Dr. Oz's comments about realistic resolutions and Yoga!

Dr. Oz has some realistic resolution comments, I'd like to share, but particularly, the comments about yoga.....

2. Do seven minutes of yoga a day. “I tell most folks that if you haven’t tried it, at least do one class of yoga to understand what it’s about,” Dr. Oz said. “The most important thing about yoga isn’t about how loose you are. It’s not about showing off how you can get into pretzel-like poses. It’s about focusing on the breath while you get into those poses and the relaxed state of mind that goes into it.” Dr. Oz said he commits to just seven minutes of yoga each morning that includes a variation on the sun salutation, a flowing series of 12 poses. He adds 20 push-ups between each stage and ends with jackknife sit-ups. “It centers me and allows me to loosen my limbs up so I don’t have nagging small injuries,” he said. “Most people aren’t brazen enough to admit they can’t carve out seven minutes in their schedule.”

Here is the link to the rest of the article.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/realistic-resolutions-from-dr-oz/

See you on Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3515 Helena Avenue, Nederland, Texas for Gentle Beginning Yoga!

Yoga in America-Study by Yoga Journal

Yoga in America - study by Yoga Journal
The number of people practicing yoga in the US has reached nearly 16 million and is expected to continue to grow steadily.

The latest "Yoga in America" study, just released by Yoga Journal, shows that Americans spend $5.7 billon a year on yoga classes and products, including equipment, clothing, vacations and media (DVDs, videos, books and magazines). This figure represents an increase of 87 percent - almost doubled compared to the previous study in 2004.

Yoga Journal also reported that the2008 study indicates taht 15.8 million people, or 6.9 percent of the US population, practice yoga. Of current non-practioners, nearly 8%, or 18.3 million Americans, say they are very or extremely interested in yoga. And 4.1 % of non-practioners, or about 9.4 million people, say they will definitely try yoga within the next year.

The study also collected data on age, gender and other demographic factors:

* 72.2% are women, 27.8% are men.
* 40.6 % are 18 to 34 years old; 41% are 35 to 54; and 18.4% are over 55.
* 28.4% have practiced yoga for one year or less; 21.4% have practiced for one to two years; 25.6% have practiced two to five years; and 24.6% have practiced more than five years.
* 71.4% are college educated; 27% have postgraduate degrees.
* 44% of yogis have household incomes of $75,000 or more; 24% have more than $100,000.

The 2008 study indicated that almost have (49.4%) of current practitioners started practicing yoga to improve their overall health. In the 2003 study, that number was 5.6%. And they are continuing to practice for the same reason. According to the 2008 study, 52% are motivated to practice yoga to improve their overall health. In 2003, that number was 5.2%.

"Yoga is no longer simply a singular pursuit but a lifestyle choice and an established part of our health and cultural landscape," says Bill Harper, publisher of Yoga Journal. "People come to yoga and stick with it because they want to live healthier lives."

One significant trend to emerge from the study is the use of yoga as medical therapy. According to the study, 6.1% of nearly 14 million Americans, say that a doctor or therapist has recommended yoga to them. In addition, nearly half (45%) of all adults agree that yoga would be beneficial if they were undergoing treatment for a medical condition.

And what about those Baby Boomers?

In just a couple of years, according to recent statisitcs, the number of Baby Boomers-aged adults participating in yoga classes increased by three million. Attend a yoga class and you'll find that it's not exclusively populated by younger women. Older women-and many older men-are also attending yoga classes.

According to the National Institutes of Health, yoga:

* Improves mood and sense of well-being
* Counteracts stress
* Reduces heart rate and blood pressure
* Increases lung capacity
* Improves muscle relaxation and body composition
* Helps with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia
* Improves overall physical fitness, strength, and flexility
* Positively affect levels of certain brain or blood chemicals

"Yoga as medicine represents the next great yoga wave," says Kaitlin Quistgaard, editor in chief of Yoga Journal. "In the next few years, we will be seeing a lot more yoga in health care settings and more yoga recommended by the medical community as new research shows that yoga is a valuable therapeutic tool for many health conditions."

The Yoga Diet from Body and Soul Magazine - A Martha Stewart Company

As we get into the "over-eating" season, ponder this article from the latest Body & Soul Magazine from the Martha Stewart Company (who herself is an avid yoga practioner).

The Yoga Diet.

