A Beginner’s Guide to Yoga
In contemporary terms, yoga is an opportunity to unite the mind, body, and spirit. It is the practice of consciously moving your body. It can help you grow stronger, more fl exible,
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and bring some peace and relaxation into your life. Yoga can make you calmer, clearer, and energized and can also lead to deeper spiri- tual awareness. Yoga is many things to many people. Best part is, you get to choose what yoga means to you.
Whatever your body type, temperament, or lifestyle, there is a
yoga class to suit you. Choosing your yoga style begins with trying out a few classes. Brand new to yoga? Don’t worry, yoga is not just for fl exible people. There is no “getting ready” to start yoga. Wher- ever you are in your life, that is where you start. Many studios offer an introduction to yoga or open level class that will teach you the basics. All levels are welcome and many yoga studios will even offer the fi rst class free. Restorative yoga uses strategically placed props to help you sink into deep relaxation and disconnect from the frenetic energy of daily life. This is a great option for people with chronic conditions like fi bromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and back pain.
Gentle and yin yoga styles provide balance, increased fl exibil-
ity, and mental focus. These types of classes can help you relax and delve deeper into tight areas of the body, such as hips, hamstrings, and shoulders. Athletes and those who enjoy intense workouts may fi nd these softer styles of yoga a good balance for their regular rou- tines. Yoga can be a great aid for athletic performance.
If you’re healthy and ready for a physically stronger practice, ashtanga, hot yoga, or a power vinyasa fl ow might be the per- fect challenge. Syncing movement with breath, these sweaty and powerful types of practices offer cardiovascular benefi ts as well as increased muscle strength, endurance, and fl exibility. If you like a strong practice with a fi xed sequence, ashtanga or hot yoga is for you. Vinyasa yoga offers much more diversity. Depending on the instructor, the pace of the class can vary, as can the postures.
So now what do you do? Drop into a yoga studio near you and try out a class, or just soak in the vibe. Have a chat with the studio manager, instructors, or fellow students, and don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you’d like. If you’re interested in trying a variety of yoga styles, choose a studio that offers a wide range of classes. Some studios focus on only one style. Do you want a more social yoga community or are you interested in a quieter practice? What- ever you’re looking for, now is a great time to start. Get out there and try some yoga!
Submitted by West Hartford Yoga
www.westhartfordyoga.com See ad on page 3.
oga is a Sanskrit word that, by defi ni- tion, means union.
The Sun Isn’t The Only Thing Shining: Your Hair Can Too
holistic health? Or are you pondering on a new hairstyle to spice things up? Whether you’re craving a pixie cut or blonde beach waves, healthy hair always looks best no matter the style.
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Shield Your Locks The sun can be harsh. Just like you would protect your skin
from the rays, you should protect your hair too. You can do this by wearing a stylish hat or scarf when you know your strands will be exposed to the sun all day. There are plenty of products that provide UV coverage for your hair. Sun can do more than damage, it can also oxidize the hair, causing it to lose its rich color.
Love Yourself Inside and Out Low water intake can cause dehydration, which is especially common during the summer season. Not getting enough H2O can lead to lusterless hair and a dry scalp. Fresh fruits, leafy vegetables and the right vitamins will keep your hair up to its optimal health.
Trim and Treat There’s no better time for a trim than a new season! Especially
summer when your scalp will sweat more and you’re more likely to mess with your tresses. Consult with a professional hair stylist on just how much needs to be cut to prevent split ends. You can also use the sun to an advantage. Treat your mane with a deep-conditioner before heading out. The summer heat will help to optimize the mois- turizing process.
Submitted by Donyelle McBride, Trichologist, Certifi ed Natu- ral Health Practitioner 92 Weston St, Suite 13, Hartford CT 860.985.2081
h, the joys of summer! The sun is shining, people are smil- ing and it’s the perfect time to travel or try something new. Have you been thinking about beginning a new journey to
www.NaturalNutmeg.com 11
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