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Some Habits That Ruin Your Weight Loss Plan. Although we may follow a strict diet plan and hit the gym.., sometimes it becomes nearly impossible to get rid of those extra pounds... The problem lies with the seemingly harmless everyday habits that we have nurtured over the years and...

While most of us are aware that eating cheesy sausages every day for breakfast is not really good for the waistline, there are many other subtle bad habits that keep on adding more pounds to our bodies. These habits are harmful because they have the potential to sabotage our weight loss plan.

By: Virginia Iversen, M.Ed Many students of Yoga come to the practice with a wide array of habits that they wish to change or modify. Habits that dim our internal light may range from not managing our time well to negative thinking patterns. Some practitioners may even struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. Addictions to any substance, person or experience outside of us are often employed to numb physical or emotional pain; learning to regularly use the many tools that Yoga offers can be a very effective way of changing harmful and dimming mental and physical habits.

By: Virginia Iversen, M.Ed Creating healthy habits can be difficult for many of us. Establishing a regular time to practice Yoga is one of the primary keys to benefiting fully from this ancient system of physical postures, pranayama exercises and meditation techniques. For instance, engaging in a thirty-minute practice several times a week, or even daily, will benefit you much more fully than a longer Yoga practice of two hours or more, once in a blue moon. When I was first starting to practice Yoga on a consistent basis, I didn't believe that this was true! I would wonder to myself why a practice that is 2 to 3 hours in length, once a week, would not benefit me more fully than a 30-minute practice on a daily basis?

By: Virginia Iversen, M.Ed Creating healthy habits can be difficult for many of us. Establishing a regular time to practice Yoga is one of the primary keys to benefiting fully from this ancient system of physical postures, pranayama exercises and meditation techniques. For instance, engaging in a thirty-minute practice several times a week, or even daily, will benefit you much more fully than a longer Yoga practice of two hours or more, once in a blue moon. When I was first starting to practice Yoga on a consistent basis, I didn't believe that this was true! I would wonder to myself why a practice that is 2 to 3 hours in length, once a week, would not benefit me more fully than a 30-minute practice on a daily basis?

By: Virginia Iversen, M.Ed The New Year is upon us and with every New Year many of us make resolutions to better our lives and ourselves. In these swiftly changing times, it is said that the frequency of energy that surrounds us in increasing. With an increase in vibrational energy and light, many of us are being challenged to let go of old habits and beliefs that dim our own light. One of the most common habits that are dimming is carrying around excess weight and eating an unhealthy diet.

By Loretta Nemeth It would seem only natural for me to write the required paper for certification on Yoga for people as they age, since that is what encouraged me to go beyond practicing and enroll in the Teaching Certification process a year ago. I am interested in how the aging population can benefit from practicing Yoga and want to share the Yoga message with them. I am 58 years "young". I have always been a physically active individual who walks the talk of exercise, healthy eating habits, and the importance of quality of life. However, it is amazing as we creep into the 50's, our bodies do not seem to understand that message like they use to. I started attending a Yoga practice and within a very short period of time received benefits. I had more energy, I had a longer attention span, I was connected to myself and my emotions more… the list is endless.

By Gopi Rao Childhood obesity is a condition that is becoming far too common. Parents and healthcare practitioners often wonder what can be done to alleviate the issue. Yoga for obese children could be a natural starting point when facing the problem. It is widely known that moderate exercise and healthy eating habits are just a few of the ways the childhood obesity can be treated, or better yet, prevented. However, overweight children might not have the strength or energy levels needed for many different types of exercise. Yoga, however, can be used to help kids get up and start moving.

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 Parents often read or hear that Yoga will help their children. However, what can parents expect from Kids Yoga classes? Starting with the very first Yoga lesson, classes are a great way to constructively keep children active, teach them lifelong habits, reduce temper tantrums, and give them improved body awareness. The benefits of kids Yoga classes include increased flexibility and strength, improved focus and concentration, and an ability to cope with stress and anxiety. While children aren't necessarily aware of each of these benefits, the most important things they do know is that it's fun and it feels good. Parents, on the other hand, want to know precisely what they can expect when they enroll their kids in a Yoga class.

In order for meditation to be effective during childbirth, it is necessary to establish the habit earlier on while the mind and body are...

As meditation is made a daily habit, the sessions will grow easier and in time, a person with OCD will have an essential detachment from...

By Sangeetha Saran Can Yoga teacher training prepare you for the temptations in life? Especially during the busy holiday season, it's easy to pick up a cookie or grab a glass of eggnog without even thinking about it. Amidst the hustle and bustle, we forget to practice the habits we use during the rest of the year. When it's all over, or before, we can restore a little balance and eliminate stress with a regular Yoga training session. Asanas, deep breathing and meditation all contribute to clean mind and body.

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 Can asana practice create an environment for a healthy spine? Due to individual habits, movements, illnesses, injuries, and genetics, each spine is unique in its strengths and weaknesses. This means that one asana (posture) may be beneficial to one person's spine, while it may cause extreme pain to another. When the spine is misaligned, the circulation of spinal fluid, and the nerve responses throughout the body, is affected. With that said - any person who has pre-existing spinal problems, should consult with a medical professional before practicing Yoga postures or any form of exercise.

By Jenny Park Kids yoga provides a wealth of benefits for children, including increased strength, flexibility, coordination, blood flow, confidence, and ability to focus. Children who practice yoga are learning good habits to relieve stress and connect with their bodies early in life. They are learning how to find an inner peace, how to breathe deeply and consciously, and how to recognize when different parts of the body are in need of a stretch.

By Sangeetha Saran Many people are suffering in today's world. Common ailments like headaches, backaches, digestive problems, high blood pressure and chronic fatigue are becoming so well known that we barely bat an eye when a friend mentions his or her ailment. While sometimes there are valid medical reasons for an ailment, more often than not the problem is due to a dietary choice or lifestyle habit that can be stopped if someone has the desire to do so. Many people turn to medication for the easy fix which might lead to further side effects and health issues. It's easy to get caught in a vicious cycle.

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 Can Yoga improve the lives of active seniors? An active lifestyle is one of the keys to a long life. In our elder years, it is important to keep moving in order to enjoy the wonderful essence of life. Yoga is a fantastic activity for seniors, as it is low impact, promotes overall wellness, and can be modified to suit the mobility of any practitioner. If you have been practicing Yoga for many years, you will see your youth extended, and your ability to practice is mildly affected as you age. Even if you are well into your senior years, and have never stepped foot on Yoga mat, it is never too late to start a healthy habit (though it is important to follow your body's own pace).