Taking up yoga could help reshape your eating habits, which may help you lose weight. In a Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study (see my side bar for the entire article on the research), of 303 adults who were physically active, researchers found a link between doing yoga and eating mindfully: yoga practicing participants reported focusing only on their food while eating, for instance, or ceasing to eat once they felt satisfied. No such link was found among those who did other forms of exercise.

"Since yoga heightens your awareness of your body in general, it makes sense that it would hlep you to pay more attention to your eating patterns and appetite", says J. Adam Rindtleisch, M.D., of the University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Clinic. Many other mind-body methods--including meditation and tai chi--can also deepen your body awareness and motivate you to eat more consciously he adds. Those practices can also reduce stress, which could help you savor your food rather than frantically speed through each meal.

For a head start on becoming a calmer, more mindful eater, take a moment before your meal to breathe deeply and offer gratitude for your food. As you eat, tune into the sensations you experience with every bite. "When you're aware of how each morsel of food affects you." says Rindfleisch, "you're more likely to feel full not only physically, but also mentally." - E. B.

10 Best Yoga Poses for Women An Article on Yoga from the Women's Health Magazine

And now a interesting article from the Women's Health Magazine.

Start yoga, stop snacking

It's no news that yogis are typically hotties. (okay, well they aren't talking about me....) But science is showing there's more behind the enviable yoga butt than chair pose.

A study in August's issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that people who practice yoga regularly also eat more mindfully. That essentially means they eat when they're hungry (as opposed to sad, stressed, or bored), focus on their food while eating (instead of the TV or Web browser), and stop when they're full. The study showed that these habits are also associated with a lower BMI (Body Mass Index).

Similarly researchers in Australia published results of a study that showed a home yoga practice reduced the severity of binge eating disorder.

Try this sequence

10 Best Yoga Poses for Women - Practice these 10 poses in this order at least 3 times a week for optimal overall health.

Child's Pose
Stretches hips, quads, back

Downward Facing Dog
Stretches spine, hamstrings, glutes, calves; strengthens deltoids, triceps

Warrior II
Stretches hips, inner thighs, chest; strengthens quadriceps, abdomen, shoulders

Plank Pose (Modified Plank shown- full plank, knees lifted)
Strengthens arms, back, shoulders, core, quadriceps

Fierce Pose (otherwise known as "Chair Pose")
Stretches spine; strengthens quadriceps, ankles, back

Tree Pose
Stretches hips, inner thighs; strengthens legs, spine, core

Garland Pose (Sumo Squat - Mongolian Style!) - Not shown
Stretches low back, groin, hips, ankles

Boat Pose
Strengthens core, psoas, quadriceps

Bridge Pose
Stretches front of body; strengthens hamstrings, glutes

Half Lord of the Fishes
Stretches hips, shoulders, back, neck; strengthens spine

Neti Pot vs the Flu. What shall I do?

A friend of mine posted this, and I thought it was worth sharing!

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS, DRM, DNB (Intensivist and
Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has
worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital, Saifee
Hospital, Tata Memorial etc.

Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department
and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad
(W). The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot
of sense and is important for all of you to know.

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and
mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost
impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all
precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much a problem as
proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any
symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation,
aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some
very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official
communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock
N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or sleep).
3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*
5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much warm liquids as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
   

Here is what Dr. Oz recently said...

"Nasal cleansing using a well-designed Neti pot can help you:

• Clear your nasal passages
  
• Remove excess mucus
  
• Reduce dust and pollen by cleansing nasal passages
  
• Relieve nasal dryness
  

Further, Dr. Oz said in an interview with Healthy Living Magazine:

“When you use it [a Neti pot] properly, it reduces dust and other contaminants in the nose, and it’s a very effective way to clean the sinuses. Modern studies are showing that it’s as effective as drugs for preventing sinus infections. Regular use of a neti pot is also hugely beneficial for people with nasal allergies and headaches. It just takes all the gelatinous goo out of there.

What a lot of people don’t know is that the sinuses are linked closely to lung health. The sinuses are a major source of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide opens things up: the blood vessels, the airways. When we intubate a patient through the nose, we always worry about how that will affect their breathing -- because it can reduce the lungs’ content of nitric oxide. So, it follows that keeping the sinuses healthy also keeps the lungs full of fresh, clean air.”

Gaileee

Yoga Mat Bag, Repurpose shirt into Yoga Capri's!

Over at Sew Mama Sew, is a giveaway, and several tutorials on how to make a yoga mat bag, crocheted, and of course sewing, plus making your own wet bags and turning shirt sleeves into yoga capri's!

