Traditional yoga enthusiasts may be surprised by the development in yoga products over recent years, but as popularity for one of the oldest self-development systems has increased dramatically, so has the desire to offer more variety to practice methods. There are DVD’s, Yoga music, and a variety of yoga mats, yoga blocks and belts as well as a huge selection of yoga clothes to help the student be able to progress and be comfortable in their postures.
The yoga ball is not just the latest fad however, it has earned a place in many exercise systems by enhancing the workout substantially, and this also happens to include yoga. Used as part of a yoga session, it makes the student work harder to stay balanced as the yoga ball gives a feeling of instability, and this means core muscles become more finely tuned as a result.
As in any fitness regime, having core strength is important and this means working to develop strong stomach and back muscles. The yoga ball enhances these types of exercises and although it can take a while to become used to exercising this way, the benefits are quite vast.
Not only do they increase strength in the chest, arms, lower back, abdomen and buttocks, they helps the student to improve their stretching ability in specific postures by opening up the body much greater than with traditional floor work.
There are an abundance of good books and DVD’s available in stores or via the Internet which detail the benefits of using a yoga ball on a regular basis, and it is worthwhile investing in a yoga ball and supporting training products and trying it out for yourself. There are different sizes to yoga balls, so it is important that the student chooses the correct one, as it is vital for comfort and support when using it for stretching or toning work. They even come in a variety of different colors so that they can match the student’s personality and this can help to personalize the student’s training environment.
Yoga balls are even used in hospitals as part of physiotherapy routines as the medical world has recognized the benefits of aiding those with injuries to recovery. In addition to the stretching and toning benefits, yoga balls can help add variety to the training session and increase motivation within the student. It is good to mix and match postures and training aids so that interest does not begin to wane, there are also some very good classes where students can use a yoga ball as part of their on-going development and these may be a good starting point for the student who is keen to learn more.
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Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning spinning wheel. These are a system of seven energy centers located along the spine. Each chakra corresponds to an area of the body, a set of behavioral characteristics and stages of spiritual growth. Practicing yoga and focusing your energies during different postures can help you to align your chakras and get all the wheels spinning in the same direction and speed. Understanding how to fine tune and control your chakras through yoga and meditation can help bring balance and peace to your mind, body and spirit.
There are seven chakras, each associated with a different part of the body along the spine from the perineum to the crown of your head. Each chakra is associated with a particular body location, a color, a central emotional/behavioral issue, as well as many other personal aspects including identity, goals, rights, etc.
The seven chakras are: Muladhara- base of the spine; Svadhisthana- abdomen, genitals, lower back/hip; Manipura- solar plexus; Anahata- heart area; Visshudha- throat; Ajna- brow; Sahasrara- top of head, cerebral cortex.
Through the movements and postures of yoga, you can learn to focus your concentration and energy to and from the various chakras in your body. This can allow you to compensate for areas that may be out of synch with the rest of your body or not active at all. By balancing the energy among all seven of the chakras, balance can be achieved. This spiritual energy is known as Kundalini energy. In its dormant state, it can be visualized as a coiled up snake resting at the base of your spine, the Muladhara chakra. Since the chakras act as valves or pumps regulating the flow of energy through your system, controlled and purposeful movements such as yoga can be extremely beneficial in realigning your chakras in a way that can cause great benefits to you in your physical and emotional well being.
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