...What is yoga? Even with its immense popularity today, many people still do not know the answer to that question. Hatha yoga is the traditional style taught in the West and has gained wide popularity in recent years by emphasizing asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and dhyana (meditation). Classes billed as Hatha are generally an eclectic style, drawing teaching methods from various traditions. There are many different styles of Hatha yoga that have been created by various teachers from around the world.

In Hatha yoga each posture (asana) is designed to maintain or aid in restoring health, by increasing strength and flexibility. The far-reaching benefits include improved functioning of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and ho...more

Student Can Do Yoga to Soothe Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia

...till zone out in that running experience or in that workout. You can be not present and run ten miles. I think a lot of people do just that. A yoga class really demands that you be present on so many levels. Other than just a workout for the physical body, it's a mind-body workout.

Campus Calm: How can yoga help students develop a positive body image?

Forbes: Two of the central principles of yoga are contentment, and being in the moment. Yoga is about accepting yourself in the moment. The fringe benefits of yoga are that when people start to feel stronger and more flexible, they value their bodies more for what they can do rather than what they look like. That's one major way to develop a positive body image.

Campus Calm: Isn't it true that yoga helps you practice gratitude for your body?

Forbes: That's a nice thought but I don't know if that's the goal of yoga. I think some people may say that happens. There can be a problem with yoga in America today in that, like in other endeavors, there's an emphasis on having that perfect, thin yoga body. We still have that to worry about. Many women who take classes will compare themselves to the size of the other women. Still, one of the guiding principles of yoga is contentment and acceptance- and gratitude can be an extension of that contentment.

Campus Calm: Can you explain what being "mindful" means and how students can live mindfully even when they have a demanding academic course load?

Forbes: mindfulness is really about focusing on the present, what you're doing in the present moment rather than waiting for some time in the future when you can enjoy something. It's about being really aware and really focused on what you're doing in the present -- no matter if you're washing dishes, working on a paper, or sitting in class. And being present can be extremely demanding.<...more

Yoga in the Workplace

...s more effectively. In Britain and many other European countries, there has been drastic increase in the practice of yoga in office place. The most interesting facet of this practice is now many employers who fund exercise programs for their employees are starting to rule in favor of yoga instead of standard gym membership. Moreover, research shows a person who is undisturbed and at the peak of his mental and physical health can perform better in the workplace.

Yoga is not just about stretching and relaxing; it is a concept or method to attain physical and mental health, well-being and personal growth. It is the practice of putting the body into different positions while re...more

Yoga, The Hot New Trend?

... centuries to learn and enjoy a peaceful time, while reducing stress and to cultivate an enthusiasm for exercise. This could not have been rediscovered at a better time. After all, it is not news to anyone that has seen the stories on television that kids and teens are fatter and less active than ever these days.

According to a study done in 2002 by the National Center for health Statistics it was found that 16% of young people ages 6-19 are overweight. The figures are probably much higher today and we all know just by walking around town that more and more adults are overweight too.

In a time when everything is rush rush and we are all eating more fast food than ever, while leading more and more stressful lives; maybe we all just need to take a little time to relax. Enjoy some yoga and de-stress.

Ahhhh, it makes a body feel good.<...more

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