Prominent Female Boxer Benefits from Yoga

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

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

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!

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.

The Skinny on Bikram Yoga

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

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!