How To: Sirshasana (Headstand) with Catarina Lacayo
What to think about when practicing a supported headstand, Sirshasana, in Ashtanga Yoga with Catarina Lacayo.
What to think about when practicing a supported headstand, Sirshasana, in Ashtanga Yoga with Catarina Lacayo.
Awakening the sixth chakra – known as the third eye – also awakens your sixth sense, and unlocks psychic potential. In this tutorial, learn how to harness your spirituality and get in touch with your third eye.
In this video from modernmom Cindy Mastry shows how to lose belly fat using yoga. Bring your right knee to your chest, holding it with your hands. Flex both feet, and as you inhale lift left foot off the ground and press it out towards the heel. Hold it here using your belly strength. As you exhale, send energy out the crown of head and out the foot. As you inhale next slowly bring the leg up to the sky and as you exhale lower the leg back down, pushing the energy out hovering the leg off the...
Tara Stiles shows us how to work on yoga handstands. Don't worry if you're afraid of handstands, as Tara Stiles will show us how to build slowly with tips and tricks to overcome any fears. We begin with our hands on the floor, about a foot away from a wall, and then kick your legs over and up against the wall so you re upside down. Don't worry about your form yet; this is to get comfortable with the position. When that feels comfortable, the video shows different positions to try that will bu...
Awakening the female energy that resides in the base of your spine is not a process that can be done in an afternoon but is something you work towards though lots of work in kundalini yoga and work toward an enlightened state of being.
Editor's Note: The claims by Vani Hari which were originally detailed in the article below about azodicarbonamide were unscientific in nature. This article has been updated to reflect that and provide more scientific context on the issue.
This video details how to do easy yoga poses for beginners. To start out, assume 'mountain pose' which involves placing the feet at about a hip width distance apart. After the feet are placed, lengthen up through the spine and roll the shoulders back while also tucking the chin slightly back. Arms are then raised upward while inhaling, and lowered while exhaling and in the same exhale lift out of the hips, hinge, then enter a forward bend. Note, it is acceptable to bend the knees in this proc...
Even if you don’t have time for yoga classes, this simple breath awareness exercise can fit easily into the most stressful day. It only takes a few minutes, and will have stress melting away in no time.
Yoga posturing sequences are a succession of postures intended to flow together, one following the next. This is most commonly referred to as vinyasa or a personal yoga flow. Use these relaxing poses to release tension and stress from the entire body. Remember, the key to yoga is gentle, deep breathing and a clear mind.
Did you know there are two ways to complete the French braid? There is the normal way, in which the braid comes out on top of your hair, and there is the inside out way, in which you braid your hair underneath the surface of your hair to create a less voluminous look.
We love ponytails - for yoga class. They're ridiculously easy to throw together, which is why they're great for on-the-go hair management. But just because the ponytail is a practical, functional look doesn't mean you can't dress it up and wear it to formal occasions like cocktail parties and work.
Whether you like 'em or not, down dogs are like the bread and butter of any yoga practice, from vinyasa to ashtanga. Which is why it is so important to do them correctly (gut pulled in, looking at your hamstrings). It is also crucial to flow into the down dog with ease.
In this how to video, you will learn how to become more flexible. This refers to the range of motion you can attain around a joint. This can be useful for keeping your body fit and becoming a better lover. You will also be less prone to injury. You will also get slimmer. The best time to do this is after a workout. Hold each movement for ten to fifteen seconds. Although you may feel a pull in the muscle, do not stretch to the point of pain. Yoga and Pilates is another away to increase flexibi...
In this video, we learn how to do a toe touch. First, grab a yoga mat and place it on a hard surface. Sit down and rock back pulling your legs in the air. Now, raise your arms creasing your elbows slightly. lower and pull your legs in the air, making your arms touch your toes as close as possible. If you can just touch the ankles that is fine. You can also place your arms on the floor if raising them in the air is too much work for you. If you want, you can lay flat on the floor and raise you...
Ponytails are often hairstyles associated with summer because they're super easy to do, take care of, and wipe all the pesky hairs off your face so you can focus on more important things like swimming and sipping your margarita and looking cute doing it in front of the cabana boy without all your locks humiliatingly dunking into your drink.
