...For exceptional benefits to the thyroid and parathyroid, it is arguable that other asanas would be more effective, especially if held longer. For example: The shoulder stand, (Sarvangasana), held for a longer duration, would be more beneficial for sending oxygenated blood to the thyroid and parathyroid.

However, the condition of a Yoga students neck should be a prime concern when performing the shoulder stand. Therefore, in this instance, the standing forward bend with a chin lock, performed in a sun Salutation, is much less risky.

The sun Salutations will help eliminate toxins from your body. By creating healthy circulation and speeding up the elimination systems, within your body, the sun Salutations work like a tonic. All of this physical movement, that occurs while practicing the sun Salutations, will thoroughly oxygenate your blood and open your breathing passages.

In turn, the bo...more

Yoga Equipment - Information You Should Know

...s and straps. blankets can be used in certain positions to elevate a part of the body or to achieve a particular position if students cannot do this by themselves. They may also be used purely to make the position more comfortable and to allow students to maintain it for a longer period of time. Yoga blocks are used to align the body properly, for example where the students hand can't touch the floor. Straps are especially designed for maintaining a pose or to stretch muscles more effectively. They are used in poses where you are unable to reach or hold a position for more then a few seconds.

Other Things to Consider

In addition to the yoga equipment necessary in class, you can also find other helpful tools such as information material, namely videos, DVDs and books etc that you can use at home, or can study when you have some spare time. All of these things will help you to maintain a broader outlook and progress more quickly in your Yoga.

If you are Really ...more

How to Incorporate Yoga in Your Fitness Regimen

...sonal research and study.

First of all, to warm up for what it is you might be doing-Calisthenics, Weight-Lifting, Pilates etc, try Yogas sun Salutations.

Trust me, in regards to loosening up the large and smaller muscle groups and warming them up, when practiced in high numbers such as 24 and upwards, these babies give you strength.

Hey, Bruce Lee was said to do them as well as several Eastern Wrestlers, so it cant be wrong.

This is the very core of yoga itself.

This exercise is a combination of Yoga Poses, Breathing exercise, sun Bathing and prayer....more

Do You Know The Differences Between Yoga And Pilates?

...Aside from being celebrities, what do Jennifer Aniston, Cindy Crawford, Hugh Grant, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Uma Thurman, Rod Stewart and Kristi Yamaguchi have in common? They've all hopped on the yoga and pilates trend for physical toning and spiritual relaxation!

There are some similarities between yoga and pilates, notably that they both work towards sculpting the body and increasing flexibility. Neither exercise will work the heart or lungs like a cardiovascular workout will, but they both add to an overall state of mental and physical wellbeing.

Yoga and pilates are so similar that they're often fused together in workout videos and yoga pilates classes across America, although it's sort of a Western fusion. In India, it is s...more