New Zealand win the tug-of-war with Queensland for the services of Sam Kasiano after the Canterbury prop is named in the Kiwis squad to face Australia on October 13.

SWEATING: Kiwis star Shaun Johnson. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: Geelong Advertiser

Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens is happy with the Australia line-up, despite several big names being unavailable due to injury.

THEY are known as league's hardest men yet the Kiwis hope Bikram Yoga will be their secret weapon when they face Australia in tropical Townsville next week.

In a locked room sweltering with 40C heat, Kiwi stars such as halfback Shaun Johnson and captain Simon Mannering last week contorted their bodies into the "Eagle", "Half Tortoise" and "Wind Removing Pose".

Bikram Yoga is a 90-minute stretching routine consisting of 26 poses and two breathing exercises in a hot room. The Auckland session left the Kiwi training group light-headed and in awe of their instructor.

The unique drill was the brainchild of Kiwi league legend-turned team trainer Ruben Wiki, who said it was one of the toughest exercises he had done.

Kasiano named for Kiwis

Not content with stretching the players to their limits, Wiki sent the group back to the Auckland yoga studio two days later to do traditional footy drills - still in 40C heat.

"Yoga is tough bro," Wiki said.

Continue reading here:
Yoga has Kiwis ready for our heat

We've all heard the term "the yoga butt!" It's the perfect perk backside of yoga-practicing gals that is a status symbol in the yoga world (and beyond).

Now, the coveted yoga butt is taking a back seat to the yoga core - firm, toned abs that are the envy of all on and off the mat. I am starting to seethe just thinking about those flat-bellied ladies in my class.

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Well, help is on the way. Yoga guru Rodney Yee has created Gaiam's Core Centered Yoga DVD. He and his wife, Colleen Saidman, both of whom are rock stars in the yoga world, invited Healthy Hollywood to sample a few of their core-centric moves. Let's just say I was off and running to my mat before the word "ready."

"When we are looking at core-centered yoga, it's not only a different take on yoga, but it really is a different take on how we look at the core," reveals Rodney to Healthy Hollywood. "A lot of people in this society just want that six-pack, but in fact the core houses the vital organs. It is also the aspect of the lower back where a lot of us have problems. So not only does the core have to be strong, but it has to be fluid and coordinated with the legs and arms and these are things that haven't been considered," Yee adds.

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First of all, Yee's approach to a better core isn't a series of fast-paced yoga poses. Most of the abs movement he showed the class were slow and deliberate and really got you tuned into feeling your abdominals. "To build strength you need movement. So, it's not just holding a pose. It's more about micro-movements during a pose. We want to be in sync with the core to build strength through fluid alignment and mindfulness."

A few of Yee's favorite core-building yoga moves are the boat pose, side bends and backbends. But, his wife, Colleen believes a simple mountain pose (stand with big toes touching, weight evenly balance on both feet and hang arms by your side) is a great core conditioner. "If you stand in mountain pose and take thumbs to armpit and lift front of the arm pits and chest. Be sure to engage tailbone, the abs and you get the back bone and the length of the waist and just stand there with that kind of integrity could be your one shot deal."

For more on the Core Centered Yoga DVD, check out http://www.gaiam.com.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Hollywood's Hottest Beach Bods

Read the original:
Healthy Hollywood: Get Movin' Monday - Have Firm, Fab Yoga Abs!

ChildLight Yoga offers its nationally recognized weekend teacher training, designed to provide yoga teachers, educators, therapists, counselors, parents and others working directly with children and youth with the tools and knowledge needed to share the gifts of yoga with children.

Developed by Lisa Flynn, founder of ChildLight Yoga and Yoga 4 Classrooms, the ChildLight Yoga Teacher Training program is a popular, effective opportunity for educators, therapists, parents and others to learn to share yoga with children. The foundational training and certificate program consistently receive rave reviews from experienced kids' yoga teachers as well as from those new to teaching.

