Yoga

Check with your Doctor

Yoga asanas can be practiced by young and old alike. While there is no one who should be excluded, check with your doctor before you begin a course if you suffer form a medical condition or have any doubts..

Factors to be considered before Starting Yoga

You do not need special equipment to practice yoga.
Although you can buy foam yoga mats, a towel on a carpeted floor will do just as well.
For practicing indoors, you will need an open space, clear of furniture.
The room should be comfortable heated and free from disturbances.
Try to practice yoga every day.
At the same time, be gentle. Do not force yourself.
A yoga session should be a joy.
Set aside a time when you will not be disturbed and you will not have to rush. Morning practice helps loosen up stiff joints after sleep. Evening practice relieves the tensions of the day.
Whenever you practice yoga, avoid eating for at least two hours beforehand.
Many of our regular daily activities tend to emphasize the use of one part or side of the body. To achieve a healthy and harmonious balance, it is important to keep all parts of the body equally strong and flexible. Yoga exercises make each group of muscles work equally on the left and right sides of the body to achieve equilibrium.


Proper Diet

The recommended diet for a student of yoga is a simple and wholesome vegetarian one, made up of natural foods that are easily digested. It keeps the body vital and healthy, and the mind calm and free from restless thoughts. Processed and tinned foods are to be avoided when possible.

In yogic philosophy, our diet affects far more than our physical well-being. Our vital energy, mental capabilities, and emotional health are all influenced by the food that we eat. The practice of meditation, postures, and breathing exercises is directed towards bringing the mind and the body into harmony. Eating the right foods is an important element in achieving this goal. Foods that are beneficial to us are said to be Sattvic, or pure. Impure foods that can upset our physical, emotional, or intellectual balance are identified as being in the categories. Tamasic (stale or rotten) and Rajasic (stimulating). You should avoid these foods.


Avoid tamasic foods
Foods that are stale, tasteless, unripe, over ripe, or putrified are Tamasic. They poison the body, sap our energy, and dull the intellect. Tamasic foods include meat and fish, mushrooms, and foods that have been frozen, preserved, tinned, over-cooked, or re-heated. Foods that have been fermented, such as vinegar, are Tamasic, as are all drugs and alcohol. Eating too much is also considered to be Tamasic.


Avoid Rajasic Foods
Onions and garlic, tobacco, eggs, coffee, tea, chillies and other strong spices, and foods that are sour, acid, or bitter are all Rajasic. Chocolate, white sugar, white flour, and most prepared and convenience foods are also Rajasic to a lesser extent. All these substances excite the passions and over-stimulate the mind, making it difficult to control. Eating too fast and eating too many combinations of foods is also Rajasic.


Choose Sattvic Products
Sattvic foods from the ideal diet, being nourishing and easy to digest. They create new energy and a clear, calm mind, enabling us to use all our mental, physical, and spiritual talents. Sattvic products include cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables, natural fruit juice, milk butter, beans, honey, and pure water


Stop Smoking

Yogic philosophy identifies two impure categories of foods-Rajasic (over-stimulating) and Tamasic (Stale or rotten). Tobacco is both giving up smoking eliminates toxins from the body and helps you to achieve a calm mind and body.

Avoid Caffeine

Caffeine is considered to be Rajasic, as it is powerful stimulant. It causes the mind to be over-active and gives the body artificial energy. It can also disrupt your natural sleeping pattern, impairing your ability to relax. If you cut out tea and coffee from your diet, you will find that meditation becomes easier.

During Pregnancy

The ante-natal period, when your body and mind are engaged in the creation of a new life, can be a rare and valuable learning experience. Yoga can help you to have an easier, healthier pregnancy and delivery. Practiced slowly and gently, the postures relax and strengthen the body, helping you to adjust to many of the temporary physical changes. The breathing exercises can help you to make the most of your breath.

WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN PREGNANT

Do not perform the Bow.

Do not attempt the Locust.

Shoulder stand and Plough should only be practiced if comfortable.

