... style you choose and use is a matter of personal preference or a matter of need.

For example, Vinyasa Yoga makes use of modified Yoga poses designed to meet the needs of an individual as well as to enhance healing, flexibility and strength of joints. These poses also tend to promote the feeling of well being and strength. Other Yoga practices may include meditation, reflection, study and other classic elements, but the focus of this type of Yoga practice is on coordinating breath and movement.

Pilates, on the other hand, seeks a lot of the same goals, also through a series of controlled movements. The big difference is that the Pilates technique not only has a full complement of mat work, but it also incorporates work on Pilates-specific machines. The focus of Pilates exercises is to strengthen your abdominal muscles, improve posture, stabilize and lengthen the spine, improve balance and overall strength. Pilates gives you a longer, leaner body.

And unlike many other training programs, Pilates works the whole body, emphasizing control, precision and concentration for both the mind and the body. The movements are not performed rapidly nor are they excessively repetitive. Instead, the focus is on quality, not quantity. The abdominal muscles, lower back and buttocks serve as the center of all movement, allowing the rest of the body to move freely. This focus on core stabilization makes one stronger from the inside out.

The low-impact nature of Pilates makes it ideal for Texans injury prevention and rehabilitation. Its six prin...more

Purpose of Yoga - Reasoning With Fundamentalism

...have a degree of spiritual value. Beside this fact - there is no evil in spiritual health.

If Yoga were a religious vehicle alone, it would be the most tolerant path to God. No one is turned away from an ashram, Yoga center, or a Yoga studio because of religion, nationality, race, gender, color, age, or any other reason, to discriminate. Why? Discrimination, intolerance, and hate are morally wrong.

Jesus said, Forgive them, Father. They know not what they do. When a religious fundamentalist can learn to be mindful, forgive, and show loving kindness to others, outside of his or her religion, a new legacy of purpose will be created.

Copyright 2007 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Exploring Free Online Yoga Classes

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Free Online Yoga Instructions

Many sites now offer yoga instruction for free, and there are many ways you can get instructions. Some sites offer step by step e-mail instruction while others provide free newsletters. The more advanced sites will let you download whole yoga class videos or view the videos online. The perfect choice of mode of instruction will depend on your learning style and preference. Regardless of your mode choice, you should always pick a free offer that provides clear and easy to understand instructions to avoid possible injury.

Different Kinds of Yoga

Before you go for any free online yoga program, you should know that there are different kinds of yoga. Yoga techniques can fall under Kundalini, hatha, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Bikr...more

Teaching hatha Yoga - The Eight Limbs and Student Advancement

... Limbs: Do you really want to alter a 5,000 year old practice to appease someone who cannot sit still for a second? If you visit a few Yoga classes, in your surrounding community, you might notice teachers who do this all the time.

Yoga classes were not designed to be like a drive-thru experience. When teachers take "short cuts," we are giving our students a small taste of Yoga, but the student sincerely believes, "been there, done that."

Be honest and let your students know, they are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. As you know, there is much more to Yoga than anyone can learn in a lifetime.

Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Quick Fix Total Mix Yoga And Pilates