Here's how these yoga practices will help you keep your cool this summer.

Interestingly, extreme seasons like the summer and monsoons are not a good time to launch into yoga sadhana, if you are new to the whole experience. Yoga also appreciates that the body reacts to extreme seasons with a flush of fever which can get aggravated when it is stressed with anything new, even if it is a healing science like yoga.

If you are already doing an intermediate level or advanced practice, seasonal shifts will not affect you. But if you are indifferent practitioner or a beginner level person, you may wish to contain your enthusiasm on the mat and do practices which will keep you cool.

Some advice along the way for a summer practice: schedule your practice for early morning since it is the coolest time of the day. Use calming pranayamas like anulom vilom, bhramari and ujjayi as the main breathing practices. Even if you wish your practice to be intense, do it meditatively: this will have a cooling, calming effect.

Hold poses long, even if it makes you sweat more, because the end result is that you will be cooler mentally and physically. Importantly, have a longer final meditation or relaxation to cool down properly.

Shameem Akthar, yogacharya trained with the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, takes you through five yoga practices that will help you keep your cool this summer.

For more of Shameem's yoga writings visit http://jaisivananda.blogspot.com. Shameem's second book Yoga in the workplace, with photographs by ace photographer Fawzan Husain, is now available at online shops and bookshops across the country. It is also available as e-book, with Kindle, Amazon.

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5 yoga poses to keep you cool this summer

Editor's Choice Academic Journal Main Category: Mental Health Also Included In: Sports Medicine / Fitness;Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine;Pediatrics / Children's Health Article Date: 30 Apr 2012 - 0:00 PDT

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The study involved 51 students from the 11th- and 12th-grade who were registered for physical education (PE) at a Massachusetts high school. Two thirds of the students were randomly assigned to Kripalu yoga classes that consisted of physical yoga postures as well as breathing exercises, relaxation, and meditation, whilst the remaining third was assigned to regular PE classes.

Before and after the 10-week course, all 51 students completed a range of psychosocial tests, including tests to measure their mood and tension and/or anxiety.

The authors also assessed the students' development of self-regulatory skills, including their resilience, control of anger expression, and mindfulness, which are believed to protect against developing mental health problems.

The results showed that students in the yoga group scored better in several of the psychological tests. The authors noted in particular that students in the control group were more likely to have higher scores for mood problems and anxiety, as compared with those in the yoga group whose scores remained unchanged or improved.

Yoga appears to have preventative benefits for adolescent mental health

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Yoga May Help Prevent Adolescent Mental Problems

I wrote a book titled Myths of the Asanas. This was before I found out about the real myth of the asanas... that most all of the ones practiced these days are less than 100 years old. Not kidding. I've spent nearly half of my entire life studying yoga, and until just a few weeks ago, even I was under the impression that at least some of our beloved asana practice had its roots in at least a centuries-old tradition that used physical practices to incite profound internal transformation.

There is, of course, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, which was written around the 15th century, that outlines a scant 15 postures. Fifteen. A friend recently pointed out the shocking point that asana practice is a relatively new development, particularly as it has exploded in Western culture in recent decades. This claim incited a crazy inquisition, which led me to Mark Singleton's book, Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice, as well as Krishnamacharya's Yoga Makaranda.

Singleton does a thorough job of researching the history, modernization and rising prominence of asana practice. He even reveals the mystery behind the obscure yogic text, The Yoga Korunta, which is said to have been the origin of the Ashtanga Series taught by revelatory 20th century master, Krishnamacharya, to Pattabhi Jois and other prominent students. Though many (including me) would like to believe the story that Krishnamacharya learned the text from his guru and passed it on to his own students, we must make room for the very real possibility that even luminaries like Krishnamacharya were responding to changing times and creating asanas to meet the demand of a more physical culture -- which was developing in India in the early 20th century, and of course remains strong here in the West.

Even if the Yoga Korunta existed, it is rumored to be a 14th century text (not that old), and it is well known that postures have been added, modified and evolved to the supposed structure it presented. For example, the first edition of Yoga Mala, by Pattabhi Jois, didn't include revolved side angle. That posture wasn't introduced until later. In fact, when the first western students learned the primary series from Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the 1970s, there were no vinyasa transitions between the Janu Sirsasana variations and the Marichyasana variations. This reveals that there has been a very live, real-time, evolution of even the most venerated yoga practices.

Basically, we're all just making this shit up. Even in the decade that I've been teaching yoga, I've seen postures "appear." Most recently, additions like "falling star," "reverse warrior," and "flip the dog," weren't around even 10 short years ago. Actually, it feels like they've appeared over the past few weeks! We can even take a look at modern yoga schools and realize that most every type of practice we enjoy here in America has a fairly recent history. Beryl Bender Birch was a practitioner of Ashtanga Yoga, who boldly took it into the realm of innovation by creating power yoga, and from there we have most every branch of vinyasa evolving from this singular root. Thank you, Beryl, and Baron, and Brian and other fearless innovators of vinyasa yoga!

