How To Become Better With Health In 10 Minutes

Normal Weight Loss Per Month

Promises from supplements or magazine articles that claim you can lose 20 or more pounds per month aren’t promoting “normal” weight loss. When it comes to weight loss, however, the term “normal” is truly relative. Everyone loses weight at a different rate, depending on a multitude of factors — including gender, age and size. Two pounds a week, or about 8 pounds a month, might be normal for a larger man, but a small, older woman might find that 2 pounds a month is normal for her. As you start your weight loss journey, you’ll learn what’s “normal” for you, based on your activity level and lifestyle.

How Weight Loss Happens

Changes in your weight occur when you upset the caloric energy balance equation. If you consume 3,500 more calories daily than you burn, then you gain a pound of fat. If you consume 3,500 fewer calories daily than you burn, then you lose a pound. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you aim for no more than a 3,500- to 7,000-calorie deficit a week to result in a “safe” and “sustainable” rate of loss of about 4 to 8 pounds a month.

However, this rate may be too aggressive if you don’t burn a lot of calories every day. A mostly sedentary woman over 50 only burns an average of 1,600 calories a day. She can’t trim 500 calories without dropping to a diet that consists of fewer than 1,200 calories, which could leave her nutritionally deficient. If she’s not willing to burn 100 calories through daily exercise to get the 500-calorie daily deficit needed to burn a pound a week, an aggressive weight-loss rate for her would be about 3.4 pounds a month. A more “normal,” manageable goal might be closer to 1.5 to 2 pounds a month, as this requires that she only trim 175 to 250 calories a day.

Factors Affecting “Normal” Weight Loss Per Month

Numerous factors affect how fast a normal rate of weight loss is for you. Men — especially when they first start making better dietary choices and exercising more — tend to lose weight faster than women because of hormonal differences and because they have greater amounts of lean muscle mass. Because men also tend to burn more calories daily — because they’re larger — it’s easier for them to create a calorie deficit.

The natural loss of lean muscle begins in your 40s and accelerates after you reach 50. While exercise and quality nutrition can mitigate the loss, some loss is inevitable. A normal weight-loss rate of 4 to 8 pounds a month is probably easier to achieve when you’re in your 20s and 30s, but this rate may slow to 2 to 3 pounds a month later in life.

For some people, too, creating a 500- to 1,000-calorie deficit daily may be just too difficult to maintain, and it could lead to long-term weight-loss failure. If you’re particularly active, you may need more calories to support your lifestyle, but if you trim too many calories and try to move more, this could leave you fatigued, irritable and starving. Instead, you might aim for a 2- to 3-pound weight loss a month, if that amount feels more normal — and doable — to you.

Where You Are in Your Diet Plan

If you begin a weight-loss program that consists of drastic changes, then you might find weight loss is faster in the first month and then trails off in subsequent months. Initially, your body is losing a good deal of water weight, which can create dramatic numbers on the scale. Getting quick results early on is normal.

Heavier people may also have a more rapid “normal” rate of weight loss. When you have more weight to lose, you need more calories daily to maintain your size. You can create a larger caloric deficit by trimming servings and choosing quality options, without eating too few calories to meet your nutritional needs — and thus — you may lose weight faster.

Weight Loss Comparisons Aren’t Helpful

Of course, you want to be realistic in setting goals for weight loss, so it’s helpful to know that 8 pounds is approximately the greatest amount of weight loss the average person could aim for in a month. Remember, however, that every person’s actual results are unique for that person. This can help keep you from comparing your weight-loss results to your partner’s or your neighbor’s results. If you cut your caloric intake and move more, you’ll lose weight and become healthier.

You may feel as if you’re doing everything right, but you’re not losing a normal amount of weight. Invest in a food scale and a set of measuring cups so you can be certain that your servings are the appropriate size for your caloric intake. People tend to overestimate proper portion sizes. Take note of your intensity when you work out and tune in when you skip a workout. You might be letting yourself have workouts that are too easy or you might skip workouts too often. Weight loss requires commitment and work; you have to find a normal rate for you that also doesn’t burn you out.

How to Lose Cellulite in 2 Weeks

Cellulite is stores of fat separated into honeycomb shaped compartments. You need fat stores to supply energy for your workouts and to provide a cushion for the body. When the cells in these stores outnumber the ones you use, you begin to see the cellulite just under the skin. While you cannot rid your body of cellulite, you can reduce the dimpled appearance. Genetics play a large role in how visible cellulite is, but you may be able to somewhat diminish that visibility in two weeks, depending on how quickly you burn fat.

Step 1

Perform 20 to 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise at least three days each week to burn fat as fuel and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Increase your exercise to a daily workout to see faster results. Exercise at an intensity level that is 70 to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate, says the American Council on Exercise. Calculate this by subtracting your age from 220 and multiplying the result by 0.70 and 0.80.

Step 2

Choose cardiovascular exercises that are full-body rhythmic movements such as walking, cycling, skating, stair climbing, dancing, swimming and rowing. Include a variety of exercises to stimulate your fat stores to burn a higher number of calories.

Step 3

Use resistance tools to perform a total-body workout three days each week. This will burn calories and tighten the muscles to lessen the appearance of celllulite. Perform one to three sets of eight to 12 repetitions of an exercise for each major muscle group including your shoulders, back, chest, arms, core, hips and legs. Rest for one day between workouts.

Step 4

Eat a low-fat diet that includes fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean meats, whole grains, beans and eggs. Reduce your intake of sugary foods such as cookies and cakes.

Tip

Be consistent with your cardio and strength workout routines so you burn a high number of calories within two weeks and lose cellulite.

Warning

Speak with your doctor before you begin any fitness program.

How to lose weight without diet or exercise

If you’re looking to know what you can do to start your weight loss journey in the new year, without changing your diet or exercise habits too much, take a look at these tips.

1. Eat more protein

Eating enough protein is one of the most important things to do when trying to lose weight, says David Stache, nutritionist for leading sports brand Warrior.

“Eating more protein in meals and snacks can satisfy hunger for a longer period of time, as it takes longer to digest, which in turn makes you stay fuller for longer.”

A study from Harvard School of Public Health also shows this, with research suggesting that a high-protein diet keeps you feeling significantly more full throughout the day than one that’s heavy in carbohydrates or fats. While other studies from 2006 prove that those who eat meals high in protein are less likely to feel snackish later on, due to the reduced levels of the ghrelin hormone – otherwise known as the “hunger hormone” – in the body.

And if you are working out, even a little bit, then protein is even more important. “Protein also gives your muscles what they need to recover post-workout, meaning you’re ready to be back in the gym or exercising much sooner,” our expert says.

It’s also easier than ever to get the right amount of protein for your size. And it doesn’t involve eating your own bodyweight in chicken. “You can get protein in various sources, such as protein snacks, like the Warrior RAW or Warrior CRUNCH flapjacks and bars that include high-quality milk 20g protein and have low sugar levels, but still taste delicious so you don’t have to feel like you are depriving yourself.”

“While going on a strict diet or constantly exercising are many people’s initial ‘go-to’ methods for weight loss, sustainable results can be achieved in far better and healthier ways,” Nutritionist David adds.

2. Don’t buy sugary foods

If you’re looking to lose weight without making major lifestyle changes, one of the best things you can do is reduce your sugar intake.

As David says, “Reducing sugar intake, exercising 4-5 times per week and introducing more protein can all be effective methods to help with weight loss.”

And there’s one sure-fire way to reduce sugar intake that works every time: don’t buy sugary foods on your weekly shop. A 2016 study found this to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the consumption of high-sugar foods as they concluded that if high calorie foods are more visible in the house, then residents are likely to weigh more than those who only have a bowl of fruit in sight.

