level of fitness. From simple stretches and seated cardio exercises to resistance band workouts and desk-friendly yoga poses, you can tailor your routine to challenge yourself and progress over time. The convenience of desk workouts extends beyond the office setting. These exercises can also be incorporated into your daily routine at home or while traveling. With minimal equipment and space requirements, you can continue your fitness journey wherever you go. This flexibility ensures that you stay committed to your weight loss goals, regardless of your location or schedule. Don't let your desk job hinder your weight loss aspirations any longer. Embrace the power of desk workouts and transform your sedentary work environment into a calorie-burning, fitness-boosting zone. Take charge of your health, shed those extra pounds, and feel energized throughout the day. Get ready to witness the remarkable benefits of desk workouts as they become an integral part of your weight loss journey and overall well-being. #FitnessGoals #FitLife #GetFit #HealthyLiving #WorkoutMotivation #ExerciseInspiration #FitnessJourney #FitnessAddict #TrainHard #FitnessTips #FitnessCommunity #FitForLife #StrongNotSkinny #FitnessProgress #ActiveLifestyle #FitnessInspiration #FitnessChallenge #FitnessResults #FitnessTransformation #FitnessMotivation #FitnessRoutine #FitAndHealthy #FitnessPassion #FitnessGoals2023 #FitFam #FitAndFab #FitnessForWomen #FitnessForMen #FitnessDedication #FitnessMatters via Philita Jana https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbuEtISFavbKlpbpfyEjVdQ August 11, 2023 at 05:38AM

[samwisethewitch]

Creating Sacred Space

Very few pagans have access to temples or holy sites. If you’re lucky enough to live in the country where your gods were originally worshiped, you may be able to visit ancient temples or sacred sites, but most of us do not have this opportunity. For most pagans, sacred space is something we have to create for ourselves.

On one level, this is very literal — pagans create physical spaces for their gods to inhabit, usually in the form of home altars. An altar is a table, shelf, or other flat surface that is set aside for religious or spiritual use. The altar is likely home to religious items or tools like candles, incense burners, or statues of the gods. It is the place where prayers are made and offerings are given. It is a place within the home that is set aside for the gods.

Like everything within paganism, the exact setup and uses of your altar depend on your tradition. Some groups, like some forms of traditional Wicca, require the altar to look a very certain way, with a collection of ritual tools arranged in the appropriate places on the altar. Other traditions are much more freeform.

Even if you have not chosen a pagan path yet, you may find it helpful to create a special place to connect with the divine. This could be an altar — even a simple one, like an unused shelf holding a white candle and a stick of incense — or another special place like a yoga mat where you do meditations, a special chair where you read spiritual literature, or a special place outdoors. Having a space set aside for spirituality and religion will help you to literally and metaphorically make room for these pursuits in your life.

To dedicate this space to religious pursuits, simply verbally state your intent to use it for that purpose. You might perform a simple ritual by lighting a white candle and saying something like, “I dedicate this space to the gods and to my growing relationship with them.” (It doesn’t matter if you don’t know yet which gods you want to worship.) Now you have a special place to return to when you want to connect with the divine.

You can also build altars to connect to other types of spirits, such as land spirits or ancestors. We’ll talk more about these kinds of altars in a future post.

Though guidelines for altar setup and maintenance vary from one pagan religion to the next, there are a few basic guidelines that are pretty much universal.

For one thing, your altar should be kept clean and tidy. Don’t pile non-religious items on your altar, make sure to clean up any candle wax or incense ashes left after a ritual, and try to keep dust from building up on your icons and statues. I am a generally messy person, but my altar stays clean as a sign of respect for my gods, even when the rest of my house is a mess. If you struggle to keep your altar tidy, schedule 10-20 minutes once a week to go through and clean it up. Think of this cleaning not as a chore, but as a loving service to your gods.

If you use your altar for food offerings, you should dispose of them after 24 hours or less. As we’ve previously discussed, some pagans eat their food offerings after the gods have had a chance to consume their spiritual essence, while other pagans feel that this is rude or taboo. In the latter case, many people choose a special place outside where they dispose of food offerings (if you do this, make sure the offering won’t harm local plant and animal life if left outside). Another option is to add food offerings to a compost pile — you can use the compost in your garden, perhaps for plants that are sacred to your gods (again, make sure your offerings are compost-friendly).

Keeping your altar clean also includes energetic and spiritual cleansing. Before rituals, you should cleanse your altar to ensure that you aren’t bringing any unwanted energy into your worship. Cleansing protocols vary from one tradition to the next and may include sprinkling the altar with blessed water, wafting incense smoke through the space, or using a special tool like a ritual broom or a bell. If you haven’t chosen a pagan religion yet, simply use the cleansing method that works best for you.

When caring for your altar, keep in mind that this is your gods’ space within your home. You want it to be comfortable for them. Like decorating a guest bedroom for a friend, you’ll probably want to choose items that are significant to the god or spirit being honored on the altar. For example, my altar contains a crow skull and feathers because crows are sacred to several of the deities I work with. Take your time to create an environment that will be welcoming to your god(s) of choice. (Again, if you aren’t working with any specific gods yet, you can still create a basic altar — follow the previously stated guidelines for keeping it clean and welcoming.)

While setting up and maintaining an altar or other special space is an important part of creating sacred space, it isn’t the only part. When pagans talk about “creating sacred space,” we are also talking about cultivating a certain mindset.

Just like you need to make space for the gods in your home, you need to make space for them in your life. It’s all well and good to call yourself a pagan, but if you never pray, make offerings, or think about the gods, are you really embodying pagan religious practice? If you’re going to talk the talk, you have to also walk the walk.

Creating sacred space in your life can take many forms. One of the most common (and convenient) is small daily devotional activities. These activities only take a few minutes and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. This may include meditation, divination, or reading a few verses from a holy book. Even the act of lighting a fresh stick of incense on your altar in the morning can help strengthen your connection to your spirituality.

It can even be as simple as remembering to thank the gods when you see them at work in your life. I have a friend who is a Roman pagan, and he has a habit of verbally thanking Mercury (the Roman god of travel, among many other things) whenever he finds a good parking space or doesn’t have to wait at a red light. This kind of small acknowledgement may not seem like a big deal, but it works to integrate our worship of the gods into our daily lives.

Take a few moments, right now, to ask yourself how you can create sacred space in your life. What can you do to make the gods feel welcome in your presence? Try to think of a single change you can make in the next 24 hours to create this space. Write it down.

Commit to maintaining this new practice for at least three weeks. At the end of each day, write down what you did to create sacred space and how it made you feel. Do you feel a sense of peace? Do you feel the gods’ presence more strongly? Do you feel a sense of connection to something bigger than yourself? Write down these and any other thoughts on your new practice.

At the end of three weeks, look back over your notes. How did this practice change the way you feel about your spirituality? How did it change your relationship with the gods? If there was a positive change, try to continue integrating this practice into your daily routine.

If there was no change, that’s okay — this specific practice may not be for you, and there’s no shame in that. Choose a different practice and repeat the experiment. Keep at it until you find a way to create sacred space that works for you on your unique spiritual path.

In my humble opinion, it’s important to learn how to hold sacred space before you start investigating different pagan religions. Not only will it give you the basic tools you’ll need for religious ritual, but it will help you to discover your personal worship style and comfort zone. With this, you’ll be better able to determine which pagan path(s) is a good fit for you.

Resources:

Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

Following the Sun by Sharon LaBorde

Where the Hawthorn Grows by Morgan Daimler

[tarayogabenefit]

Yoga for Beginners: A Practical Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle

Image Source: Pexels‍

If you’re new to yoga, it can seem like a lot to take in at once. But the great thing about practicing yoga is that it’s really just practice — and there are so many different kinds of practices. If you have access to a studio or instructor and want to dive right in, you can find plenty of specialty classes that cater specifically to beginners. But if you’re just looking for a way to get started integrating yoga into your personal life, you can also make do with less specialized guidance and practice on your own at home. To help get you started on the path to new habits, we’ve compiled some of the best beginner-friendly tips from experts and enthusiasts alike. So read on for helpful advice about getting started with yoga.

Find the time that works for you

As with any new habit, it’s important to find a time that fits your schedule. If you work long hours and are short on free time, morning classes are often the best fit for beginners looking to squeeze in a little extra discipline during a busy day. If you’re someone who prefers to relax with a nightly routine, evening classes may be a better fit. Regardless of the time, it’s also important to find a studio that suits your needs. If you’re on a budget, you might want to consider a studio that offers classes on a sliding scale basis, which may be more affordable than a studio that charges fixed rates. If you’d prefer to practice at home, look for videos and books you can purchase that include all the basics.

Read More: Astounding Benefits of Pigeon Pose: How to Do It in Yoga

Start with basic poses and stay mindful

The best way to get started with yoga is to focus on the basics: breathing, mindfulness and basic poses. Start with a simple breathing exercise like the 4-7-8 breathing technique. It’s a good way to get your body in tune with the breath and calm your mind. You can also practice mindfulness by trying a guided visualization like a sun salutation. They’re simple rituals that help to center your mind and use your breath as a tool to tap into your body. Once you’ve gotten more familiar with the basics, you can start to add in more advanced poses and exercises that may suit your needs or goals a bit better. It’s important not to rush the process, so that you can truly feel the benefits of this practice for a long time to come.

Pay attention to your body

It’s important to be mindful of your body as you start practicing yoga. It’s best to get to know your body and its limitations, especially if you are new to yoga or have certain health conditions. This will help to prevent injuries caused by overstretching. If you have any injuries or limitations, don’t push yourself too hard or try to do something that is not comfortable for you. Be mindful of how your body feels during each pose. Focus on how each pose affects your body. If a pose causes you pain, stop doing the pose as soon as you notice the pain.

