Yoga Information<
 
Web World-SuperSite

Confessions of a Yoga Teacher


The following are questions that Yoga teachers still need to answer, despite overwhelming evidence that Yoga is "the mother of all health maintenance systems." Mainstream thought is finally catching up, with the progress Yoga is making, but it has taken 5,000 years for us to get this far.

Seriously, How Can Yoga Make You Lose Weight?

Finally, some of the "Yoga and Weight Loss" studies have come in, and even, a little bit of Yoga is much better, than none, for weight control, but there are a number of reasons why. Yoga is a lifestyle change that includes a safe diet; exercise, adjusting posture, breathing, and a whole lot more. Most of the Yoga practitioners, I know, consume more water, eat more moderately, and take more care of their bodies, in comparison to the many who don't want to leave the couch.

Aren't you supposed to jump up and down for at least a half-hour per day to exercise enough to lose weight?

Maybe the masses have been "brain washed" into thinking that you have to feel the pain, suffer, starve, and have a near death experience, to lose weight. Depending upon your size, the average person, in a moderate Hatha yoga class, is burning in the neighborhood of 200 calories per hour. There are Vinyasa Yoga classes, that will burn more calories, with much more flowing and active movement. Just remember, that your safety is top priority, and you will be fine.

There are also Yoga classes where you can feel the pain, heat, and suffer. This is great for those who feel the need to "pay for their sins." Maybe this is considered "penance," for years of consuming excessive pizza, burgers, and buffets. If you feel you must suffer, you may even find a Yoga teacher who missed his or her calling as an interrogator.

If you search hard enough, you will find a Yoga class for every niche. More moderate Yoga classes look easy on the outside of the class, but I have seen many people find them to be a challenge, on the inside of the class. The real benefit of steady Yoga practice is training for longevity. Long-term practice will yield optimum health benefits in mind, body, and spirit.

Couldn't you just invent a Yoga pill?

This has been the ultimate dream of "couch potatoes," but every time a weight loss pill comes out, there is a down side. Just look at the health problems that resulted from fen phen and ephedra. This should wake people up, but someone will always put their life at risk, no matter how many warning labels are printed.

In summary, the benefits of Yoga practice have always existed, through steady and safe practice. Seek out a safe teacher and go from there. Never push yourself to the point of strain. Moderation is key, so it is wise to avoid extremes.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html


MORE RESOURCES:

Omstream.com Announces Signing of NuTone Music and Their Catalog ...
MarketWatch - 4 hours ago
LOS ANGELES, CA, Dec 02, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Omstream.com, the online music store that specializes in downloadable yoga music, meditation music ...


San Diego Union Tribune

Exercising mind & body Pilates and yoga stretch the limits
San Diego Union Tribune, CA - 1 hour ago
Within a year, she leaped from the mat onto the Pilates equipment and, having mastered one new exercise, she added another to her repertoire: yoga. ...


Seattle Post Intelligencer

Starting a Home Yoga Practice
Seattle Post Intelligencer - 3 hours ago
You don't have to go to a fancy studio or gym to do yoga. Your living room will do just fine. And there is no commute, no stinky feet other than your own, ...


New York Daily News

A HinJew Target in Mumbai
Washington Post, United States - Dec 1, 2008
Hindu-derived Siddha Yoga was my path. I came by it in 1980 as a journalist sent by a Los Angeles newspaper to cover California's latest guru sensation, ...
Video: NY Rabbi, Wife Among Dead in Mumbai Raid AssociatedPress
US Jewish, meditation groups' members die in India The Associated Press
all 2,956 news articles


Defining yoga, one style at a time
Common Ground, CA - Dec 1, 2008
That’s the philosophy that inspired Jivamukti Yoga founders Sharon Gannon and David Life, who developed the style in their Manhattan studio in 1984. ...


Healthy Living: Yoga is a relaxing and simple everyday stress-buster
Norwich Bulletin, CT - 12 hours ago
Carol Klammer teaches prenatal and senior yoga at The William W. Backus Hospital’s Center for Healthcare Integration and Birthing Center, and offers other ...


IndiaGlitz

Ileana D'Cruz becomes the Yoga girl
IndiaGlitz, CA - 5 hours ago
Ileana has now started preaching Yoga whenever she finds an opportunity. The story behind a naïve girl becoming the yoga girl is that she had started ...


6-week yoga series for fibromyalgia/arthritis pain to be held Dec ...
Vanderbilt University News, TN - 2 hours ago
A special six-class yoga series “Tenderness to the Body: Yoga for Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Pain” will be held every Wednesday, Dec. 3-Jan. ...


Straits Times

SMS: MUI's investigation into yoga
Jakarta Post, Indonesia - 13 hours ago
Your comments on the Indonesian Ulemas Council's (MUI) investigation into yoga following the decision by the Malaysian National Fatwa Council prohibiting ...
Malaysia abuzz with debate about the practice of yoga Channel News Asia
Should a Pious Muslim Practice Yoga? TIME
Malaysia bans yoga for Muslims United Press International, Asia
ABC News - Straits Times
all 227 news articles


Living Your Yoga: Seated pose brings tranquility
Washington Examiner, DC - 18 hours ago
By Kimberly Wilson Andrew Harnik/Examiner Welcome back to our ongoing series dedicated to living your yoga! This series explores yoga as a lifestyle through ...

Yoga - Google News

home | site map
© 2006