However, there’s also evidence that says giving up sugar cold-turkey won’t work. As one study from Princeton University suggests, over time, intermittent sugar consumption is capable of producing a “dependency”, behaviour and neuro-chemical changes not dissimilar to substance abuse. It’s important to learn how to quit sugar slowly, choosing to substitute favourite snacks and drinks with healthy alternatives that produce the same effect.

3. Eat fibre-rich foods

Similar to eating more protein, a high-fibre diet has proven links to satiety and helping you feel fuller for longer.

One study looked at the properties of oats, a high-fibre food, and found that this classic breakfast staple helps to release satiety hormones that stimulate the release of peptides involved in regulating appetite. Whether eaten as part of a meal or included as an extract, the study found that oats have an overwhelmingly positive effect on reducing appetite over a few hours.

And along with its ability to help improve digestion, fibre has been proven to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer.

Foods that are typically high in fibre include:

  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Popcorn
  • Berries
  • Avocado
  • Whole grains
  • Apples
  • Dried fruit
  • Potatoes
  • Nuts

Some studies also show that a particular type of fibre, called viscous fibre, is useful for those trying to lose weight. One study, published in the American Journal of the College of Nutrition, shows that it not only increases fullness but reduces food intake in the hours after consumption.

4. Cook more meals at home

Studies from Johns Hopkins University suggest that those who cook at home more often have a healthier diet overall. This, the research suggests, is because restaurant meals tend to contain higher amounts of sodium, saturate fats and more calories that the food you cook at home.

Hussain Abdeh, clinical director and superintendent pharmacist at Medicine Direct, says that as well as this, home cooking is likely to use fresher ingredients and it gives people the chance to incorporate more vegetables and natural ingredients in their diet.

“This cuts out a lot of trans fats, preservatives and other unhealthy ingredients that are contained in processed foods,” he says. “Enjoying a meal that you have cooked from scratch can also make you feel a sense of accomplishment. This can boost your mental health and encourage you to exercise more frequently too, which is one of the most obvious ways to lose weight.”

5. Fix your sleep schedule

Three lockdowns and multiple disruptions to daily life later, it’s easy to see why some of us have been experiencing a serious lack of sleep. But if you’re looking to lose weight without diet or exercise, learning how to fix your sleep schedule should be a top priority.

“Aiming to enjoy more quality sleep is a realistic and beneficial way to lose weight or avoid weight-gain,” Hussain says. “Research has suggested a link between a lack of sleep and weight gain in people of all ages. This may be due to the duration of sleep affecting ghrelin and leptin levels; these are the hormones that regulate hunger. If you feel tired, you are also less likely to exercise, which can contribute to weight gain.”

He suggests setting up a consistent bedtime and wake-up time can help people get back into healthier habits. This is because it gets the body back into the routine of feeling tired and awake at the same time every day.

“This allows you to enjoy a longer and better-quality sleep each night, which will help to keep your hunger hormones in balance.”

“Not only that,” he adds, “You will be more inclined to exercise regularly because you’ll have the energy to do so.”

How Does Fast Metabolism Help Us Lose Weight? Here’s How You Can Fasten Yours

How is fast metabolism linked to weight loss? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is metabolism?

Metabolism is a process under which our bodies convert our food into energy. A fast metabolism refers to our bodies’ ability to complete this task faster. Our metabolism aids various functions in our bodies such as digesting food, breathing, growing cells, circulating blood, repairing cells, managing hormones, managing body temperature, etc.

Why is fast metabolism important for weight loss?

Metabolism is one of the most discussed factors when trying to lose weight. Most people who are naturally leaner are equated to have a fast metabolism. A fast metabolism helps fasten the process of burning calories.

Essentially, burning more calories than you consume results in weight loss. Fast metabolism helps burn more calories in the same amount of time if compared to someone who has a slower metabolism.

There are 3 kinds of metabolisms that occur in our bodies. These 3 kinds are responsible for generating three different kinds of bodily functions. Here are the 3 kinds:

1. The energy required by the body to practice basic functions while resting known as basal metabolism.

2. The energy required to break down the food we consume

3. The energy required when we perform physical activitie

Our basal metabolism takes up most of our energy. Increasing this metabolic rate can help fatten weight loss.

How can I fasten my metabolism?

There are various lifestyle choices that influence your metabolic rate. While some habits can slowdown metabolism, some simple lifestyle changes can help fasten it. Here are some ways through which you can boost your metabolism.

8 ways in which you can fasten your metabolism:

1. Try HIIT

Pushing your limits when working out can help you burn energy faster. HIIT and other fast-paced exercises might help our bodies burn calories even hours after the workout.

2. Get proper sleep

Lack of proper sleep has been proven to slowdown metabolism. Proper sleep can help maintain healthy metabolic rate.

3. Focus on muscle building

As discussed, we burn most of our calories at the basal metabolism. For every kilogram of muscle, our bodies need to burn approximately 12 calories daily to manage itself. Weight training can help you build muscle.

4. Have caffeine

High-caffeine drinks help fasten metabolism and help boost energy levels. Black coffee and green tea may be beneficial for you if you are trying to lose weight.

5. Increase protein intake

Protein is encouraged for most diets that focus on reducing weight. This is the case as our body requires more energy to burn protein that it needs when burning carbs or fats. Protein-rich foods fasten metabolism.

6. Drink more water

Lack of water in our system can servile slowdown our metabolism. To maintain and fatten our metabolism, we must consume about 3-4 litres of water daily.

7. Eat less, more often

In order to boost your metabolism, you must consume multiple small portions of foods throughout the day. Eating 2-3 large meals through the day can slowdown metabolism.

8. Eat spicy foods

Spicy foods are abundant in components that trigger our metabolic rate. However, eating spicy foods does not fasten metabolism permanently. The fast metabolism is a temporary response to the chemicals found in spicy foods.

Does fast metabolism equate healthy weight?

A fast metabolism can aid and fasten weight loss. However, various other factors influence your weight loss. A fast metabolism cannot single-handedly help you lose all your weight. As discussed, in order to lose weight, one must consume lesser calories than they are burning. Hence, consuming more calories because you have fast metabolism would not result in weight loss.

Along with trying to boost your metabolism, you must also be watchful of your overall diet and make sure you exercise regularly. A fast metabolism can aid weight loss but it would require you to make healthy and significant changes to your lifestyle.

5 Morning Habits That Are Making You Gain Weight And Belly Fat

Not losing weight despite making all the efforts? Know about these 5 habits which have been delaying the weight loss process and contributing to a gain in belly fat.

What you do in the morning plays a huge impact on your weight loss regime. When you are trying to lose weight, your morning rituals are extremely important. And you have to be even more careful in case you want to shed belly fat – it is a tad bit difficult to shed weight from this part of the body! At times, you might be going right in every aspect. You might be eating healthy, exercising regularly and sleeping well. But there are some basic habits which can ruin all of your hard work. However, you are not alone in this. Many people remain in a state of confusion as to why they are unable lose weight despite all efforts.

When you are not able to achieve your desired outcomes, there are definitely some places where you are going wrong. Most blunders are made when people begin their day with the wrong practices.

Read below to know some morning habits and rituals which are making you gain weight and belly fat:

1. Not exercising

Studies say that exercising in the morning helps you burn more calories and prevents gain in weight. Morning exercise on an empty stomach can help in burning more body fat and contributes to weight loss in a more efficient way. Waking up early in the morning and taking out time for exercising gives you a very different and refreshing feeling altogether. Plus, this doesn’t mean that you have to specifically go to the gym and workout rigorously. You can include a variety of exercises to your workout regime like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, running, skipping, etc. At times, even half an hour of workout is enough to make you feel refreshed and energised and help you in weight loss more efficiently.

