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Bikram yoga has become popular over the years, with Bikram yoga studios popping up the world over.

But how safe is Bikram yoga really?

All exercise forms come with certain injury risks even yoga but many treat Bikram yoga, ashtanga, and iyengar with more caution compared to the others.

Named after its founder, Bikram is a modern type of yoga.

It makes use of 26 poses derived from the traditional form of yoga known as Hatha yoga.

Bikram yoga earned the moniker “boot camp” in the yogic community because each class performs the same asanas in the same sequence.

It is also otherwise commonly referred to as hot yoga.

Bikram studio temperatures can range from 80 to 100 degrees, with the humidity set at around 75 percent.

There are several reasons for this.

For starters, they want to mimic the actual weather conditions in India, where the practice of yoga was first developed.

Another reason is the warmth can help relax the muscles.

Also, vigorous exercise combined with heat can burn as much as 1300 calories per 90-minute sessions.

In addition, practitioners claim that sweating while performing hot yoga can help eliminate body toxins.

Furthermore, the founder claims that hot yoga can help a practitioner’s willpower—the ability to stick with the workout even under challenging conditions.

Taking into account the nature of Bikram yoga, including meditation and hatha, it’s understandable that this type of yoga is not for everyone.

For instance, it is not for those with joint issues or any heart conditions.

It can also be very dangerous because of the dehydration risk secondary to the sweating and the heat.

The body has to stay hydrated to be able to perform its functions including the maintenance of a healthy and functioning circulatory system.

A healthy circulatory system will require good blood volume.

Otherwise, it can result to hypovolemic shock, which can be fatal when not given the proper medical attention.

Dehydration can also lead to an imbalance of important electrolytes like potassium and sodium.

Both breathing and meditation are considered vital in the performance and proper functioning of certain bodily functions like maintaining a regular heartbeat.

When electrolytes are not replaced accordingly, it can result in palpitations which can also lead to blood clots.

Blood clots may also result to strokes or heart attacks—both of which are considered fatal.

Bikram yoga might be something you would like to get your hands on.

However, prior to joining any class, it is recommended that you check with your doctor first and know everything there is to know so you have a definite idea of what you are getting into.

To know more about Bikram yoga and other types of yoga styles you can try, visit www.allure-yoga.com right now!

For many people, a spare tire is prevalent (if not inevitable), once they are over 40 years of age.

However, contrary to popular belief, studies have indicated that waist roundness (or visceral fat as it is otherwise known) is not healthy.

In fact, it is considered a part of the 5 conditions associated with metabolic syndrome.

Other conditions associated with metabolic syndrome include:

• High blood pressure

• High blood sugar

• High cholesterol

• High triglycerides (a form of cholesterol)

If you experience 2 or more yogic symptoms, consider starting a yoga practice.

Yoga has been proven to effectively help with the conditions.

Make no mistake about it, stubborn belly fat is not only unsightly, it can also be very dangerous.

Metabolic syndrome has been associated to heart health issues, pre-diabetes, diabetes, and even some types of cancer.

Yoga is considered the ideal workout, incorporating yogic asanas and meditation, for many regardless of age.

Not only can hot yoga help resolve some health issues, it can also help you develop a solid core and great abs in as little as 15 minutes each day.

That means you’ll be spared from doing numerous boring crunches just to get the great looking abs and strong core you desire.

Good abs also mean a stronger back that can help you build strength, slim down, and look amazing in all your clothes.

In addition, a stronger back and spine can help decrease your chances of getting injured.

Yoga Poses (Standing)

A good posture is required if you want to have strong abdominal muscles and get rid of belly fat.

Yoga poses you can do to effectively engage your core muscles can include tree, mountain, and the warrior series of poses.

Yoga Poses (Sitting Down)

Majority (if not all), of the yoga poses done while sitting down have been designed to open the hips and encourage better posture.

It also works by strengthening the muscles around the middle and provide back support when doing basic things like driving or working on the computer.

