Yoga For Life - Weight Loss Yoga in 30 mins

Yoga is a discipline that encompasses spirituality, physical and mental being. Personally, I have not been a fan of Yoga. Its not that I have tried it before. I always had the misconception that it was boring and a fad. I would rather hit the gym instead. However, recently I have become an advocate for Yoga. So much so that I am recommending Yoga to relatives and friends. Yoga is also on my new year resolutions this year.

Many may not know this, but football players are using Yoga. For more information; check out the video at the bottom. Yoga is a great way to help football players and athletes recoup from muscle and joint pain and fatigue after the intensity of a professional game. No more excuses guys. Yoga is definitely in.

Deep breathing and the hot environment associate with Bikram Yoga is quite enabling. Heat enables your body to flex in ways that you thought not possible. Performing Yoga postures requires undivided attention. That is, for optimal results. Bikram Yoga benefits your body, mind and soul. When performing Yoga, especially Bikram Yoga; Its hard to deviate from the pose. You have to be fully present. It ensures that you are more present in the moment. One tends to worry less about past mistakes and future goals. In addition, Bikram Yoga instructors follow a proven methodology of teaching. So much so that many of the instructions are almost identical among various teachers. There are many organizations that offer Bikram Yoga.

In addition, I have more energy for life and I am at peace with everything around me. Its revitalizing and calming. Literally, I could feel muscles in my body that were otherwise dormant. I can see why this ancient art must be part of your life. Now, I cannot imagine how I had managed without Yoga. Its so much a need than a want. I feel awful when I don't take part in my morning Yoga rituals. My body recognizes the benefits and craves for the intensity and empowerment. Your posture will improve substantially with Yoga. Its really a discipline for life.

However, be aware of the fact that some instructors may not be so meticulous about your breathing. As a beginner its so important to be aware of your breathing. If you are not breathing properly then you are not taking advantage of the main advantages of Yoga. Breathing helps your muscle receive enough oxygen for it to perform optimally. If you are not breathing; then you may be starving your muscles. Yoga can be quite intense. Drink lots of water and breathe properly. Give your muscles the energy it needs so you can stay true to the discipline of Yoga.

Also, place close attention to your steps in Yoga. Its better and more natural for your body to transition from one pose to another gradually. If you are doing abrupt movements from one pose to the other then you should take a breather. Do not rush through the steps. Make sure you warm up with some exercises before you start Yoga. If you are not positioned properly; because you are tired. Then you can really hurt yourself. With a great Yoga instructor, you should not feel so much pain. You should feel every muscle of your body being worked. Its your investment; make sure you are not doing it so that you can mark it off your list of things to do. That is not the goal of Yoga.

Yoga is a deep spiritual process. Take your time and allow yourself to hear your breathing and be aware of your muscles and joints. Be as one with your body. That is the ultimate goal of Yoga. For instance, when you stretch your arms; think of your arms while you stretch. It will help you build more muscle and tone your body.

An instructor that speaks while you are holding a pose is awesome. Some of these instructors are so calming that you sometimes are not fully aware of the fact that you are in a complex pose. You are thinking of what your instructor is saying. Its often hard to do these complex poses at home unless you are an expert in Yoga. When you start Yoga; its important to do it right so that it becomes a life long practice. Otherwise, you may feel discouraged by the steps in some of the Youtube videos. Also, do not feel that you are too old for Yoga. Age is not a barrier to good health. Please see this inspirational video of a 92 year old Yoga instructor. She has a strong mindset, a great aptitude for life and many followers who adore her strength. She inspires me to learn Yoga. I cannot do half of what she does. I would love to be able to do that at her age. Towards the end of the video; there was a phrase that resonated with me. She said, "Inside of me is the creation of life and if I can awaken the inside of me; then there is nothing I cannot do." Absolutely amazing state of mind. I wish more people would watch this inspirational video.

Watching Yoga on Youtube is definitely something you should try. We are all strapped for time. Attending a class may not always be possible. However, do not ignore the opportunity to stay active with Yoga. Personally, I do my Yoga each morning on my Blackberry Playbook. The sound system is loud and clear. The 7 inch display is sufficient for viewing. Similarly, an Apple IPad would work just as good.

I would recommend that the Playbook be placed on the floor for effective viewing. The reason being that your more likely to be aware of the playbook and are able to see most of the postures while you are doing the poses. The video on the floor is the best simulation of having a real instructor with you.

And for those of you who have flat screen TVs. Well, you can project your youtube video there as well. At my previous gym, most of their fitness classes are watched via flat screen TV. You just have to inform the front desk and the video is played at the workout room. I used to wonder how they managed to offer so many classes prior to joining. Now, I know. However, I would prefer receiving instructions from a live person for my gym membership. However, at home, that is a different story. So, for those of you who have access to a huge TV. This is a great advantage. You will definitely recoup the investment on your flat screen TV in no time.

Staying active is more of a need than a want for me. Below you will find the video I have used and would personally recommend. Its a 30 mins workout video that will have you sweating in no time. This is great. However, you have to do the proper stretches before and after Yoga.