Don’t be afraid to ease up or modify

Although yoga is meant to be a physically and mentally challenging practice, it’s important to remember that everyone is at a different level of ability. For example, if you have a knee injury, you can still practice yoga by using chairs or bolsters instead of the traditional floor poses. And if you have issues with balance or a serious injury, you can also use chairs or chairs with wheels. If you have any injuries or limitations, don’t push yourself too hard or try to do something that is not comfortable for you. Be mindful of how your body feels during each pose. Focus on how each pose affects your body. If a pose causes you pain, stop doing the pose as soon as you notice the pain.

Try out a few different styles

If you’re new to yoga and want to get a feel for what’s out there, research different styles of yoga before settling on one. While all styles of yoga encourage the same general principles and practices, each style has its own unique approach. It’s also important to make sure that the style suits your goal. If you’re looking to relieve stress, you may find a restorative yoga class to be a better fit than an ashtanga practice. But if you’re trying different styles to find one that really resonates with you, that’s also a great way to go about it.

Take care of yourself after yoga

When you’re done with your yoga practice, it’s also important to take good care of your body and mind. This includes plenty of water, as well as eating a balanced meal or having a snack. After a yoga session, it’s key to let go of the stress you have built up during the day. If you have kids, you can take time before they go to bed. They’ll be able to sleep better if they know that you’ve let go of the day’s stress. If you have a job where you need to continue thinking about work tasks, put a reminder on your phone to let go of work thoughts at a certain time.

[tifit-tips-blog]

Health and Fitness YouTube channels to Follow (for a Healthier College Life!)

Trying to stay healthy while in college can be hard to do alone. You might not know what to do next. Fear not, here are some YouTube channels and vloggers you can follow to help you lead a healthier college life!

1. Tasty - You might already know Tasty. Our favorite food channel from Buzzfeed features tons of recipe videos and there's sure to be one video for everyone's taste--college students included. ;) Check out their 5 Meal-Prep Recipes here: 

2. Brothers Green Eats - Josh and Mike Greenfield focus on "good vibes, cheap eats, and delicious times." They make a lot of videos about beginner-friendly and budget-friendly food that college students can have fun making! Check out their video on How to Eat Incredibly Well on $3 (150 pesos) a Day:

3. Mind Over Munch - Alyssia Sheikh is famous for her healthy and delicious meal prep videos. She gives tons of insights and tips on how to snack healthier, how to cook under a buget, and how to make healthy and easy bento boxes! Check out her Back to School Healthy Bento Box Lunches (No Cook) here. 

4. Healthy Grocery Girl - Megan Roosevelt is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Her videos focus a lot of making heathy and easy videos perfect for busy people, like us college students. Check out her 3 Easy + Healthy Snack Ideas For Busy + On The Go! here.

5. Madeleine Shaw - Madeleine is a nutritional health coach and yoga teacher. You can find lots of tips on how to make easy, yummy, but healthy recipes in her videos. She also posts yoga and meditation videos for destressing and living healthier lifestyles. Check out her 5 Tips to Eating Healthy on a Budget here: 

6. Blogilates - Cassey Ho is a famous health and fitness YouTuber. You may know her for her many exercise instruction videos and healthy meal ideas. You can find a variety of exercise examples to work on at home or at the dorm in her channel, but never forget to warm-up first! Check out her Apartment Friendly Warmup video here:

7. Carly Rowena - Carly is a personal trainer and also a health and fitness blogger. She makes videos on a variety of health topics--from meal preps, workout routines, general fitness tips, and more! Check out her Beginner's Guide to Getting Fit video here.

8. The Live Fit Girl - Deanna is a pilates instructor and she also features a variety of workout videos in her channel. Many of her exercise videos are apartment or dorm-friendly so you can definitely find a workout routine you can follow! Check out her Chair Workout for the Legs video here.

9. Yoga with Adriene - Like Cassey Ho, Adriene is also a famous fitness YouTuber. Her channel is filled with Yoga instruction videos to help you with leading a healthier life. If you're interested in starting yoga, follow her Yoga For Complete Beginners - 20 Minutes Home Yoga Workout here!

10. Katie Horan - Katie mainly vlogs about college life that students can surely relate to. She often talks about her experience with classes, exams, and other college affairs in her "Day in my Life" videos. She also shares insights on how she stays healthy and gives ideas on what to buy and cook. Check out her Back to School Healthy Lunch Ideas here! 

Bonus! Other YouTubers who can help you through college life: Mariana's Study Corner - Mariana is a Portugese YouTuber. She gives a lot of tips and advice on how to organize and study for school or college. Students are sure to find a tip or two that can help them through their acads! Check out her video on How to Study Smarter, not Harder here.

Kati Morton - Kati Morton is a licensed therapist. She makes videos that tackle a variety of mental health topics. You can check out her channel if you want to know more about mental health disorders, how to cope with them, and more! After all, there's no health without mental health. Check out her video on The 25 Coping Skills Everyone Must Have here.

[leonwilliablog]

Rock climbing VS Bouldering

1.Key Difference between rock climbing and bouldering

So, what is bouldering and how are they different? In simple terms, the climbing techniques and specific moves often differ when one is doing rock climbing vs bouldering. Additionally, different levels of strength and endurance are required for each one. If you are planning to supplement your climbing with home workouts and routines that consist of stretches/ yoga and hangboards, then the more these training plans should be specifically tailored for rock climbers or boulderers.

Bouldering versus Rock climbing – though they may seem similar at first sight, there is actually a lot of significant differences upon futher understanding. Both sport requires different techniques, different training routines, different muscle groups usage, different gear set and the list goes on and on!

2.Rock Climbing Vs Bouldering, Which one is better

We will cover a few of the following factors in this article, but note the terminology and difficulty grading differs between rock climbing and bouldering. In addition, significantly different climbing gear is required ( rock climbing being more expensive).

But the most significant difference between rock climbing and bouldering is the way that they are executed and protected. Rock climbing or sometimes also known as rope climbing is done with a rope and protective gear, while bouldering only requires your climbing shoes and the use of a crashpad to break your landings. Lets explore more.

3.Which is more beginner-friendly

When we compare bouldering vs climbing, both pose distinct challengers for beginners. One the one hand, rock climbing is a mentally difficult sport to begin. It can be a great challenge for those who suffer from fear of heights. Also, there are a lot of safety measures that must be learned and memorised.

On the other hand, bouldering requires much more raw strength than rock climbing. This means it can be more physically demanding for new climbers who have not yet developed climbing-specific muscles. In summary, rock climbing is harder for beginners who struggle with fear of heights, while bouldering is more of a challenge for beginners who lack finger and upper-body strength.

In the end, whether rock climbing or bouldering is better for you depends on personal preferences! Just like some people prefer a marathon and others a sprint, rock climbing and bouldering present distinct physical demands and also offer distinct rewards.

If you love the thrill of heights and beautiful scenery, you’d make a great outdoor rock climber, and if you love short bursts and technical challenges to push your body to its physical limit, bouldering is the best option for you! Both options are available indoors and outdoors. So take your pick, and go for it – be it bouldering in your own home climbing wall, at outdoor natural rocks or sport climbing on the outdoor crags and cliffs.

As for me, I love a good outdoor climbing expedition, so I will be happy to pack my trad climbing rack, shoes, slacklines and trusty camping chair and head out to the great outdoors.

[greyswheel]

Chair yoga sequence for seniors

#Chair yoga sequence for seniors trial

#Chair yoga sequence for seniors trial

Functional improvements in Parkinson's disease following a randomized trial of yoga. Use pillows or bolsters for support under your torso or forehead if you have a tight lower back or stiff hips, knees, or ankles. Hold this position while breathing for 5 minutes or as long as you are comfortable. Van Puymbroeck M, Walter AA, Hawkins BL, et al. Place your hands, palms up, next to your feet. How to do it: The position is basically sitting down on your legs with your heels touching your bottom. One year of yoga training alters ghrelin axis in centrally obese adults with metabolic syndrome. Diamond thunderbolt (Vajrasana) Benefits: This pose helps regulate blood circulation in your pelvic area and aids in digestion. The effects of chair yoga with spiritual intervention on the functional status of older adults. An unconditional belief that you are perfectand whole while ever-changing and growing.She completed her 200 hour trainingwith Yogaworks senior teachers Alicia Cheung &Oliver Reinsch in Bali, Indonesia and went on to study prenatal and postpartum yoga with doula and French-American woman’s advocate, Alexandra Rossi in San Francisco, CA. Cycling has numerious wonderful health benefits for older adults, including slowing the aging process. 8 Surprisingly Wonderful Benefits of Cycling for Seniors. Chair Yoga: a Complete At Home Video Practice. Effects of chair yoga therapy on physical fitness in patients with psychiatric disorders: A 12-week single-blind randomized controlled trial. Chair yoga for seniors: a 30 minute routine Warm up poses for heat and circulation (30 seconds in video) Standing poses for balance and strength (9 min 50 sec. This is a complete 17-minute beginner friendly yoga sequence suitable for all ages you can do on your chair. National survey of yoga practitioners: Mental and physical health benefits. A pilot randomized controlled trial of the effects of chair yoga on pain and physical function among community-dwelling older adults with lower extremity osteoarthritis. Park J, McCaffrey R, Newman D, Liehr P, Ouslander JG.

[ontarioyoga]

Which Posture In Yoga Is Most Famous Of Reducing Old Age

New Post has been published on https://www.ontarioyoga.net/which-posture-in-yoga-is-most-famous-of-reducing-old-age/

Which Posture In Yoga Is Most Famous Of Reducing Old Age

After Only One Month Of Practicing Yoga People With Lung Problems Decreased Their Average Respiratory Rate From 134 To 76 Breaths Per Minute

People who practice yoga take fewer breaths of higher volume, which has very calming effects. This technique, known as “complete breathing,” improves exercise capacity and increases blood oxygen levels. It also eases respiratory and lung problems, which is yet another one of the many health benefits of yoga for men and women alike. 