The training will be held in Flagstaff Oct. 19, 20 and 21. The discounted cost of $350 with coupon code CCCY35 includes 17 contact hours, comprehensive ChildLight Yoga Instructor Manual, the corresponding CD of "Yoga Songs for Children," certification administration and materials, and membership in the supportive ChildLight Yoga Instructor community. In addition, participants who complete the ChildLight Yoga Teacher Trainings are eligible to receive CEUs.

To register, visit: http://www.child lightyoga.com

ChildLight Yoga, based in Dover, N.H., provides evidence-based yoga education to children in schools and communities, and to professionals whose work supports the well-being of children. For more information, visit http://www.childlightyoga.com.

Originally posted here:
ChildLight Yoga teacher training comes to Flagstaff

London, Sept. 30: A Catholic priest is proving surprisingly unbending in his opposition to yoga ' he will not allow his local church hall to be used for teaching yoga because he views it as an alien Hindu practice that could undermine the Catholic faith.

The hardline attitude on yoga by Father John Chandler has shocked thousands of its practitioners, Indians and non-Indians alike.

He has banned Cori Withell, a fitness instructor, from using St Edmund's Church Hall in Southampton, where he is in charge, for yoga lessons.

"There are other halls she could use in Southampton," was the priest's final word on yoga.

Fr Chandler is not in the mould of the gentle, tolerant priests who run St Xavier's and other missionary schools in India. Fr Chandler is convinced yoga is born out of Hinduism and permitting lessons would be to stray on to a slippery slope.

"Yoga is a Hindu spiritual exercise," he insisted. "Being a Catholic Church we have to promote the gospel and that's what we use our premises for."

"We did say that yoga could not take place," he went on. "It's the fact that it's a different religious practice going on in a Catholic Church."

He explained his moral dilemma: "On one hand we say to our parishioners, 'Be strong in your faith,' and on the other hand there's this other religious belief that's not part of our faith. It's not compatible. We are not saying that yoga is bad or wrong."

But there is no disguising his firm belief that yoga is wrong. He also accused Withell of being devious in the way she had booked her lessons. She had initially pretended she was only going to give lessons in Pilates (a fitness regime which began in Germany), but later slipped in yoga, he alleged.

Far from seeking to control a troublesome priest, Portsmouth Catholic Diocese, Fr Chandler's employer, gave him full support.

More here:
Yoga classes? Not in my church, says UK priest

Yoga postures are very different from ordinary exercise. It is a mistake even to call the postures exercises, in the usual sense of the word. Their purpose is not to strengthen the muscles. They emphasise relaxation quite as much as they do tension. Unlike most physical exercises, they do not excite; rather, they eliminate excitement from the system.

An important difference between these postures and other systems of exercise is that in yoga practice one must never strain. Relax, never force yourself, into the prescribed positions. Stretch only slightly, if at all, beyond the point of comfort. You will be astonished to see how many poses you can accomplish by progressively deeper relaxation.

The yogi should act always from a centre of poise and calmness, of mental and physical relaxation. When I first met my Guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, he told me that, while sitting in a chair giving interviews, he was not even aware of his body below the chest. To be able so completely to relax the body when not using it, it is necessary first to be in full control of it; to be able at will to be fully conscious of every muscle.

The yoga postures are not only a series of physical positions but exercises in mental awareness. The yogi must try to become conscious of the energy as it directs the muscular movements.

Between poses, he should calmly withdraw his energy from the periphery of his body; he should rest within himself. Savasana, the Corpse Pose, is particularly recommended for these peaceful interludes.

The yogi is enjoined to practise moderation in everything. He should avoid eating too much, or too little. He should not sleep too much, nor too little. (More than seven hours' sleep at night only drugs the nervous system.) He should be especially moderate in his sex life. Sexual over-indulgence causes tremendous drain on natural vitality. Continence, if it has the full consent of the mind, can be a tremendous factor in helping one to achieve full vigour, mentally and physically, and to attain deep spiritual insight.

Yoga practices help one to live in harmony with the forces of nature. The yoga postures should always, if possible, be practised out-of-doors, or by an open window.

They should be practised on an empty stomach or at least three hours after eating. It is preferable that the body be warm when performing them. But don't practise immediately after strenuous activity; or so long that the postures themselves result in over-exertion and fatigue.