Despite the fact that our beloved asana has a relatively new existence, it still remains a powerful practice for about 16 million Americans. None of this news of newness of the tradition of asana is supposed to diminish it's importance or relevance in our world, but rather to create an awareness that it's up to us to verify it's validity. Many (myself included!) regard asana as a deeply spiritual practice, though the traditions of meditation and bhakti (devotional) yoga have far more historical precedent. If we, as Westerners, have developed and placed in prominence the practice of asana, then dammit, it's up to us to prove that it really works.

Yes, it works as a physical practice, sure. Cirque Du Soleil has done a good job of proving that, as it has gymnastics and aerobics that also feature many of the same shapes. We garner flexibility and strength through asana. Even studies can corroborate asana's healthful effect on the physical body (though, the infamous recent New York Times article also recounts it's detrimental effects). Either way, if we are reading more deeply into the traditions of yoga and reflecting on it's inherent philosophy, then we are revealing the opportunity to show that the way we have revolutionized the practice of asana can actually contribute to the goal of the practice.

It's no secret that yoga means union. Nearly every yoga book starts with that definition. A little inquiry into the type of union yoga indicates reveals that yoga is an awareness of one's intimate and inherent connection to a higher power, and practices of yoga help to create the condition for this realization to arise. That's pretty much it. If we don't automatically have a sustained experience of yoga -- the awareness of ourselves as inherently whole and complete -- then, we do certain practices to reveal that experience more readily and in a more sustained way. There are many proven practices that help to create this condition, meditation probably being the most tried-and-true method.

But, let's be honest. How many Americans are ready to sit their asses down and meditate? For, like, a long time? We are not even a culture who can sit on the floor in relative comfort. However, we love working hard on our bodies. Sometimes to the point that it becomes an obsession. Given these proclivities, it seems natural to develop a means of practice that utilizes and initially emphasizes the body as an entry point into the deeper awareness of yoga. Hail asana. Honestly, let's not knock it or diminish it, even though it is the baby of the modern yoga culture and the brainchild of yoga innovators of recent decades. Why wouldn't it work?

There's no proof it can't... but the onus is on us to prove that it can, that yoga asana practice is a valid and effective means for aligning the energetic body in such a way to allow for a sustained experience of the natural state of yoga. Otherwise, it will remain in the realm of gymnastics and aerobics. Gymnastics and aerobics are great forms of physical exercise, but what makes them different from a true yogic practice is that their focus is only on the body. What makes a true yogic practice unique is that it's focus is on a sustained feeling of freedom and wholeness. This sustained feeling has the very exciting potential to be brought about by new shapes like "airplane pose."

Read the rest here:
Alanna Kaivalya: How We Got Here: Where Yoga Poses Come From

Yoga in an excellent workout to perform indoors on a mat, but practicing yoga poses (asanas) on the beach is also appealing and has many benefits. So, why try yoga on the beach? I will offer five good reasons to give it a try if you live near any type of beach.

#1 Performing yoga in the sand strengthens secondary muscles

Sara Ivanhoe says, "Practicing on an uneven surface like sand builds the secondary muscles in your feet, hips, knees and shoulder joints." Ivanhoe is a yoga instructor in Santa Monica, California.

#2 It is relaxing to perform yoga on the beach

What better way to get the ultimate mind, body experience than by performing yoga on the beach? Imagine listening to the sound of waves, smelling saltwater (for those near the ocean) and feeling the gentle touch of sand. No music is necessary because nature provides it own unique sounds, allowing one to relax while practicing asanas.

#3 Fresh air helps the body

The body needs fresh air to receive a stable supply of oxygen. Negative ions are found in fresh air that is near plants and trees, around flowing water and after thunderstorms. Crisp air has many benefits such as building the immune system, improving metabolism and giving one a sense of satisfaction by changing the serotonin levels in the brain.

#4 Sunlight is beneficial to the body

Being in the sunlight is beneficial to the body. Sunlight helps decrease the chances of one obtaining cancer because it helps the body make vitamin D. The light from the sun is also helpful to those with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). There are also studies that prove high levels of vitamin D can decrease the risk of one getting multiple sclerosis (MS).

#5 Matthew McConaughey and Russell Simmons practices yoga on the beach

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Five Reasons to Perform Yoga on the Beach

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Valerie Moselle-Fogler of Happy Valley is a finalist in the 2012 business plan contest for her Mala Family Yoga Center idea.