While Age Does Affect You In Various Ways Theres A Lot You Can Do To Limit Its Impact On Your Body Yoga Is An Excellent Anti July 31, 2017

Along with the smile lines and gray hair, aging brings changes that are harder to see but very easy to feel, especially during movement. As you age, you’ll encounter general physiological changes in elasticity, stability, speed, strength, and endurance, as well as a different perspective on physical goals. Specific health problems emerge as we age, and these age-related illnesses might affect your yoga practice. Here, we offer our thoughts on how to modify your practice for these common ailments, and we detail the ways that yoga can actually relieve symptoms or has been proven to improve medical outcomes. From heart issues to less lung capacity, decreased bone density to hormonal changes, and to artificial knees, physical changes will affect and dictate the needs of a yoga asana practice, but in all cases, doing yoga will make you feel better.

From Chair Yoga To Hatha To Vinyasa Heres Your Guide To Eight Popular Yoga Types Every Older Adult Should Know

There are countless reasons to add yoga to your routine. Research shows a regular practice not only improves balance and mobility in older adults, but it may also help ease back pain, relieve depression, and even reduce blood pressure for people with hypertension.

“Yoga can help keep the body agile,” says Terry Cockburn, a yoga instructor and owner of Freeport Yoga Company in Freeport, Maine. “It can also help you maintain proprioception, or the awareness of where your body is in relation to everything else,” she says.

That translates to a reduced risk of falls—which is especially compelling, considering falls are the leading cause of injuries in adults older than 65.

So, if you’ve considered trying yoga, now is the time to do it! You don’t have to be flexible or experienced to get started. To help you find the best class for your fitness level and personality, we break down eight of the most popular yoga types.

Best Yoga Asanas Fitness Experts Say These 10 Poses Every Day In The Morning Will Give You A Great Start

Are you always feeling lethargic and tired without any underlying medical condition? A daily 10-minute yoga routine can help you feel more energetic, and help you regain body-mind balance.

While many people feel that yoga doesn’t match up to cardio exercises or heavy duty High-intensity interval training, research has shown that yoga can help you with everything from weight loss, to lowering period pain, boosting heart health and ensuring smooth digestion. Plus, you don’t really require special workout gear or studio space to do yoga poses.

Dr Manoj Kutteri, wellness director, Atmantan suggests 10 beginner-friendly asanas for you and explains their health benefits:

Lie down on your back with your legs together. Keep your hands on the thighs or next to the thighs on the floor. Inhale and raise your head, arms and head in a straight line off the floor at a 30-degree angle. Keep the toes pointing upward. “This asana increases the efficiency of abdominal muscles, is good for digestion, and reduces belly fat. It also strengthens organs in the abdomen and leg muscles,” says Dr Kutteri.

Paschimottanasana

Ardha matsyendrasan

Dwi Pada Uttanasana

Viparita Karni

Kapalabhati

Bear in mind that this asana should not be done on an empty stomach, if you have had surgery recently, if you have hypertension or migraine, or if you are pregnant or on your menstrual cycle.

Dhanurasana

Bhujangasana

Bitilasana

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more

Close To 75% Of Women Say They Are More Satisfied With Their Sex Lives After Practicing Yoga

Research in India that included women aged 22 to 55 had the participants go through a program of 22 yoga poses, or asanas, that are good for the abdominal and pelvic muscle tone, digestion, joint function, and mood. After completing the 12-week program, almost three-quarters of the women reported an improvement in their sex life, implying that yoga could be beneficial for sexual health.

Daily Yoga Practice Delays The Aging Process And Increases The Lifespan Of Its Practitioners

Practicing yoga is good for overall health. By exercising regularly, you can improve your fitness levels, regulate your heart rate, reduce , and become happier. All of this can lead to a much calmer lifestyle and increased life expectancy. Meditation also helps delay the aging process by protecting the caps at the end of chromosomes. 

Why Some People Arent Jumping On The Bandwagon And What The Yoga Community Can Do About It

One of the survey’s most interesting results reveals the most common reason people don’t try yoga. Often, people see yoga as — designed primarily for young women or for those who are already flexible, athletic, or spiritual. This finding can hopefully inspire the yoga community to work on making yoga more accessible and , regardless of a person’s gender, age, current level of flexibility or fitness, or relationship with spirituality.

The fundamental philosophy of yoga encourages being non-judgmental and compassionate to others and ourselves. Yoga is not about perfection or performing a beautiful pose to show other people on Instagram. It’s not a competition of flexibility, nor is it about comparing yourself to the person next to you in yoga class or achieving a challenging pose found on the cover of Yoga Journal.

Yoga is about becoming attuned to our individual self — body and mind — and making room for exactly where we are, while letting go of judgment. The more we do yoga, the more we can recognize that even our own states can change day to day, moment to moment. As just one example, in yoga practice, poses can be modified based on your own body, including your degree of flexibility or how you’re feeling that day. While there are alignment guidelines to help keep postures safe, poses can and should be tailored to the individual. You can use props like blocks, chairs, straps, blankets, or even the wall to find a version of the pose that feels right for you.

Studies Show That 50% Of The Overall Yoga Practitioners In The World Are Of Indian Origin

The number of yoga practitioners is continuously rising, with no signs of slowing down. In 2020, there will be more than 55 million yoga practitioners in the US alone, according to the yoga statistics from India. Having in mind that India is the birthplace of yoga, it comes as no surprise that half of the world’s yoga practitioners are of Indian origin.

Yoga Asanas For Strong Core & Toned Abs Ranging From Beginner To Advanced Level Postures

Minakshi Singh

For obvious reasons, this year, the Yoga Day celebrations have been slightly different, with the COVID-19 being a deterrent in our plans to step out.  

Blending the need for a healthier lifestyle with that of the current restrictions is the way forward in this pandemic, and that’s a given.

The basis of yoga is union and balance between the mind, body and spirit. For anyone who has either recently started practising yoga or has been doing so for a while, you would know how important core strength is. 

Most yoga postures need or target core strengthening simply because of the many benefits. Your core is the powerhouse of your body and needs all that extra attention. 

Whether you are looking for yoga postures to reduce belly fat or yoga postures for a strong core, these asanas will surely help you out. 

From balancing poses to stretches, here are our top yoga postures to tone your abs: 

Depression Levels Decrease By Approximately 50% After Just Three Months Of Yoga Practice

The positive effects of yoga on mental health are perfect for people who don’t respond well to traditional depression treatments and antidepressant medication. For them, yoga practice can be a life-changing experience. The positive effects of yoga on mental health stem from deep breathing, which impacts the autonomic nervous system. When the autonomic nervous system is balanced, the brain functions well too.

On Average Yoga Decreases Anxiety Levels By 40% But Does Yogareally Help With Anxiety

The combination of slow breathing and movement has proven useful for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety as well. Yoga brings peace and has no side effects like traditional medication to both people with mental issues as well as completely healthy individuals. Therefore, yoga is one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety levels and restore balance to people’s lives. 

Common Poses Most Likely To Trigger Yoga Injuries Plus How To Overcome & Avoid Them

November 5, 2016

Healthiest Yoga Poses

According to estimates, more than 30 million people now regularly practice yoga worldwide. And 14 million of those include Americans who received a prescription for yoga from a physician or other therapist. People have practiced yoga for thousands of years. During that time, the practice has earned a strong reputation for promoting well-being in both body and mind.

However, something many practitioners may not realize is that a number of commonly taught yoga poses can also be risky. Particularly yoga injuries are a real threat. So are the healing benefits of yoga worth the risk?

Yoga injuries — including back pains, popped ribs and strained necks — are not necessarily a rare occurrence, especially among those brand new to yoga who push themselves too hard or too quickly. Yoga poses such as handstands, inversions and back-bends might quality yoga as moderate exercise, but these tougher poses also can be cause for concern if you’re not ready for them.

Given all of the proven benefits of yoga, but also the potential risks, what’s a yogi to do? The solution to avoiding yoga injuries seems to be a combination of taking your time to ease into the practice, listening to your body, never pushing yourself past the point of comfort when stretching, and also mixing yoga with other exercises to strengthen weak areas and reduce compensations. It’s also wise to find an instructor who is well-qualified.

There Were More Than 52000 Registered Yoga Teachers In 2016 According To Yoga Stats

Additionally, there are more than 6,000 yoga studios in the US, and their number is growing daily. But, the number of yoga studios and certified teachers is not the only number that is quickly increasing. There are also more than 18,000 registered yoga schools in the US, and it’s estimated that the value of the yoga market will only keep growing in the following years.

The Yoga And Pilates Market In The Uk Was Worth More Than 875 Million In 2018 Alone

This is a 2.1% rise compared to the previous year. Moreover, every year, 5% of Brits spend money on online fitness, yoga, or training services during the last year, as the yoga industry statistics for 2018 for the UK reveal. In addition to this, the UK’s yoga industry currently employs more than 16,000 people who teach between 20,000 and 30,000 yoga classes every week.

Maintaining A Regular Yoga Practice Can Provide Physical And Mental Health Benefits

Learn about the different types of yoga and how it can be used as a tool to help you stay healthy.

Like yoga, the osteopathic approach to wellness focuses on your body’s natural tendency toward health and self-healing.

“The purpose of yoga is to build strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body,” explains Natalie Nevins, DO, a board-certified osteopathic family physician and certified Kundalini Yoga instructor in Hollywood, California.

While there are more than 100 different types, or schools, of yoga, most sessions typically include breathing exercises, meditation, and assuming postures that stretch and flex various muscle groups.

“As an osteopathic physician, I focus a lot of my efforts on preventive medicine and practices, and in the body’s ability to heal itself,” says Dr. Nevins. “Yoga is a great tool for staying healthy because it’s based on similar principles.”

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine?, or DOs, focus on prevention by examining how your lifestyle and environment impact your health, rather than just treating your symptoms.

About 61% Of People Have Started Practicing Yoga To Improve Their Flexibility

In addition to this, 56% of people have started practicing this discipline to relieve stress, while 49% started doing yoga to improve their health and fitness. Moreover, the primary motivation for 54% of yoga practitioners to continue practicing yoga is the release of tension, while 52% are looking to get physically and mentally stronger. 