2. Not drinking water

Dietitians, nutritionists and fitness experts all over the world have recommended drinking lots of water for both staying healthy as well as losing weight. Sufficient water intake helps in flushing out toxins from the body and gives a boost to the metabolism. And drinking a glass or two of warm water in the morning can help you in losing weight and belly fat. It will help in cleansing your system. Drinking water reduces appetite and calorie intake and helps in maintaining hydration levels in the body.

3. Not getting enough morning sunlight

Yes, being exposed to some sunlight can help you in your weight loss regime. Studies say that ultraviolet rays of the sun in the morning are healthy for your body. They can make you feel more energetic and increase your metabolic activity. Some exposure to sunlight in the morning can bring down your BMI and improve health.

4. Eating processed foods for breakfast

Being in rushed state every morning can make you inclined towards having quick and easy to make options for breakfast. Today, markets are flooded with processed and packaged foods. And no matter how healthy a choice you make from these processed foods, the preservatives and added flavours in them will have an adverse impact on your health. Moreover, having these junk and fast foods for breakfast can be one of the worst things you can do for your health. Preservatives and sugar content in processed foods can increase your cravings and ultimately lead to overeating. Breakfast should be wholesome and healthy and must include natural foods such as fruits, nuts, oat meals, fruit juices, etc. And this is irrespective of the fitness and diet regime that you are following.

5. Skipping breakfast

On most days, you are in a hurry and do all your morning chores rushing here and there. The most convenient option seems to be grabbing a quick or sandwich along with a cup of coffee, or even worse, skipping breakfast. There is a reason why breakfast is hailed as the most important meal of the day. It is the first meal of the day which gives a kickstart to your energy levels. On days when you skip breakfast, your metabolism messes up. Skipping up breakfast slows down body’s fat burning process. Also, on days when you skip breakfast, you are more likely to make poor food habits throughout the day. Eating a healthy breakfast during the day helps in reducing cravings and prevents excessive hunger in later part of the day.

10 Mistakes That Are Slowing Your Weight Loss Journey

Here are common mistakes people make when trying to lose weight.

Losing weight takes a lot of effort and willpower. While on a weight loss journey we are exposed to all kinds of weight loss tips. It can be tough to figure out which suggestions are actually helpful. We often make mistakes that may be doing more harm than good.

10 Mistakes you are making that are slowing down your weight loss:

1. Stressing

One of the most neglected causes of weight gain is stress. Experiencing uncomfortable moods can affect your metabolism and may even cause you to overeat. Besides usual stress, trying to lose weight may also cause stress. Your relationship with yourself and your moods have a bigger impact on your weight than you may think.

2. Skipping meals

What times of the day we eat also has a huge impact on our weight. In order to achieve a calorie-deficit diet, one might resort to skipping meals. This can make your weight loss slow down significantly. It not only makes you overeat when you do eat but it also slows down your metabolism.

3. Cutting out fibre

Many weight-loss diets encourage you to cut out ‘carbs’. Most foods rich in carbs are rich in fibre. Fibre may be advertised as useless but that is incorrect. It is extremely important for the healthy working of our digestive system. It also helps us feel fuller for longer. Go for healthy and less processed fibre-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

4. Not eating enough protein

When trying to lose weight, we assume that a high-protein diet is only required if we are going to the gym. Although a protein-rich diet is necessary if going to the gym, it is also encouraged for all other kinds of weight loss journeys. Protein provides us with energy, boosts metabolism, betters our muscles’ health, and so on.

5. Being inconsistent

Be it our diet or workout routine, inconsistency instantly affects our weight. Lack of proper routine can leave the body confused. It is important to follow a proper routine. Plan out your routine for the week in advance which may help you to stay motivated.

6. Not researching enough

Lack of proper research might drive you to make decisions that may be causing more harm to your body than good. Lack of proper guidance and research can cause health complications. It is ideal to seek reliable guidance when going on a weight loss journey.

7. Eating packed ‘healthy’ foods

As the awareness of eating healthy increases, so does the availability of ready-to-eat healthy foods. Healthy packed foods are low-calorie and diet-friendly. However, do make them ready-to-eat and storable, there are packed with various preservatives, sugar, sodium, and other components that might be unfit and unhealthy.

8. Not drinking enough water

Our body often confuses dehydration and hunger. The feeling of thirst is often confused with being hungry. This causes unnecessary eating. However, drinking ample water can help speed up your weight loss journey. Water boosts metabolism, energy levels, muscle health, blood flow, and many other factors.

9. Focusing on just exercising

One may equate extensive exercising to being enough to lose weight but that is incorrect. In order to lose weight, you must be mindful of your lifestyle, what you eat and how much you exercise. Over-exercising cannot excuse an unhealthy and high-calorie diet. Your body needs healthy food to lose weight and also gain enough energy to exercise.

10. Not sleeping enough

As discussed above, our lifestyle has a huge role to play in our weight loss journey. Lack of sleep can reduce your productivity and energy levels while working out. A poor sleep cycle can make it hard for you to stay motivated. You are encouraged to get at least 7-8 hours of undisturbed sleep daily.

In conclusion, eating less and exercising more is not as easy as you may think. Our bodies are extremely complicated and intricate and so are working on it. A lack of proper or reliable tips can make losing weight harder. It is important to do your research before going ahead with a suggestion. We also encourage you to speak to an expert so you are following the correct way to lose weight.

Top 7 Vegetables To Include In Your Diet To Burn Belly Fat

Belly fat isn’t just an eyesore and severely impacts our self-image as well as our confidence, moreover, it is harmful for health. Some scientific studies and research have pointed towards belly fat as being an indication of increased risk of diabetes, heart diseases and other complications. A lot of people struggle to lose the pesky fat that refuses to leave our bellies and with our lifestyles becoming more and more sedentary, our waistlines can only be expected to increase. But, getting rid of belly fat isn’t as much about doing crunches every day, as it is about eating healthy. There are some healthy foods that have natural belly fat burning abilities and consuming these foods can help you melt away that fat from your abdomen and achieve your goals naturally. Most of these foods pack a rich range of antioxidants that help boost overall health too. Instead of investing in ’empty’ calories, it is a good time to revamp your diet and think about foods that are not only low in calories but are a bundle of nutrition too.

Vegetables and fruits have a lot of fibre and are full of nutrition like essential minerals and vitamins that may help your body improve metabolism and subsequently burn belly fat. Including these in your diet may help you not just in your weight loss journey, but also to live a long and healthy life. The phrase “abs are made in the kitchen” is not an exaggeration and including these fat-burning veggies in your diet will help you reach your body goals faster. Vegetables are brimming with fibre, which help to fill you up. Since fibre takes a while to digest and hence, prevent you from overeating. Local, seasonal vegetables are also a good source of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that are essential for a healthy lifestyle.

Here Are Some Of The Best Vegetables That You Can Include In Your Diet To Lose Belly Fat Quickly:

1. Spinach And Other Leafy Greens

Spinach and other leafy green vegetables like kale, lettuce, etc. are great for burning belly fat and are very nutritious as well. There have been some studies done on the subject of the fat burning capabilities of spinach and the very healthy veggie has come out a winner in this category. Add a little cooked or blanched spinach to your breakfast or lunch to set your body on track for some major fat burn.

2. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are delicious and loved by vegetarians and non-vegetarians, alike. They have even started making appearance as an ingredient in coffees to increase their nutritional value. Mushrooms have been known to promote weight loss and fat burn by regulating the levels of glucose in the blood. Added bonus? They’re rich in protein and can help you increase your metabolism, resulting in fat loss.

3. Cauliflower And Broccoli

Apart from high-quality fibre and a host of health-boosting minerals and vitamins, broccoli contains phytochemicals that help enhance fat loss in the body. The same goes for cauliflower. Apart from being filling, cauliflower helps fight bloating and contains phytonutrient sulforaphane, as well as good amounts of folate and vitamin C.