In this video Tara Stiles gives an introduction to basic meditation. Meditation can be done while doing the physical yoga poses, or really any time when you have a few moments. Even while you are in line at the grocery store you can practice simple meditation by bringing your attention to your breath. Observe your thoughts and focus on breathing in and out. The intent is to bring yourself back to yourself. Tara leads a guided meditation which begins by encouraging the listener to find a comfo...
In this video from Shiva Rea we learn how to perform hip opening tiger stretches in yoga. Shiva oozes with sensuality and loves what she does. Coming forward into a lunge, take right arm in front of right shin, turn head to right side, and come back into the runner's stretch. Next time you come forward you can tuck the left toes under and turn to the left, a give a HA HA cough. And last, come forward, you can come to the edge of the right foot, turn head to the right, and get even lower, and ...
Looking for a way to become centered, focused and at peace? Practice simple meditation techniques with tips from a registered hatha yoga instructor in this free yoga video.
In this tutorial, we learn how to meditate for beginners. If you find it uncomfortable to sit on the floor, start out by doing yoga which will get you used to sitting in meditation. You don't have to sit on the floor, you can sit on the floor or anywhere the spine is straight. Sitting straight helps you connect with your body. You can also use the hand mudra which will help you create a pressure point and calm the nervous system down. Another tool is chanting or music which will change the ch...
In this video, we learn how to kick start a new fitness routine with Kung Fu. This exercise is a workout that you will not get bored of. You are always doing something new with Kung Fu and it burns a ton of calories. These workouts are rigorous and combine strength training, endurance training, and really work out your body. The classes start out with yoga, then they start getting your heart rate up by working out hard. If you can't get to a class, you can do this at home by doing loose kicks...
We don't usually think that you need exercise equipment in order to work out effectively. In fact, most of the time you can achieve comparable results to going to the gym simply by using your own body weight (doing push ups, for instance, or the Warrior 3 yoga pose).
Dina teaches us how to do the Turkish get up exercise with a kettlebell in this tutorial. You want to start off on the ground dong stretches to get your body prepared for this. After you are ready, you will grab the kettlebell and start to do various exercises that work all the different parts of your body. You will need to make sure you maintain control of your muscles while you are doing this, so you have the best results when you are finished and you don't pull a muscle. Do different arm a...
Dina Prioste shows us how to do a triangle pose in this tutorial. Start in a wide stance, turn your back foot in and take your arms out wide with both legs straight. As you exhale reach towards the end of the mat on the right side and reach your arm down as far as you can. Now, take your left arm straight up and look up or look to the side. Remember it's not how far you are reaching, it's how open your chest is. Remember to deep breathe for several seconds while doing this, then do it on both...
Doing a low back relief exercise can make your body feel more relaxed, and stretch out your muscles. First, lay down on your back with your arms at a T, and cross your right leg over your left. Deep inhale and when you exhale, let your knees drop to your right. As you are doing this, turn your left pinky finger to the wall behind you. When you inhale, go back to your regular position. The left shoulder should stay down and the outer edge of the left foot should go up to the ceiling. Keep repe...
In this tutorial, Dina Prioste shows us how to purify chakras with yoga. First, go into a gentle back bend while chanting a mantra. Then, lie on your back with your feet flat on the ground. Next, lift up your hips and place your fingers under your thighs and look up at the ceiling. When you do the chant, feel the vibrations through your body and remember to deep breathe while focusing intently. When finished chanting, lower your back down to the floor and relax the body. This will open up you...
In this video tutorial, we learn how to do a classic feel good twist with Dina Priost. Begin seated with your knee bent and your feet over to the left side. Your right hand should be just behind you on the floor. Next, turn your torso to the right side and then turn your neck to over the left shoulder. Stay in this pose for around eight deep breathes. This is a great exercise for people with stiff backs or arthritis. You can change this and do it the opposite way if you are interested in stre...