Women should use caution if they wish to do yoga postures during the first day or two of the menstrual period.

The postures should not be practised, save with the greatest of caution, when the body is unwell. Any posture that gives rise to a feeling of pain (other than muscular) in the chest, abdomen or brain should be abandoned until the cause has been ascertained. People with high blood pressure should avoid all but the most gentle poses.

See the original post here:
Yoga is just not exercises, gives higher awareness

Article posted: 9/29/2012 4:48 PM

Jimmy and Lori Glazebrook at the Prana Yoga Center.

Christopher Hankins | Staff Photographer

Take a stressful task like homework and combine it with a stress buster like yoga and what do you have? Prana Yoga Center in Geneva calls it the OmWork Club.

The center is developing the after-school program as a way for area teens to develop a yoga habit while also having the space to do homework or form study groups.

Its all part of the centers goal to be invested in healthy community growth, according to Lori Glazebrook, who heads the OmWork Club and serves as the centers marketing and promotions manager.

Prana Yoga Center has been in business in Geneva for 11 years, offering various yoga styles from Power Vinyasa to Yin. But the homework club represents a different twist on an ancient relaxation and strength practice.

Unfortunately there are not many similar programs for teens, and this is why I am committed to creating one in our community, said Glazebrook, who gets help from her husband, Jimmy, also a yoga instructor.

I used to be a Girl Scout leader and taught yoga to the girls in my troop, she added. I noticed a difference in their concentration and ability to unwind after practicing.

Glazebrook is planning a free open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the center, 321 Stevens St., to introduce teens and their families to the program, which will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. each Thursday, starting Oct. 11. Cost is $18 per two-hour session.

Originally posted here:
Geneva yoga center helps teens comabt stress

It's football season, so why not use a football to gain more benefits during our yoga workout? People use stability and kettle balls, so it makes perfect sense to use a football instead. Ready, set, play ball.

#1 Put a football between your feet to increase the benefits to your legs and abs

Make use of a football while performing the following seated poses:

Full Boat Pose (Paripurna Navasana)

Put a football between your feet while performing the full boat pose and squeeze it tightly to build muscles in the legs and abs.

Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana)

While in the bound angle pose, put a football in the center of your feet so your feet touch the ball instead of each other. Use the muscles of your feet and legs to squeeze the football to increase the stretch and build more muscle.

#2 Place your hands on a football to create resistance

Let a football create resistance to build more muscle while performing the following pose:

Plank Pose

Read more here:
Four Ways to Use a Football During Yoga

As one who lives a busy lifestyle, I have found that there are many ways to incorporate yoga into my day. One long session of poses (asanas) is not the only way to receive the benefits of yoga. I have found that several 5-minute sessions throughout the day can be just as therapeutic. If you enjoy yoga as I do and have a hard time finding ways to fit your workout in, read on to find out five ways to sneak in smaller segments throughout the day.

#1 Yoga to wake up the body

I have a hard time waking up in the morning, and yoga is a natural way to get the body moving. Putting on some music and performing asanas that are meant to energize the body is a great way to wake up the body and mind. Try the following poses upon awakening:

Both the fish pose and locust pose help with fatigue, as well as improve posture. This makes them great poses to start your day.

#2 Sun Salutations

Another way to get the body ready for a busy day is by performing sun salutations, a combination of poses done in order. You can perform this sequence for as short or as long a time as you like, making it perfect for those who have a busy lifestyle. Use a video to take you through the moves as you energize your body. Need a more advanced version of sun salutations with a jump? Try this more advanced video. If you are extremely advanced in your yoga practice, you can do an even more complex version where you go into a handstand.

#3 Yoga in the shower

You have to take a shower anyways, so why not perform a few simple poses in the shower. If you are a female, you probably want to let your conditioner stay in your hair for several minutes anyways. Rather than just standing there waiting, you could be performing poses on a slip proof bath mat. Nothing too crazy here since you do not want to slip or injure yourself. I recommend the following poses:

#4 Yoga as a warmup before aerobic exercise

If you make time to do a cardiovascular workout, why not use yoga for your warmup instead of regular stretching and as a cool down to really stretch your muscles out afterward? This is a great way to fit yoga into your chosen workout.

