Health & Fitness Blog

Prominent Female Boxer Benefits from Yoga

2010-01-11T10:37:00.000-08:00

Author: Tamara C. Tangney, 01/11/10

Sumya recently wrote an article in Yoga Chicago about how she has learned that reality begins in your mind through the study of yoga. "Yoga taught me to have responsibility to envision and create my future, no matter what happened in the past. The past is gone, an illusion. What patterns are you creating now through your daily diet of thinking? What kind of thoughts are you cultivating in the soul of your mind?" by Sumya Anani p 50. Yoga Chicago Vol. 17, No. 1

Yoga Monster Mat - Perfect for Bikram Yoga

2009-12-31T07:53:00.000-08:00

This is the yoga mat you've been waiting for. Cushion your asanas more comfortably with these monster features:

Provides a thick, textured surface for extra stickiness and grip.

Double-sided traction for double the mat life.

Hand washable.

Extra long size: 24" x 72 Double thickness: 5/16" (6 mm) - for added comfort.

Available in cool colors: Purple, Olive, Yellow, Red, and Blue.

Yoga Monster mat is 140% thicker than standard mats, measuring 5/16" thickness and with more density. We wanted a mat that was longer than 68" so that we wouldn't have to adjust our position so often to stay on the mat such as having your face be on the mat during chattaranga rather than touching the studio floor. Yoga mat is 72 inches long which accommodates taller people as well. We also noticed that mats wear out in a couple of areas and on only one side of the mat, the textured side which is always facing up. Yoga Monster mat has a textured traction surface on both sides of the mat so both sides of the mat can be used thus lasting twice as long.Yoga mats are available in purple, blue, red, yellow, black.

This item is 20% below MSRP, so be sure to buy today while supplies last!

Yoga for Immunity

2009-12-26T12:20:00.000-08:00

Author: Tamara C. Tangney, 12/16/09

We are living an era that is obsessed in “quick fixes” instead of making us responsible for our own health. For example: If we are depressed, take a pill instead of resolving the issue that is making us depressed is the more accepted way to go. There are many factors that weaken the immune system that flu shots and other vaccines can not resolve.
• Toxins in the environment and/or food (cars and processed foods mainly)
• SAD (Standard American Diet, which is a poor diet rich in processed foods)
• Excessive alcohol intake (Which is promoted by our society)
• Lack of exercise (Excessive screen time and our love for our cars)
• Stress (Our current economic situation is not helping with this!)
There is good news. We can take charge of our lives by strengthening our immune system. A strong immune system not only leads to less occurrences of illness, but also helps prevent more extreme manifestations of illness. A few of the ways that yoga positively impacts the immune system include:
• Stimulating the Lymph Nodes
• Improving circulation
• Improving oxygen flow, thus aiding the transfer of energy from nutrients to cells
• Improving the flow of the sinuses and flushing out mucous from the lungs
• Increasing lung capacity and mobility
• Massaging the internal organs
• Relaxing the nervous system

Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakopatasana) and Eagle Pose (Garudasana) are both effective in charging up the Lymph System.
In Pigeon Pose, the pressure of the heel of the foot on the groin stimulates the lymph nodes to “release their juices”, thus cleansing them out and making them work more efficiently. Eagle Pose stimulates the lymph in the armpits and the groin as the arms and legs are crossed at the elbows and knees respectively.
Ujjayi Breathing promotes cleansing of the upper respiratory tract, increases lung capacity, lowers blood pressure and relaxes the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight).
Sun Salute A & B (Surya Namaskara A & B)
These two sequences create “heat” in your body by, increasing blood flow, oxygen flow, heart rate and muscle strength. They are energizing sequences that produce similar cardiovascular results as running with out the injuries. If you are new to yoga, try practicing Sun Salute A every day for one month. Once that is mastered, add Sun Salute B to receive the full immunological benefits of these sequences.
Cows Face Pose (Gomukasana) Stimulates the lymph nodes in the groin and armpits, increases lung capacity and mobility, massages internal organs and calms the nervous system (when bent forward). Bonus: Your body looks like a cow’s face when in the full pose!
Bow Pose is a backbend with extra benefits! Your upper and lower back muscles and chest is opened by grabbing your ankles and “pushing away” from your hands with your feet and legs. Your internal organs are massaged by rocking back and forth in the full posture.
Corpse Pose (Shavasana) is the most important pose in yoga. Honor your self by quieting your mind. Freeing your self from tension and stress for even a few minutes every day will increase your sense of self and give you power to fight off illnesses.

Read this before you get that flu shot!

2009-11-29T18:07:00.000-08:00

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (Pigeon pose) strengthens the immune system. The pressure of the heel of the foot on the groin stimulates the lymph nodes to “release their juices”, thus cleansing them out and
making them work more efficiently. No need for a flu shot with this pose!