Hop on over to Sew Mama Sew, Post a comment, maybe you'll win the book too! http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=2501 http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=2501

Gaileee

Prenatal Yoga Testimonies

Prenatal Yoga Testimonies

What some of my Prenatal clients have said about the Yoga that I teach....

From Amy, a prenatal student.
"I did thoroughly enjoy your prenatal yoga classes--the physical activity was wonderful. Also, I truly enjoyed the community of pregnant women in tune with our bodies and so positive and hopeful about the tiny bodies, minds and spirits of the babies in our tummies. Attending your classes made the L&D (Labor and Delivery) of my second baby even easier and smoother than that of our first baby."

From Cryss, a prenatal student.
"I love your yoga class. Being pregnant I am worried about popping my back like I used to and the weekly yoga classes help relieve the stress in my mid and lower back. I feel more relaxed after doing yoga, it is so wonderful I almost fall asleep at the end of the class. The meditation portion helps me learn to focus my mind on things that are not the present. It has helped me learn to cope with stress and breathe instead of getting so frustrated! Anyways, love it and would recommend it to anyone!"

From Lynn, a prenatal client.
"I used the various yoga postures that Gail taught us in class, to help manage the contractions. I had to be induced, and was able to walk around, sit on the birth ball, and use my Yoga breath, to ease the severity of my contractions. I didn't need to use any narcotics or pain relief. My pelvis was so opened up, that she came out after 4 pushes! After the birth of my baby, the nurses were so surprised how quickly I recovered. I was ready to go home that day! This was my smallest baby of 8 pounds and 4 ounces."

Conditions Improved By Yoga, Self Reported – from “Yoga As Medicine” Book by Timothy McCall, M.D.

As I am getting deeper and deeper into one of the books that we are to read for the YogaFit Therapy course, I am amazed at all the benefits of a regular yoga practice can do for folks. And I’m a yoga teacher. (The more you teach yoga, it seems the more you want to know….and need to know!)

Please read on for more information about “Yoga as Medicine” by Timothy McCall, M.D. at http://www.drmccall.com/ ~Gail Pickens-Barger, E-RYT.

Yoga appears to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of health conditions. In Timothy McCall, M.D. Book, “Yoga As Medicine”, he goes on to say: We’ll be reviewing the scientific evidence later but, for now, let’s see what people who’ve tried therapeutic yoga have to say. In 1983 – 84, the London-based Yoga Biomedical Trust, run by Robin Monro, PhD, surveyed twenty-seven hundred (2,700) people, most between the ages of thirty-one and sixty, who used yoga therapeutically. To be included, participants had to have practiced yoga for at least two hours a week for a year or longer.

Though the number of people with some of the conditions in question was small, the results (see the table below, and in Dr. McCall’s book, Table 1.1) were impressive:

• 98 percent of back-pain sufferers found yoga helpful
• 90 percent of cancer patients
• 82 percent of people with insomnia
• and 100 percent of alcoholics

The lowest success rate in the survey was for women with “menstrual problems,” two out of three of whom found that yoga helped.

Table 1.1 Conditions Improved by Yoga, Self-Reported

Medical Condition    Number of         Percentage Helped
                  People Reporting       By Yoga

Alcoholism               24                   100%
Anxiety                 838                    94%
Arthritis &
Rheumatic Disorders     589                    90%
Asthma or Bronchitis    226                    88%
Back Disorders        1,142                    98%
Cancer                   29                    90%
Diabetes                 10                    80%
Duodenal Ulcers          40                    90%
Heart Disease            50                    94%
Hemorrhoids             391                    88%
High Blood Pressure     150                    84%
Insomnia                542                    82%
Menopausal Disorders    247                    83%
Menstrual Problems      317                    68%
Migraine                464                    80%
Neurological &
Neuromuscular Diseases  112                    96%
Obesity                 240                    74%
Premenstrual Syndrome   848                    77%
Smoking                 219                    74%

Prenatal Yoga Use of Birth Balls in Pregnancy and Labor

Prenatal Yoga use of Birth Balls in Pregnancy and during Labor.

Here are some excellent resources for you to have on hand and to practice while pregnant, and to use in easing your labor pains.

Birth Balls. Use of Physical Therapy Balls in Maternity Care by Paulina G. (Polly) Perez, R.N.

