Yoga   Yoga: For Health and Much More

Data gathered by Centers for Disease Control show that 65% of Americans are overweight and 31% are obese — and both rates have doubled in the past 25 years.

Dahn Yoga was founded by Ilchi Lee to provide people in the U.S. and around the world with the tools to regain and maintain their body-mind fitness. Based in the principles of several thousand years of Asian health practices and modern brain research, Dahn Yoga classes (stretching, breathing and meditation) and individual healing sessions are ideal for weight and health management.

What can people expect from doing the full range of Dahn Yoga exercises? Many testimonials report these results: Pounds melt away as strength and flexibility increase. People improve their digestion and normalize their elimination. Their abdomens and thighs became tighter and firmer. They feel lighter, breathe easier, and look healthier and more attractive, which in turn builds confidence and self-esteem.

Lee recommends five exercises that have the specific benefit of decreasing weight and improving general health:

1. Abdomen Tapping. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with the knees slightly bent. Lengthen and relax your spine, shoulders, neck and arms. With your palms, tap your abdomen in a rhythmic, striking motion, focusing on the feeling of inner vibration it creates. Do it at least 100 times a session, 2-3 sessions a day.

2. Intestinal Exercise. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with the knees slightly bent. Lengthen and relax your spine, and relax your shoulders, neck and arms. Place your hands comfortably on your abdomen, with your two thumbs pointing toward the navel and your two index fingers touching each other to form a triangle. In a rhythmic pace, push your abdomen out as you inhale, and pull it toward your back as if you want it to touch your spine. Breathe comfortably. If your feel any pain in your intestines, stop and with your palms gently rub your abdomen in a clockwise circular motion. Start with 100 times a day, working up to 500 times.

3. Rocking the Spine. Sit on the floor, pulling your knees to your chest, feet together. Clasp your hands and lock your fingers around your shins. Keeping your chin tucked at all times, roll back on your spine and extend your legs toward the floor behind you. Start with 30 a day, working up to 100 times. Afterwards, pull your knees to your chest and rock from side to side to massage your spine.

4. Fish Exercise. Lie on the floor, with your arms and legs extended. Lace your fingers and stretch your arms up, while relaxing your neck and shoulders. Keeping your feet together, sweep your upper body and lower body in the same direction, toward the right and then the left, feeling your torso being stretched and stimulated. Do 30 repetitions, 3 times a day.

5. Shaking the Extremities. Lie on your back, and lift your arms and legs straight up from the body. Relax your entire body. Rapidly shake your extremities so that your entire body vibrates. Keep breathing slowly in and out of your abdomen. Do this exercise for 2 minutes, 3 times a day.

For more information, visit dahnyoga.com.

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Recently, Equinox Fitness Clubs introduced the second New York City outpost of Pure Yoga, a luminous playground from Hong Kong where many practices share a common, return-to-fundamentals purpose.

Pure Yoga is quite simply that. An aah-inspiring return to the authentic styles of yoga housed in 20,000 square feet of modern, minimalist luxury. The result is an accessible and immersive experience for body and mind.

THE PURE YOGA EXPERIENCE
The moment members arrive at the new Pure Yoga, they depart, so to speak. The luxurious space includes lounges, amenity rich locker rooms, a yoga boutique, as well as eight practice rooms that accommodate Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Iyengar, Hot Yoga, Private Yoga, functional training, and Pilates.

The hustle of Manhattan’s Upper West Side stops at Pure Yoga’s doorstep. Upon entering Pure, shoes are not permitted in the inner studio environment, which is arranged in a sequence of interconnected courtyards and lounges. Each courtyard functions as a communal gathering space for the studios, while comfortable lounges provide the opportunity for a moment of reflection, a hot cup of tea, or a conversation with a new friend.

Because Pure Yoga is devoted to offering the best experience possible, a studio guide will help new-comers determine what aspects of yoga speak most to them and navigates the hundreds of classes and wide range of styles given each week to make a blissful match. And, each style offered comes in three levels, starting with a beginner-level technique classes.

Returning members and yoga pros will meanwhile feel continually engaged by the ever-evolving teachers, inspired programming, never-ending education, and an energizing community. Pure Yoga guides, supports, motivates, and invigorates members to keep advancing their practice.

Each and every Pure Yoga instructor has a high level of experience in many styles of yoga and its complementary techniques. These teachers are the foundation of Pure and Pure is as committed to their evolution as they are to the members.

For more information, visit pureyoga.com.

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A new survey conducted by Maclaren Buggys and BackCare, ‘The Charity for Healthier Backs’, has revealed that 83% of Mums suffering from back pain believe it has been caused or exacerbated by their children. Mums cite pregnancy as well as the day-to-day lifting and carrying of their children as the main reasons but the survey highlighted a significant proportion of these mums (73%) also link back pain to pushing, folding or lifting pushchairs.

In response to the survey, Backcare has joined forces with Maclaren to create a ‘Top Ten Tips’ providing advice on what to look for when choosing the right pushchair plus general tips on how to care for your back when looking after young children.

The survey reveals just how often women are using their pushchairs:

- 84% of women are using their pushchairs up to 3 times a day
- 91% are folding or unfolding them up to 3 times a day
- 87% are pushing them between three and ten miles a week.
- 47% are frequently lifting them in and out of the car

TOP TEN TIPS FOR MUMS ON HOW TO LOOK AFTER THEIR BACKS

1. Look for a buggy with good handle height to keep yours arms in a good pushing position – this will help keep your head, neck and back in the correct alignment.

2. When pushing your buggy you should keep your shoulders down and relaxed and your elbows in.

3. Make sure the buggy you choose has a frame that allows you to swing your legs fully in front when walking.

4. Opt for a lightweight buggy, especially if you are always lifting it in and out of the car.

5. Make sure your buggy is easy to fold/unfold.

6. When lifting your child try not to bend over, instead bend at the knees and squat next to your baby. Hold your baby close to you and straighten up from the knees. ‘Bend your knees, not your back’ is the key to lifting small children.

7. If you are picking up a toddler, put one foot in front of the other, bend at your knees and encourage them to ‘walk’ up your front leg.

8. Avoid carrying your child on one hip – instead carry them in front of your body with their legs around your hips.

9. Exercise your back regularly – many exercises and activities can help you keep your back fit and healthy, Yoga, walking and swimming are particularly popular.

10. Use a well-designed backpack, such as the one BackCare has available* that spreads the weight evenly over your shoulders to carry your baby equipment – not a single sling bag.

For more information, visit maclarenbaby.com or backcare.org.uk.

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