Yoga Study Reveals Stress Release and Weight Loss

Sept. 28, 2010 - PRLog -- Yoga may seem mysterious to the uninitiated, but it is simply a form of exercise that stimulates the  mind and increases  the body's level of fitness. Yoga means to yoke - to unite - mind, body and spirit and was derived from the Sanskirt Indians well over 5000 years ago. Although yoga is ancient, according to studies, yoga is instrumental with stress release and that leads to weight loss for people who eat when stressed.

Yoga means many different things to many different people. It is rooted in Indian spiritual tradition, and indeed the word, 'yogi' means someone who practices yoga. The word yoga itself comes from the Indian word, yug, "to unify." A goal of yoga is to unify your mind, body and spirit to a more relaxed state of being. When you practice yoga breathing, you are better able to connect inner peace from your mind to every piece of your body. There are many different styles of yoga, each with its own focus. The two most common types practiced in the United States are Hatha yoga and Bikram Yoga, also known as 'hot' yoga. Each has its own distinct style of movement and thought.

Consequently, yoga is not a religion. People who practice yoga can be Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Agnostic, or any religion they wish. Yoga is a time proven method to enhancing mental focus and physical balance to help you function at full capacity.

How does one decide on which type of yoga is for them?  Hatha yoga, meaning sun (ha) and moon (tha) has become very popular in the West it is the most physical type of yoga. Yogi's who practice Hatha recognize that a weak and tired body is a barrier to your life's fullest potential. Therefore Hatha yoga aims to make your body an ideal vehicle for good health and fill it with energy. Hatha concentrates on postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation, (Dhyana) to energize the mind, body and spirit. Whereas Hatha yoga is generally practiced at 72 - 78 degrees, Bikram yoga is practiced in a room that is between 95- 108 degrees with humidity level of 60%. Bikram consists of 26 poses practiced for a period of ninety minutes and requires you to be able to exercise in hot temperatures. If you choose this type of yoga, make sure to drink plenty of water. If you feel more comfortable to try yoga from your living room, there are plenty of DVD's to choose from.  Just make sure you choose one appropriate for your age and fitness level.

Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia demonstrated how just one session of yoga can lower blood levels of the stress hormone - cortisol. Suzanne Andrews, health expert for Healthy Lifestyles at WDSC TV reported the findings of this study, "Participants cortisol level were measured before and after they practiced yoga, then again before and after they sat quietly while reading. After the Yoga sessions, cortisol levels dropped. There was no drop after the resting sessions.  This is an important find because cortisol increases cravings for starchy comfort foods.” Consequently, Suzanne Andrews found there is a direct correlation between weight gain and stress and that was the catalyst for her DVD, Beginners Dynamic Yoga for Stress Release and Weight Loss. “In this DVD, people experience stress release after the first time of participating.  The DVD is made especially for plus size people, as I was also a plus size person and remember the challenges of doing poses that were made for skinny, fit people.  Beginners Dynamic Yoga for Stress Release and Weight Loss  is best for people who need to take charge of their stress eating and desire ongoing motivation provided in the bonus meditation CD that comes with the DVD.“

Beginners Dynamic Yoga for Stress Release and Weight Loss  is available at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Dynamic-Stress-Release-We...

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Host of Functional Fitness on PBS TV, president of
http://www.healthwiseexercise.com/
and occupational therapy practitioner, Suzanne Andrews specializes in increasing your ability to live better, longer and healthier regardless of your age or ability level. Her Yoga DVD's are especially suited for the plus size adult and /or seniors.
Beginners Dynamic Yoga can also be Previewed http://www.healthwiseexercise.com/shop.aspx?p=4899&k=Begi...