Great Expectations Pregnancy Program with FitBall by Lisa Westlake (1/2 price on VHS tapes right now), Mother of two, Physiotherapist and Australian Fitness Leader

Carolyne Anthony's Childbearing series - Using the ball during pregnancy DVD

Exercising during pregnancy with the "Gymnic-Plus" ball. (in Italian and English)

I used these resource to help supplement my prenatal yoga practice, and the prenatal yoga classes that I taught, during my fourth pregnancy in my late forties. Also used the yoga poses on the ball and otherwise during labor to help me through my induced contractions. It works!

Any Questions? Please post a comment!

What My Booth Looked Like At the Health Fair

So here is what my booth looked like at the Health Fair. I stood out in front of the booth, in the yoga mat area and talked to folks about yoga, gave out information, had people enter the yoga giveaways, get a snack (very popular), and demonstrated poses. It worked out very well.

I used some of my materials from my scrapbook days (sizzlets alphabets), and corner rounders for the photos. Had my students write up testimonials and showed a vinyasa of easing upper and lower back pain from RestoraFlow Yoga creator, Sara Varona. Passed out information from YogaFit too!

Additionally, I took my YogaFit Kids cards, and displayed a Sun Salutation, as I thought that people might ask about kids yoga that way (yeah, they did).

I did giveaways for yoga mats, private lessons, free classes and a 3 month family membership to the local YMCA (thanks Port Arthur YMCA!!).

SinuCleanse "Neti-Pot" on sale this week!

This week at Walgreen's until Saturday night March 28th, 2009. The SinuCleanse Nasal Wash Kit is $5 off. If you were thinking of acquiring a "Neti-Pot" system, go and get this. Nice, because you can put it into the dishwasher to clean, if you want. I like this specific system, well, because it was the first and only one I've purchased.

It was advertised last year or so in Yoga Journal, and other Yoga magazines.

I like it that they include the little salt to go with it!

p.s. use lukewarm water, try n0t to shock your nose with cold or super warm water!

gaileee

Round Yoga Mat Review

So I received my Lululemon 360 round yoga mat this weekend.

I reviewed and did Jennifer Wolfe's Prenatal Vinyasa Yoga Short Forms DVD, using the round yoga mat. I did the 15 minute option. I found that when we did the down dog, then bringing the thumbs together, then bring the foot to the outside of the hands, of course there is more room on the yoga mat to do this. That was nice.

Now, I'm 5 foot 10 inches, so rather long legs and torso. This mat for me is not long enough. My little tootsies are off the mat, when we go into extended childs pose, and I have a wobbly knee, so I need a bit more thickness. I typically use a towel, under the one knee, but for me, that is a bit hard to manage on the round mat. I don't know why.

So last night I took it to my Christian Yoga class. We typically set up in the "Great Room" (basketball court type of room, concrete), and I'm in the middle. Wow, now that worked out well for me to teach to the whole room. I was able to seamlessly move about on my mat, and eventually "work" the entire room in this circle format.

I took the round mat to my class today, and this is set up to where there is a raised area, where the instructor teaches from, and uses a microphone. I decided to try to get the folks to let me be in the center, which is not the typically the way that this crowd is used to. I wanted the top ends of the mat to face the circle (like petals on the flower), but one wanted to be in the same direction as, I as she has to see what I'm doing, and apparently cannot hear me, even with the microphone. So, that is something for me to absorb and use in change the manner in which I teach.

Next time I'll use the round mat, on the raised platform, and see how it works. I'd love a BIGGER round mat, and thicker, but I can't pay that high price to get to that level (unless y'all want me to review a BIGGER Thicker mat!)

Round Mat, I think is good for teachers!!

Yoga Poses to Ease Upper & Lower Back Pain

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga Testimonials for Gaileee, E-RYT

Health Benefits of Meditation.....and Breathing....

Though meditation is usually recognized as a largely spiritual practice, it also has many health benefits. The yoga and meditation techniques are being implemented in management of life threatening diseases; in transformation of molecular and genetic structure; in reversal of mental illnesses, in accelerated learning programs, in perceptions and communications beyond the physical, in solving problems and atomic and nuclear physics; in gaining better ecological understanding; in management of lifestyle and future world problems. Some benefits of meditation are:

	It reduces oxygen consumption.
	It decreases respiratory rate.
	It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
	Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients.
	Leads to a deeper level of relaxation.
	Good for people with high blood pressure as it brings the B.P. to normal.
	Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
	Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.
	Builds self-confidence.
	It increases serotonin production which influences mood and behavior. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches.
	Helps in chronic diseases like allergies , arthritis etc.
	Reduces Pre - menstrual Syndrome.
	Helps in post-operative healing.
	Enhances the immune system. Research has revealed that meditation increases activity of 'natural-killer cells', which kill bacteria and cancer cells.
	Also reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.