4. Chillies

A lot of health freaks swear by chilli peppers for burning fat. Recent studies have demonstrated that the heat generated by consumption of chillies helps utilise more calories and essentially oxidises layers of fat in the body. But, if you don’t like the burn of the chilli peppers, all non-hot varieties of the fruit may also do the trick, as they contain ‘capsaicin,’ which is responsible for burning fat.

5. Pumpkin

Low in calories and high in fibre, pumpkin is one of the best vegetables to include in your weight loss diet. Whether you like to blanch it and eat it in salads or add pumpkin powder to your smoothies and vegetable drinks, pumpkin can help you reach your body goals quicker.

6. Carrots

Carrots are one of the best low-calorie vegetables to include in your weight loss diet. Carrots are rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre and, hence, fit the bill perfectly when it comes to healthy weight loss. Blend it with other fruits or vegetables to make a healthy, nutrient-rich fat burn juice, or stir-fry it along with your meat dishes to make this veggie work its magic on you.

7. Beans

Beans are one of the healthiest foods you can consume, but they are specifically great for belly fat loss as they are rich in soluble fibre, which fights inflammation that cause belly fat accumulation. Some studies have linked the consumption of beans to a reduced risk of obesity.

The Best Advice You Could Ever Get About Health

5 Big Reasons Why You Should Start Your Day With Regular Workout

For many people, burning some calories have become the biggest challenge in life which is the easiest way of living a healthy lifestyle. Nobody can spend on buying new clothes just because of the constant raise in weight. It is more challenging to shred those pounds you accumulated on some parts of your body all these years.

With the increasing awareness among the people, fitness has become the foremost priority in everyone’s life. To stay healthy, you will be advised to start your day with regular workout so that you can easily maintain a healthy lifestyle without feeling the burden of too much weight all around your body.

From healthier heart to the perfect bikini body, regular workout is quite effective as it gives visible results to each & everyone devoting approx. an hour every morning to the regular workout.

Kickstarts your Metabolism

Regular workout during the morning hours kick start your metabolism and keeps it elevated for hours. This way, your metabolism will start working increasingly which seems to be very effective for burning more calories. This is quite a convincing reason to try regular workout and get your engine running all day long.

Clears your Mind

It is also shown in a study that regular workouts significantly increasing the mental acuity. Morning exercises clears your mind and put you in a healthy mental state. Your regular day starts with a healthy mind and body destroys your elevated stress level and suppresses the chance of getting upset.

Regulates Appetite

Many people observe that morning exercise regulates their appetite throughout the day. Not only such people eat less as the ideal time devotion diminishes appetite. They always pick the healthier option to curb their craving. Such people discover the ideal meal times with a serious dip in energy levels.

Increases Disciplined Lifestyle

Everyday workout gives you a gratifying feel of realizing that you have done something good for your health. It gives a great deal of motivation and encourages to live this way as your morning can drastically bring a change to your living style. You will feel focused on adopting the healthy lifestyle with this regular practice.

Mental Alertness

Regular workouts will make your mind more alert and active even when you have to take a challenge of the most difficult task of your life. it will be better to deal with the battles you often presented at work. In increases your mental ability to work for four to ten hours after an hour or two exercise.

These major benefits motivate to start your day with regular workout so that you can easily live a healthy and wealthy life.

Nutrition rules to get stronger and build muscle

How Do I Get My Body In Shape?

Think less: If the act of thinking is lowering your momentum down, stop.

Focus on small tasks that will get you to the gym. Focus on just tying the shoes. Then focus on getting in the car. Minimize your field of view to lower your mental resistance.

Think More: imagine your belly getting fatter. Think about your last unhealthy meal. Imagine that food slowly converting to fat.

Flip it. Envision yourself looking good naked.Envision impressing your partner with your body.

Don’t overthink it: exercise is a simple endeavor at its core. Effort x frequency.

Remember – the first 5 minutes of the workout is usually the hardest.

Workout first thing in the morning before you have time to talk yourself out of it.

Men usually need to do more cardio in addition to lifting. (You won’t lose muscle. Relax. You can do more cardio than you think.)

Women usually need to lift heavier in addition to cardio. (You won’t get too big. Relax. Rarely do women have genes that turn them into Amazon Bodybuilders. Also, men like an athletic look more than you realize.)

Divide and Conquer Fat: When you order a sandwich, eat half. Wait an hour or two. Then eat the other half. Even if it is the same #of calories consumed, eating meals in halves separated by time will rapidly knock a few lbs off your waist. (it tells your body that you have steady nutrition, so the body doesn’t think it needs to store fat.)

Set goals. Track goals. That which gets measured gets done.

Put a scale in your bathroom. Weigh yourself everyday. No exceptions.

Do fun activities to supplement your primary workout.

Go for walks. Do yoga. Go rock climbing. Go horseback riding.

Go play in the pool. Go play with your dogs. Do both.

Financially commit: sign up for a year membership, a personal trainer. Create barriers that will punish laziness.

Learn to daydream during difficult parts of the workout: take your mind to a place that frees you from focus on the physical strain. I learned this from years of swimming.

Show off. Go on Instagram. Post pictures of your progress. Mirror selfie away. Get encouragement. Get the thirst comments. Drink them. You earned them.

Do whatever you have to do to get yourself off the couch, in the gym, and away from the damn refrigerator.

Nude Yoga – What You Should Know About Naked Yoga

Yoga and meditation are popular since ancient times. Contrary to common belief, yoga is not just a set of different poses; it is a complete set of self discipline. Not only does it keeps you physically fit but also uplifts you spiritually. Yoga in literal terms means “union” i. e union of human soul with God. Asana (postures) are a way to keep your mind and body in perfect condition which helps you connect with the God.

Nude Yoga

This is a self explanatory term. Nude yoga simply means performing yogic Asansas without wearing any clothes. The postures (asana) are not any different from normal yogic postures. However the person performing naked yoga must be comfortable with this form of exercise.

Practice of this form of exercise started in 1960s. With the popularity of this form of yoga, many people started joining naked yoga classes. Aaron Star became an underground sensation when his Hot Nude Yoga that hit the market in 2001. Unintentionally Naked yoga is often associated with gay communities but it has nothing to do with gays

Motivating Force behind Naked Yoga

Naked Yoga is for those who want to break society’s norms. They want to explore their freedom by going without clothes. Moreover they accept the imperfections of their body and they do are not ashamed of it. Unlike other cultural changes, nude yoga took a long time before becoming popular.

Naked Yoga and Sex

There is a lot of difference between nude yoga and sexuality. The purpose of this form of yoga is to go beyond the perceived boundaries of the society. Gaining physical and mental fitness by performing asana in completely natural state is a new experience for naked yoga practitioner. It promotes a sense of openness among the participants and helps them accept the physical imperfections instead of hiding them.

Naked Yoga Etiquettes

As it is an uncommon form of yoga, there are a few etiquettes that must be adhered to:

• Do not hesitate in removing clothes if you have joined nude yoga class
• It is impolite to stare at your classmates. You must be comfortable while making others comfortable
• This is not easy. In fact it is somewhat tougher than normal yogic practice and meditation.
• Understand the difference between nudity and sexuality. This form of yogic practice has nothing to do with sexuality. You must not hesitate in asking questions.
• Do not forget to bring your own mat and towel.

Facts One Need to Know About International Yoga Day

It is a day of reckoning for the Indian-origin breath exercise Yoga. After careful deliberation, the Indian government could convince the international body United Nations to celebrate the beautiful yogic exercise to establish a state of sound health in people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition, the state of sound health can be achieved only when there is a constructive balance between body and mind. The premises of yoga begin from there. Through a series of breathing and physical exercise, it brings harmony between the mind and the body. It does not matter whether a yogi is from a different faith or not. What matters is how these exercises are done by that person.

