Yoga Success: 7 Important Tips

Yoga Success: Yoga has been proven to relieve stress by using exercises that unify the mind, body, and spirit. If you are new to yoga, these seven tips will start you on the road to a more centered life.

  1. Talk to your doctor and explain what type of yoga poses you intend to practice. Show your doctor pictures of the poses for illustration. Your doctor may rule out specific poses if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, a history of retinal detachment, or heart disease. Make sure you follow your doctor’s recommendations.
  2. Find a yoga class that best fits your abilities. Talk to prospective teachers, and decide whether of not you can handle a program before you sign up. It’s very important to take it one step at a time. Try a few beginner classes before you attempt more vigerous classes. Don’t move ahead too quickly. Allow your body to adjust to your exercises.
  3. Listen to your body and be aware of your physical abilities. You don’t want to hurt yourself. Make sure the instructor understands your level of experience and any limitations you may have. Don’t allow anyone to push you ahead too quickly. Remember, this is supposed to be fun and relaxing.
  4. If you can’t find a class that meets your needs, you can always practice yoga at home. There are many books, programs, and tapes available to help you get started. Search for the best products on the Internet and read reviews. Talk to others for recommenations.
  5. Why not try private lessons? You can book some one-on-one sessions with a teacher in your area. Most yoga instructors offer private classes or can help you design your own program. This is a good way to get started. You can always take group lessons or practice at home after you’ve had private lessons and learned the basics.
  6. Find a yoga buddy. It’s nice to practice with someone and it will help reduce injuries. It’s also a great way to keep up your enthusiasm and interest.
  7. Eat lightly before practice. Wait at least two hours after meals before yoga class or practice. An empty stomach is best, but don’t let yourself get too hungry to think. You won’t be able to focus on the poses or enjoy yourself during the relaxation or meditation exercises.

Now it’s time to grab your mat and a towel and get the most out of your yoga exercises.


Dive into our Yoga Journey Course, meticulously crafted to cater to both newcomers and seasoned yogis.

Experience 13 video guided Yoga sessions, from foundational poses to advanced sequences.

Our course ensures not only physical revitalization, but also mental clarity and holistic well-being.

Yoga Sucsess

Benefits of Yoga

Benefits of Yoga through meditation works remarkably to accomplish harmony and helps the mind work in synchronization with the body. How often do we find that we are unable to perform our activities properly and in a satisfying manner because of the confusions and conflicts in our mind weigh down heavily upon us?

Stress is the number one suspect affecting all parts of our physical, endocrinal and emotional system. And with the help of yoga this things can be corrected. At the physical level, yoga and yoga poses have proven to be extremely effective for various disorders.

Listed below are just some of the benefits of yoga that you can get.

Benefits of Yoga 1:

Yoga is known to amplify flexibility; yoga has postures that trigger the different joints of the body. Including those joints that are not acted upon with regular exercises routines.

Benefits of Yoga 2:

Yoga also increases the lubrication of joints, ligament and tendons. The well-researched yoga positions exercise the different tendons and ligaments of the body.
It has also been found that the body which may have started doing yoga being a inflexible one may experience a quite remarkable flexibility in the end on those parts of the body which have not been consciously worked upon.

Benefits of Yoga 3:

Yoga also massages all organs of the body. Yoga is perhaps the only exercise that can work on through your internal organs in a thorough manner, including those that hardly get externally stimulated during our entire lifetime.

Benefits of Yoga 4:

Yoga acts in a wholesome manner on the various body parts. This stimulation and massage of the organs in turn benefits us by keeping away disease and providing a forewarning at the first possible instance of a likely onset of disease or disorder.

One of the far-reaching benefits of yoga is the uncanny sense of awareness that it develops in the practitioner of an impending health disorder or infection.

Benefits of Yoga 5:

Yoga offers a total detoxification of the body. It gently stretches the muscles and joints as well as massaging the various organs.

Yoga ensures the optimum blood supply to various parts of the body.

Benefits of Yoga 6:

Yoga helps in the flushing out of toxins from every nook and cranny of your body as well, as providing nourishment up to the last point. This leads to benefits such as delayed ageing, energy and a remarkable zest for life.

Benefits of Yoga 7:

Yoga is also an excellent way to tone your muscles. Muscles which have been flaccid and weak are stimulated repeatedly to shed excess fats and flaccidity.

But these enormous physical benefits are just a side effect of this powerful practice. What yoga does is harmonize the mind with the body and these results in real quantum benefits.

It is now an open secret that the will of the mind has enabled people to achieve extraordinary physical feats, which proves beyond doubt the mind and body connection.

In fact yoga = meditation, because both work together in achieving the common goal of unity of mind, body and spirit which can lead to an experience of eternal bliss that you can only feel through yoga.

The meditative practices through yoga help in achieving an emotional balance through detachment.

This in turn creates a extraordinary calmness and a positive outlook, which also has tremendous benefits on the physical health of the body.


Dive into our Yoga Journey Course

Meticulously crafted to cater to both newcomers and seasoned yogis.

Experience 13 video guided Yoga sessions, from foundational poses to advanced sequences.