Are there advantages in yoga for pregnant women?

Are There Advantages In Yoga For Pregnant Women

Fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, tenderness, swelling, cravings, constipation, cramps, headaches. Pregnancy can really get you down. However, many women are turning to yoga for the duration of their pregnancies to alleviate many of the unfortunate symptoms, for keeping excess weight off during those trying months and to provide their babies with the healthiest possible start.

Pregnant women practice yoga for physical benefits. For instance, yoga practice can teach techniques that will be helpful during labor, such as breathing and relieving tension around the cervix and birth canal. Additionally, prenatal physicians recommend combining a light cardiovascular exercise (like walking) with a relaxing, muscle-toning exercise (like yoga) to maintain your physique, in spite of the intense cravings and normal weight gain associated with pregnancy.

Other pregnant women practice yoga for mental benefits. For one, it can be a great support to meet other women going through the same thing you are. Also, there is much emphasis on focusing on the moment and deriving happiness from each and every day, which can be vital when your hormones are out of whack. Yoga has been known to stimulate beta-endorphins, which also brings comfort and a sense of relief.

Yoga for pregnancy improves circulation, leg strength and increases energy. Sitting and standing positions are the most recommended, with pressure put on the shoulders and back, rather than the abdomen.

Yoga videos can be previewed at YouTube.com — or you can read user reviews on Amazon.com as well. There are many options featuring yoga for pregnant women, so it’s all a matter of your personal preference regarding setting, instructor, technique and comfort. Some focus more on emotional benefits, whereas others are designed to help strengthen muscles. You may also want to look into communal yoga classes at Yoga.com. Either way, this is a special time to bond with your baby — don’t pass this up!

It may surprise you to learn that Yoga dates back to 3300-1700 B.C.E. and has long been a practice of Buddhists, Hindus and other Eastern religions. But what should not be surprising the tremendous benefits that this form of exercise and meditation can bring to your life. Working professionals, students, home-makers and the retired alike are finding how wonderful they feel after participating. The sense of calm that prevails as well as the satisfaction of muscles well worked all make Yoga the perfect blend of philosophy, religion and exercise. Even if you do not practice the spiritual aspects of this ancient practice, you can still benefit.

Original article can be found at: http://broadcastarchives.net/health-blog/?p=146

Gestational Diabetes - Prenatal Yoga - Walking

Did I mention that I tested positive for Gestational Diabetes at 28 weeks?

Hoo Boy! I had earlier in my pregnancy went to the diabetes nutritionist, so I had an idea about the small meals all days long, count the carbs, etc.

But, now it was serious! No way did I want the doc to have an excuse to do a C-Section.

My fingers sure did get sore for those last weeks in pregnancy. I tested when I got up.

• I tested after breakfast.

• I tested after snack.

• I tested after lunch.

• I tested after snack.

• I tested after dinner/supper.

and yes,

• I tested after my last snack.

I did really well actually, in writing everything (yes, everything) down that I ate, the carb count etc. Whenever my blood sugars got above 160, I had to go and walk for 20 minutes, retest, and if they didn't go down, call the doctor. My blood sugars always went down.

Well, let me tell you, that 20 minutes of being either outside walking around in my backyard/neighboorhood or on the treadmill really did the trick.

I taught yoga4 times a week by then, too, and I'd go in on my days that I didn't teach, and get on the recumbent bike, and then go the mats, and do more yoga stretching. I really felt strong and in control of what was going on.

Doctor said, he wished his younger patients, would get serious and take care of their health like I did at the "Advance Maternal Age" of 46!

Course he said that I had 1/3 chance of getting diabetes later in life, since I had it while pregnant, so I needed to be retested within 6 weeks, and then on a regular basis after that.

So, little Grace turned out to be the smallest baby, that I had ever had. Only 8 lbs 4 ozs. After I got to 10 cm, she was the quickest to come out.....4 pushes! The birth ball, the breathing, the redirection of sense through Yoga and Bradley Childbirth techniques really works.....even though I had to be induced....no pain meds....quick recovery too....

gaileee

p.s. Be sure to ask your doc/midwife for a referral to a diabetes nutritionist. Often a hospital around you will have one, and even if you have to pay for this yourself, it is information worth having!

Prenatal Yoga Site and UPdate to Beth Shaw's Book!

Howdy!
Here is a site to look at for some prenatal poses.
http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/fitness/prenatal-yoga-workout/

The pose cards you can also purchase on amazon dot com. I have a copy of those,
and they are great!

