Inspiration to live a healthier life

Home

Healthy Eating

Healthy You

Healthy Travel

Healthy Home

Five Minute Guides

Resources

Product Reviews

News Briefs

Recipe Archive

Have a suggestion for Healthy Living Today? Let us know!

Yoga: A Five Minute Guide

Yoga winds back 5,000 years to its native India and now some 18 million Americans practice it—twice as many as even five years ago. Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yug,’ meaning  union, there are various forms practiced and together they make up the foundation of yoga. The different types share common elements but some forms focus more on postures and breathing exercises while others hone in on spirituality. Key to each though is an emphasis on a certain set of practices, rituals, and beliefs towards a path to union of the body, mind, and soul. As for the different forms, they range from “hatha”, which centers on focusing attention, becoming aware of breath, and moving into and out of postures (asanas) to “Raja,” a variety  known simply as “union by mental mastery.”

As for what is needed to start in towards your path to enlightenment, it’s pretty simple—as simple as old-loose fitting clothing, a mat, and bare feet.

Yoga Favorite Links

Wai Lana Yoga - complete source for yoga DVDs videos, supplies, mats, music, and books. Also offers Little Yogis series for children.  
Yoga Journal - This site covers everything from the basics, to history, to rundown of various poses.
Santosha.com - A great resource for step by step of different poses. Also has a collection of Yoga related features recently covered in the news.
Traditional Yoga Studies - The site of the Traditional Yoga Studies, which is a research and education center. A comprehensive site that covers everything from history and philosophy to explanation of the various types of yoga.
YogaFinder - A resource for tracking down yoga classes, events, and more worldwide. It's the largest yoga directory on the internet.
International Yoga Federation - The website of the International Yoga Federation.

Yoga Shopping Best Bets

Interested in buying a yoga book, DVD, or piece of equipment? Here are some of our favorites:

Easy Yoga Series Videos Beginners Workout- Beginners Workout is designed for beginners and for those who haven't exercised for a while. It's also good for those who want to take a break from their more strenuous workouts but still want to exercise. Toning Workout- Toning Workout starts with an energizing breathing exercise that gets you ready for the exercises to follow. You'll practice over 15 different postures and exercises that will tone various parts of your body. Relaxation Workout- The Relaxation Workout leads you through exercises that will loosen up your muscles, leaving you relaxed and refreshed. It will also help you relieve tension with gentle bending and twisting accompanied by coordinated breathing.

Basic Yoga Kit Wai Lana makes the ancient practice of yoga easy and inviting to everyone with her Basic Yoga Kit. Kit includes: Yogi Mat; 4-inch foam block; 6-foot yoga strap; and a beautifully illustrated instructional poster.

Deluxe Yoga Tote Travel in style with one of our Deluxe Yoga Totes. Whether you're off to class, traveling the globe, or simply spending a day in the park, these silky and elegant brocade bags will keep your mat compact, clean, and easy to carry wherever you go. This drawstring tote features a nylon strap and comes in a variety of colors.

Wai Lana Yogi Mat Regardless of one's age or fitness level, the regular practice of yoga offers innumerable benefits to those seeking health, fitness, or stress reduction. Your Wai Lana Yogi Mat is designed to provide you with a safe, stable foundation upon which to build your yoga practice. The Yogi Mat, Wai Lana's most popular sticky mat, is available in a variety of fashionable colors and is completely latex-free (tested by an independent laboratory). Lightweight, durable, and washable. (1/8"H x 24"W x 68"L)

Wai Lana's Little Yogis™ Video Kit Wai Lana’s Little Yogis Kit is a dream for parents. Fun, safe, easy, and convenient, this complete yoga kit provides everything a little yogi will need to get started on the path to a long, healthy life. Kit Includes: Little Yogis Video – 60 minutes of pure, healthy fun , Kid’s Yogi Mat – Styled with little cartoon yogis in action, in kid-friendly colors and size (1/8”H x 24”W x 60”L), Kid’s Asana Poster – Large, full-color poster with 21 yoga exercises in cartoon style, Colorful Tote – Kids can take yoga to school, to a friend’s house, or on vacation in this sturdy, transparent, easy-to-carry mat bag. The tote also features a video pocket, drawstring closure, adjustable strap, and extra room for snacks 'n stuff.