Do not perform the Cobra (or the seventh Sun Salutation position).

Do not practice the Peacock.

Do not perform the Headstand for the first time during pregnancy. If you are used to it, you can continue until it becomes uncomfortable (in about the fourth month).

10 ways to look great while working out

While none of us expect to look like a supermodel while we’re pounding away on the treadmill, looking good while working out can help to boost your confidence, which can in turn help you to work harder and get better results.


Flatter your figure
While fashions come and go, the important thing when choosing clothes to work out in is to go for something you feel completely comfortable in. If you’re not 100 per cent sure when you try it on then don’t buy it – it’s unlikely to grow on you. Also, just as you would when planning an outfit for any other event, go for clothes that flatter your body shape, aren't too tight or too baggy and which show off the parts of your body you’re proud of.

Opt for breathable materials
Sweat patches aren't the best accessory for any outfit, but luckily they are easily avoidable. As well as using an antiperspirant before your workout, make sure you avoid wearing cotton if you are heading out for a run or intense workout, as the material will absorb heat and moisture and cling to your skin. Instead, go for clothes made from lightweight, breathable materials such as polyester, nylon and spandex.


Go for natural makeup
While many ladies think bare-faced is the best way to go when working out, some of us need a bit of extra confidence to spur us on. For a flawless yet fresh-faced complexion, opt for a light base of tinted moisturiser or mineral foundation. Mineral makeup is particularly good for those with oily or acne-prone skins as it will help to reduce shine and provide coverage without blocking pores. Pair this with waterproof mascara and some tinted lip balm for a natural look.


Wear a well fitted sports bra
Not only can wearing the wrong bra size (or one not specifically created for exercise) lead to health problems including back, neck and breast pain and poor posture, it can also affect the appearance of your breasts, both short and long term. Make sure you get measured and choose a supportive bra to ensure you are getting the support you need.


Create your perfect silhouette
If you’re feeling self-conscious about your lumps and bumps, consider investing in some shape-wear which can help smooth and conceal problem areas. As well as tummy-control trousers and leggings for running or exercise classes, you can purchase swimming costumes with tummy control features or padding at the bust to help you create the look you want and feel confident for your workout.


Go for color
No matter how much you love exercise, we all have days when we just can’t get ourselves motivated or in the right frame of mind. For those days when you’re feeling lacking in energy or enthusiasm, why not invest in some vibrant workout gear to help brighten up your workout? Pair a colorful top with some slimming black trousers or shorts for the perfect fun workout look.


Opt for an updo
Girls, no matter how much you love wearing your hair down, trust us, at the end of an energetic workout or run, you are not going to love this look quite so much. To keep your hair neat, groomed and out of your face while you are working out, go for an updo such as a high ponytail, ponytail braid or bun. To make sure it is completely out of the way (and to prevent it from getting sweaty) you could complete the look with a cotton hair band..


Blot away shine
There’s nothing like an oily, sweaty complexion for spoiling your look while working out, but luckily these problems are easily fixable. To blot away shine and cool down while you are at the gym, take a bottle of water and towel and try blotting your face with the dampened towel during your workout. Alternatively, try a sports sponge, such as those by Ramer or Konjac. These absorbent and cleansing sponges can be kept moist in their containers for a refreshing wipe as you exercise.


Accessorize
OK, so you’re probably not going to want to wear your best pair of dangly earrings or necklace down to the gym (and we would definitely advise against it if you do); however, accessorizing your workout gear with some unique (and useful) accessories such as a decorative water bottle, a nice sports watch or a colorful kit bag is a great way to add some personality and fun to your workout look.


Tone down redness
Together with a sweaty and oily complexion, sporting the red-faced look is one of the biggest beauty problems when working out. Fed up of resembling a tomato? There are plenty of things you can do to tone down this look. Wearing some light mineral face powder can help to even out your complexion. Also, try to drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout. Investing in a water spray, like Avene Thermal Spring Water spray, can also help you to stay looking cool and refreshed.