The Number Of Yoga Injuries Rose From 95 To 17 Per 100000 In Just A Few Years

People often ask, “Is yoga considered a sport?” Most of them see the activity as just stretching and prefer doing yoga for fun. However, yoga is just as dangerous as any other sport. And when it comes to yoga injuries, statistics show that the number of injuries has almost doubled in a very short period, with the headstand being one of the most dangerous yoga poses.

Peace And No Stress: How Yoga Is Gaining Popularity Among Indian Millennials

Yoga is now back in demand, especially among Indian millennials. The tech-savvy generation is now slowly incorporating the age-old practice into their routine to care for their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Yoga, an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India is now garnering renewed appeal as a proven tool for well-being, especially among Indian millennials.

Indian State Offers Knowledge About Past Life to Treat Anxiety During International Yoga Festival

“With the onset of the pandemic, work from home and lack of movement have made all kinds of online fitness solutions popular. Lack of availability of fitness equipment forced people to take up the next best available option, yoga was that option. Also, the millennials are adopting Asana that helps them to keep up the challenge and gain great flexibility and strength”, Mita Vinay, yoga teacher and founder of Bodhsara told Sputnik.

According to media reports, India has experienced a major surge in Fitbit users who’ve now started using meditation, pilates, and yoga, making them the most popular activities amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Moreover, experts also stressed that millennials are conscious about their eating habits and appearance. Per a report by Yoga Alliance, globally, 23 percent of yoga practitioners are in the 30-39 age bracket and 20 percent are 40-49 years of age. Additionally, young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 make up 19 percent of yoga practitioners.

According To A Yoga Instructor These Are The 56 Most Essential Yoga Poses

If you’ve been thinking about trying , but you’re a little intimidated after scrolling through Instagram and seeing people post photos of themselves balancing on their hands or sitting with their legs behind their heads, don’t stress. As a yoga instructor, I’m here to ease your anxiety. This is a list of the most basic poses found in any yoga class or at-home video. While some poses are more challenging than others, most won’t leave you knotted up like a pretzel. Becoming familiar with these essential yoga poses will boost your confidence, but even if you’re a seasoned yogi, you’ll appreciate having all your favorite yoga poses all in one spot.

More Older People Are Doing Yoga But They Are Also Racking Up Injuries

Yoga may hold a key to aging well, suggests a growing body of research into its potential benefits for body and mind — benefits that include reducing heart rate and blood pressure, relieving anxiety and depression, and easing back pain. One recent study even raised the possibility of positive changes in biological markers of aging and stress in people who do yoga.

So it’s no surprise that the number of yoga practitioners in the United States has more than doubled to 36.7 million over the last decade, with health benefits the main reason people practice, according to the Yoga in America Study conducted last year on behalf of Yoga Journal and the Yoga Alliance.

While yoga enthusiasts are often pictured as young and bendy, the reality, according to the Yoga in America study, is that 17 percent are in their 50s and 21 percent are age 60 and older.

Along with this upsurge of interest has been an upsurge in injuries, particularly among older practitioners. “Participants aged 65 years and older have a greater rate of injury from practicing yoga when compared with other age groups,” researchers wrote last year in a study of nearly 30,000 yoga-related injuries seen in U.S. hospital emergency departments from 2001 to 2014. “While there are many health benefits to practicing yoga, participants and those wishing to become participants should confer with a physician prior to engaging in physical activity and practice only under the guidance of certified instructors.”

Yoga Strengthens The Immune System And Fights Diseases Such As The Flu

Researchers in Norway have discovered that yoga affects gene expression and alters the immune system on a cellular level, which makes the immune system stronger. Most people practicing yoga are in good health. They get an immunity boost and fight the flu more efficiently than those who don’t practice this discipline.

More Than 43% Of The Overall Yogis Are Between 30 And 49 Years Old

As yoga statistics show, the highest number of yogis are younger than 50. However, the popularity of yoga in people who are older than 50 has tripled over the last four years, and 38% of the overall yoga practitioners are now older than 50. Additionally, only 19% of them are between the ages of 18 and 29. 

Popular Yoga Poses For Beginners Intermediate And Advanced Yogis Here’s the ultimate yoga pose directory featuring 101 popular yoga poses for beginners, intermediate and advanced yogis. Includes photos, benefits and step-by-step instructions. We kick off our collection of yoga poses with a full-blown yoga pose chart.

While yoga may have recently risen to popularity as a type of fitness craze in the Western world, it is actually a centuries-old practice.

During that time, it has been used to cure a number of different physical, spiritual, emotional, and even psychological ailments. In addition to increasing physical strength and aiding in weight maintenance, can help stimulate the liver, kidneys, and other organs to help maintain good intestinal health, create better sleeping habits and even improve your mental and emotional well-being.

Here are 101 yoga poses ranging from the most basic to the most advanced for all levels of practitioners

Those Suffering From Anxiety Could Benefit From Practicing Yoga

There have been a number of studies into the impact of yoga practice on symptoms of anxiety.

A systematic review of all the results suggested positive outcomes, particularly for those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, however more research is needed to determine in what way it can help.

READ: 9 Best Teas for Anxiety: Natural Remedies for Relief

Daily Yoga Practice Improves Posture And Alleviates Back Pain

The plank pose can strengthen our arms, legs, shoulders, and abs, while the downward-facing dog helps us become more flexible. Moreover, regular yoga practice improves posture and results in walking tall and sitting straight. There’s a variety of yogaposes for spine health that can also ease back pains and aches caused by an incorrect posture. 

Types Of Yoga Injuries: What Are The Causes & Riskiest Poses

As with any other form of physical practice, yoga should be practiced carefully under the guidance of a qualified instructor in order to reduce risk. If you’ve been injured in the past, or have been mostly sedentary, consider skipping some of the riskiest poses all together.

A high percentage of yoga-related injuries seem to be caused from the following more advanced poses:

Shoulder Stand

As the entire body applies pressure to the spine, injuries are possible that can radiate downward or out to the shoulders. can result, or worse a serious vertebrae or spinal disc problem.

It’s debatable whether shoulder stands should be performed at all, but for those who do teach the posture because it can be beneficial for things like decreasing the heart rate, they advise using a blanket under the shoulders/neck for support and extra lift.

Other tips for reducing strains in the neck and shoulders include not pushing the neck too far forward and remaining very still in the posture without turning the head.

Yoga For Seniors: A Therapeutic Practice For Healthy Aging Aging & Health

Yoga is one of today’s most popular mind and body exercises, with more than 20 million Americans currently practicing, according to the 2012 Yoga in America study. In recent years, yoga has been shown to help improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, relieve anxiety and depression, and ease pain and chronic stress. The benefits of yoga for seniors in particular include improved mobility, a reduced fear of falling, and enhanced quality of life.

“A lot of the time, seniors don’t have access to certain things that could help them maintain their quality of life,” says yoga teacher Molly Lehman, RYT 500. “Through yoga, they can feel empowered to take care of themselves and take their health into their own hands. Plus, this is a physical activity that requires some thought. Different parts of the brain get stimulated, which can bring them back to a happier place mentally.”

What’s more, unlike many other forms of exercise, yoga acknowledges the unity of mind, body, and spirit. It offers seniors a sense of spiritual connectedness and peace at a time in their lives when they may be faced with declining health, chronic pain, the loss of loved ones, or many other difficult transitions.

  and Philosophy

Yoga’s Effects on Emotions and Cognition

  Health Benefits of Yoga for Seniors

Chair Yoga: Making Yoga Accessible to All Seniors

Promoting Yoga as a Supplement to Medical Interventions

Chair Yoga For Seniors: The Best Yoga Exercise For Seniors

What is Chair Yoga?

Chair yoga is a term used for practices that modify poses so they can be done while seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people who find it difficult to stand, aren’t able to move easily from standing to seated to lying down positions That’s why chair yoga is a great way for older adults to get the wonderful health benefits of yoga, loosening and stretching painful muscles, reducing stress and improving circulation. By remaining seated you can safely do the exercises.

Myofascial Tightening Stiffness Due To Decreased Collagen

As we age, we lose flexibility in our muscles and connective tissue, which results in stiffness, imbalance, and less confidence while balancing.How yoga can help: If you don’t use it, you lose it! A regular yoga practice can help reverse some of that acquired stiffness. Gentle, regular stretching can help keep your body fluid and flexible. We’re often as amazed as our yoga students when we see the changes that habitual stretching and movement can confer. You don’t have to touch your toes, but yoga might get you a little closer to them.

Twisted Warrior Pose / Side Angle Pose With Praying Hands

Sanskrit Name: Parivrrta Virabhadrasana / Parivrtta Parsvakonasana,

Intermediate

The Revolved Warrior Pose is similar to the Revolved Side Angle Pose but the arms are brought into the chest, rather than extending over the head. Some practitioners call this the Revolved Side Angle Pose With Praying Hands because it is the precursor to the Bound Revolved Side Angle Pose.

Whatever you choose to call it, this yoga pose improves balance, strengthens the legs, feet, ankles, and abdominal muscles, stimulates the abdominal organs, and aids digestion. It also increases flexibility in the hamstrings, shoulders, and upper back.

How to do twisted warrior pose

From Warrior I pose, place palms together, and bend elbows to bring palms directly in front of the chest. Inhale.

On exhale, bend the torso forward from hips and turn the torso to right, bringing your left elbow to rest just outside of your right knee.

Hold pose for 10-20 seconds and then release back to Warrior I or move into either the Bound Revolved Side Angle Pose or the Revolved Triangle Pose.

Sanskrit Name: Parivrtta Trikonasana

Intermediate

Strengthens the ankles, legs, thighs, and feet as well as the core. Stretches the hamstrings, spine, calf muscles, and hips a well as improving balance and opening the chest to help improve breathing.