If you only have 5 minutes to practice in the mornings, string together the four warrior poses. Begin in the Downward Facing Dog position. Push into Plank pose. Transition into Cobra pose. Then, push back into Downward Facing Dog. Lift right leg up, swing it through into a lunge. Transition into Warrior I pose. Open from Warrior I to Warrior II. Then, transition into Reverse Warrior pose. Then, Open up into side angle pose.
Stretching on rainy days on rainy days is a means of transforming your mood, in to a more positive one. To begin, sit on the floor. With your right leg extended and your left leg bent, with your legs creating the shape of a number 4, hold your right toe with your right hand. If you are unable to reach your right toe, you can use a strap to help you. Open you chest, by extending your left arm, looking left with your head, making a T with your upper body. You can modify the stretch, while you a...
Dina Prioste wants you to clear your mind by using simple mantra meditation, and show us how to in this video tutorial. This is a great exercise to use if you have creative block and need help relaxing and clearing your mind. First, begin sitting comfortably on a pillow or folded blankets. Bring your left hand inside your right hand with your palms facing up and your thumbs gently touching. Now close your eyes and sit up tall while breathing through the nose. Begin to observe the sound of you...
In this tutorial, Dina Priost shows us how to do variations of the squat. Begin in a standard squatting position, and deep breathe 3 times. Now, place your hands on the ground and crouch down, placing one leg off the floor one after the other. The knees should be placing the arms around where your elbows are. The next move will start with a squat, and place the right arm on the ground with the left raised in the air. Do this with both arms while deep breathing. Place arms on the floor again w...
In this video tutorial, we learn how to do a durnit squat with Dina Priost. This is a great hip opening pose, but it does put a strain on the hips, so avoid if you have hip problems. First, bring your feet a little wider than your hips and squat into the pose. You can also sit on a couple of blocks to make this pose easier. At first, place your toes facing out, which will make it easier to get into the pose at first if you haven't done it before. Let your elbows guide your movements and deep ...
After practicing, the hipster stretching sequence outlined by yogi Sadie Nardini in this two-part yoga instructional video is something you can use to help build flexibility in your inner thighs and quads.
BeforeAndAfterTV teaches you how to get bigger buttocks through simple exercises. You can do these exercises pretty much anywhere. All you will need is a yoga mat. Here is how to get started: lie with your back against the mat, put your hands against your sides, head back and lift your hips, the feet being on the ground. You will have to lift your hips as high as you can and hold it up for about 3 seconds. For an advanced exercise you can have one leg up in the air and lift the hip. For the s...
Almost everyone wants to be a little bit taller. By following the simple stretches and exercises outlined in this video we learn that it's possible to gain that inch or two simply through straightening your spine and posture, and through overall muscle health. Listing a dozen mostly yoga related positions, ranging from the Cobra position to the Yawn stretch to the Downhill, along with supplying health diagrams for each and every one, this video shows you how to get the most out of your body's...
Use a neti pot daily to prevent sinus infections and promote easy breathing. Check out this Howcast video tutorial on how to use a neti pot.
Learn how to do the pigeon pose designed for strengthening and opening the back. You will learn Kapotasana, or pigeon pose,
Backbends shouldn't really be called "backbends", but instead "full body bends" because they involved so much more than just your back. All on its own, your spine has a pretty impressive range of motion, but in order to do a deep backbend, all the muscles and connective tissues that support your spine need to be long and limber. Everyone I know who has an impressive backbend swears by the reclining hero or supta vajrasana posture. Be safe, but if possible, hold this one for a long time.
Whoa, these bygone era triplets are seriously flexible. "The Ross Sisters were a trio of female sibling dancers consisting of Aggie Ross, Elmira Ross, and Maggie Ross (whose real names were Vicki, Dixie and Betsy Ross). Their public attention peaked during the 1940s, during which they were featured prominently in the 1944 film Broadway Rhythm. The sole remaining known film clip shows them performing "Solid Potato Salad", which features the sisters' amazing contortionism."
Learn how to do yoga stretches and poses to relieve headache pain and tension headaches a tension headache with expert tips from our yoga instructor in this free alternative medicine video series.
Learn yoga positions and exercises to relieve stress and pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome in this free alternative medicine video from our expert yoga instructor.