EDITORS NOTE: Seven Santa Cruz County startups are competing in the 2012 Monterey Bay Business Competition 1-6 p.m. May 4 at the Monterey Institute for International Studies. Two locals are vying with one other for $5,000 in prizes in the main street category. Five are in the venture track competing with seven others for prizes worth $50,000. The public can attend at no charge; register at http://mbrcompetition2012.eventbrite.com/

Sentinel reporter Jondi Gumz gave each local entrepreneur a chance to make a pitch. Today: Mala Family Yoga Center, main street category.

Q. Whats the market for your product/service?

A. Our market is parents with children, focusing on expecting and new parents, and parents with children up to age 6. We will offer classes to older children as well. Our model includes yoga and other classes that address wellness for adults, yoga and enrichment classes for children, as well as child care. We will offer resources for parents including birthing and parenting classes, information, support groups and opportunities to build community.

Q. Cost of your product/service?

A. Drop-in classes will cost around $12 per class for adults, $10 for children. We will offer an unlimited class membership program, around $59 per month for an individual and around $108 per month for an adult with one child. Our wellness services will be competitively priced; discounts to members.

Q. Is it being used now? Where? If youre not open yet, whats your timetable?

A. We are looking to open in the fall. We are negotiating a lease and rounding up final funding.

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Yoga instructor targets families: A way to make Santa Cruz healthier, she says

Fit & Fun |

You want to try yoga, but don't know vinyasa from hatha. No matter, studios will welcome you. Just show a bit of etiquette and savvy, says Seattle native Isabelle Casey, who now teaches yoga in Atlanta.

Bring water, a hand towel and a mat. Most studios rent or lend them, but it's nice to have your own. "Your mat, your germs, plain and simple."

Do not wear shoes. "You could try yoga socks that help prevent slipping, but practicing barefoot is highly encouraged."

Wear workout clothes without pockets, zippers, buckles or buttons on the back or abdomen. When practicing hot yoga, where temperatures and humidity swell, wear breathable material.

Go easy on perfumes or colognes. "It's best to keep the studio in a neutral state."

Don't be loud or chatty. "The yoga space is intended to be a sanctuary where one may go to decompress from the day."

Listen LISTEN to the instructor so you can learn how to do the poses safely and to the most benefit.

Be on time. You don't want to miss the warm-up. "It's an issue of both safety and respect."

Fit & Fun is a weekly notice about active recreational opportunities in the Greater Seattle area. To suggest a future item, contact Richard Seven: rseven@seattletimes.com.

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Fit & Fun: Tips from a pro for yoga newbies

VAIL Yoga Body Bootcamp (YBB) is a new yoga-fitness hybrid, and Vail Vitality Center at Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa is hosting a one-day introduction to this new workout on Sunday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. with Tracy Long.

YBB is best described as a combination of The Biggest Loser, Amazing Race and Survivor mixed with the inner stillness of yoga. This ever-evolving, total-body workout was created by Deborah Williamson, owner of Midwest Power Yoga and co-founder of Live, Love, Teach (200- and 500-hour yoga teacher training programs).

People can expect the unexpected at Yoga Body Bootcamp, said Long, YBB trainer. Between the limitless yoga poses, which we convert to interval stations, and the different mix of people within the group, you never know how the class is going to unfold. Add spontaneity, laughter and a good dose of middle school gym class and that equals a good YBB class.

This one-day class offers a mixture of traditional yoga poses and fitness bootcamp stations.

Anyone can benefit from YBB, Long said. If you're a regular yoga practitioner, you'll have the opportunity to dramatically increase your strength and cardiovascular stamina, while enjoying a more interpersonal connection than most yoga classes offer. If you love fitness classes and yoga seems a little too spiritual,' rest assured you will get the repetition you need to master the poses, in addition to a physically demanding workout.

Long is a lifelong athlete who first came to yoga in 2001 in an attempt to stretch muscles made fantastically tight from running. A few years later, she decided to focus on health and fitness and received her initial 200-hour yoga certification in 2008. She then attended her first training in 2009 with her primary teacher Baron Baptiste.

Cost for Yoga Body Bootcamp at Vail Vitality Center is $10 in advance, or $15 the day of the workshop. This rate applies to members and guests. For information or to register for Yoga Body Bootcamp on Sunday at Vail Vitality Center, visit http://www.vailathleticclub.com or call 970-476-7721.

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Yoga Body Bootcamp comes to Vail

Staff Writer

It was a few minutes past noon Wednesday when Jim OLeary closed the door, insulating the room against the noise of the hospital and the troubles of the world.

EMILY ROSE BENNETT/STAFF

Staff Sgt. Thomas Edmunds participates in a yoga class to help soldiers who suffer from traumatic brain injuries at Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon on Wednesday.

