In my last post, we talked about some of the Basic Yoga Poses that you can do, just to get yourself aware of what yoga feels like and what some of the core positions are.
Yoga (for men!) is like Karate and other martial arts. You need to master the basics so that you can move forward and advance to the more advanced. Knowing the basics builds mental and physical strength, and as you add more poses/steps/actions you get more out of the exercise.
But you always mind the basics.
One of the basic yoga poses was the Sun Salutation.
I found a GREAT example of the 'basic' Sun Salutation here.
It shows, in pictures, the core steps of the Sun Salutation...and explains each one clearly.
Once you get the hang of it you can extend the stretches, widen them, hold them longer, etc.
That's the nice thing about Yoga (Yoga for Men and otherwise). If you do even the basic yoga poses correctly you gain tone, endurance and flexibility. As you increase the level of difficulty, you open your body to higher levels of both physical attribute (Strength, flexibility, etc) as well as higher conscienceness and better health.
(A note about better health - this isn't some quacky holistic jargon I'm feeding you. Yoga opens up the body to better blood flow and deeper breathing. Your body needs this, and the more of it you get, the healthier you become.)
So, don't look at the Sun Salutation as just another morning jog. It's an exercises that does more than 'tones your legs' or 'tightens the abs'. The deep breathing and full, gradual stretches open the body up so that you go into your day aware and prepared.
That's a heck of a lot better than relying on a cold shower and a strong cup of coffee to get you going!
Enjoy learning the Sun Salutation and use these basic yoga poses to gradually get your body and mind in shape and on top of the world!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Basic Yoga Poses
I wanted to share some Basic Yoga Poses. Nobody wants to show up for their first Yoga class knowing nothing. You stand there looking around at everyone stretching and you think “Uh oh. What am I doing here?”
So here are some very Basic Yoga poses so that when you make your foray into Yoga for Men you aren’t completely in the dark.
Most workouts start with the Sun Salutation…but this is a collection of positions and since we are talking ‘pure beginner’ here we’ll address that in a future article.
How about the Tree Pose? While standing, place the bottom your right foot against the inner thigh of your left leg. See how long you can hold the position. It’s simply a matter of balance and concentration. Now switch legs and do it again.
Often, the act of standing straight is the Mountain Pose. The most Basic Yoga Pose of them all!
Stand straight with your feet together. Your arms may remain at your sides Press the feet flat against the floor and visualize yourself lifting upward. Gradually lift your arms over your head until your palms are touching. Equally distribute your body weight. Breathe deeply and impose your best posture. Open up your spine and allow blood, oxygen and positive energy to flow through.
Now, as long as you are in this position…s-l-o-w-l-y bend at your waist, keeping your legs planted and your arms out. Bend as far forward as you can…SLOWLY!...and bring your arms down so that you can touch your toes.
Often, those new to yoga cannot touch their toes, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Your body needs to be used to the flexibility you are going to teach it. How far CAN you reach? Can you touch your ankles? Your shins?
I’ve found that in short time (a week or so, depending on what other exercises you do) you’ll be able to touch your toes…just let your body get used to the gradual art of stretching.
(Quick note – Mountain Pose into Toe Touching…these Basic Yoga Poses are the first 3 steps of the Sun Salutation. We’ll do more in a later post).
Do the Mountain Pose again.
Now, we’ll try Padahastasana…the Basic Leg Clasp.
Spread your feet about 18” apart.
Put your arms out at your side.
Now, slowly bend and twist at the torso. You want to touch your right calf with your left hand. Keep your Right arm extended…and pointing up at the sky. Your head is turned so that you are looking up at the sky as well.
Hold the pose for a 5 count. Feel the energy moving through your legs.
Slowly Rise back to the Mountain pose.
Repeat on the other side, so that your Right Hand is clasping your Left calf, and your Left arm is pointed facing the sky.
If you are looking at Yoga for Men for the ‘meditation’ side of yoga as well as the strength building, learn the Lotus Position. This basic “sitting with legs crossed” position has the added effort of being the heels of your feet as close to your abdomen as possible. Remember to keep your back completely straight. Almost all yoga poses were designed to keep your posture perfect so that you can maximize the blood, oxygen and energy flowing through your spine.
Now, as long as you are sitting, relax your les and sit with them out straight.