Garudhasana (The Eagle Pose) stregnthens the immune systen in a similar way to Pigeon pose. As the arms and legs are crossed, the lympth nodes in the armpits and groin are stimulated to "release their juices" having the same immune-boosting result. Visit our yoga page for more information.

2009-09-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

The Skinny on Bikram Yoga

2009-08-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

Imagine being in a hot room, sweating bullets. The instructor in the front of the room is wearing a headset, yelling out instructions. You look at the clock and gasp that only fifteen minutes has passed. This, my friend, is called Bikram Yoga. Bikram yoga is a form of hot yoga that is very restorative and healing. It has recently gained popularity in the United States for the many healing benefits that can be experienced with regular practice. Most people start practicing Bikram yoga with the desire to lose weight and end up benefiting from many more aspects such as relief of migraines, arthritis, chronic injuries, depression, etc… This type of hot yoga is practiced in a room maintained at a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit. A typical yoga session involves a set of twenty six poses, done at this temperature. This promotes profuse sweating, which is said to rid the body of toxins. The temperature also promotes flexibility.
The simplicity of this style of yoga makes it bearable. There are two descriptions of the 26 poses. They are asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises), both of which rely on each other to deliver positive results. Most people only use up to 50 percent of their lung capacity, and just like any muscle, the lungs must be stretched and with time will be able to withstand holding more oxygen.
How often do you need to endure the heat of Bikram yoga practice to see results? In order to experience weight loss and relief from chronic conditions, one must practice Bikram yoga ten times (or more) per month. Positive changes are usually seen after about 15 sessions. Remember, it most likely took years of bad eating and sleeping habits to gain the weight. Also, chronic conditions, such as arthritis, depression and muscle tension may have been part of your life for years as well. It will take hard work, persistence and time to change your body.
What do you wear to practice this form of hot yoga? Is there a special type of yoga mat needed? You should wear a form fitting tank top and light weight running or yoga shorts. Your yoga mat should be water resistant and antibacterial because you are going to sweat A LOT on it! Speaking of sweat, a hand towel works wonders at sopping the sweat out of your eyes and off slippery limbs. It is a good idea to bring an insulated water bottle filled with cold water. You’ll find out why!
To summarize what the “skinny” of Bikram Yoga is:
• Be prepared to be in a hot room (105 degrees Fahrenheit).
• The same 26 poses are practiced in every class.
• To gain results; you should practice this yoga 10 times per month.
• The instructor will most likely yell at you.
• Bring a water-resistant yoga mat. Better if anti-bacterial.
• Wear a form fitting tank top and light weight shorts.
• Bring a hand towel.
• Bring an insulated water bottle filled with cold water.
I sincerely hope this has helped you gain helpful information about this type of yoga. Namaste.

Lose the Fat by Summer with Body Slimmers

2009-05-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

Author: ChicksWithKick, 05/13/09

Shed those extra pounds of fat from your belly, hips and thighs before swimsuit season starts!!

A body slimmer is very effective at decreasing body fat because it keeps the body warm. A person who wears a body slimmer while working out or doing everyday household tasks can shed excess water weight. A body slimmer also helps make a person's body appear slimmer instantly when worn. We offer many types of body slimmers to target the areas of extra fat you want to go away!

2009-03-26T09:04:00.001-07:00

We are offering Deluxe Yoga Mats
for $36.95 !

Attention all Bikram Yoga enthusiasts!

Made of closed-cell foam is soft, lightweight & impervious to water and sweat!
Large size is perfect for all exercises (24in x 68in)
Extra thick for superb cushioning
Convenient carry strap keeps the mat neatly rolled when not in use
Perfect for Bikram Yoga

24 Minute Boxing Workout

2009-03-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

Author: ChicksWithKick, 3/19/2009

Hilary Swank trained alongside hardcore pros for four months at Gleason's Gym in Brooklyn to prepare for her role as an ill-fated boxer in Million Dollar Baby, then showed up to collect her Oscar in a body-baring gown that showed off the fruits of her labor.

Take note: All that sparring gave Swank a sculpted yet feminine physique. She got carved but stayed curvy.

Round 1: Warm up (6 minutes)

Alternate one minute of step touches with 30 seconds of jumping jacks for a total of 4 times each.

How-to tips:

Step touches: Tap your right toe lightly in front of your left, then your left toe in front of your right. Swing your arms as you continue alternating left and right taps. Move at a comfortable pace that elevates your heart rate and quickens your breathing.

Jumping jacks: Start with your feet together, arms at your sides. Jump with your legs slightly wider than hip-width apart as you lift your arms up to shoulder level.