Seated yoga poses for amazing as and core include pigeon, butterfly, and full lotus.

Yoga Poses (On the Back)

Any kind of leg lift can help firm the abs.

Stretch poses and cross crawls can also help work both the legs and the arms.

Yoga Poses (Front)

Belly massages and balancing using the belly can help ease any tension in the area and build stronger abs.

Ideal yoga poses include lion and the bow pose.

Yoga Poses (Abs)

Locust, plank, and the boat can give your abs a great workout in a short period of time.

Yoga Poses (Core)

Yoga poses, practices, and classes that are known to help develop a strong core should be paid attention to if you want to achieve your objective of getting enviable abs.

In line with this, consider integrating the donkey kick, side plank, and dolphin plank poses in your yoga routine.

Faster Metabolism

Lean and long muscle can help burn calories more effectively than fat so you are able to lose weight more quickly.

If you want to achieve a 6-pack without doing numerous hours of sit ups, yoga poses is your most effective ally.

For more information about yoga and how it can help you create the body you desire, visit www.allure-yoga.com right away!

Have you heard of Kundalini yoga?

If not, then it’s completely understandable.

Unlike other forms or types of yoga like Hatha yoga or Bikram, Kundalini yoga is not as old.

However, Kundalini yoga is slowly growing in popularity because of the many benefits it has been known to provide.

For instance, aside from it being considered as a good workout for the body, it has also been believed to aid in the dramatic transformation of the mind and the spirit.

Yoga has been a huge part of the traditional Indian medicine for thousands of years (5,000 years or so).

Kundalini has been around for 1,200 years or so.

It was first introduced in India with a specific aim in mind—to tap into the energy that is innate in all of us.

This is known as Kundalini.

Loosely translated, it means coiled.

The yogic energy is believed to be coiled around the spine’s base.

The coil also refers to one’s restrained potential which Kundalini yoga, a yogic practice, will help release so you can live the best life available.

Whether Kundalini works or not will depend on your definition.

As far as achieving exceptional health through yogic Kundalini yoga is concerned, many in the yoga community agree it can do amazing wonders in a short span of time.

Essentially, the word yoga refers to the union of the body, the mind, and the spirit.

Ancient wisdom from yoga philosophy indicates that a healthy mind can produce a healthy body, and vice-versa.

Kundalini yoga heals the body by balancing the energy centers found in the body, or the 7 chakras.

Chakra means wheel.

Energy is believed to spin like flat plates form the front of the body to the back.

The movement, meditation, poses, chanting, and breathing in Kundalini yoga are designed to move the coiled energy to the central channel as it is the one that connects the chakras to one another.

The lower chakras represent the physical needs while the higher ones improve one’s self and relationship with others as well as tapping into greater wisdom so you can live the best possible life for you.

Sure, this may sound like too good to be true and New Age but the kriyas (sets of poses done in Kundalini yoga) and practices have been proven to help with anxiety, depression, breathing problems, stress reduction.

Many practitioners also attest to having their lives dramatically changed over a few weeks or months through practices like meditation and yoga sutras.

Kundalini yoga works best if you set your goal, monitor it, and practice meditation.

For instance, if you want to lose some excess pounds, practice a kriya for weight loss for 41 days straight and check on the 41st day how many pounds you’ve lost.

If you want to improve a relationship with a loved one or significant other, consider trying the kriya for that purpose (opening the heart) and observe how smooth sailing your relationship turns out.

Bottomline, if you feel like you are stuck or in a rut, try setting a goal and using Kundalini yoga practices to achieve the said objective and see what difference it can create it your life.

For more information about Kundalini yoga or other forms of yoga, head to www.allure-yoga.com today!

Many people have the common misconception of yoga as a solitary practice and is only carried out in a class setting.

The truth is, yoga is not merely a solitary or stand-alone practice involving asanas.

There are many yoga poses, or asanas, that can be done with a partner, friend, or significant other.

