Yoga Journal-related stories
Yoga Journal
Keeping a yoga journal can be a great extension of your yoga practice. Too often, we go through yoga positions without noticing the benefits the practice has on our minds and bodies.
If you decide to keep a yoga journal, you'll be able to track changes in your flexibility and strength. If you're able to hold a yoga position you had previously failed at or if you can hold a tricky pose longer, you'll be able to take pride in your successes.You'll also be able to better understand your state of mind before, during and after your practice.
Remember, yoga is about your improvement, not whether you're in better shape that the yogi next to you.Keeping a yoga journal might also encourage you to stay with yoga on difficult days when you can't hold even a basic yoga position for a long time -- just like keeping a food diary might help you adhere to your weight-loss plan.
To create a great yoga journal:
1. Sign up for a yoga class or get some yoga dvds.
If you decide to keep a yoga journal, you'll be able to track changes in your flexibility and strength. If you're able to hold a yoga position you had previously failed at or if you can hold a tricky pose longer, you'll be able to take pride in your successes.You'll also be able to better understand your state of mind before, during and after your practice.
Remember, yoga is about your improvement, not whether you're in better shape that the yogi next to you.Keeping a yoga journal might also encourage you to stay with yoga on difficult days when you can't hold even a basic yoga position for a long time -- just like keeping a food diary might help you adhere to your weight-loss plan.
To create a great yoga journal:
1. Sign up for a yoga class or get some yoga dvds.
2. Choose your journal. You can purchase a notebook specifically for writing about yoga or you can start a blog.
3. Pick a consistent time each day to write in your journal. This is your time, so make it sacred!
4. Journal away! If you love the written word, great! But don't feel like you have to write an essay. If you are more comfortable expressing yourself with drawings, sketch the positions you are currently practicing. Write about the way your practice makes you feel, both physically and emotionally.
5. Pause for reflection. Look over your journal from time to time. How has your practice evolved? How has your body changed since you started doing yoga? Has meditation become easier or more difficult? The journal will give you an accurate picture.
6. Keep at it! Yoga is not a race, and neither is journaling. If you enjoy both, though, you will continue to do it!
More Yoga Terms Defined from That's Fit:
Ashtana Yoga
Hatha Yoga
Kundalini Yoga
Power Yoga
Prenatal Yoga
Strengthen With Yoga
Yoga Benefits
Yoga for Weight Loss
Yoga Men - Are You There?
Fitness, Motivation, Men's Health
Most Mondays you'll find me in Bodyflow class (a Tai Chi/Pilates/Yoga combo) with a bunch of ... women. In all the weeks I've been attending, never a guy. All the testosterone sits below in the free weight room. I have one question for fitness guys everywhere -- why aren't you there? My husband can't be the only one in town willing to commit to a Triangle Pose.According to this article in Yoga Journal, 77 percent of U.S. yoga practitioners are female. Seems the number should be higher based on my personal observation over the years, coupled with the fact that only one in 10 Yoga Journal subscribers is a dude. The author offers a few reasons why men and yoga don't date in this country, here are three I found interesting:
- Yoga is simply foreign territory -- It takes a brave man to enter that room full of calm women, likely led by a woman or if the instructor is a man, not likely the towel-snapping-let's-go-for-a-beer-after-the-game type of guy's guy.
- Yoga hurts -- Scientists don't know why, but men are less flexible, with boys losing flexibility faster than girls by adolescence. Weight-training tends to take priority over flexibility-training in male sports programs.
- It's a brain thing -- namely, mirror neurons. These brain cells receive signals from another person and trigger similar reactions in the observer. Mirror neurons are firing when you're watching and imitating a yoga instructor. It's unknown if women have more of these cells or they're simply more active, but women definitely mimic better than men. Guys, don't lose hope. Your mirror neurons will improve if you keep returning to the yoga mat.
OK, guys. Have you tried yoga? Will you try yoga? Let us know in the poll below. The world needs more than a few good Yoga Men.
Planning your perfect yoga vacation
Womens Health, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Motivation, Alternative & Green Health
For most Americans, vacation comes in two different shapes and forms: some or none. Which is why when the time does roll around we can come off a bit picky about how we choose to use that time and where we intend to spend it. Remember, this is almost like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some. If you want to spend this well-earned time on an exciting, refreshing, and healthy journey away from home, consider a yoga vacation. Currently, more than 20 retreats in the continental U.S. and much more abroad offer yoga getaways. According to Yoga Journal, picking your dream yoga destination can be just as tiring as the workload you carry in your 40-plus hour work week if you don't know what to look for. This article helps those ready to escape to happy holistic times by providing the 411 on retreats and resorts. Know the difference, because it can make or break your dreamy vision of the place upon arrival. They offer numbers to outfitters in Hawai'i and places as far out as Molivos in the Greek Isles and India. Naturally, you should have an idea of the kind of yoga practice you're into, but a new environment may also be a good time to try something completely new. Their best advice is to start with your local instructor, who may be able to recommend interesting yoga getaway options.
Want more tips? Check out the full article. Have you been on a mind-blowing yoga vacation and want to share? Throw some of your own suggestions out into the blogosphere.