Growing Popularity

Ever since the beginning of the 1980s, people from India have taken the principles of yoga to different countries and demonstrated to people living there. Over 30+ years, there has been a steady growth in the number of people who practice yoga at home and in the workplace. Many masters of this primordial exercise have customized the principles of yoga to meet the requirements of people in different countries. While transforming the basic tenets of yoga exercise to meet the needs of the customers, these masters have kept the cultural sensitivities in mind. These masters have been hugely responsible for the growing popularity of this exercise that aims to restore the healthy balance between body and mind. Other countries of the world have slowly begun to acknowledge the positive effects of body-mind exercise. Even the most conservative countries from the Gulf region have begun to embrace the body-mind exercise to reap its health benefits. This is especially true of countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Designation of International Yoga Day

Immediately after coming to power, the Indian government under the leadership of Narendra Modi took steps to elicit the views of other countries about Yoga. Over 3 months, the government took the feedback about the popularity of this ancient exercise. Armed with the huge volume of data, Narendra Modi addressed the United Nations General Assembly and requested the world countries to support the Indian government’s initiative to spread the message of yoga as an exercise to more countries. He told that the more than 6000-year-old Indian body-mind exercise can be used as a holistic medicine in a stricter sense. He showed the member countries the statistics of the positive change this exercise brings in the lives of people after adopting it. The member countries hurdled over it and gave their nod for designating a day for Yoga internationally. Henceforth, the world body ratified an agreement to designate June 21 as the International Yoga Day.

First International Yoga Day

On June 21, 2015, India joined the growing number of world countries to take an oath to further the cause of yoga for the establishment of a world where there are lesser health issues. On that day, the Government of India unraveled a website dedicated to the cause of yoga. It is maintained by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. On this day, various yoga instructors world over conduct classes, seminars, and practical sessions on a yearly basis for the benefit of the general public. This is done free of cost so that people get a glimpse of yoga. In India, people are organizing a large yoga exercise on a grand scale so that people from all walks of life can drop in and participate in it. The followers of Ram Dev also organize big events to conduct yoga exercises for the benefit of people on this day every year. Other spiritual gurus also do their part on this day to spread the awareness of yoga in our country.

 

Here’s a Quick Way to Learn the Basic Principles of Yoga

Yoga is a method of exercise that can be practiced by anyone. The basic principle of yoga is to use the body in a way that is free from tension and stress. It is also a healthy form of exercise.

Yoga involves three major areas of focus, the mind, the body, and the spirit. We can apply all three to our lives and achieve great health and well-being.

Yoga will focus on the mind, as it is the area of the body where concentration and mental preparation are required to perform a physical practice. The mind needs to be centered on the physical body, or the practice will not go according to plan. Meditation can focus the mind on what you are doing. It will help bring your focus to that area of the body that you want to concentrate on.

By meditating, you can open your mind to the world outside yourself. It allows you to focus on what is useful for you. It helps prepare the mind for work or play. It is very helpful when you are stressed and may be ready to cry.

The next part of yoga is to perform physical practice. The practice is going to bring the focus to the various body parts of the body. Some yoga practices include the balancing of the body as well as balancing the spine. The focus is on the strength of the different areas of the body. This strength can be used for the well-being of the person.

The focus on the different body parts allows the mind to have time to calm down and be able to focus on a single part of the body, which can be a mental problem or simply relaxes the body. If the body feels tense, it can release the tension through the various body parts.

Through these steps, the mind can be relaxed enough to concentrate on other things. The body will then feel free to do what it wants, such as using your hands to roll a ball back and forth.

Most people experience stiffness in their bodies as they age. A practice such as yoga can help avoid stiffness and improve mobility.

The third aspect of yoga practice is the focus on the spirit. The mental focus and the spiritual aspects of yoga can both bring peace of mind and comfort to the person.

Through the spiritual side of yoga practice, the focus is on maintaining balance and harmony with the natural world. Through the breathing, the breathing, and meditation, the focus can be focused on calmness and contemplation.

Nature can bring us closer to God. Nature can give us clarity and insight. Through yoga, the focus can be on peace, tranquility, and a calm mind.

Finding Ways to Relieve Stress Through Yoga

Yoga is a great way to relieve stress and improve overall physical and mental health. Here are some ways to use yoga to relieve stress:

  1. Practice deep breathing: Start your yoga practice with deep breathing exercises, such as pranayama, to help calm your mind and relax your body.
  2. Incorporate gentle yoga poses: Gentle yoga poses such as child’s pose, seated forward bend, and legs up the wall can help release tension and calm your mind.
  3. Practice yoga regularly: Incorporate yoga into your daily routine to build a consistent practice and help manage stress over time.
  4. Try different types of yoga: There are many different types of yoga, such as Hatha, Vinyasa, and Restorative, each with their own benefits. Try different types to find what works best for you.
  5. Use props: Yoga props such as blocks, straps, and bolsters can help support your body and make poses more accessible and comfortable.
  6. Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your yoga practice, such as focusing on the present moment, to help quiet your mind and reduce stress.
  7. Join a yoga class: Joining a yoga class can provide support, motivation, and guidance in your yoga practice.

Remember to listen to your body and modify poses as needed to ensure your practice is safe and comfortable. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise program, especially if you have any health conditions or injuries.

Yoga: Excellent Exercise to Get Several Health Benefits

Yoga is considered as a best remedy to various diseases. It is an ancient science which comprises of various pranayama and asana. These yoga mudras are basically the exercises that provide flexibility to the body. Doing these exercises on a regular basis helps in upgrading the health standards.

The drastic change in the lifestyle has given birth to various diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, stress, etc. These diseases are ruining the life of millions of people. Yoga harbors various asana and pranayama that can easily control and cure these diseases.

The philosophy of yoga is very simple. It states that proper balance between mind and soul is essential in getting perfect health standards. This balance can be achieved by performing yoga poses. These postures help a lot in achieving proper balance among different elements of life.

What we practice is actually hatha yoga. It is that branch of yoga, which deals with the exercises that provide strength to nerves, muscles and bones. The main working principle behind this is that doing yoga asana provides flexibility and stretching to the body. This reduces the negative work force of the body and also improves blood flow through the nerves. This improved blood flow eventually results in providing essential nourishment to the body tissues. Thus providing strength to the nerves, muscles and bones.

One very popular yoga pose is Bow Pose or Dhanushasana. It is very effective in providing strength to the spinal cord and back portion. The people suffering from back pain should perform this asana in order to get relief from pain. In this, the aspirants have to lie prone and have to bend in the form of the bow. The effect of this is that it provides flexibility and improves blood circulation. This eventually provides full strength to the bones, muscles and nerves.

There are several other poses that are very useful in providing strength to the muscles and bones. These poses when practiced on a regular basis help a lot in improving the health standards.

But to gain maximum benefits, it is mandatory to do yoga asana in a proper manner. So, learning asana and pranayama is essential in order to achieve maximum level of fitness. There are several yoga schools that are offering yoga classes. In these classes, the yoga experts provide comprehensive information about yoga. They also provide information on how to do yoga pranayama and asana.

The yoga aspirants should first join the yoga classes in order to learn pranayama and asana. These classes certainly help in infusing the knowledge about yoga in the aspirants.

Five Most Common Mistakes Yoga Practitioners Make and How to Avoid Them

Yoga has become a popular exercise these days. More and more people are switching to Yoga to enhance their physical, emotional and psychological wellness. June 21st is now celebrated as International Yoga Day. Rishikesh, The yoga capital of the world, attracts people from all over the world seeking solace and peace from their busy and hectic lives. There are several yoga schools teaching yoga to students all over India, especially in Rishikesh. Despite its popularity, there are several mistakes that people commit while learning Yoga.