Below are some yoga poses you can do with a partner.

Supported Lotus

One of the easiest yoga poses you can do with a partner is definitely the supported lotus pose.

You and your partner can execute this pose by sitting in the lotus position with your backs touching.

One of the known benefits of this meditative yogic yoga pose is you’ll be able to keep each other in a posture positive or straight position.

It is a good yogic pose to do when starting or ending your yoga routine and it can help you and your partner with your energy flow and meditation.

Forward and Back Bend

The forward and back bend is still done while in the lotus position.

You can easily flow and transition from the lotus pose into the next pose quite easily, especially if you want to reduce movement and breaks in between poses.

Simply remain in the lotus position and start the forward back bend by having your partner (or yourself) lean forward while the other rests back to back and does the back bend.

You can also execute this pose while standing if you are looking to achieve a deeper stretch.

Buddy Boat Pose

This hatha yoga pose is considered a bit more advanced but it can still be fun and can definitely work those leg muscles.

Start by sitting a bit apart while facing each other.

Put both your feet together (sole to sole).

Raise both your feet up while standing so you can create a triangle with the feet as the triangle top.

This pose will resemble a boat and sail look.

From the said position, begin rocking slowly so you will stretch your legs.

You can also raise your arms and legs to create the stretch.

If you are interested in partner yoga poses, it is recommended that you expand your knowledge and routine by joining partner yoga classes.

Fortunately, many yoga studios offer partner yoga classes, although they are still less frequent compared to traditional practices or solitary yoga classes.

To know other yoga style variations you can do, head to www.allure-yoga.com right away!

Generally, many people believe yoga poses, asanas, and yogic practices are very effective for those who would like to lose weight and be stress-free.

Certain yoga poses or asanas, yogic practices, and breathing exercises can also help tone the muscles of the body.

While there are several yoga poses (asanas) and breathing exercises that can help with muscle toning, we’ve listed down some of the easiest moves even yoga beginners can easily take on.

Cobra Pose

If you want to tone the upper thigh and back muscles, then the cobra pose, a backbend, would be the ideal pose you can execute.

This yoga pose is pretty straightforward.

Start by lying flat on the floor in plank pose, your stomach should be facing down.

Move your hands to either side of the body just like if you are doing a push-up.

From that plank pose position, push your body up slowly while arching your back and moving your chest outward.

Keep the thighs planted on the ground firmly.

Hold the pose and move slightly when arching your back more to stretch.

The move will help with the stretching of the muscles even more.

Forward Bend

The forward bend is yet another one of those easy yoga poses newbies can easily do.

This hatha yoga pose is done by standing straight with both feet flat on the floor.

Breathe in slowly and deeply and as you move forward and bend at the waist, exhale slowly.

The standing poses is complete if the palm of your hands is already flat on the ground beside or in front of your feet.

Your face should also be flat to your legs.

Many people would do this pose slowly and begin with the fingers touching the ankles and eventually moving to the flat on the floor pose.

Forearm Standard

This is one hatha yoga pose not many have heard of and are familiar with.

The forearm standard is started off with a headstand.

Yes, you read that right. A headstand.

However, the forearm standard is a slightly modified version of the headstand.

Execute the headstand pose by having your forearms pressed flat to the floor.

In this yoga pose, you would need to move to the forearms to brace your body weight and retain the pose.

This will work for your forearms, shoulders, and back.

The yoga poses, traditions, and practices including meditation, breathing, and classes mentioned above are just some of the easiest and traditional muscle toning poses created.

There are many more yoga sutras that can be added to your muscle toning routine once you are proficient enough to execute more advanced poses and techniques.

In general, however, it is reassuring to know that majority of yoga practices require stretches and holding poses—moves that will help tone the muscles of your body.

If you want to explore other areas yoga can help you with aside from muscle toning, poses, and meditation, visit www.allure-yoga.com today!