How to do twisted triangle pose

Yoga Has Been Shown To Help With Premature Ejaculation

Like meditation, yoga is a wonderful alternative to medication for premature ejaculation.

A research project in 2007 compared yoga practice with fluoxetine, a drug commonly used for treating the condition.

All patients in the yoga test group showed improvements, however the sample size was small so it was felt that additional research was still required.

Practicing These Yoga Poses For Correcting Bad Posture

Having a bad posture is normally contributed by your daily activities and it may affect your health. By stretching and strengthening your core, back, shoulders and chest with yoga, your body will be stronger so you can stand taller and sit up straight longer.

Practicing these yoga poses for correcting bad posture can also relieve any discomfort in your body. In fact, doing these yoga poses regularly will not just improve your posture, but also help you to avoid chronic back pain.

Even though one might not have any pain caused by bad posture at the moment, it’s still a good practice for those whose work requires them to stay in one posture for very long.

So, it’s good to readjust your body posture from time to time!

And hey, we all know that even a slight discomfort stuck at our back or the neck can easily disrupt our daily lives.

Yoga can also be used for many other purposes such as for weight loss and improving flexibility.

No matter what you do, you shouldn’t allow any parts of your body to be idle for too long. Keep yourself active as much as possible!

Its Estimated That 67% Of People Practice Yoga At Home

Nowadays, there’s an abundance of different kinds of yoga practices you can find online, allowing people to practice yoga in the comfort of their own home. However, 43% of people still go to the gym, 38% visit a yoga studio, 32% practice yoga in the outdoors, 20% go to various yoga and wellness festivals, while 20% go to special events and venues. 

Which Yoga Posture Is Most Famous Of Reducing Old Age

Trikonasana reduces blood pressure, a common issue faced by the elderly. It decreases fat from the waist and thighs and keeps them light and fit. The pose gives stability and balance and prevents fidgeting and imbalance. It strengthens and stretches the arms and legs, which helps the elderly do their chores better.

Youll Get A Better Nights Sleep If You Practice Yoga

According to a study from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 55% of those who practiced yoga regularly said they slept better.

Practicing yoga can actually improve a woman’s sex life. Research published by Harvard University looked at how regular yoga sessions could impact a woman’s sex life with exciting results! Improvements were seen in desire, arousal, orgasm and general overall satisfaction.

Child’s Pose Balasana To Help You Relax And Unwind

From Downward-Facing Dog, simply bend your knees and lower your butt to your heels as you bring your chest toward the floor over your knees. Lower your shoulders and head to the floor. Place your arms along your sides, palms down, or you can support your head by folding your arms under your forehead. Breathe and relax for as long as you need to.

“Child’s Pose is one of the most healing yoga poses, and it’s my favorite of them all,” says Cullis. “It awakens the connection between the breath and body and sends energy through all the muscles. It’s an opportunity to get grounded, go inward, and to come out of your busy mind and into your body by awakening your breath from the inside out.” Child’s Pose is a great way to take a break and relax during your yoga practice, or anytime you feel or overwhelmed.

A Look At The Benefits All These New Yogis Can Enjoy

Three out of four Americans believe that “yoga is good for you,” and medical science backs them up: Yoga has been shown to improve health. Several studies have found that yoga can help improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, , and overall quality of life — and it can even reduce stress, anxiety, and . In addition, people who do yoga are 20% more likely to have a positive image of their own physical and mental health, including a stronger sense of mental clarity, physical fitness, flexibility, and strength.

Yoga can usher you towards a healthier lifestyle as well. The survey found that people who do yoga are far more physically active than those who don’t — 75% of yogis participate in sports or other fitness activities. Yoga practitioners are also more likely to “live green” and eat sustainably. This is consistent with results from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, which found that yoga motivated nearly two-thirds of people to exercise more and 40% of people to eat healthier. Of course, it’s possible that people drawn to yoga may be more likely to be more active already. But yoga has been shown to improve physical and mental health and overall quality of life in those who are new to yoga and are not typically physically active.

What Are The Different Benefits Of Yoga For Seniors

Yoga helps keep the joints steady and flexible.

Helps maintain healthy bones and muscles.

Improves digestion and clears bowel movements.

Regulates blood pressure.

Perhaps, one of the best things about yoga for seniors is the chance to mingle and bond with others. This priceless addition keeps the mind engaged and happy, alleviating depression and loneliness. Enjoy your yoga at any age. Just keep some guidelines in mind.

How Does Yoga For Seniors Differ From General Yoga

The yoga asanas suggested for an elderly person may be the same as those for a younger individual. The difference lies in the effort and time spent in a posture, and the flexibility involved. However, if you have high endurance levels, you will be able to perform the cardiovascular movements and abdominal exercises to satisfaction.

Yoga Was Originally Practiced As A Form Of Healing

Healing yoga aims to look deep within the individual and use various techniques to not only treat their physical health but also their emotional and mental wellbeing.

Yoga is being introduced in to many medical centers as a complementary therapy alongside other treatments.

The word ‘yoga’ first appeared in the Katha Upanishad, an ancient religious text.

Does Yoga Reduce The Risk Of Falls In Older People

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m3246

Garry A Tew, associate professor of exercise and health sciences1,

Lesley Ward, research fellow1,

Catherine Hewitt, professor of trials and statistics2,

Anne Tiedemann, associate professor3

1Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK

2York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK

3Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia

Correspondence to: G Tew garry.tewatnorthumbria.ac.uk

There Are More Than 10000 Yoga Teachers In The Uk

We have already confirmed that yoga is popular all around the world, but the UK, in particular, is showing massive interest in this discipline. According to the yoga statistics for the UK, every year, the interest in yoga rises by 73%, with close to 460,000 Brits participating in yoga classes every week.

Cardiorespiratory Efficiency And Physical Fitness

Yogic techniques are known to improve one’s overall performance and work capacity. Physical fitness not only refers cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength, but also coordination and flexibility i.e. the full range of physical qualities which can be understood as an integrated measurement of all functions and structures involved in the performance. In adults, low physical fitness resulted in significant improvement in quality of life and physical measures compared to walking exercise and wait-list control groups.

Chair & Standing Routines: Ageless Yoga Volume 1

Led by Harvard University Center for Wellness instructor John Schlorholtz, this is a great chair yoga DVD for older adults who have difficulty getting down on the floor. It features a variety of routines that offer you a choice of either sitting in a chair or using a chair for stability while standing.

Reasons To Practice Yoga In Your 70s And Beyond

1. Improve balance

Yoga tones muscles and works on your proprioception — your sense of position in space. Practicing postures that emphasize standing and balance can help build strength and confidence, too. “About 80 percent of proprioception is in your ankles, so standing poses are important, particularly for people in their 70s,” explains Payne “As you get more sedentary, your sense of balance atrophies. ‘Use it or lose it’ really does apply.”

You can save on eye exams, prescription drugs, hearing aids and more

2. Sharpens your mind

Unfortunately, as we age, our thought processes aren’t as sharp as they once were. The upshot: A 2016 International Review of Psychiatry study reported that practicing yoga relaxation techniques for 30 minutes had immediate beneficial effects on brain function and performance among people with multiple sclerosis. “Focusing on the breath and synchronizing it with movement helps keep the mind clear and engaged,” Atkins says. Breathing exercises such as alternate-nostril breathing help harmonize the left and right hemispheres of the brain, which correlate to the logical and emotional sides of the personality.

3. Boosts mood

Yoga’s combination of breathing, meditation and movement creates an overall sense of well-being. In fact, studies show yoga has a greater impact on enhancing mood and reducing anxiety than other forms of exercise. The reason? Yoga boosts levels of the brain chemical GABA, which helps calm nerves.

Top 10 Most Impressive Yoga Statistics And Facts

15 minutes of daily yoga practice changes the brain’s chemistry and boosts mood. 

Daily yoga practice improves posture and alleviates back pain.

Depression levels decrease by approximately 50% after just three months of yoga practice.

On average, yoga decreases anxiety levels by 40%.

There are 37 million yoga practitioners in the US. 

More than 43% of yoga practitioners are between 30 and 49 years old.

The data on yoga demographics shows that 72% of all yoga practitioners are women.

There are more than 100 styles of yoga.

The world’s oldest yoga teacher is the 101-year-old Tao Porchon-Lynch from the White Plains.

Studies show that 50% of all yoga practitioners are of Indian origin.

If you want to start practicing yoga or are already an experienced yogi interested in yoga trivia, you will find our list of the most important things to know about yoga fascinating. 

Mountain Pose Tadasana To Improve Your Posture

Stand still, with your chest open and broad and your hands at your sides, and feel your feet on the floor and the sensations in your legs and back. Then analyze your posture in front of a mirror. Lawrence makes her athletes hold long pencils in each hand as they stand. “I tell them to look down at the pencils and, like a compass, see how they point. Are they the same? Does one point straight and the other point to three on the clock?”

This pose will show if you have any imbalances in your shoulders and give you clues about what you need to work on. If one pencil is very turned in, so is your shoulder.

Study Shows Yoga Prevents Falls For Older Adults

A study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, examined older, rural, adults attending Hatha Yoga classes and the effect it had on their incidence of falling.

The 38 study participants , attended Hatha Yoga classes biweekly for 8 weeks. All of the participants were assigned “homework” of doing five minutes of meditation at home; half of them were also randomly assigned to do an additional 10 minutes of yoga.

Researchers compared participants’ incidence of falling during the six months prior to and the six months following the start of yoga classes and found  that the number of falls in older adults dropped 48 percent in the six months after yoga classes began.

There was no significant difference between the group that did and didn’t do additional “homework” yoga. Lead researcher, Irene Hamrick, has a theory why: “We have always harped on practice, along the lines of what we suggest for building muscles. But maybe the brain-nerve-muscle connection that is built in classes just needs to be stimulated periodically, and the classes are enough to do that.”