We list down 5 top mistakes that yoga practitioners make –

1. Becoming too Excited

Generally, people become too excited while learning Yoga, but their enthusiasm wanes with time. There is nothing wrong in becoming excited per se; however, too much excitement might become a roadblock in your yoga journey. Having realistic expectations and setting realistic goals help to avoid disappointment later on. Having realistic goals will help you plan your journey properly and achieve success in the longer run.

2. Setting Unrealistic Expectations

Most often people set unrealistic expectations and hence, face disappointment later. They become overexcited and hence set over-ambitious targets. You must always set realistic goals that you can easily achieve without any major problems. Due to unmet expectations, a lot of people give up too early and never achieve the desired results.

3. Learning through self-help Books

Learning yoga is a serious business. You can’t learn Yoga on your own, and hence, need a qualified expert. Many people try to learn Yoga through self-help books and think that they can master all the techniques from books. But they don’t achieve the desired results. Yoga should only be learnt from experts and qualified Yoga practitioners.

4. Becoming Complacent

Most often people become too complacent and never try to go beyond their own limits. They become satisfied with the little results they get initially and never try to achieve optimum results. Hence, you must always set realistic and ambitious goals, and never become satisfied with little results.

5. Irregular Practice

Many people cite the lack of time for not practising yoga regularly. They either quit their yoga practice or don’t practice on a regular basis. To get the desired results, you must always follow a disciplined schedule and practice Yoga on a daily basis. This requires patience, discipline and sincerity.

Advanced Yoga Asanas and Their Benefits

Practicing advanced yoga poses requires more energy, power and elasticity of the body than it does for simple and intermediate poses. If you have mastered basic balances, bends, twists, stretches and inversions then you are ready for advanced yoga postures. The Crow, Crane and Peacock poses can be practiced after some strength of the arms is attained. Crow pose invigorates the body, centralizes energy of the mind and brings an absolute calm and strength. Crane pose makes you self-sufficient and powerful inside. Peacock position benefits the digestive organs as the blood is concentrated towards them and their condition becomes better. The exercise is a good treatment for obesity, piles and constipation. Flying Crow and Firefly asanas too work out the arms.

Once your legs are strengthened you can take the Monkey pose. It is good for stretching the hamstrings and groin. Pigeon posture is practiced standing. It widens the pelvic area, stimulates liquidity and fluidity of the body. King Dancer asana is also performed standing. It enhances the body’s balance, makes legs strong and gives a stretch to the back. Before a standing asana allow yourself a few moments to ‘center’ by standing with your feet apart, palms placed in prayer position in front of the heart. Then inhale through your nose and exhale out the mouth. This will enable the muscles to relax and adopt a pose easily. Centering also helps you develop poise and focus.

Being a yoga student, you will achieve a well balanced and coordinated body after regular practice. This will help you with advanced asanas and also in your day-to day- life; reaching for or lifting heavy things or moving in a crowded place without causing any harm to your body. Reverse pose requires steadiness. It maintains youth and vitality of your body and prevents premature aging from taking place. Its effects manifest in fresh and wrinkle-free skin. This exercise is also good for the working of the thyroid gland. Headstand, commonly known as the king of asanas brings many rewards. It cures nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, even fear and boredom. It improves the circulation of blood and stimulates organs and glands. Memory is helped by it. Generally, physical and mental health is restored by this asana.

Wheel pose is a challenging advanced posture that requires and builds up elasticity of the upper back, arms and shoulders. It makes the torso powerful. It also acts as a tonic for the whole body especially the cardiovascular system. Initially if you have difficulty in performing the pose, you can try its Bridge variation. With this adapted posture you will stretch your spinal column and ease the tautness felt in the upper back and shoulders. Once the body becomes supple, you can experiment Wheel pose and increase its duration and the number of times you practice it. Camel pose is also recommended later in your yoga routine. This is also a great exercise for elongation of the spine, shoulders, arms and muscles of the back. Always remember not to overdo and exhaust yourself, pain is an indication to stop.

Know How Yoga Can Amazingly Improve Your Sexual Life

The benefits of Yoga are a no brainer. They range from improving the mind-body connection, weight loss or gain, improving body posture, stretching muscles, relaxing your senses and inculcating positive mindset. Furthermore, there is one more surprising benefit which comes in the form of a boost to your sexual life. Yes, you read that right! Apart from being an ancient art of keeping your body balanced, Yoga helps you with a mind-blowing sex too.

After all, yoga is all about gaining energies and thus it pumps up the sex desire in you.

Let’s discover the Yoga’s deeper relation with sex drive:

Yoga and sex have quite a good relation, even if that is not a much talked about topic. Yoga helps increase blood flow to the genital area and leaves a direct impact on your sex drive. According to Ekhart Yoga, the Yoga practice helps get rid of body toxins which hinder your sex performance.

Moreover, the diet you follow pertaining to the practice of yoga also helps you gain a better sex life with your partner.

Body Flexibility

If you do regular Yoga, you might know that every Yoga asana targets one or multiple of your muscles. Few Yoga asanas even require all of your muscles to stretch and move.The stretching helps you to enhance the flexibility of your body. So, more flexible your body is, the more you can perform between the sheets.

There is no denial; sex is all about experimenting new moves and yoga gives you enough thrust to try all of them.

Improved Satisfaction

Have you heard about kegal exercise? These are the exercises solely meant for genital area and the standing Yoga asana even give the benefits of kegal exercise, apart from stretching your whole body. Consequently, it results in giving you much stronger orgasms. So that’s one of the many incentives you come across.

Gets pelvis in action

Yoga not only renders the benefits of kegal exercise but also strengthens your pelvic muscles. The pelvic muscles help in making the sex more vigorous. There are various Yoga exercises that work to make your pelvic floor tight and strong. Consequently, it helps women in getting great orgasm.

Increases the blood flow

Yoga increases the blood flow in your veins and organs of your body. And this blood flow increase revives your lost desire for sex.

The rise in blood flow rejuvenates your body from within giving you a glowing skin and healthy mind. So, go for Yoga and let your sex drive shoot up.

Smarter Sex Positions

Did you know that certain yogic poses can double up as splendid sex positions that can help deeper penetration and make up for the missing wow factor in your sexual life? Certain sex positions such as standing straddle forward bend, three legged dog pose, bridge pose, and more are classic examples of body positions that are popular during yoga practice.

Focused Sex

Imagine a picture: you are in the middle of making love with your partner, indulging in an amazing sex session, and suddenly a thought of an incomplete business deal hits you. Does this sound familiar? If yes, then Yoga is the key for you.

Yoga meditation increases your concentration during the sex by curbing any ruminating thought kill your sex drive in the moment. As we all know Yoga makes you calmer and removes any unnecessary distractions housed in your mind, which in turn helps you get maximum pleasure and improves the sexual connection with your partner. So, all in all Yoga helps you achieve the big O in a more pleasurable and focused manner.

Body Acceptance

The benefits of Yoga go beyond body and reach your mental status. It is found that people who practice regular Yoga are more accepting towards their natural flaws than people who do not.

Yoga teaches us to break the body stereotypes. It makes you feel beautiful with whatever assets you have.

Yoga makes you love your body the way it is and this is one of the pertinent factors which makes the sex more loving and fulfilling. After all, how can you make love with your partner if you do not love your own self?

Simply put, the Yoga is the best way to become self-aware and feel sexy just the way you are.

Sexual Mindfulness

Often people think sex is just about physical intimacy, but that’s not true. A true sex is the one which connects your mind and soul with your partner and Yoga helps accomplish this purpose.

The yoga practice fills you with all the positive energies. It makes you broad minded and more sensitive towards your body sensations and feelings. Sexual mindfulness is necessary to learn the true meaning of sex.