If you are a yoga enthusiast, chances are you intend to do iyengar, ashtanga, and asanas yoga as long as you are still able.

If you have been doing yoga for quite some time, it is also likely that you’ve already experimented with other yoga styles like ashtanga and iyengar and incorporated mountain pose in your routine you deem fit.

The amazing thing about yoga is you can still do it even if you are pregnant.

However, it is important to make modifications to your routine when you’re expecting.

Below are some of the alterations you need to implement in your yogic exercises and practices, including asanas such as mountain pose and backbend, to ensure your safety and that of your little one.

Start using blocks

To help make the yogic exercises modifications a lot easier to integrate and carry out, it is recommended that you use accessories to help you out.

One of the accessories you will be using is the yoga block.

Yoga blocks can be used in yogic asanas to brace the back and shoulders and to ensure there is less neck or back pressure.

When pregnant, one of the foremost safety measures you must observe is ensuring your body is properly braced and supported with yogic yoga blocks can surely help with that.

Avoid downward or front-facing poses for the time being

When you’re pregnant, it’s expected you won’t be able to go as intense as possible since your safety should always come first.

In line with this, it would be best to steer clear of yoga practices that aren’t really safe for someone who can’t go all out due to pregnancy (read: downward facing positions, etc).

In addition, you also need to avoid doing front-facing positions or those yoga practices that will entail that you lie on your belly.

Though this might seem like a given, it’s important to note that there are those others who might think it’s okay.

You may think you won’t hurt yourself, however, it would be best to play it safe and avoid those poses altogether because accidents can sometimes occur when you least expect it.

Most prenatal yoga instructors will ensure a pregnant practitioner’s safety by limiting the amount of time one stays in hatha poses so the chances of falling or injuries are avoided.

Make use of straps when stretching

Another accessory you can use once you start modifying your poses is the yoga strap.

At times, you may be executing a pose such as a side stretch and only feel you’ve overdone the stretch after.

So rather than stretching your legs and arms unassisted, it would be best to use yoga straps when doing bends, stretches, and poses.

The yoga strap can be used when doing any yoga pose that require arm and leg stretches.

You might not be familiar with the modifications, poses, meditation, especially if you’re new to yoga.

In line with this, it would be best to check with a competent and qualified yoga instructor from Verywell so you will be guided and given proper insight on how to execute poses safely and effectively.

For more information on yoga modifications, poses, meditation, and all other things related to yoga practices, head to www.allure-yoga.com now!

People unfamiliar with yoga, yogic practices, asanas, and meditation might not associate it with weight loss.

This can be attributed to the misconception that yoga, including iyengar and ashtanga practices, is nothing more than an effective way to release stress and tone a body with asanas.

While yogic practices, including iyengar and ashtanga asanas, can dramatically reduce stress, it is not only limited to those who are already fit and in shape.

If truth be told, yoga exercises can be an effective way to get rid of the excess weight.

Below are some yoga poses and exercises that are designed to specifically help you lose weight that you can incorporate in your day-to-day activities.

Hover Pose

This yoga pose is otherwise known as planking.

This is not only ideal when you want to lose weight, it has also been designed to enhance strength and tone the muscles through regular yoga practice.

To execute this yogic asana, you need to first get in the push-up position.

Hold the position in a half push-up during yoga poses.

This means that your body must be parallel to the floor and must be in the halfway push-up position.

Hold the yoga pose for the count of 15 and increase the time until you get used to the pose.

The plank or the hover pose, yoga practices, poses will help strengthen your muscles and help you lose the excess pounds through a body weight based and weight-training resistance routine.

Rocking Boat

This yoga pose, especially for yoga newbies or those not familiar with yoga, has been given many names.

Essentially, this pose is a variation of the leg kick or the flutter kick.

To do the move, start by sitting on the floor and slowly bringing your body in a V shape.

In this position, you will be working your abs and placing yourself in a crunch style.

The flutter kick will also work your legs and tone the muscles in your thighs and legs.