Continue reading here:
Top Five Ways to Incorporate Yoga into Your Busy Lifestyle

Iyengar, Vinyasa, Kundalini...huh? Find the yoga class or style that fits you best

Ashtanga What it is: Ashtanga is one of the more physically challenging forms of yoga. Classes go through a sequence of as few as 25 poses (also called asanas) that include back bends, inversions (think headstands and handstands), balances, and twists.

Degree of difficulty: Expect an invigorating work-out. This style of yoga builds strength, stamina, and flexibility. Even beginner classes can be challenging.

Who its best for: Athletic types who want a high-energy workout, as well as those who appreciate predictability and order.

Keep in mind: Most classes follow the same prescribed order of poses, so you can expect an the same experience, whether youre in a studio in Peoria or Portland. A boon if you like to take a yoga class when youre on the road, but a bore if you thrive on variety. _______________________________________________

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Fun Hula-Hoop Exercise Routine Tighten Your Glutes in 15 Minutes _______________________________________________

Bikram (a.k.a. Hot Yoga) What it is: Bikram started becoming popular in America in the late 1970s. Classes are held in a room heated to about 105 degrees, which helps loosen muscles and joints. The 26-pose series is designed to stretch and strengthen your muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Degree of difficulty: Classes are demanding, since you cycle through the 26-pose series twice. The biggest challenge, however, may be coping with the intense heat. Some say its like exercising in a sauna.

Who its best for: Devoted yogis who are looking for a new challenge or people who are very fit and want a hard and limbering workout. Before taking a Bikram class, check with your doctor if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure.

More here:
The many types of yoga

You may be wondering what yoga has to do with football. It has everything to do with it. Many NFL teams participate in yoga to improve their endurance and flexibility. In fact, last year I accurately predicted that the New York Giants would win Super Bowl due to their participation in yoga and poses (asanas). Numerous other NFL teams and players implement poses as a means to help them play ball better. In addition, numerous college and high school teams practice asanas for many reasons.

The New York Giants are practicing yoga to prepare for Super Bowl again this year

The Giants won Super Bowl last year, and yoga had a large part to do with that, so why wouldn't they use that same technique again? It is smart on their part to prepare for this year's Super Bowl in much the same manner. Gwen Lawrence is a yoga instructor who is working with the Giants again this year and has been instructing them for the past 11-years. During the active season, Lawrence focuses on post game poses as a means to stretch and cool down the muscles. Her favorites are pigeon pose, frog pose and hero pose.

The Tennessee Titans' defensive tackle, Shaun Smith, lost weight due to yoga

Shaun Smith lost 22-lbs by participating in Bikram (hot) Yoga during the off-season. Some of his fellow teammates are giving him a hard time because he is participating in a form of exercise that many females also find beneficial. Let them joke all they want because yoga is for real men and it is not an easy form of exercise. It takes a lot of concentration and commitment. It will help one to shed pounds as well as gain flexibility and endurance. It also has the capability to increase muscle mass.

The Mercyhurst Lakers cool down by practicing yoga

The Mercyhurst University football team makes use of yoga after practice as a way to stretch their muscles and relax. This is a great way to cool-down since there are many asanas that stretch numerous muscle groups and help the mind and body unwind. Their instructor, Betty Amatangelo, takes advantage of poses that prevent injury and stretch the muscles used during football practice.

Kansas State University football players utilize yoga

Both receiver, Christ Harper and linebacker, Arthur Brown of the Kansas State Wildcats participate in yoga to gain flexibility. Harper says, "The first time I took it, I was upset because I can't sit Indian style on the ground, and I took it and told the teacher that's what I was trying to do, and I still couldn't do it after the class - I didn't feel any better. I took a regular yoga class so I can try to sit Indian style, because the groin area is vital for receivers. If I can sit Indian style I think that would be big."

Foley Falcons high school lineman unwinds by practicing yoga

Read more from the original source:
What Does Yoga Have to Do with Football?