Answer To Your Fitness Questions" />Savasana: The Most Difficult Pose In Yoga
May 31, 2007
The basic relaxation pose of all of yoga is Savasana. (Phonically sounded out Sha-va-sa-na.) This posture is done at the end of your practice in a reclining position, and is well earned after a well-focused workout. In savasana you learn to “be still” or the art of stillness. The body will systematically relax beginning with the feet, then move up the body which in turn will allow the mind to let go of the noisy thoughts that are constantly chattering.
During savasana you are practicing and refining the inward focus that is essential to turning off the external stimulation or withdrawal of the senses. That is when you are practicing the art of “being”.
Eyes are closed, breath is autonomic, lying in a very comfortable supine or reclining position. The deep relaxation occurs while you are conscious and aware of the process. In other words, you are witnessing it occur through your observance of the relaxation process. Thoughts will come in and out of your consciousness, like a flow that you are disconnected from, as you would watch television.
This relaxation process is important for a beneficial practice.
The benefits of savasana are as follows:
- It calms and quiets the mind.
- It soothes the nervous system.
- It removes fatigue.
- It aids in recovery of illness.
- It diminishes migraines.
- It gives an awareness of areas that hold stress and tension.
Do you think you need this all encompassing pose? What say ye?
Gardening: A Great Way To Exercise
May 29, 2007
Okay it is gardening time!! There is nothing like getting into the garden and digging in the dirt and seeing the beautiful results of your hard work.
Gardening alone works your upper body by turning the dirt, pulling weeds by hand, raking, and hoeing. While working the lower body by digging, lifting and getting up and down while working in the dirt.
You can also get your target heart rate up by mowing the lawn with a push mower!
But we all need a little prevention to avoid those aching muscles.
1) Start with a short 10 minute warm up, preferably a walk.
2) Next, remember your form or posture, keep all motions steady and smooth, keep abdominals firm to assist in maintaining good back alignment.
3) Use your legs not your back and keep your knees slightly bent when lifting.
4) When digging with a shovel, lift with your front foot, point it in the right direction and turn your body. Keep knees bent and alternate sides to maintain balance.
5) Concentrate on your breathing, don’t hold the breath. Exhale on exertion.
Gardening is such a rewarding experience and it gets us out in the fresh air. You feel very creative, it tones the muscles and cleanses the mind.
What a beautiful world we live in!