New Year Greetings!!!

p.s.
Beth Shaw has her new book out!
Here is the scoop!


Famed YogaFit® Principles Outlined in Updated Book

Eight years after the release of the first edition of Beth Shaw's YogaFit, the woman responsible for the trademark combination of cardiorespiratory exercise and yoga poses brings more detailed instruction and content to the unique book. The new edition of Beth Shaw's YogaFit (Human Kinetics, 2009) expands on YogaFit's methods, providing a total-body workout that emphasizes strength, flexibility, and aerobic fitness.

Champaign, IL (PRWEB) January 1, 2009 -- Eight years after the release of the first edition of Beth Shaw's YogaFit, the woman responsible for the trademark combination of cardiorespiratory exercise and yoga poses brings more detailed instruction and content to the unique book. The new edition of Beth Shaw's YogaFit (Human Kinetics, 2009) expands on YogaFit's methods, providing a total-body workout that emphasizes strength, flexibility, and aerobic fitness.

Beth Shaw founded YogaFit in 1994, creating a program that addressed the difficulties yoga faced in the health club setting--bright lights, cold rooms, and clients of various sizes and fitness and flexibility levels. Since its inception, YogaFit has trained more than 75,000 fitness professionals and yoga instructors at facilities in the United States and Europe, and it has been integral to yoga's adoption in health club and spa programs throughout the world.

Shaw highlights YogaFit's immediate popularity among Americans who might be intimidated by conventional yoga. "While traditional yoga has much to offer, it isn't necessary to speak Sanskrit, chant, or even become vegetarian to enjoy the multidimensional benefits of this ancient practice," she explains. "Nor do you have to be flexible or familiar with any aspect of yoga. YogaFit will enrich your exercise program and your ability to enjoy life."

Beth Shaw's YogaFit, Second Edition, has been updated to include more in-depth instruction, illustrated poses, and focused workouts. Shaw also provides new information on warming up and cooling down, building core strength and stability, eating healthfully, and integrating YogaFit principles into daily life.

YogaFit promotes living a balanced life and is active in giving back to the community through outreach programs from their corporate headquarters and partner studios. To gain a certificate of completion, participants in the YogaFit Teacher Training must donate eight classes to a group of people who normally would not have the opportunity to take yoga.
For more information on Beth Shaw's YogaFit or other fitness books, visit http://www.humankinetics.com/ or call 1-800-747-4457. (Actually go to her website at http://YogaFit.com/ and order....thats an order!! (LOL))

About the author:Beth Shaw, president and founder of YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide, Inc., is recognized throughout the United States and Europe as one of the leading experts in fitness today. She also stars in her own exercise video, Beth Shaw's YogaFit Workout.
Her accomplishments don't stop there. She is also an award-winning producer of YogaFit TV and a recipient of the Enterprising Women of the Year Award. She has been published in numerous consumer and fitness publications, including Shape, Athletic Business, Fitness, Yoga Journal, CBI, Fitness Product News, Recreation Resources, IDEA Today, and LA Parent.

With 15 years of experience in fitness training and 11 years of yoga practice, Shaw has received teacher certifications from Yoga White Lotus Foundation, Integrative Yoga Therapy Association, Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing, and Reebok University. She has also completed course work in the UCLA Fitness Instructors Certification Program. She also holds a bachelor of science degree in health marketing from Long Island University.

Shaw founded YogaFit in 1994 and opened her own signature studio in Hermosa Beach, California, in 1998. Her studio currently serves more than 2,000 students a month. Offering an ACE-, AFAA-, and IHRSA-approved teacher training and certification program, YogaFit has trained more than 50,000 fitness instructors from the United States and Europe.
When not teaching and lecturing internationally, Shaw enjoys reading and taking long bike rides along the beach. She resides in Redondo Beach, California.

CONTENTS
Part I Preparing to Be YogaFit
Chapter 1 YogaFit Essentials
Chapter 2 YogaFit Breathing
Chapter 3 The YogaFit Lifestyle
Chapter 4 Warming Up and Cooling Down
Part II Purposeful Poses
Chapter 5 Core Stability and Strength
Chapter 6 Standing and Balancing Poses
Chapter 7 Forward and Backward Bends
Chapter 8 Twists
Chapter 9 Deep Relaxing Stretches and Inversions
Part III Putting It All Together
Chapter 10 Workouts for Fitness and Sports
Chapter 11 Diet