This move is given the name rocking boat because you will be pumping your legs in order to slowly move the body and work the muscles effectively.

Chair Sit

This yoga asana has been designed to help work the legs, thighs, core, and the butt muscles.

All of the aforementioned practices, including meditation and yoga sutras, can help the practitioner with the breathing techniques and eventually, with weight loss.

In this particular asana, you will have to use your own body resistance.

To execute the chair sit, you act like you are sitting in an invisible chair.

Stop when in the halfway position and you hold that position.

Start moving your arms out and up so you can give your core muscles a good workout.

The abovementioned asana are just some of the many you can perform to aid with your weight loss.

If you want to use yoga practices with your weight loss goals, it will be a good idea to incorporate yoga poses in your daily life consistently.

If you are a yoga newbie, it is also recommended that you attend a yoga class to be given guidance on how to perform the poses safely and properly.

If you want to know other ways you can benefit from yoga, visit www.allure-yoga.com right now!

If you are into yoga, you probably already know there are several types such as Iyengar and Ashtanga, which incorporate various asanas.

In fact, knowing there are different types you can pick from might have even prompted you to research the type that fits your lifestyle and needs best.

Hatha yoga is one of the many types of yogic practices that has gained popularity and has become a top preference of many over time.

Hatha yoga has earned many followers because of the many benefits it’s associated with.

If you’re not that familiar with Hatha yoga, below are the essentials you need to know: asanas, yogic exercises.

Techniques

One of the first things one must know about Hatha yoga is that it is a gentle form of yogic exercises.

In fact, many deem it the ideal yoga to practice for those who are new to the discipline.

Apart from the gentle and deliberate movements, Hatha yoga also incorporates varied techniques like asanas.

However, before you can move into advanced poses and techniques, you first need to master the basic ones.

Movements

Many Hatha yoga movements, rooted in Hinduism, Tantra, Upanishads, Vedanta, and meditation, are also used and evident in other yoga traditions.

However, one distinct feature of Hatha yoga is the connection of the movements.

In other words, there is flow when transitioning from one pose to another as opposed to being broken up in between poses.

This is beneficial and ideal for those who are looking for a set routine of yoga poses and practices that’s easy to memorize so it can be performed on the go or while at home.

In other types of yoga, the movements are not always connected but in Hatha yoga, they are connected and move as a flow.

Classes

If you are planning to join a Hatha yoga class, there are a few things you can expect.

For starters, most Hatha yoga classes are done in a quiet environment and is low energy.

Hatha yoga is considered ideal for those who want to practice in a stress-free environment and concentrate on easy movements, incorporating meditation practices.

More often than not, you can also expect to have your yoga instructor move around and help you and guide you so you can execute the poses correctly and safely.

In essence, it is a peaceful and serene yoga class and the moves will flow seamlessly with the poses.

Hopefully, the abovementioned basics, poses, and practices, meditation, floor, and mat will help you decide if Hatha yoga is something you would like to pursue.

If you think Hatha yoga is for you, you’ll be glad to know there are several poses that are designed to help relieve stress and there are several ways you can integrate meditation practices into your health and day-to-day routines.

For more information about Hatha yoga and yoga in general, head to www.allure-yoga.com right away!

If you are just starting out with yoga, chances are you are clueless as to where you should begin.

Fortunately, you can expand your routine and knowledge of yoga using the tips we will be enumerating below, including yogic practices, breathing exercises, asanas, meditation, and breathing techniques.

In addition, the following yogic practices, breathing exercises, meditation, and asanas like mountain pose can also help you transition from beginner yoga to long-term practice.

Make use of accessories

If you are a yoga beginner, you can surely benefit from using yoga accessories like yoga straps and blocks.

To put their use into perspective, consider this: practice yogic practices like yoga asanas such as the standing forward bend.

It is a standing position in classical yoga that ends with the hands in front of the feet and the head flat back to the head.

