Posts Tagged ‘adding yoga’

Yoga for Kickboxers

Saturday, November 26th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Jenny Park

Kickboxing and yoga seem to be on opposite ends of the spectrum at first glance. One is all about beating an opponent into submission, the other emphasizes that ultimately there are no opponents at all. One is aggression in the purest form possible, the other is bliss and peacefulness. How could two disciplines work together in harmony when they appear to be so at odds with each other? Like the yin and yang, they actually serve to complete each other by bringing about balance.

Kickboxing is a hybrid between boxing and traditional Eastern martial arts. The physical punches, jabs and footwork were divided from the spiritual aspects of the martial arts to create a purely physical style of fighting. Kickboxing provides a powerful cardio workout which makes it an effective way to get the body into shape and this has fueled its enduring popularity among those seeking high levels of physical fitness.

Yoga for kickboxers makes a lot of sense, because kickboxing is quite lacking in restorative movements which would compensate for the explosiveness of the practice. Traditional martial arts incorporate restorative practices that serve to rejuvenate participants in order to stave off fatigue, injury and muscle strain but this has been removed from modern kickboxing techniques. At best, most kickboxers will finish off their explosive training sessions with a few cool down stretches at the end of their workout, but this is insufficient. Yoga makes a great addition to an existing kickboxing regimen to fill in this gap.

Adding yoga to the exercise routine will give kickboxers increased levels of flexibility and will also serve to boost their range of motion. Both of these give a kickboxer the competitive edge over their opponents who likely train in the same old ways, resulting in a less robust range of motion on their part. Because kickboxing is a contact sport, it requires a heightened level of focus in order to stay one step ahead of the opponent. Yoga teaches inner stillness and laser focus by constantly drawing the attention into the present moment and this is extremely important for anyone playing a contact sport. Having a hyper-awareness of the environment and the opponent is essential for success in a sport which requires lightning fast reflexes.

Yoga also works muscle groups that would remain dormant and undeveloped with only kickboxing being used for physical conditioning. This increases the overall strength and endurance of the kickboxer as a whole which is yet another advantage to using yoga to diversify the fitness regimen.

Yoga need not take up too much time in the kickboxer’s schedule; short 20 minute sessions every other day is sufficient enough for individuals to reap all the benefits yoga has to offer when used in tandem with a traditional kickboxing training routine.

Adding yoga to the fitness regimen of a kickboxer is a great way to give them the competitive edge over their opponents and serves to prevent burnout and injury. It’s a great combination.

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Yoga for Arthritis

Monday, August 29th, 2011

become a yoga teacherBy Faye Martins

For those suffering with arthritis, every movement is a painful event. The irony is that individuals with arthritis need physical movement more than the average person in order to keep their disease under control. Yoga training is a practice that provides opportunities for careful, mindful movement.

Individuals with arthritis benefit greatly from daily physical activity, because it counters the muscle weakness, lack of energy and lethargy that those with arthritis often experience. When people with arthritis move, it often feels like they are making their condition worse, but this is usually not the case. Studies show that arthritis is greatly improved by physical exercise. The key is finding an exercise that is at once gentle and effective.

Yoga for arthritis is a great alternative to walking, jogging and swimming because the movements and poses are carefully and mindfully done. This gives an individual the confidence necessary to feel good about making yogic techniques a lasting part of their lifestyle.

In order to add yogic exercise safely, a few precautions should be taken. First and foremost, the yoga teacher must be aware of the underlying medical condition. If the instructor is aware, the individual will be allowed to move at their own pace during the class.

In addition, it is important to select a style that avoids repetitive flowing movements and focuses more on performing the poses with correct form. Observing a class before participating is a great way to get a feel for how the classes will be. Most Hatha yoga classes will be paced appropriately for those with arthritis, but it’s always good to be certain beforehand.

Once the right school and yoga instructor have been selected, the individual should ease themselves into the practice. It’s fine to take time to become accustomed to the poses, because part of the appeal of practice for those with arthritis is the fact that each movement is mindfully and carefully done. Above all, the body must be listened to during the session. An individual with arthritis knows what pain is normal for them and what pain is not. The body should be honored and heeded during the practice.

During the yoga class, special focus should be placed on breath awareness as well. Remaining connected with the breath throughout the yoga practice helps reduce the anxiety and nervousness that many with arthritis suffer from. This relaxation helps to lower levels of pain experienced throughout the day, reducing the need for pain medications.

Those with arthritis may experience significant improvements in their quality of life by adding yoga to their daily routine. More and more professionals in the medical community are recognizing the benefits that yogic exercise has to offer patients with arthritis. As long as care is taken and necessary modifications are made, yoga is completely safe for countering the aches and pains of arthritis on a daily basis.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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