Top 10 Benefits of Strength Training for Women
Posted by admin on August 28th, 2008 filed in women health
“Women are finally warming up to free weights, and it is a beautiful thing!” states Lynn VanDyke, owner of http://strength-training-woman.com. It’s true that women are recognizing strength training as a major player in the battle against fat loss. Here are the top 10 benefits women receive from strength training:
1) Increased Metabolic Rate- adding muscle increases our metabolism naturally.
2) Increasing and Restoring Bone Density- prevent and fight osteoporosis by building strong bones.
3) Increased Lean Muscle Mass- each pound of lean muscle mass burns 35-50 calories per day.
4) Injury Prevention- a solid foundation strengthens our bones, ligaments, and tendons.
5) Improved Balance- strong leg and core muscles help stabilize us.
6) Decreased Risk of Coronary Disease- strength training can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
7) Aids Rehabilitation and Recovery- the best way to strengthen and recover from an injury is to slowly build your strength around the injured area.
Enhanced Performance in Sports, Exercise and Life In General- climbing stairs, carrying the kids, or walking with your spouse becomes more enjoyable.
9) Aging Gracefully- strong muscles build a strong body. Strength training and fitness can help keep aging bodies in well-working condition.
10) Feeling Better and Looking Better- strength training reduces overall body fat, it tones our muscles and it builds confidence.
These top 10 benefits all come for free when you begin a proper strength training routine. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any new fitness program.
Lynn VanDyke is the proud owner of http://strength-training-woman.com/31-no-holds-barred-answers.html . Her newest ebook has been rated the #1 Fitness ebook on the net by the No Limits subscribers.
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Chair Yoga Case Study - Reduced Anxiety and Blood Pressure
Posted by admin on August 27th, 2008 filed in yoga
After teaching chair yoga for several years Liz Franklin can testify that it appropriate for almost anyone, even if they are feeling the effects of aging or have physical limitations. It is not for hard-bodied 20-somethings that can twist themselves into poses that look impossible - the only prerequisite is that you can sit in a chair, including a wheelchair.
What better way to illustrate how chair yoga has benefited those unable to attend a traditional yoga class than to tell it in their own words?
Hi! I’m Penny Hoober. I’m proudly 64 years old, a mother and a grandmother. I’ve been working part-time at my church for 20 years. I’ve been married to a wonderful man for 38 years. I have been doing chair yoga since June of 2005.I had a stroke and my neurologist suggested practicing yoga. I called three yoga studios, and when they heard I was “post stroke” they did not want me to attend classes there. My daughter kept researching and found Liz’ chair yoga class. She called Liz and after a nice conversation, I went to my first class. I was looking for more balance in my life and help with severe anxiety and other health issues, including high blood pressure.
At first I was somewhat skeptical, but I kept coming to class and after 6 weeks I began to notice subtle shifts and benefits. Now if I am unable to attend class I really miss it. My anxiety kicks in and my depression worsens. The classes have become a social time for me and I have made some wonderful new friends. My Monday class is a great way to start my week and keeps me going for the rest of my week. All the other students are non-judgmental and it is wonderful knowing that they are all dealing with their own health issues.
I have made incredible strides in lowering my blood pressure. I went from readings of 190/120 to 115/62. My doctor was shocked and amazed. I have found ways to incorporate brief yoga breaks into my life. I do little “bites” of yoga all day long. Just dropping my tongue to the bottom of my mouth makes such a big difference in how I feel, both physically and mentally. I don’t make time to do an entire hour of yoga on my own, but the small things Liz suggests that we do during the day have made a big difference in my life.
I really enjoy the way Liz keeps the classes interesting by mixing things up. The classes are not monotonous and she is very sensitive to the needs and mood of her students. This program really does help your mind and body. It brings balance to your life but you do have to work at it.
Yoga has now become a part of my daily life and I find myself incorporating more and more each month. The release of tension makes such a big difference in my life. If you are thinking about joining a class or purchasing the videos, give it a try - not just once but several times - and you will be hooked on chair yoga!
Mark Franklin enjoys telling people about Liz Franklin’s Yoga In Chairs(r) because he knows it is helping people live healthier, happier, and longer lives. If you want to find out about her special style of chair yoga, visit http://www.yogainchairs.com
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Eight Amazing Benefits of Teaching Yoga
Posted by admin on August 26th, 2008 filed in yoga
Every challenging occupation yields some sort of satisfaction, but the fitness professionals industry had an amazing 85% job satisfaction rate according to an Idea Health & Fitness survey.
Job Satisfaction
In the same survey, 98% of those interviewed felt that “My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment.” Lack of personal satisfaction is the most frequent reason why people leave a job. These statistics make it obvious that this is an extremely harmonious atmosphere to work in.
For many of us who worked in the corporate world and shifted into the health and fitness industry, the energy felt in a health club, ashram, or wellness center is similar to being on vacation. There’s always something to do, but the job itself is very gratifying.
Rewards of Helping Family, Friends, Students, and Co-workers
Your self esteem improves as you find solutions for the pain management of others, ailments, fitness, stress management, positive thinking, etc.
The list goes on, as you continue your own journey of self improvement, but the feeling of gratification you get from helping someone find the right path, is beyond words.
You will always remember: That student who reaches their ideal body weight, the physically impaired student who finds that they, too, can live a better quality life, and the student who leaves your class without the headache or backache they came in with.
Your Own Health
As a practitioner of Yoga, you have become more aware of your daily ups and downs. You monitor your breath, posture, moods, diet, and exercise on a daily basis.
As a Yoga teacher, you are setting an example to your students and teaching them to live a quality life. This path will enable you to live longer and live better.
There is no Shortage of Work
When the working world is in the “9 to 5″ mode, you have many opportunities with Corporate Accounts, The Fitness Industry, Senior Centers, Medical Centers, Referrals, etc. This is when you to teach them, with any free time you have.
Once I became totally self-employed, there were more daytime off-site Yoga teaching opportunities than I had time for in a geographic area that has many active Yoga teachers and studios. One of my best students, who became a Yoga teacher through our on-site program, inherited an area that I could no longer service due to time restraints.
The object is to contact them. This is where your post cards come in handy, if you don’t have a personal referral.
Continuing Education
Yes, learning new things keeps your mind stimulated and healthy. You will never tire of subjects to study, explore, and investigate. There are so many facets of Yoga, that one life span, is just not enough time to learn it all.
It’s not a race, but it is a journey. You will find friends, colleagues, and students who are on the same path. This makes giving, receiving, and sharing a wonderful thing along the way.
Time
You will have time to stop, think, breathe, relax, or meditate. You can always fill your plate beyond its limits, but you no longer have to.
You can determine whether or not you will be stuck in traffic during rush hour. You decide what hours you will work and what days you have off. You will come to the realization that your time is your own.
Independence
Everyone wants control of their own life, but very few achieve it. Being in business for yourself, can help you control your own destiny and that of your family.
Sure there are limits to what one person can accomplish, but it is better to try than to have never tried.
Success
No matter what you want, if you write down your short-term and long-term goals, you will make great progress toward them.
You should keep these goals in a place where you can see them daily and visualize yourself accomplishing your goals. You should be specific about time frames and ethical methods used to meet them. You can even use them in meditation.
Review your long-term goals at least once every season and every year. Review your short-term goals daily. You will see yourself make rapid success in this way.
Lastly, goals do not have to be material at all. For example: You may want to start teaching Yoga in a year, and the following year, get a part-time Yoga teaching position. This type of goal setting is realistic and beneficial to mankind.
That is the key - If you choose a goal that will benefit others, you will surely achieve it.
Paul Jerard, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org