Reach both of your arms out…bend your head down like you are looking at your legs…and s-l-o-w-l-y reach forward in an effort to touch your toes. Lean forward, from the waist, as far as you can. Touch your toes or ankles and hold the position for a 5 count…letting your spine stretch.
Now, it’s time for Savasana…the relaxation post.
Lay back, completely level with the ground.
Your palms upward to the sky and your legs about 12” apart from each other.
Breathe deeply and slowly.
Feel the energy around you. Feel it flow upward…from your feet to your thighs…to your stomach.
Be aware of your breathing. Be one with it...
Relax.
Empty your mind and be conscience of how your breathing bring in nutrients and exhales bad energy...
Relax.
You have done some very Basic Yoga Poses.
Come back tomorrow…
So here are some very Basic Yoga poses so that when you make your foray into Yoga for Men you aren’t completely in the dark.
Most workouts start with the Sun Salutation…but this is a collection of positions and since we are talking ‘pure beginner’ here we’ll address that in a future article.
How about the Tree Pose? While standing, place the bottom your right foot against the inner thigh of your left leg. See how long you can hold the position. It’s simply a matter of balance and concentration. Now switch legs and do it again.
Often, the act of standing straight is the Mountain Pose. The most Basic Yoga Pose of them all!
Stand straight with your feet together. Your arms may remain at your sides Press the feet flat against the floor and visualize yourself lifting upward. Gradually lift your arms over your head until your palms are touching. Equally distribute your body weight. Breathe deeply and impose your best posture. Open up your spine and allow blood, oxygen and positive energy to flow through.
Now, as long as you are in this position…s-l-o-w-l-y bend at your waist, keeping your legs planted and your arms out. Bend as far forward as you can…SLOWLY!...and bring your arms down so that you can touch your toes.
Often, those new to yoga cannot touch their toes, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Your body needs to be used to the flexibility you are going to teach it. How far CAN you reach? Can you touch your ankles? Your shins?
I’ve found that in short time (a week or so, depending on what other exercises you do) you’ll be able to touch your toes…just let your body get used to the gradual art of stretching.
(Quick note – Mountain Pose into Toe Touching…these Basic Yoga Poses are the first 3 steps of the Sun Salutation. We’ll do more in a later post).
Do the Mountain Pose again.
Now, we’ll try Padahastasana…the Basic Leg Clasp.
Spread your feet about 18” apart.
Put your arms out at your side.
Now, slowly bend and twist at the torso. You want to touch your right calf with your left hand. Keep your Right arm extended…and pointing up at the sky. Your head is turned so that you are looking up at the sky as well.
Hold the pose for a 5 count. Feel the energy moving through your legs.
Slowly Rise back to the Mountain pose.
Repeat on the other side, so that your Right Hand is clasping your Left calf, and your Left arm is pointed facing the sky.
If you are looking at Yoga for Men for the ‘meditation’ side of yoga as well as the strength building, learn the Lotus Position. This basic “sitting with legs crossed” position has the added effort of being the heels of your feet as close to your abdomen as possible. Remember to keep your back completely straight. Almost all yoga poses were designed to keep your posture perfect so that you can maximize the blood, oxygen and energy flowing through your spine.
Now, as long as you are sitting, relax your les and sit with them out straight.
Reach both of your arms out…bend your head down like you are looking at your legs…and s-l-o-w-l-y reach forward in an effort to touch your toes. Lean forward, from the waist, as far as you can. Touch your toes or ankles and hold the position for a 5 count…letting your spine stretch.
Now, it’s time for Savasana…the relaxation post.
Lay back, completely level with the ground.
Your palms upward to the sky and your legs about 12” apart from each other.
Breathe deeply and slowly.
Feel the energy around you. Feel it flow upward…from your feet to your thighs…to your stomach.
Be aware of your breathing. Be one with it...
Relax.
Empty your mind and be conscience of how your breathing bring in nutrients and exhales bad energy...
Relax.
You have done some very Basic Yoga Poses.
Come back tomorrow…
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Dallas Page and Yoga for Regular Guys
Diamond Dallas Page started out promoting night clubs...then he got involved with Pro Wrestling...today he is the founder and teacher behind Yoga for Regular Guys.