EMILY ROSE BENNETT/STAFF

Yoga instructor Jim O'Leary (left) leads Dr. John Rigg (center) and Staff Sgt. James Grondin in a yoga session on Wednesday. The class is designed to help soldiers who suffer from traumatic brain injuries.

EMILY ROSE BENNETT/STAFF

Spc. Chris Daniel (left center) participates in a yoga class to help soldiers who suffer from traumatic brain injuries at Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon on Wednesday.

EMILY ROSE BENNETT/STAFF

Yoga instructor Jim O'Leary (center) leads soldiers in a yoga session on Wednesday. The class is designed to help soldiers who suffer from traumatic brain injuries.

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Yoga used as therapy for Fort Gordon soldiers with brain injuries

Yoga is a great way to get a workout, and it can be intriguing to watch others that are skilled in the practice perform yoga poses (asanas). By watching others we can learn correct posture and see what is possible when you set your mind to mastering any given skill. I will highlight the top three, highly skilled females to watch perform yoga

#1 Equinox's Briohny Smyth

Not only does Briohny Smyth look great performing yoga, she does so with strength and and perfection. Her flexibility and arm strength is amazing to watch in action. Watch Briohny on YouTube as she lifts herself into a handstand with merely her arms. The video also shows her performing the crane pose, headstand and more.

Briohny is a yoga instructor and she says, "Backbends are always misunderstood in yoga, and many yogis end up injured due to the misconception that we backbend solely in our low back, when you really want to think about creating space in the low back. In my classes, I teach awareness around 'heart opening' so more yogis are aware of how to backbend safely."

#2 Genevieve Rivera

YouTube shows Genevieve Rivera perform an amazing yoga workout. By watching her perform asanas you can see the abundant amount of flexibility she has, as well as strength in her legs, arms and core. Genevieve performs numerous poses, including the eight-angle pose and the firefly pose, smoothly flowing from one asana to the next. Genevieve manages to make some of the most difficult yoga postures appear to be easy since she seems to perform them with such ease.

Genevieve is a registered yoga instructor and says, "I believe that having yoga in my life has given me the most amazing gift of all it is the gift of AWARENESS. This awareness has shown me how the ego will drive us to injure ourselves, while judgment can defeat our love of yoga. I have become aware of my breath, my body, my mind, my ego, and my judgments. No matter what path lies ahead of me, I will always carry these lessons with me."

#3 Carmen Electra

While this video shows pictures rather than a live performance, you can still see how excellent Electra is at yoga. Asanas include the lord of the dance pose and a backbend with one leg in the air. Carmen performing yoga is quite different than some of her previous workouts, such as her aerobic striptease DVD series.

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Top Three Females to Watch Perform Yoga

Ram Das 'Brahmachari', A 12-year-old boy, has landed a position as a yoga instructor at St Peter's College in Agra, India. Ram Das is proficient at and able to perform 300 different yoga poses (asanas).

"Students would be more at ease learning the yoga asanas from somebody of their own age. He will formally join the school from July this year," said Ram Das's father and principal at St Peter's Coolege, John Ferreira.

I think having a yoga teacher the same age as the students is an excellent idea, and agree with Mr. Ferreira. I believe the students will look at yoga in a better light with a peer teaching yoga rather than someone older who is looked at as merely an instructor. Besides, with the skills this 12-year-old has, he has earned every right to teach others to perform yoga.

Yoga is a great practice that everyone of every age can acquire benefits from. Perhaps this will set a new trend worldwide and not just in India. It would be great to see P.E. classes in the United States and elsewhere lead or co-hosted by students skilled in yoga.

Of course, here in the U.S. we complain about so much when it comes to the public school systems. In fact, in 2008 a pair of high school teachers in N.Y. taught yoga to their students to aid in alleviating stress and a number of religious leaders and parents showed their discontentment with this being done by stating that yoga breaks the barrier between church and state. I disagree highly with this mindset as yoga is not a religion so long as it is taught in a manner that does not bring religion into the picture. Yoga consists of performing poses that help to relax, stretch and strengthen muscles. One may as well say that it is wrong to have children warm up before physical education if they are that narrow minded to believe such a thing.

To sum it up, what an accomplishment to be a yoga instructor at the age of 12. This young boy is an inspiration for others to reach for the stars and go after their dreams. I wish more young people would set such high goals in life. Too many are more concerned with video games, dating and hanging out with friends. Not to say those things are bad in and of themselves, but children, especially teenagers should start thinking about their future and deciding what they want to do with their lives when they reach adulthood.

More from Rebecca Bardelli:

Can Yoga Help Anxious Teenagers?

Top 10 Yoga Poses for Children of All Ages

The Guinness Book of World Records Awards the World's Oldest Yoga Teacher: A Fan's Reaction

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Yoga Teacher at Age 12: A Fan's Reaction