Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts

Monday, 20 August 2012

How To Use Your Personal Sauna As A Hot Yoga Studio

Hot yoga combines the relaxation benefits of traditional yoga with heat that will get you sweating and help you to lose weight. While all forms of yoga are beneficial forms of exercise, bikram or hot yoga is especially useful as the poses are completed in a hot room with temperatures well over 100 degrees. Hot yoga classes run for 90 minutes and go through a series of methodical poses that encourage deep breathing.

However, finding a hot yoga class is a lot harder than finding a traditional yoga studio. Since the bikram yoga studio needs to be heated to 105 degrees, the classes can’t be held just anywhere. Also, a lot of people are hesitant to do yoga in front of a group of people, especially when the added heat means you will be sweating through whatever loose clothing you wear. If your schedule or modesty doesn’t permit for you to attend a hot yoga class, then try doing hot yoga in the privacy of your own sauna.

When using your personal sauna as a hot yoga studio, put your safety first. Use a yoga mat that is intended for hot yoga and will not become too sticky or slippery in the heat. Dress in loose, ventilating clothing so that your body is able to receive air while you are working out in the sauna. If you are new to yoga, try doing the routine a few times in your home before moving to the sauna. You don’t want to add that much intensity to your routine on your first try.

Before going into your sauna make sure that you are hydrated. This is especially important since you are planning on doing a lot of movement while you are in the sauna. If at any point during your yoga routine you find that you are thirsty or lightheaded then stop, take a break and grab some more water.
Bikram yoga has specifically designed routines that feature guided movements and breathing exercises. There are other forms of yoga that are not meant to be done in the heat. Don’t try doing other types of yoga that feature balancing exercises or intense stretches while in the sauna. These exercises aren’t meant to be done in the heat.

While working out in front of a large group of strangers is a bit intimidating, most people have a friend or family member that they won’t feel embarrassed working out in front of. Ask someone to sit in the sauna with you during your first workout session. By having someone else there you can prevent an injury that would leave you alone in the sauna for an extended period of time. If you are new to bikram yoga, don’t try to do 90 minutes on your first try. Start out slow by doing 30 or 45 minutes and gradually work your way up to the full 90 minute session.

Hot yoga is a great workout that can help you to lose weight, increase your flexibility and manage stress. By starting out slow and taking the right precautions you can use your own sauna to do this activity in the comfort of your own home.

This guest post is provided on behalf of SaunaRay. If you are looking for a high-quality, environmentally friendly infrared sauna then SaunaRay in Collingwood is your answer. Click here for more details.

Saturday, 18 August 2012

Cure Your Dance Phobia

Music has been a source of inspiration for many people since the beginning of time. So many people find pleasure in listening to lyrics and rhymes that move and touch their soul. But dancing is an entirely different story. So you think you can't dance?

Although many people love music not everyone enjoys dancing. Just take a look around society, at events, such as weddings, concerts or outdoor plays. The majority of people do not dance. The main reason is because they are afraid they will look silly. They think that they are a bad dancer and don't want people to judge them. But the reality is people won't and don't judge the people who get up and dance. If anything there is admiration for people who just shake their groove thing.

Of course dancing is a great way to help you feel better and even lose weight but there are other benefits to getting into the groove. Here are some benefits of dancing and tips to help you get over your fear of dancing. 

Try It

Trying something new is a great way to enjoy life more. If you don't like dancing because you are afraid of what other people might think of you, then ask yourself what are you afraid of? Chances are people don't judge people who actually get up and dance on the dance floor. Most of the time they seek admiration and respect for those who seem to have a no worries attitude.

In fact when you approach the dance floor your body will naturally fall into a rhyme. The beat of the song will help you fall into a comfortable groove. If you can walk you can dance, so let you insecurities subside.

Let Go

When you avoid judging, comparing or thinking about what you are doing and how you look you will naturally fall into sync. Just let go and have fun is the key to being a great dancer. No one cares how you look; it is always about feeling the rhymes move through you. Dancing is a great activity for helping you feel better. 

Dance While You Work

Sure dancing is fun and a great way to feel better in the moment but what about times when you don't usually dance. Like when you work. The average America will spend over three thirds of their life working and sometimes we end up in jobs we don't like. If you are tired of your job then spice it up and listen to good music. Maybe you can put a playlist on your computer and put earphones on while you sit at your desk. Or if you work in an environment such as a job shop that encourages music you can pick fun songs to help the day go smoother. 

For more information on music while at work visit a job shop Portland. Shannon Kaiser is a health and wellness writer for the Portland Community.