Yoga’s benefits are vast in numbers, and can only be understood once you actually begin practicing it. So, wait no more, hit the mat and look forward to a peaceful mind and blissful sexual life.

 

Yoga As A Way of Life

Yoga is an art form which is vast, elaborate and could easily roundup as a comprehensive workout for an individual. Notwithstanding elaborate positive effects yoga has on the emotional, psychological and spiritual well being of an individual.

For someone who has a passion for yoga, getting an in depth know how about the art form could have life transforming effects for one’s psyche! You’d simply come to understand and recognize yoga in its true essence.

Yoga definitely goes beyond being a set of poses which boost the individual’s flexibility while improving posture. It’s something which helps create a link between individual consciousness and divine consciousness.

There are some formats of yoga which one might not be aware about.

Let’s consider Ashtanga Yoga for an instance. Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient practice which is focused on body cleansing and purification. This is achieved by synchronized body breath and movement.

Ashtanga yoga tones the nervous system and over time even induces one into spiritual enlightenment.

In the same way, Iyengar yoga is has been bought into practice by the living master, B.K.S. Iyengar. This is deeply focused on the art and science of asana and pranayama.

Strength, coordination, an improved flexibility and an enhanced sense of well being are some key benefits of Iyengar Yoga.

Pranayama: A Way To Attain Higher States Of Awareness

A very interesting term associated with yoga is Pranayama. Let’s know more about the same.

Prana refers to the vital energy within our bodies. It is the life force within us. Ayama refers to control. So Pranayama is the control of breath.

By the means of Pranayama, one can control the pranic energy within the body. This ensures that one has a healthy body and mind. The great yoga master, Patanjali mentioned Pranayama as a way to attain higher states of awareness.

Kapalbhati: An Implement Of Pranayama

Kapalbhati is a yoga technique and a type of pranayama. It initially seems like a breathing technique, but in essence, Kapalbhati has a deeper meaning.

Kapalbhati is a cleansing technique which cleanses the mind of carbon dioxide. Kapalbhati also cleanses the mind of restlessness.

The technique was invented by Indian yogis thousands of years ago. It is believed to be a way to attain full body fitness. Innumerable patients have benefited tremendously by making Kapalbhati a part of their everyday lives.

Surya Namaskar: The Sun Salutation

Let us discuss another important term associated with yoga, which is the Sun Salutation or the Surya Namaskar.

The Surya Namaskar is a kriya performed during morning hours, at the time of sunrise. It is compilation of twelve poses, wherein each pose flows into the next with ease.

Surya namaskar may be performed at a faster pace, or it may be done slowly.

A unique feature of Surya Namaskar is that it is a complete workout for the body. While it comprises of only 12 sets of exercises, the Surya Namaskar translates into 288 powerful yoga poses. This occurs in a span of 12 to 15 minutes.

In a single round, the Surya Namaskar burns around 13.90 calories. Slowly and gradually, you may increase the rounds of Surya Namaskar to 108.

If performed at a slow pace, the Surya Namaskar tones the muscles and makes them stronger. Alternately, the Sun salutation brings the mind, body and the breath in harmony and facilitate a complete meditative experience.

If one does only a few rounds of Surya Namaskar, it can be extremely good for the heart. If you intend to do Surya Namaskar as a warm up workout, you may do it at a quicker pace.

 

Himalayas For Yoga and Meditation

Why Choose Himalayas For Yoga and Meditation?

The Himalayas is one such gift of nature which is peerless to any other thing. No one can match the beauty and serenity of this place. The fresh air which flows there and passes down our body is astounding. It is like a canopy which is form between sunshine and trees. The relationship of purity, love, and peace is all defined by this place. The ascetic place of Yogis and sages is the Himalayas.

From past many years, Yogis and Sages are practicing Yoga in the Himalayas for their better life. They believe that their life would be full of peace and contentment if they perform Yoga. Whenever you visit the Himalayas, one thing which blows mind is the traverse path.

It changes from lush green to valleys and then to Jungles. Mountains of Himalayas has the mysticism which transformed a person’s life with good health and soul.

We are one of the finest Yoga Teacher Training in India. We have been training students for past 12 years. We have successfully trained 1550 Yoga teacher from across the world which are spreading yoga classes & awareness around the globe.

Why choose the Himalayas for Yoga and meditation?
One can find the best training their which one can take with them as a gift for rest if their lives. The beauty of the Himalayas and the majestic mountains takes our soul away from any hustle-bustle of life.

Are you confused about choosing the Himalayas for Yoga and meditation? Then don’t be because nothing can beat the power of nature. Reasons for choosing the Himalayas over any other majestic places are:

• The Serene Atmosphere: Wearing the mask of stress and loads, people are lacking in their pampering. Yoga releases stress and can become your stress buster. Practicing yoga in a serene atmosphere gives you peace of joy. The Himalayas contains that joy and serendipity. The lush green forest and the valleys which captures our voices are all present in one place that is the Himalayas. One can attain utmost peace when connected to oneself and nature. Yoga can only benefit a person when that person is cut off the hussy-bussy life and is on a path of exploring his/her inner self.

• Weather of Himalayas: The Himalayas has one of the most resplended weather throughout the year. This weather is best for yogis which refresh their souls and it also provides best yoga teacher training and retreats. The delightful weather of Himalayas is best in summers for practicing Yoga and meditation. People retrospect the nature and eternal bliss of Himalayas.

• Godliness attached to it: The Himalayas have the supreme effect. It is connected with nature and also with God. Lord Shiva connects with this splendid beauty of Peaks and mountain ranges. Yoga and meditation are so pious that it affects our body positively. The deep connection with the God and its eternal power gives yogis and other sages a tranquil understanding over their body.

• Refreshing Activities: Besides practicing yoga and attaining retreats, many tourists follow the Himalayas religiously and come in a troop to enjoy other activities like trekking, bungee jumping, and other adventurous sports. One can even play around bonfires and dance along that. To make your vacay mode for cheerful you can even come joining the Yoga teacher training and Yoga retreats in the Himalayas, which are best provided by nature.

• The local delicacies: A travelogue can explore so much in the Himalayas. People can experience a good and a new life like yogis by exploring local people. The local delicacies like Tibetan food and other vegetarian dishes can serve you best with great honor. Vegetarian food is preferred when you are practicing Yoga anywhere you go. The purity remains stable and you can live a sustainable lifestyle. People can communicate with others and encourage to practice Yoga in the Himalayas for their betterment.

The Himalayas are best suited for Yoga trainers and the one who needs some time to know themselves. In the city life, your body gets exhausted so peace of mind for growth is important for every life.

Yoga Poses

Yoga Poses

If you have observed from a distance people doing yoga poses, you would think they are latter day contortionists. You could be wrong, they are wise people who have realized well in time how easily and relatively inexpensively they can keep their bodies healthy, literally fit as a fiddle.

Yoga poses are the best way to maintain the body flexible, supple and toned up without exerting any force on the body. There is a certain subtlety in this ancient eastern system of body maintenance which keeps one in tune with nature.

Modern lifestyle takes its toll in terms of physical and mental health. Hypertension and diabetes are common ailments and the beneficiaries are pharma firms. Resources that should be spent on other productive channels are wasted in shoring up a tiring body that becomes an open invitation to premature aging and a host of diseases.

Yoga has many dimensions

The word yoga means union. It meant a whole set of physical, mental and spiritual exercises developed by ancient Indian yogis as a means of realizing God and being united (‘yuj’ in Sanskrit, meaning ‘being yoked’) with Him. The yogis were performing rigorous routine of meditation in forests and mountains and being scantily clad, they devised indoor exercises now known as ‘yoga poses’ or ‘yogasanas’ to keep their body healthy and light and make it a willing instrument of their meditation.