While the study was small, the results are very promising: falls are the primary cause of injury death in adults 65+, as well as the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma, and yoga can have a sizable impact on the preventing falls.

Practicing Yoga Lowers Total Cholesterol By 23%

Besides reducing blood pressure, yoga is also beneficial for overall heart health. A study with participants suffering from a heart disease proved that regular yoga practice lowers “bad” cholesterol by 26% and the total cholesterol by 23%. More importantly, the heart disease stopped progressing in 47% of participants, making this yet another one of the great health benefits of the yoga poses.

Where When And How Often Should I Practice Yoga

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Check whether you feel more active in the morning or afternoon. Then practice during that period. If you feel resistant in the morning then it’s better to practice at lunch time or in the afternoon.

Many lineages suggest practicing daily for 15-30 days to create a new . However, most athletes will tell you that a day of rest here and there is optimal for the body. This is especially true when you are new to a practice. Doing yoga 2-3 times a week is a great starting point. The amazing Kristin McGee shares some more insightful tips to get you started on your yoga practice.

Yoga For Seniors: Everything You Need To Know

More and more people in their later years are discovering the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of yoga for seniors.

Maybe you know someone who has started doing yoga, and you have become interested in starting yoga yourself. Maybe you are living with pain or ailments, and you are interested in if and how yoga can help you. In this article, you can read all about the benefits of yoga, how to start a yoga practice, which classes might be for you and you’ll get recommendations on resources to help you get started.

A lot of people feel intimidated by the postures shown when you google yoga and think that yoga is only for the already fit and flexible. Nothing could be further from the truth! All you have to do is make sure you are choosing yoga poses that suit you. If you are uncertain in any way about your physical abilities to start yoga, first speak with your doctor or healthcare professional. They will be able to guide you and also make sure that you are aware of any specific movements or breathing techniques that you should not be doing. 

Yoga is an easy practice to get into and there are classes and routines for all body types, fitness, and experience levels. You are never too old to start yoga!

Tree Pose Vrksasana To Improve Your Balance

Start by standing straight for this pose. Bring your hands together in the prayer position and lift them over your head. Balance on your right leg. Bend your left knee out to the left side and press your left foot to the inner thigh of your right leg. Hold for 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.

“This pose helps to stretch the body long, from the heels to the tips of your fingers,” says Shea Vaughn, wellness and fitness expert and author of Breakthrough: The 5 Living Principles to Defeat Stress, Look Great, and Find Total Well-Being . It will also help you improve your .

Yoga And Pranayama: Beneficial Health Impacts

Many people in the USA today claim to practice yoga for its health benefits without consciously adopting Hindu religious perspectives which underlies the practice and usually become apparent in more advanced stages of instruction. Elementary courses of hatha yoga focus on physical exercises consisting of various postures and breathing techniques. A growing body of research evidence supports the belief that certain yoga techniques may improve physical and mental health through down-regulation of the hypothalamo pituitary adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system.

Do Yoga Asanas Boost Immunity In The Elderly

Here again, the Patanjali Yoga Sutras provide a clue. “Heyam Dukham Anaagatam.” It means, ‘Avoid the misery that has not yet come.’ As we grow older, the efficiency of the immune system deteriorates, paving the way for various diseases. Regular practice of yoga techniques such as asanas, pranayama and meditationcan help avoid these conditions. So make your life happier and more fulfilling with yoga.

Beginning Yoga Exercises + Poses For Seniors

Some of the best poses for beginners and seniors are detailed below. Remember to only go as far as you can with each of the postures. Every pose can be modified to meet your needs, but it’s good to consider getting professional instruction rather than going it alone. 

Remember to discuss with your physician for approval before beginning your new yoga regimen. 

A Closer Look At These Chair Yoga Exercises:

Unless you have some experience with chair yoga, you probably need more than a graphic to perform the exercises above. Proper technique is important for your personal safety, and to make sure you’re getting the most out of these exercises. Read more about the exercises below for a closer look at these essential chair yoga poses.

Performing Power Poses Can Improve Your Self

Research conducted in 2017 showed how ‘power poses’, which are expansive and open positions which take up a lot of space, helped to boost the self esteem of respondents compared to standing poses.

The study also showed an increase in energy levels.

Museums now run yoga classes in their galleries. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya in Barcelona was one of the first museums to open their doors to yogis and now many more have followed. The thought is that it reestablishes museums as a place for reflection as opposed to simply tourist attractions.

Yoga Asanas For Seniors And Their Benefits

The active aging concept is defined as the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. It also allows the individual to understand the need to adopt a healthy lifestyle so as to age in a way that they are capable of preventing physical, mental and social disabilities.

As people grow old they believe that exercise isn’t for them. With ageing their need for physical engagement goes and their lifestyle becomes more sedentary. Incorporating exercises like brisk walking, strength training, swimming, stretching, cycling, jogging and yoga in daily routine is an important aspect of living a healthy lifestyle.

A good exercise and yoga routine helps to maintain a healthy body and mind, thereby promoting healthy ageing.

As a form of exercise, yoga in fact is good for adults of all ages, especially seniors. It is the union of body mind and breath. Simple yoga poses can help seniors keep the system in balance.

Studies have shown that yoga can be extremely helpful when it comes to combating stress, fatigue and pain. Some yoga postures increase core strength and balance, which reduces the risk of fall-related injuries.

Practicing yoga asanas help the elderly age with grace. Few of the asanas which are very helpful for all ages are:

Tadasana : It works perfectly for the hunching elderly by improving their posture. It strengthens their weak thighs and ankles, making it easier for them to move.

The Best Types Of Yoga For Senior Citizens

Whether you’re aiming to get stronger and more flexible or you just want to decompress and still your mind, yoga can help. But with the dozens of different styles that exist, it can be tough to figure out which type is most appropriate for you. Remember that a key consideration is your physical condition and fitness level. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise regimen.

Here are eight types of yoga that may offer what you need:

How Should I Breathe While Practicing Yoga

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You’ll encounter different breathing techniques in your future practicing yoga. In beginner yoga, the only one you need to think about is Oceanic Breathing, or Ujjai Breath. Allow the breath to flow in and out smoothly like an ocean’s wave. If you want you can even count to 3 or 4 for each inhale and again for each exhale. Yoga-teacher-to-the-stars, Kristin McGee, shares helpful tips on how you can breathe properly while practicing yoga.

What To Know Before Your Yoga First Class

Using a chair for balance during your practice is a safe way to build strength & modify poses .

Going to your first yoga class can be daunting, but once you get there, you’ll probably find it’s a friendly and welcoming space! However, this brief overview of what you can expect may help put your mind at ease:

Yoga Relaxes You To Help You Sleep Better

Research shows that a consistent bedtime yoga routine can help you get in the right mindset and prepare your body to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Try It: Legs-Up-the-Wall PoseSit with your left side against a wall, then gently turn right and lift your legs up to rest against the wall, keeping your back on the floor and your sitting bones close to the wall. You can remain in this position for 5 to 15 minutes. 

Easy Pose Sukhasana To Relieve Stress

Sit cross-legged on a yoga mat with your hands on your knees, palms up. Keep your spine as straight as you can. Push the bones you’re sitting on down into the floor — your “sit bones” in yoga-speak. Close your eyes and inhale.

“This is a great pose for beginners to use as an assessment,” says Gwen Lawrence, yoga coach for the New York Knicks and other sports teams, athletes, and celebrities. “Just sitting on the floor gives you a perfect way to see and feel the external rotation on the legs.” This pose also boosts back flexibility and can help relieve stress.

Is Yoga Or Pilates Better For Back Pain

Many people rave about Pilates, claiming that it saved their back or improved their in a significant way. Others love yoga, saying nothing else comes close to giving them the pain relief they seek.

But when it comes to these two popular forms of exercise, is one method better for your back than the other?

Make Your Body Young With These Asanas

Chethana Prakasan

The ancient practice of yoga, which has its origin in India, holds cure to many disorders of the body. It is part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. Yoga is not just make you fit and healthy physically but also makes your mind more active and strong. It improves your immunity, gives you a toned body, flushes out the toxins, improves circulation of blood and has many other health benefits. This low-impact practice stretches and strengthens your body. It is also effective in making your skin healthy and ease wrinkles. There are many yoga poses that will slow down the aging process and make your body look younger. So, here are some of the yoga asanas to turn back that clock..Also Read – How to do Surya Namaskar | Yoga Instructor Dr. Purnajita Sen Demonstrates | Watch Video

Getting Started Safely And Confidently

If you have a chronic condition, balance issues, or injuries, talk to your doctor about how you can exercise safely. For example, if you have osteoporosis, you can participate in yoga—but you may need to avoid forward bends and twists. But with proper medical guidance, even people who have previously fallen or been seriously injured can get stronger with yoga.

Then, keep in mind that teaching styles may vary between yoga classes and instructors, so it’s a good idea to call your local studio or fitness center before committing to a new class.

“Let them know what your concerns are, particularly if you have any health conditions,” says Sage Rountree, yoga instructor and coauthor of Lifelong Yoga. “They might steer you toward something that’s an even better fit for you than what you might choose for yourself.”

What Type Of Yoga Is Best For Seniors

If you can’t find a special senior class, a gentle beginners’ class will do. Iyengar yoga, with its emphasis on making postures accessible through the use of props, is also good for older adults, and many Iyengar centers offer classes aimed at this demographic.

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The Benefits Of Yoga For Older Adults

Yoga cultivates a mind-body connection, combining stretching and strengthening postures with deep breathing and relaxation. Despite its roots in Eastern philosophy, yoga as practiced in the West is generally focused on physical fitness. It still has a aspect, but it is not overtly religious. People of all faiths and belief systems can benefit from participating in yoga.