Yoga for Men loves DDP's program because Page was a muscular big mouth who wanted no part of Yoga at all until he discovered it's strengths and it's benefits. After embracing Yoga, he designed a system that would work for athletic men and beginners alike...all who may have an aversion to Yoga but could be quick to learn why it worked for him.
Page has a very thorough, very interactive website that you can see here. You start with the basic theories and the basic yoga poses, and gradually build your strength and endurance.
You can find Page's book on Yoga here.
Page, along with other men who make Yoga accessible for skeptical men, is thumbnailed at Yoga For Men on Squidoo.
Bottom line - -Yoga isn't just for women or granola lovers. You can be manly and muscular and still benefit from it's lessons and excercises.
Check out Dallas Page's website, and then get his book.
You won't be sorry.
Yoga for Men loves DDP's program because Page was a muscular big mouth who wanted no part of Yoga at all until he discovered it's strengths and it's benefits. After embracing Yoga, he designed a system that would work for athletic men and beginners alike...all who may have an aversion to Yoga but could be quick to learn why it worked for him.
Page has a very thorough, very interactive website that you can see here. You start with the basic theories and the basic yoga poses, and gradually build your strength and endurance.
You can find Page's book on Yoga here.
Page, along with other men who make Yoga accessible for skeptical men, is thumbnailed at Yoga For Men on Squidoo.
Bottom line - -Yoga isn't just for women or granola lovers. You can be manly and muscular and still benefit from it's lessons and excercises.
Check out Dallas Page's website, and then get his book.
You won't be sorry.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Yoga for Men and the Energy Muse
You work out hard. You eat right. You think good thoughts.
You're of sound body and sound mind.
Right?
What about your jewelry?
Sure, it sounds nutty, but are you aware that certain crystals offer wisdom and healing properties of crystals? Let me show you Men's Jewelry that serves as a tool to help you tap into your inner power.
This jewelry is brought to you by Energy Muse.
Think it's all bunk?
What about the athletes and celebrities that sport such jewelry?
Phil Jackson, David Beckham, Seal, Josh Kelly, Jeremy Piven, Drew Fuller, Usher, Dee Snider and Duff McKeagen...amonst others...all sport the Energy Muse crystals around their neck.
Some for protection, some for performance, some for prosperity...but whatever the reason, they know that Energy Muse crystals are the 'clincher'.
You consciencely work on your body in the gym and your mind in your work.
Ensure that you are protected when you're NOT thinking about it.
Brought to you by Yoga For Men at Squidoo
You're of sound body and sound mind.
Right?
What about your jewelry?
Sure, it sounds nutty, but are you aware that certain crystals offer wisdom and healing properties of crystals? Let me show you Men's Jewelry that serves as a tool to help you tap into your inner power.
This jewelry is brought to you by Energy Muse.
Think it's all bunk?
What about the athletes and celebrities that sport such jewelry?
Phil Jackson, David Beckham, Seal, Josh Kelly, Jeremy Piven, Drew Fuller, Usher, Dee Snider and Duff McKeagen...amonst others...all sport the Energy Muse crystals around their neck.
Some for protection, some for performance, some for prosperity...but whatever the reason, they know that Energy Muse crystals are the 'clincher'.
You consciencely work on your body in the gym and your mind in your work.
Ensure that you are protected when you're NOT thinking about it.
Brought to you by Yoga For Men at Squidoo
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Yoga Men - Create Your Own Energy Drinks
Energy Drinks have become so popular, that they make up almost 15 percent of the beverage market currently.
After a serious work out and a mind-cleansing meditation, you're probably going to be craving one yourself.
But which one? And do you really know or trust what is in that bottle you're buying?
Are you getting too much sugar? Too many chemicals?
Something just barely passing as Ice Water? (Or TAP water!)
Our recommendation is to make your own energy drink using the SodaClub machine.
Generate your own energy with a Soda-Club Energy Machine! Why pay up to $2 for energy drinks from the store when you can make it yourself, in seconds, starting at just 25 cents per serving? You control the intensity. Extreme flavor. Extreme savings.
You read it right. Instead of paying up to $2 a bottle for an energy drink from the corner store, you can make one yourself...in seconds!...for roughly 25 cents per serving? And if one bottle of concentrated Energy Drink sodamix makes 50 8-oz. servings, then even if you drink 3 a day you're good for almost 3 weeks!