Over the years, yoga poses (postures) got separated from the rest of the mental and spiritual practices and has become popular as fitness yoga. Nevertheless, people who practice yoga poses derive benefits of yoga like a focused mind, self-discipline, a composed temperament and a healthy view of life.

The great repose

There are a hundred yoga poses. They have interesting names like Red Indians who named themselves Sitting Bull or Galloping Horse. The poses bear names like The Boat, Crow, Peacock, Lotus and so on. The last mentioned is the pose in which the Buddha is shown seated. It is the pose developed by yogis for their meditation. Legs withdrawn and feet resting on the thighs, hands placed on the thighs turned upward with thumb and forefinger closed, the spine and neck held erect, eyes lightly closed and the normally outgoing mind gathered and centred within – this is the ultimate pose of repose without and within.

But yet, before we could attain that inner repose, we have to slowly master the body through various poses and by regulation of breath which is called pranayama. Regulation of breath is said to energise the body and gradual slowing down of breathing is said to reduce the frequency of thoughts which is the necessary prelude for meditation.

The yogi among bats

There is the familiar joke about bats in a cave. They were all hanging upside down as their wont. But one bat was seen standing on his feet. When the other bats asked him why, he answered, “I am practicing yoga!” That bat is the counterpart of the people who delight in doing the headstand, a difficult but a very effective pose for stimulating blood circulation in the entire body. Its modified and easier version, the “all limbs pose” is also recommended for all ages.

In a way, yoga poses are for people who want to be and dare to be different and pursue what their inner being and instinct of the body prompt them to do. It is by treating the body with respect and dignity, not by pumping iron and straining the muscular and nervous system. In the latter case, we see these people breaking down in health when they stop doing these heavy-handed exercises.

Tips for the beginner

Starting practice of yoga poses is easy. But some words of caution would be necessary.

· Please do not learn from the books. One should not be one’s own Guru (Teacher) in matters of Yoga asanas, pranayama or meditation and one might end up worse than before. Look for qualified, committed, professional teachers.
· If you suffer from any ailments or bodily disabilities, obtain medical advice from your physician and from your yoga instructor as to what poses would fit in with your physical condition.
· Age is no bar for practice of yoga poses. You do not have to be a stripling to do it.
· Your yoga instructor will tell you what kind of yoga accessories and props you need. Your dress should be comfortable enough to allow you to stretch and bend freely.
· Like all other physical exercises, yoga poses should be done on a very light stomach and never after a meal.
· Fix a particular time for your domestic practice to develop regularity and discipline
· Such a discipline does not go with habits like smoking and drinking which have a depleting effect on the physical system

The final test

The ultimate test of any exercise regimen is: Do you feel fresh and energetic or tired and exhausted afterwards? Yoga poses pass this test in flying colours.

On the whole, regular practice of yoga poses tempers and tunes up the body, disciplines the mind and trains the will to apply itself to self-improving habits and style of life and lifts one’s perspectives to a higher and nobler level of existence.

Curative Yoga Asanas For Various Ailments

Curative Yoga Asanas For Various Ailments

Yoga’s curative value for various ailments cannot be overlooked. With an established routine of a series of asanas, many of the diseases commonly affecting us can be cured and a healthier lifestyle enjoyed by all of us. Yoga prevents as well as cures several disorders of the body and mind. It establishes poise and harmony of the hormones and metabolism of the body; is stimulates endocrine system and builds up natural immunity of the body. In our bodies lie different forms of energies, when these forces are not utilized and directed properly, they cause a number of disorders. Yoga postures trigger and guide the amassed and sluggish vigor throughout the body; they purify the body and mind by freeing them from all toxic wastes.

Uses of different types of poses

Positions taken up while seated are beneficial for breathing, relaxation and meditation practices. They act as warm up exercise to start the session. The seated positions improve posture and open up the pelvic area.

Standing postures prove advantageous in strengthening your legs; they open up your hips and develop your sense of balance and poise.

Prescribed Asanas for ailments

Diabetes can be controlled and cured by:

  • Back Stretching Posture
  • Half-Spinal Twist Pose

Yoga asanas can help you with obesity by burning body fat; massaging the abdominal muscles by contracting and flexing them and improving blood circulation to those areas. Curative postures for this condition are:

  • Cobra Pose
  • Wind Relieving Posture

Health experts believe that constipation is the mother of all ailments; it is the outcome of unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, mental problems and tensions. Asanas holding curative value for this disorder are:

  • All members Pose
  • Fish Pose
  • Headstand posture

Bad posture while sitting, being overweight and our lifestyle contribute to back ache. To cure this ailment, you can work with:

  • Cobra Pose
  • Wind Relieving Posture
  • Locust Pose

Rheumatism and arthritis resulting from hardening of muscles, joints and tissues, are painful ailments; for their correction, Wind Relieving Posture is recommended. For Hyper-tension and high blood pressure, All Members and Corpse poses have curative value as they help unwind the body and drive worry and stress away. Illnesses of the respiratory tract, like, sinus, asthma, bronchitis and common cold can be healed by taking up Cobra, Bow and Fish asanas. These postures will fix the stoop and rounded shoulders. Digestive disease like hyperacidity results from improper dietary habits and intake of spice-laced food. Raised Feet, Cobra, Lotus and Yoga positions treat this problem suitably. Breathing and meditating exercises too as curative tools have a profound soothing effect on exhausted minds and frayed nerves.

Yoga asanas are a complete system that prevents and heals several ailments, even chronic ones. With its regular practice health is improved holistically. A full set or schedule of a combination of different postures is important to heal the mind, body and the spirit. The curative rewards of yoga make the heart healthy, regulate blood pressure within its normal range, alleviate anxiety, fortify immunity and create balance and harmony within one’s self.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Natural Yoga Mat

What is the most recommended yoga mat and what are the advantages of using one? Well this article will endeavor which is best suited for you and why it is so. The natural mat is the best one so far. It is getting many of good reviews ever since its first appearance in the market. The materials used in this are pure rubber extracts.

Thus, it has no harmful chemicals that can cause irritations in your skin unlike most of the mats of today that contain Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Prolonged contact with PVC contents can have various effects on the health of the user. A natural mat is therefore good for the body since it does not cause any negative side effects.

If you are going to make a research about the natural rubber yoga mat, you will find out that they are actually the one recommended by yoga professionals. The composition is solely 100% rubber and free from any synthetic materials. A drawback of using a natural rubber one is its rubber smell. However, if you can tolerate a slight odor of rubber while you are doing yoga, then this will suit you best.

Another drawback of the rubber yoga mat is its quite heavy compared to other mats. For this reason, it is not suitable for travelling yoga practitioners. Unlike the travelling version, the natural rubber mat cannot be folded or rolled thus it cannot fit in small bags. In addition, carrying it around for transport is a little exhausting.

Some of the advantages of using the all-natural yoga mat is it can allow the user to be more daring in practicing yoga positions. Being 100% pure rubber, has a high traction giving the yoga practitioner a better grip of the supporting surface. This is actually necessary because if the mat is slippery chances are the practitioner will sustain an injury due to accidental slips.

Another great thing with the natural rubber yoga mat is its thick enough to give support and comfort to the user. This is good for practitioners who want to remain in the lotus position and meditate for several hours. The comfort is for lessening the amount of stress the body of the practitioner is going through. This would allow him or her to practice yoga for as long as the yogi likes it.

There are many places that you can buy a natural rubber mat. Most sport stores keep a stock of mats for yoga however, not all of them have the natural rubber version available. Thus, if you are looking for an all-natural one, you may want to try to look through the Internet.

To sum it all, a natural rubber yoga mat has many benefits to the user. With the current pace of advancement in technology, soon, all the drawbacks of the natural version will also be gone. Thus, if you want to start practicing yoga, take into consideration the mat that you are going to use.