Appetizer
Do MORE yoga. There are many different aspects to the general term “yoga,” but what most of us think of when we hear the term is Hatha yoga.
According to the Yoga Journal, Hatha yoga refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asanas or postures), and sequences of asanas, designed to align your skin, muscles, and bones. The postures are also designed to open the many channels of the body–especially the main channel, the spine–so that energy can flow freely.
All you need to get started is a yoga mat. Most gyms and yoga studios have mats that you can borrow, but if you become a “regular,” it’s best to bring your own mat.
Remember: Do not eat for at least 2 hours before your class. All of the twisting, turning and posing can make you feel quite unpleasant on a full stomach.
Main Course
Increasing Flexibility – yoga has positions that act upon the various joints of the body including those joints that are never really on the ‘radar screen’ let alone exercised.
Increasing lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons – likewise, the well-researched yoga positions exercise the different tendons and ligaments of the body.
Complete Detoxification – By gently stretching muscles and joints as well as massaging the various organs, yoga ensures the optimum blood supply to various parts of the body.
Excellent toning of the muscles – Muscles that have become flaccid or weak are stimulated repeatedly to shed excess flab.
Source: Healthandyoga.com
Dessert
Despite the popularity of yoga, I’ve always been a skeptic. I never completely felt comfortable with the concept because I thought it involved the practice of non-Christian religions, however, I now know that its principles do not have to be tied to any particular religion. We can all practice yoga in good conscience – no matter our beliefs.
Aside from spirituality concerns, I was a yoga-cynic because when I go to the gym, I WANT TO SWEAT. I don’t feel like sitting in a room doing a bunch of stretching and moving while chanting to new age music. If I’m just going to sit around, I’d rather do it at home while watching Dr. McDreamy in my pajamas.
Unfortunately, my regular scheduled kickboxing class was canceled last Tuesday, so I slid into the yoga room thinking that “something is better than nothing.” HA! Was I in for a shock! I was dripping sweat 20 minutes into the class, and by the end, I was licking the edge of my empty water bottle for remnants.
Man, yoga is hard!!! It was a great workout. Now, I have to eat all of my words and go get some cute yoga outfits before tomorrow’s class.
About Cafe Physique:
The mission of Café Physique is to help clients reach and exceed their personal fitness and nutrition goals. If you’re in need of an a nutritionist in Atlanta or an Atlanta personal trainer – Café Physique is the perfect solution. We offer Atlanta yoga instruction, Atlanta prenatal workouts, and Atlanta personal training. We also have private sessions of pilates that Atlanta residents are raving about. We invite you to let a member of our Atlanta registered dietitian staff or personal training team develop and implement a realistic and healthy lifestyle plan to meet your personal goals.