I personally like the idea that you can make it to the 'flavor' and 'fizziness' that you desire. From a seltzer base to a dulled 'Red Bull' style of fizz...you can get something that tastes exactly what you are craving!
Create your own energy drink and generate your own energy! Contains Vitamins B6 and B12 and Vitamin C!
So work out hard...work out smart...and be smart about what you ingest.
Control the chemicals and nutrients you put into your body by making your own energy drink, and save a ton of money along the way!
After a serious work out and a mind-cleansing meditation, you're probably going to be craving one yourself.
But which one? And do you really know or trust what is in that bottle you're buying?
Are you getting too much sugar? Too many chemicals?
Something just barely passing as Ice Water? (Or TAP water!)
Our recommendation is to make your own energy drink using the SodaClub machine.
Generate your own energy with a Soda-Club Energy Machine! Why pay up to $2 for energy drinks from the store when you can make it yourself, in seconds, starting at just 25 cents per serving? You control the intensity. Extreme flavor. Extreme savings.
You read it right. Instead of paying up to $2 a bottle for an energy drink from the corner store, you can make one yourself...in seconds!...for roughly 25 cents per serving? And if one bottle of concentrated Energy Drink sodamix makes 50 8-oz. servings, then even if you drink 3 a day you're good for almost 3 weeks!
I personally like the idea that you can make it to the 'flavor' and 'fizziness' that you desire. From a seltzer base to a dulled 'Red Bull' style of fizz...you can get something that tastes exactly what you are craving!
Create your own energy drink and generate your own energy! Contains Vitamins B6 and B12 and Vitamin C!
So work out hard...work out smart...and be smart about what you ingest.
Control the chemicals and nutrients you put into your body by making your own energy drink, and save a ton of money along the way!
Monday, March 31, 2008
You are not Ready for the Laughing Buddha
Buddha - the enlightened bringer of prosperity and calm.
Pewter - a metal allow, consisting of tin and copper, used to forge decorative items.
So a pewter Buddha should be all I need to make my journey into prosperity, health, calm and enlightenment.
But the Bravisa Gold Trimmed Pewter Laughing Buddha has exceeded my reach. It's greatness does not fall in with my budget.
Is this not a paradox?
Shouldn't I be forsaking my budget to achieve my Buddha?
And if I am worrying about my Buddha, does that mean that I need it MORE than I thought?
And is trimming the Buddha in gold sacrilege? In fact, is this or is this not a False God?
But on the other hand, isn't the Gold Trimmed Petwer Laughing Buddha laughing because he KNOWS that these questions will be asked...and their answers will never reach a meaningful conclusion?
In fact, is he not laughing becasue he KNOWS too much thought is going into the attaining of this wonderful 5" x 4" statue?
Has Yoga for Men enlightened me....or only led me FURTHER into the darkness called 'choices'?
AH! Gold Trimmed Pewter Buddha! You tooy with my Kharma! My very EXISTENCE is now in question! Should I persue the Buddha, the Budget or Both?!?!?!
Brought to you by www.Squidoo.com/YogaForMen
Monday, March 3, 2008
Back Strength and Lumbar Support
What a lot of men do not realize is the importance of a healthy spine.
Sure, you look old and funny if you are walking around bent over like Igor...
But more importantly, the spine does more than just stand you up straight. Neuros/pain sensors, oxygen and blood all flow through the spine as it makes it way through the rest of your body.
Have you ever caught yourself sitting 'stooped over' after a period of time? and when you straighten yourself out, aren't you amazed by how good you feel? (In fact, I'm often ALARMED at just how hunched over I was!)
By keeping your posture strong and your spine healthy, blood and oxygen moves more easily through the body.
This is one of the BIGGEST principles of Yoga! Even the most Basic Yoga poses enhance stretching, reaching, flexibility and holisitc health.
No, you do not need blood thinners and diet supplements. You need to keep your entire body healthy and strong.
Outside of being conscience about your posture, there are many inexpensive, easy to use tools for ensuring a strong, healthy spine. Click to see the unit that Bravisa/Defmall offers .
In all, you need to do more than build a 'strong' spine. You need to build a healthy and flexible spine. It's good for more than just your back. It's good for your life!
Brought to you by our friends at Yoga For Men
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