Because the poses

Here are some of the benefits of yoga for seniors:

Copd Chronic Bronchitis And Emphysema

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , chronic bronchitis, and emphysema make breathing very challenging and limit your ability to do cardiovascular activities.How yoga can help: Yoga is low impact. For this reason, it is a useful movement practice if you have COPD or similar respiratory problems. Additionally, a yoga practice often has pranayama, or breath practices. Focusing on inhaling and exhaling can be useful if you have a chronic breathing problem, since breathing exercises can potentially help strengthen muscles used in respiration. Time spent in mindful breathing can also help you have more awareness of your breath; noticing when you get breathless or when you feel short of breath can help you seek treatment quickly.

The Only Yoga Rule You Need To Follow

The Yoga Sutras contain bits of wisdom and yoga philosophy. This text is one of the earliest yoga books. Regarding yoga poses, the sutras don’t say much. Yoga sutra 2.46 tells us simply that yoga poses should be steady and comfortable. Knowing that this is the only prescription for the poses frees us from feeling like our yoga practice has to look a certain way. A yoga student can do a handstand, or not; a lunge, or not; a balance pose, or not. Your practice is your practice. Find strength and ease, and do what works for you.

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Adomukhi Svanasana Downward Dog Pose

Formation of the posture

Start on your fours, ensuring palms are under the shoulders and knees below hips

Lift the hips up, straighten the knees and elbows, and form an inverted ‘V’ shape

Now keep the hands shoulders width apart. Fingers point ahead

Put pressure on your palms and open your shoulder blades

Try to push your heels to the floor

Keep your eye focused on your big toes

Hold for eight to ten breaths

It stretches and gives strength to your whole body

Helps in relieving back pain

It rejuvenates your body 

Useful in relieving headache, fatigue and insomnia 

Tones the body muscles 

Gives strength to your legs, feet, shoulders and arms

Reduces anxiety and depression

Raise your trunk and head with the support of the palms alone 

The arms should be bent at the elbows 

Arch your neck slightly backwards and look upwards

Make sure that your navel is pressed against the floor 

Put pressure on your toes by pressing them onto the floor. After that,  extend them out 

Hold the asana for few seconds

Yoga Poses For Correcting Bad Posture disclosure

Many factors can contribute to one’s bad posture. If your work needs you to stay in one spot for very long, chances are you might be staying in one posture for too long.

For example, sitting too long is one of them and that can cause bad posture easily.

Having a wrong posture can develop some serious problems over time.

These problems range from upper back pain, lower back pain, weakened muscles, digestion issues to curvature of the spine.

If you want to improve your posture, then roll out your and start doing these yoga poses for correcting bad posture!

They will help you correct your bad posture, relieve the pain and strengthen your muscles.

Baby Pigeon Pose To Open Up Your Hips

From all fours, move your right knee forward between your hands. As though you were doing a lunge, slowly straighten your left leg behind you, keeping the knee and top of the foot on the floor. Now rotate the right knee toward the right wrist and bring it down to the floor with your right calf flat on the floor and your right foot resting under your left groin. Lower your upper body over the bent leg, either all the way to the floor or resting on your elbows. Slowly inhale and exhale five times. Before you change sides, push back on your left leg to stretch the calf muscles. Repeat with your left leg bent and right leg extended.

This pose is a favorite for runners because it boosts hip flexibility and also releases the glutes and low back, Lawrence says. “If you run, lift weights, do CrossFit, or Spin, you must do this stretch to keep strong and flexible and enhance your performance.” It may be challenging at first, but you’ll learn to love this pose, Lawrence promises.

The 28 Day Yoga For Beginners Program

If you have been looking for a way to get into yoga but don’t know where to start, this is the perfect program. Designed by one of the world’s leading yoga instructors, Kristin McGee, this program will help you feel comfortable in each session.

The 28 Day Yoga for Beginners Program has everything that beginners need. This course is designed for the complete beginner, so if you have no previous yoga experience there’s nothing to worry about. It will guide you through each step of your journey with easy-to-follow instructions.

Moreover, Kristin’s approachable style of teaching will make you feel like she is your friend guiding you on your first steps so there’s no pressure involved at all!

This free yoga program for beginners might just be exactly what you needed right now: A fresh start – one filled with peace and balance as well as renewed energy levels, emotional stability, strength both physical and mental.

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Yoga Poses To Relieve Lower Back Pain

The lower back is a sensitive spot for many people. While there can be a ton of causes of lower back pain, a weak core and poor posture from sitting all day are two really common contributing factors to lower back aches and discomfort. It’s always important to figure out what’s causing pain so you can address it and prevent it from happening again. But in most situations, doing some gentle yoga can help relieve tightness and give your lower back some relief.

“Yoga is great for working on flexibility and core stability, correcting posture, and breathing—all of which are necessary for a healthy back,”Sasha Cyrelson, P.T., D.P.T., O.C.S., clinical director at Professional Physical Therapy in Sicklerville, New Jersey, tells SELF. She adds that yoga is safe to do daily. It’s important, though, to make sure you’re in tune with your body and stop doing anything that makes your discomfort worse. “Never stretch into a position of pain. Pain is how our bodies tell us something is wrong. If it actually hurts, ease up on the stretch.”

If you have any history of lower back injuries, problems with your discs, or experience pain that lasts more than 72 hours without improving, Cyrelson suggests seeing a physical therapist before doing any exercises. If you have an issue that requires medical attention, it’s best to address it before it becomes worse.

The Research On Pilates For Back Pain

A 2011 review looked back on nearly 15 years of research and concluded that while more studies need to be performed and quality of results depends greatly on factors like instructor expertise, there’s promise for using Pilates as a means of relief for back pain.?? Across multiple studies, participants who took part in a Pilates regimen experienced less back pain, no matter their age or athletic level.

On the other hand, a 2013 review reported that the small number of studies, as well as poor quality of the studies, precluded the authors from recommending Pilates for reducing pain and disability in people with chronic low back pain.??

Similarly, a 2015 Cochrane Database Review could not find conclusive evidence that Pilates is superior to other forms of exercise for low back pain.??

Yoga For Seniors: How To Get Started

You’re never too old to reap the rewards of yoga. For seniors who are looking for a safe, effective way to enhance their physical health and overall wellness, the stretching, breathing, and meditation practices of yoga can be a great solution. In fact, as you will see, doing yoga regularly can result in a host of benefits for older adults, from greater flexibility and improved balance to lower stress and better sleep.

It’s no wonder, then, that yoga is becoming increasingly popular among seniors. The 2016 Yoga in America Study found that nearly 14 million Americans over the age of 50 practiced yoga that year. That was a significant jump from the four million who did so in 2012.

This article outlines the many benefits of senior yoga and describes several of the best types of yoga for older men and women . It also offers information about basic poses and explains what you should do before you begin any yoga routine. And it even provides examples of helpful books, videos, and DVDs as well as tips on how to find appropriate classes.

Getting Started With Yoga In Old Age

You can start your yoga for seniors practice at home or by attending classes. Both can work out really well. Look at the list above and find a style that you think suits you. If you’re not sure, try some different styles. Of course, if you have any ailments or illnesses talk with your healthcare professional first.

If you want to attend classes I recommend talking with the studio or teacher first. Tell them what it is you expect and check to see if there’s a match. Maybe ask if you can try out a class, many studios offer this for new students.

You can start your at-home practice in many ways. If yoga is new to you I would recommend maybe finding a teacher that teaches online, to give you a basic understanding of the poses. The nice thing about online teaching is that you can get feedback on your form in the different poses. You can also find many great classes on YouTube. Here is one such video to get you started:

If you chose a style before, you can search by style on YouTube and find a teacher you like.  If you would rather do the poses yourself, this is also an option. Be mindful, stay within your comfort zone, and practice with patience and respect for your body. 

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6 Great Ways to Stay Fit at Work

When you're sitting at a desk all day, staying fit is probably the least of your worries. However, offices can be a source of serious health concerns—from computer-induced vision problems and sore backs, to unhealthy snacking and overall stress. On that note, health should be an absolute priority. After all, it's harder to plough through a mountain of work while sick.Here are six ways to stay fit at work.

1. Don’t snack while working

People who eat while distracted have a bigger chance of over-eating. It takes the brain around 20 minutes to realize that you're full, so it's easy to get carried away when you're constantly shoving chips into your mouth while typing away. Registered dietitian Kim Shapira recommends taking 20 or 30-minute breaks to eat your snacks so you can fuel up in peace.

2. Take the stairs

Climbing the stairs has a lot of benefits, including healthy blood circulation, strong bones, and maybe even weight loss if you do it often. Of course, if your office is on the 70th floor, we’re not saying that you must hike all the way up. Around three to four levels should be enough exercise, so try not to take the elevator all the way.

3. Control caffeine urges

When you’re stressed, it can be tempting to reach for a comforting cup of coffee. However, tension and caffeine are an unhealthy combination. Health notes that physical stress can inhibit the body’s digestion process, which can then lead to excessive gas or bloating. Inhibited digestion, when combined with the acidity of coffee, can lead to stomach pains that will make it hard for you to focus. While a study on PLOS Biology does prove that drinking coffee is beneficial to your health, you shouldn’t be drinking it when you’re feeling anxious.

4. Always hydrate

Water is important wherever you are, but even more so when you're at work. Hydrating regularly prevents your eyes from becoming dry, regulates digestion, and boosts your immunity. Plus, an article on The Healthy reveals that water can keep your energy levels up too. If you find yourself feeling sluggish, then evaluate if you're drinking at least eight glasses of water every day.

5. Do some stretching

Sitting for an extended period can cause strain on several parts of your body, such as your spine, shoulders, and neck. Stretching every hour can help combat this. Chair pigeon poses, desk planks and seated crescents are some examples of yoga poses you can do at the office. Just remember that these poses should be done properly if you want them to be effective. In a previous post on ‘The 4 Most Important Yoga Poses for Beginners’,  we discussed how the two basic rules of yoga are awareness and focus. That way, you absorb every part of your stretching routine.

6. Maintain good posture

When you're in one position for most of the day, it's highly likely that you’ll end up hunching your shoulders or leaning forward to get more comfortable. Maintaining proper posture takes real effort and discipline, but it makes it easier to breathe, thus letting you relax and concentrate better. In fact, various Eastern practices like tai-chi work on posture for a reason.

