Yoga decoded – there’s never been a better time to try it
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As the warm summer evenings draw to a close and we have to start shopping for shrugs and boleros to keep warm and look fashionable for an evening out, you know that the autumn season is fast approaching. The hype surrounding your bikini body might have taken a back seat these last few weeks as you watch the leaves fall and add chunky knits and scarves to your wardrobe wish list, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start a fitness regime this side of the New Year.
If you’re looking to take up a new hobby, activity or exercise class this season then it’s got to be yoga. It’s the perfect autumnal past time that will make you feel at one with nature and fit for the new season.
What you’ll need and how:
You don’t have to be a pro or ridiculously flexible to enjoy yoga. In fact the more you see yoga as a way of life, the easier it is to incorporate into your daily routine. You don’t need any special tools or accessories to begin practising yoga; you just need the attitude – the desire to increase your self-awareness. Combine this with a non-slip mat and a chair with arm rests and you’ve got your mobile yoga gym – there’s no excuse not to!
You should wear loose fitting or stretchy clothes – think shorts, leotards or jogging bottoms. You don’t need to fork out on expensive shoes because yoga is usually done barefoot.
Make the most of the soon to be scarce hours of daylight and try to do yoga first thing in the morning. It’s an excellent way to revitalise the mind and body. Your session doesn’t need to be lengthy, but for optimum results it should be completed daily – try 15 minutes of yoga exercises and 15 minutes of breathing and meditation. You can practise yoga almost anywhere – just try and opt for somewhere that’s free from lots of distractions.
If you can’t face sacrificing half an hour’s sleep for yoga then make sure you do it 1-2 hours after a full meal. This is because it’s best to do yoga on an empty stomach.
A Basic Yoga Session:
A basic yoga session will consist of –
Warm up exercises: these will condition your body for safe asana practise. They open up the shoulder muscles, the spine, hips, lower back and groin.
Standing poses: These help align the feet and body to improve posture. They stretch the legs, add strength to your back and increase your range of movement.
Sitting poses: sitting poses ensure you can infuse breath with your body and give you a calm and quiet feeling.
Twists: these exercises will release tension in your spine, relieve backaches and can make your shoulders more flexible. It also facilitates blood flow, which is great for your circulation.
Inverted and balance poses: These positions will help you develop coordination and increase your stamina. These poses are also great for improving your agility and poise as it will help focus your concentration.
If you feel like you’d benefit more from taking part in a yoga class, rather than going about it on your own, then search for yoga classes happening in your area. The craze has erupted so whatever your ability or commitment to this new hobby, you’ll be able to find a class, or a yoga partner, to suit you.
This article is brought to you by http://www.kaleidoscope.co.uk/
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Weather for Leamington
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
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Temperature: 5 C to 16 C
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