However, this is a position that only fully practiced yoga practitioners can do with ease.

If you are a newbie in yoga, you can’t expect to be as flexible.

Fortunately, this is where yoga accessories can be useful.

In this yoga pose, you can use a brick standing upright to help you.

As your flexibility improves during yoga practice, you can forego using the bricks.

Straps can be used to hold stretched poses and stretch the legs—poses that are often challenging for newbies in yoga classes to hold.

And just like the yoga bricks, you can stop using yoga straps once you have achieved the flexibility you are looking for.

Join a yoga class

While starting a hatha yoga class can be done at school using classes, if you’re a beginner, attending a class is ideal, at least at first.

When you attend a hatha yoga class, you will get the much-needed guidance and assistance with your yoga poses so you are assured you are doing the poses right.

Keep in mind that if you are not able to execute the hatha yoga poses right, you might not be able to get the full benefits and worst, you can end up injuring yourself.

Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to attend hatha yoga class full-term. Attend a few yoga classes until you are confident you can execute the poses correctly and safely.

Begin a routine

Even if you are looking to try different yoga styles, poses, and practices, it is still ideal to stick to a routine.

The ritual of regular yoga practice should be done around the same time each day so it is easier to follow.

Start with poses that can be done slowly, yoga sutras, or require slow movement.

Also, opt for yoga poses that are easy to do and remember.

This will help ensure you are able to do the yoga poses daily and get your body used to the routines.

Using the above tips, practices, or a combination of them along with meditation can help you build a robust yoga routine.

You can also use the tips when attending yoga classes or just practicing at home.

Just remember to expand your knowledge and practices so you will get the full benefit of what yoga can offer.

To discover other yoga basics you need to know as a beginner, head to www.allure-yoga.com right away!

Before you decided to pursue yoga, chances are you were looking for something that can help you with stress relief and even weight loss.

However, many can attest than once you’ve tried yoga, you’ll discover you’ll like it more than you expected.

This can be because yoga offers many peerless benefits, including yogic practices, asanas, and meditation, that are simply hard to ignore.

If you want to do yogic exercises for the long-term, you might need to work on increasing your yoga flexibility.

To achieve said goal, the following steps can help.

Increase Arches and Bends

Practice yoga.

Downward facing dog is one of the best yogic poses you can start with especially if you’re a yoga beginner.

Start by getting in a bent position, forming a reversed V shape using your body.

Make your rear the point of the V or the triangle.

You should be stretched at your legs and at your arms.

This should help you significantly improve your flexibility as time goes on with yoga poses, as you would be able to increase your stretch.

You can also perform this technique when doing other asanas or poses.

Get away from the wall

Some poses in yoga classes will involve using the wall as a backup for your legs or as a wall sit.

However, the problem with this is you don’t get to work your back or leg muscles just as much.

As a result, you might not be able to get the flexibility you are looking or aiming for.

Since the wall will give your body backup, you will partially be using the wall for support as opposed to fully using your muscles.

Stay away from the wall and use your body and muscles to hold the position.

Doing so will make work your core more and enhance your flexibility.

Use straps and bricks

When working on your flexibility using yoga, it is possible that you can get discouraged.

There will be instances where you will discover you won’t be able to keep your arms or legs as stretched as you want it to be.

Fortunately, when you use straps in yoga practices, you can enhance your flexibility slowly as you go along.

Start at a certain length on the strap and shorten the length as your flexibility increases or you can remove the strap completely.

When using bricks in yoga poses, you can start with them in the highest position and remove the bricks once you become more flexible.

Once you start using yoga sutras and poses above, you will definitely see a dramatic improvement in your flexibility.

However, you also need to remember that improvement in your flexibility can also depend on the yoga style you have chosen.

Keep in mind that flexibility will take time and will not be achieved overnight so be patient.

To discover other tips to improve your yoga flexibility and improve your yoga practice, visit www.allure-yoga.com right away!