At the end of the day, your job is important, but so is your health. Although these habits might seem like minor tweaks, incorporating them into your everyday routine will eventually help you become healthier, and more productive.

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September Scouted Calendar

Easing into our fall routines means a return to structure—plus an exciting list of can’t-miss happenings throughout our area. From open houses to charity events to an extraordinary culinary weekend, here’s what we’re looking forward to in September.

Harvest Jewels Labor Day Sale

60% off select merchandise.

Haley Dermatology September Specials

Halo Laser Buy 1 Treatment, Get 1 Half Priced

Revision Skincare 15% off

Newton (Jeuveau $10/unit Introductory Price

Atchison Home September 30 % off Upholstery Sale

30% off includes all in stock and custom upholstered ottomans, headboards, sofas and chairs.

Custom order deadlines: Thanksgiving September 13th and Christmas October 11th

SALE ends September 30th!

Hot Restore: Hips & Hamstrings

September 2nd, 9th & 16th | 7pm | Soul Shine Yoga Daphne

This class focuses on poses that will deeply open the hips, hamstrings, quads, low back and side body. Allow the heat to help you open more deeply and stretch more fully, while you heal your body and calm your mind. + $15 drop in, packages available + bring yoga mat and water + Heated, All levels, 60 minutes

$5 Mommy & Me Yoga

September 3rd | 11am | Soul Shine Yoga Daphne

This class will focus on providing physical, mental, and emotional support for new mothers. We will focus on correcting imbalances created during pregnancy, and rebuilding strength in the body. Specific movements and songs will be integrated throughout class to entertain baby as well as support their physical and emotional development. The class will include 45 minutes of movement, then time to connect with other moms. Moms and moms-to-be are welcome to join without baby , with the understanding that this will not be a quiet class. +Bring yoga mat, water, baby blanket +Recommended for babies up to age 3 +$5 Drop in

$5 Buti Yoga

September 3rd | 7pm | Soul Shine Yoga Daphne

Get your workout on! This class has a foundation in power yoga fused with primal movement, dynamic asana, cardio-sprints and deep abdominal toning. Music guides classes to create a high-intensity workout that transforms the body and soul. Come be a part of a tribe striving for empowerment, health, happiness & confidence. + $5 drop in + bring yoga mat and water + class located at 28623 Main St Daphne, AL Led by trained Buti Yoga Teacher, Amber Warner, RYT. *This class has more of a workout/fitness feel, rather than a traditional yoga class...that's what makes it awesome and fun! All levels welcome, 

$5 Yoga on Tap

September 3rd | 6:00pm | Fairhope Brewing Company

Soul Shine Yoga’s Hoppy Hour meets at the Fairhope Brewing Company. It’s a fun 60 minute Vinyasa Flow class for all levels. Come for the yoga, stay for the outstanding local beer! Bring a mat and a friend. (All levels, unheated) | Learn More

Old Crow Medicine Show 

September 4th | 7:00pm | Saenger Theatre

With 11 albums, two GRAMMYs, countless live performances and a certified Platinum single, Wagon Wheel, this string band has made their mark with fans of country, folk, and rock music.

Foundations of Yoga

September 5th, 12th & 19th | 9:30am | Soul Shine Yoga Daphne

A basic, supportive class that is great for all beginning yoga students. You will be guided with safe and supportive instruction as you learn the foundation of yoga poses used in Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga. You will also learn relaxation techniques and pranayama/breath work with a focus on yoga philosophy. We use props such as bolsters, blocks and straps, as needed, to assist in deepening your poses and setting up proper alignment. All levels. Unheated

Fairhope ArtWalk

September 6th | 6pm-8pm | Downtown Fairhope

Fairhope First Friday Art Walk Visit our local merchants in Downtown Fairhope as they open late and highlight the art community. Art Walk happens every first Friday of each month.  

Daphne Farmers’ Market

September 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th  | 2pm-6pm | 2305 Hwy 98

Shop local farmers with locally grown produce, baked goods and great gulf fish.

Open House Marathon

September 8th | 2pm-4pm | LLB&B Real Estate

On Sunday from 2pm to 4pm, doors will be open all across Mobile with LLB&B agents jumping at the chance to show you around. Here are the addresses:

3815 Riviere du Chein Road

8600 Anvil Court East

4813 Pine Court

6441 Sugar Creek Drive North

202 Stillwood Lane

71 Ridgelawn Drive East

3905 Mountain Drive

Pours for Purrs

September 10th | 5pm-7pm | Fairhope Brewing Company

From 5pm to 7pm, for every pour, Stray Love gets $1! Come join FBC and get your craft beer on with 15 brews on tap! Proceeds benefit the Stray Love Foundation, a 501C3 non-profit animal rescue group.

Downtown Fairhope Condo Open House

September 12th | 4pm-6pm | 52 N Church Street

Join Courtney and Morris Real Estate for a preview of two luxury condos in the heart of downtown Fairhope while enjoying wine and cheese refreshments.

LODA ArtWalk

September 13th | 6pm | Downtown Mobile

Starting at 6pm on the second Friday of every month, galleries, restaurants, shops, institutions, etc in the Lower Dauphin (LoDa) Arts District open their doors for a family-friendly evening of exhibitions and entertainment by area artists.  

Dawson Morgan Exhibition

September 13th | 6pm-9pm | Sophiella Gallery

CENTERPIECE: A ceramic collection of coastal art by Dawson Morgan, influenced by life on the Gulf Coast. Exhibition to debut at ArtWalk on Sept 13th from 6-9pm. Hanging light pendants will also be on display with all pieces available for purchase. Sophiella always offers large and small canvases by established and emerging artists. 

Fairhope Farmers’ Market

September 19th & 26th  | 3pm-6pm | Behind Fairhope Public Library

Shop local farmers with locally grown produce, baked goods and great gulf fish.

Beverage Academy: Irish Whiskey

September 20th | 5:30pm-7:00pm | GrandHotel Golf Resort & Spa

Each month, the Beverage Team at the Grand Hotel will be teaching classes at the resorts’ Beverage Academy. The classes are aimed at expanding the participants’ knowledge of beverage basics while also incorporating more advanced techniques. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the classes are fun, hands-on experiences that will have people raving about your beverage skills. In each Grand Beverage Academy, you will receive a one- hour beverage demonstration, recipes and beverage sampling. Quite possibly the home of Whiskey, Ireland has been distilling since monks learned the practice of distilling perfumes in the twelfth century. Learn more about the history, production, flavors and how Irish Whiskey fits into some tasty cocktails.

Fight Like a Mother: A Paint and Sip Charity Event

September 23rd | 6pm-8pm | Fairhope Brewing Company

Fairhope Brewing Company is hosting an event to benefit the Reeves Family, who is going through a very rough patch. Taylor Madeline Reeves is a 29 year old mother of two from Mobile who was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is currently going through chemotherapy. Border Magic and Boulder Designs by Mathews Group inc. is based out of Foley, Alabama.  They provide decorative rocks to be painted the day of the event.  Of the $55 fee for painting, 30% will go directly to the Reeves Family. They supply all of the materials; all you need to bring is a great attitude. Meanwhile, Fairhope Brewing Company will also donate one dollar per pour for the duration of the event.  You don't need to paint; you don't need to drink; you just need to come out to support the Reeves Family. Bleus Burger - Gulf Shores will be on hand to fulfill your hamburger needs.

Culinary Academy - Cooking Essentials VI: Cake Decorating

September 21st | 10:00am-11:30am | Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa

Each month, a Chef at the Grand Hotel will be teaching classes at the Resort’s Culinary Academy. These classes focus on expanding the participants’ knowledge of the culinary basics while also incorporating techniques that are more advanced. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the Chef’s classes are fun, hands-on experiences that will have people raving about your culinary skills. In each Grand Culinary Academy, you will receive an in depth cooking demonstration, recipes, food sampling and a diploma. During this class, you will learn how to use different decorating techniques to create beautiful cupcakes, layered cakes and mousse cakes.

Flocks on the Rocks - Craft Cocktail Tour

September 20th | 7pm-9pm | Gulf Coast Ducks

Friday nights are made for downtown duck tours and craft cocktails!  It's time to get out on the town! Hop aboard and enjoy the sights and sounds in downtown Mobile on our famous duck tour AND get a craft cocktail at 3 different stops! Post- Mailman's Kid Wet Willie's- Your Choice Daiquiri The Royal Street Tavern Your choice: The Vesper or The Spiked Lavender TICKETS $55 ADULT ADMISSION ONLY- MUST BE 21 TO RIDE!

31st Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts

September 28th & 29th | 10am-5pm | 1700 Main Street

The 31st Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts is set to attract thousands to the oak-lined Main Street of Daphne, Alabama on September 28th and 29th. Art, music & seafood meet southern charm at this annual festival set along the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce hosts this family-friendly festival each year in coordination with the City of Daphne. ARTS & CRAFTS VENDORS: Visit nearly 100 arts and crafts vendors showcasing the very best in jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculpture, wood, mixed media, functional & decorative items. As a juried art show, vendors are competing for cash prizes which will be awarded Saturday night. It's not too early to start thinking about Christmas presents you won't find anywhere else. FOOD: Not only can you visit our eclectic food court offering festival favorites, but Olde Towne Daphne is teeming with many delicious restaurants ready to service festival guests.

American Cancer Society: Vintage Affair Gala

September 29th | 4pm-7pm | Heritage Hall

The American Cancer Society’s 25th Annual Vintage Affair Gala on Sunday, September 29, 2019 from 4pm-7pm at Heritage Hall for a one-of-a-kind evening, featuring great food by Clifton Morrissette, entertainment by Cooper Trent and the Court of Trent, featured painting by artist Margi McCall, local art work, a spectacular auction, and much more. With your support, the American Cancer Society saves lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer.