Bikram Hot Yoga Benefits

Picture credit to: http://lovinglifebodymindsoul.wordpress.com/tag/26-yoga-poses/

Bikram yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhury in the 70s and is a type of yoga that is performed in a room heated to 105 degrees and includes a series of 26 yoga postures. This type of yoga is typically performed for 90 minutes although some places do express classes that are also very good. There are many benefits of performing bikram yoga and here are a few of those reasons why we should get posing and very sweaty.

- Detoxifies the body and removes harmful toxins. Bikram yoga causes profuse sweating which converts the toxins in to water soluble products. This ensures the easy removal of the toxins in the form of sweat.

- The heat increases the metabolism and speeds up the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids. It also helps to increase the heart rate and burn calories effectively thereby promoting weight loss.

- The heat helps to loosen up the muscles producing less strain on them. This reduces the chances of injury.

- Stretching your muscles in heated conditions encourages the effective flow of blood to different parts of the body, hence increasing the blood circulation and improving the functioning of the circulatory system. Improved blood circulation helps to increase the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the several parts of the body.

- Improves the functioning of the lymphatic system that is responsible for flushing out the toxins from the body.

- Helps to reshape your body by the lengthening, strengthening and toning of the muscles which also helps to reduce the risk of sport-related injuries.

- Strengthens the body’s immune system and reduces the risks of infection.

- Helps the mind to be calm and relaxed thereby offering great relief from stress, anxiety and tension.

- Increases the flexibility and lubrication of the joints, tendons and ligaments.

- Improves focus, concentration and discipline.

- Cleanses the body.

- Regulates the level of blood cholesterol.

- Strengthens the bones and muscles.

- Increases the flexibility of the muscles.

- Boosts the energy level of the body.

- Increases the strength and stamina of the body.

- Expands the capacity of the lungs thus helping to breathe deeply and effectively.

- Improves the functioning of the heart and lungs.

- Stimulates the functioning of the nervous system and endocrine system.

- Helps to sleep better.

- Improves the balance and coordination of the body.

- Improves the healing powers of the body.

- Strengthens the spine and provides relief from back pain.

Bikram yoga works on all parts of the body and is believed to offer a wide variety of benefits that is normally not provided by other types of yoga. These benefits focus not only on the physical and mental aspects of the body but it also helps to stimulate the efficient functioning of various organs within the body. Thus bikram yoga benefits go a long way in improving the overall health of an individual. Although bikram yoga is considered to be safe and effective for most people, it is still important that you talk to your doctor before starting practicing the yoga.

Reasons Why Ladies Should Lift Weights

• Become physically stronger - Studies show that even moderate weight training can increase your strength by 30 to 50 percent.
  
• Lose body fat - Average women who strength train two to three times per week for two months will gain nearly two pounds of muscle and lose 3.5 pounds of fat. As your lean muscle increases, so does your resting metabolism. You also burn more calories all day long. Generally speaking, for each pound of muscle you gain, you burn 35-50 more calories each day.
  
• Gain strength without bulk - Women typically don’t gain size from strength training. Compared to men, women have 10 to 30 times less of the hormones that cause muscle hypertrophy. You will, however, develop muscle tone and definition.
  
• Improve your athletic performance - Strength training improves athletic ability in all. Strength training has been shown to improve overall performance as well as decrease the risk of injury.
  
• Reduce your risk of injury - back pain and arthritis. Strength training means more than stronger muscles. It also builds stronger connective tissue and increases joint stability, reinforcing the joints and helping to prevent injury.
  
• Improve your attitude and fight depression - Studies have shown that 10 weeks of strength training reduced clinical depression symptoms. Women who strength train commonly report feeling more confident and capable as a result of their program.

Gandy gives us a little #gymspiration

"I go to the gym approximately four times a week - five or six if I am in training for a campaign or event. They are not long sessions - 45 minutes to an hour at most - but they are usually high-intensity. People tend to forget that exercising increases your metabolism, even when you are not training, meaning even on days off you are burning calories and fat more quickly"

Go HARD or go HOME!

Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently.

Go For G O L D!

Goal setting is used by top-level athletes, successful business-people and achievers in all fields. Setting goals gives you long-term vision and short-term motivation . It focuses your acquisition of knowledge, and helps you to organise your time and your resources so that you can make the very most of your life.

By setting sharp, clearly defined goals, you can measure and take pride in the achievement of those goals, and you'll see forward progress in what might previously have seemed a long pointless grind. You will also raise your self confidence as you recognise your own ability and competence in achieving the goals that you've set.

Exercise is proven to make u feel good

There is no denying the high you feel after a spinning class or a run in the park. Exercise not only boosts your physical health, but it also improves mental health.