Round 2: Punch (6 minutes)

Move continuously from drill to drill without any break in between.

Drill 1: Alternate left and right punches 4 times, then alternate lefts and rights as fast as you can 8 times. (2 minutes)

Drill 2: Alternate right and left punches 4 times, then alternate rights and lefts as fast as you can 8 times. (2 minutes)

Drill 3: Alternate left and right punches in sets of 8 with a slight hesitation between sets. (2 minutes)

How-to tips:

Start by making a semitight fist by curling your fingers into your palms and placing your thumbs on top of your index fingers ‑- not inside your fists. Be sure to keep your fists aligned with your wrists as you punch rather than slightly turned in or out.

Stand tall with abs tightened and your feet shoulder-width apart, left foot forward, right foot back. Keep your weight evenly distributed between your feet, and lift your right heel up.

Raise your fists in front of your face, lower your chin and keep your elbows in tight to your middle.

To throw a punch, thrust your right hip forward and pivot quickly on the left heel. Extend your arm from the shoulder ‑- imagine it's an extension of your back ‑- and take care not to lock out your elbow.

As you strike out, keep your other hand up in front of your face and your chin tucked. Return to the start and punch with the left.

When your arm returns from the punch, it should travel back along the same path with equal speed.

Fire punches out as hard and fast as you're able. Aim to elevate your heart rate and breathing and to work up a sweat. Exhale forcefully through your mouth each time you throw a punch, and remember to use your core.

Round 3: Jump (3 minutes)

Jump rope.

How-to tips:

Hold an end of the rope in each hand and stand with your feet together in front of the rope line.

Bend your elbows and hold your arms out to your sides at about hip level. Spin the rope quickly and, as it approaches your toes, skip over it.

Stay low ‑- only jump an inch or so off the floor ‑- and when you land allow knees to bend slightly to help absorb impact.

The rope is powered by the turn of the wrist ??‑- not the entire arm. The wrists are the motor, so to speak. Think of your legs as shock absorbers and springs that push you up and off the ground.

When you get into a comfortable rhythm, move into a "boxer's shuffle": Continue spinning the rope and, as it approaches your toes, shift your weight slightly to the left, move your left foot a small distance forward and jump, again staying low and slightly bending knees on touchdown. On the next spin, shift your weight right.

Round 4: Pump (6 minutes)

Do these five strength moves with a 15-second break between.

Boxer Twist: Place a chin up bar across your shoulders. Stand tall with your arms draped over the stick. Keeping your abs tight, do tight, small twists left and right. Exhale each time you twist to the side and inhale as you move back toward the middle. Twist for 30 seconds, then rest briefly and repeat.

Last-Round Squats: Stand tall with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, hands on hips. Bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor, then stand back up, taking care not to lock your knees. Do 32 reps and hold the last rep in the squat position for 20 seconds.

Championship Push-Ups: Get into a push-up position (push up handles work best): Kneel on the floor with your legs together and your hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Shift your weight forward so that you're balanced on your palms with your thighs just above your knees. Bend your elbows to lower your body. When your elbows are parallel to the floor, press back up to the start without locking elbows. Do 8 reps, and on the last one, lower slowly, taking 20 seconds to complete the rep.

Heavyweight Dips: Sit on the floor with your legs straight out, arms at your sides, palms pressing into the floor and fingertips either pointing out to the side or behind you, whichever is more comfortable. Lift your butt and legs up so you're balanced on your palms and heels and your weight is supported by your arms. Bend your elbows a few inches, and then straighten back up. Do 8 reps, and on the last one, lower slowly, taking 20 seconds to complete the rep.

Contender Crunches: Lie face-up with your hands under your butt and your abs pulled in tight. Lift your legs 1 to 3 inches off the floor without allowing your lower back to arch up. Holding this position, curl your head, neck and shoulders up and in, hold a moment and lower back down. Repeat 8 times.

Round 5: Cool Down (3 minutes)

Stretch out and cool down with these three flexibility enhancers.

Million-Dollar Babies: Stand tall and straighten your right arm across the center of your body, placing your left palm behind your right elbow to create a stretch through your right arm and shoulder. Hold 30 seconds and repeat with the left arm.

Rocky Thigh Stretch: Stand tall, holding on to a chair with one hand for balance. Lift your right leg up and bend your knee to move your heel up toward your buttocks. Gently grasp your right toe in your free hand to create a stretch through your right thigh. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with the left leg.

Olajide Back Extender: Lie face-down with your elbows bent and your palms a few inches in front of your shoulders and shoulder-width apart. Gently press up through your palms to straighten your arms and arch your back as far as you comfortably can. Hold for 60 seconds as the stretch spreads through your abs and into the tops of your thighs.

Boxing Off Baby Weight

2009-03-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

Author: Chicks With Kick, 3/8/2009

Gwen Stefani is getting her knockout body back by lacing up the boxing gloves and jumping into the ring.

The pop star — who gave birth to her second son, Zuma, on Aug. 21 — has become “a regular Laila Ali,” an insider tells Star.

“She has a downsized boxing ring at her house. She fights with her trainer three times a week when she’s in town, doing everything a boxer in training does, including hitting the speed bag and jumping rope.”

Gwen is taking the sport so seriously that she even wears long satin boxing shorts and tapes up her hands.
She’s even holding out hope that her husband, Gavin Rossdale, will become a contender, but for now, says the source, “He just likes to watch.”

Maximize Weight Loss and Training Results with a Sauna Suit

2009-02-22T21:49:00.000-08:00

Author: Chicks with Kick, 02/22/2009

Sweat Suit's and Sauna Suit's use your natural body heat that is generated from any type of physical exercise to increase perspiration during training. The increase in your body temperature due to the sauna effect the sweat suit creates helps increase your calorie burning. This enables you to maximize the weight loss in your workout and in certain circumstances doubling or tripling your workout results. The entire body is stimulated through perspiration therefore helping to rid the body of excess water weight gain and helps melt away unwanted body fat.

Sauna suits may be worn during any other activity, even exercising. Boxers and wrestlers wear them during matches and while they are working out, doing jumping jacks, push ups, sit ups, and biking for example.. These suits are made of heavy gauge vinyl and are also worn by professional athletes. Since most of the water you sweat out of your body is regained when you drink, the sauna suit is not as permanent a solution as a sauna bath. Do not try and counter this by drinking less water. It essential to drink lots of water or you will run the risk of being dehydrated.Sauna suits work similar to other forms of sauna in that they help your body get rid of toxins through sweating while increasing blood circulation and oxygenation of cells. This is beneficial to your muscles. They also help you achieve a more relaxed state and help relieve mental stress and tension. By removing toxins and free radicals from your body, the sauna suit may help boost your immune system.

2009-01-26T07:14:00.000-08:00

Why Boxing is Beneficial for Kids

Author: Kids with Kick, 01, 26, 2009

Team sports help build self confidence and discipline. But boxing and mixed martial arts classes are far more beneficial than team sports in building your child's self esteem, discipline and confidence. No one has ever done a study to explain exactly why this is. Our best guess: kids get lost in the shuffle in team sports whereas boxing is a unique skill that commands respect from a child's peers. Another reality is that kids who are able to defend themselves have more confidence than children that don't. Boxing and kickboxing can also be practiced anywhere (at home, the gym, on vacation etc…) and do not require a lot of equipment. The suggested equipment for boxing is a pair of youth boxing gloves, kid’s punching bag, and protective head gear. As with any other sport, it is important to keep boxing and kickboxing safe and fun.

Family Fitness

2009-01-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

Family Fitness

By, Tamara C. Tangney

So… You made another New Years Resolution to get into better shape. Getting to that gym in the cold weather and putting the kids into daycare, for most of us, is not that appealing. The easiest and most fun way to get fit is to include the kids. Showing your kids that fitness is a priority in your own life teaches them the importance of being active. This also helps to build a foundation of life long fitness and good health. I have personally experienced that providing an appropriate outlet to burn energy is beneficial to the family dynamic.

Here are some tips on family fitness that work for my family:

Make it fun.
Find a variety of activities. Kids tend to get bored of the same old bike ride every weekend. Go swimming. If weather and geographic location permits, alternate between swimming at the beach and the pool. Practice boxing and kickboxing using boxing gloves and a standing bag. Jump rope together. Sneak in a yoga class (many yoga centers have kids yoga classes offered at the same time as the adult class). We just started ice skating and rollerblading last year and have all greatly improved our skills together.

Join a club.
Think about joining a volkssport club. Volkssport clubs are walking clubs designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, explains Liz Neporent, co-author of Fitness for Dummies. "They are a great way to meet other families -- something that adds to the fun of being active."

Hit the mall.
The whole family can get some exercise walking around and window shopping. Moms and Dads can wear ankle weights (hidden under your jeans of course!) on their ankles for some extra toning, strengthening and calorie burning power. In inclement weather, we hit the indoor mall and save the outdoor malls for nicer days (in Chicago, you have to be savvy in this way!).

Whatever it is that works for you and your family make sure everyone has the proper equipment to prevent injury. Family fitness can be a fun and effective way to workout if it is safe and appropriate for everyone involved.

Women Boxing

2009-01-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our Women's Boxing Blog!