Our course ensures not only physical revitalization, but also mental clarity and holistic well-being.

Benefits of Yoga

What happens when you skip a workout?

What happens when you skip a workout or two? Ever wonder what happens?

I have a good news-bad news answer for you …

First of all, missing a couple of scheduled workouts isn’t a huge deal… at least not physically.

The problem is that it can get you into a cycle that can turn INTO a very big deal.

(And I’m not talking about planned rest days here – those are an important part of the process.)

I’m talking about the workouts you miss because your schedule gets crazy or you just aren’t in the mood.

When you miss THOSE workouts, it gets easier and easier to skip future workouts, until you fall off the bandwagon altogether.

What happens when you skip a workout:

  • Within the first week, you lose endurance, and your heart rate may be higher when you’re active. You might find yourself huffing and puffing when you do your next cardio workout, and it’ll take a few workouts to get your cardio fitness back.
  • Within the first couple weeks, you start to lose strength and your muscles start to shrink in size, which can lead to weight gain.
  • During the next few months, you can lose even MORE cardio endurance and strength — and you will notice your energy level dropping, too, which can lead to being even less active.
  • Over the long run, this can set you up for all the ailments and diseases that are linked with low activity levels including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, several types of cancer, and obesity.
  •  Plus it can affect your mood, your sleep, your mobility, and so much more!

So, what do you do instead of skipping workouts?

1) If you legit can’t squeeze in your workout because something important came up, do some intentional movement anyway.

Go for a walk, crank out some squats and push-ups, have a dance party in the kitchen, flow through some sun salutations… basically get in some intentional movement, even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes.

2) If you don’t feel well, listen to your body and take the rest you need.

3) But on days you don’t “feel like it” — keep the promises you make to yourself. These are the days you probably need it the most. Just show up and go for a few minutes.

Move yourself to get motivated — because the motivation doesn’t always show up first.

This will reinforce your commitment to yourself and your goals, and it’ll help you build more self-confidence and bulletproof habits.

It’ll also protect you from that awful feeling that you’re back to square one when you start working out again.

What happens when you skip a workout? – now you know.


What happens when you skip a workout

– but feel you need motivation, inspiration and know-how – but you think perhaps a personal trainer and a dietitian will be too expensive?

Then our NSH FIT membership can help you!

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Click on the link below to see more – and – to be inspired and motivated!


Reference:

Lack of Physical Activity (cdc.gov)

If You Don’t Use It, Will You Lose It? (acefitness.org)

Jumping Back on the Fitness Bandwagon (acefitness.org)

What the scale CAN’T measure

As a fitness coach for the last 30+ years, and someone who helps others achieve better health, fitness, and weight loss, I still see too many people obsess over this one thing. 

What the scale shows you. 

Sure, if you have some unhealthy weight to lose, by all means! Studies show 93% of health markers improve from proper weight loss alone. So do it however you can safely and sustainably.

BUT if you get too obsessed over just what the scale shows you,it’s a never-ending roller coaster ride full of frustration. 

What the scale CAN’T measure:

The scale can’t measure the feeling of joy you get when you can bend down and play with your kids or grandkids without pain. 

The scale can’t measure the positive impact of you cooking and sharing a wholesome meal at home with your family.

The scale can’t measure the pride you have by going to a restaurant.  And choosing a healthier meal instead of defaulting to the high-calorie pub grub.

The scale can’t measure the influence on your kids when they see you take time for yourself to work out at home or leave for an hour with your gym bag.

The scale can’t measure the importance of having healthy blood markers after your annual check-up.

The scale can’t measure the confident feeling you have when you slip into a new outfit and love the way you look.

The scale can’t measure the feeling of admiration you have when your spouse or partner touches you and gives you “that” look!

The scale can’t measure the feeling of freedom  you get when running on the beach barefoot or the feeling of functional fitness from driving the golf ball hundreds of feet.

The scale can’t measure the positive side effects from when you don’t need those medications anymore.

The scale can’t measure the priceless and proud feeling of getting a new promotion at work because of the confidence and endless energy you have.

The scale can’t measure the feeling of trust and mobility you have when running behind your child learning how to ride a bike

The scale can’t measure the feeling of strength andstability you have when helping move furniture up flights of stairs into your friend’s new place.

The scale can’t measure the precious memory of you being around long enough to dance with your son or daughter on their wedding day.

The scale can’t measure the magic moment of sitting back and savoring the sunset well into your seventies next to the one you love.


While you continue on your wellness journey to living your best life, I hope this showed you what really matters, and took some of the weight (of your weight) off your shoulders today. 

And to remember that the gravitational pressure of you on this earth doesn’t measure your SELF-WORTH.

PS. Do you know somebody who needs to read this? Please give this a love and a share!


You might want to read this one, too: Intermittent Fasting – Debunking Myths

Why Do We Want To Be Fit?

What is it that drives us to seek fitness? Is it the way we look and feel after a workout, radiating with energy and an inner glow?

Is it the sense of accomplishment we feel when we finally master that new move or achieve our goals?

Or is it something deeper – a connection to our authentic selves, forged through movement and breath?

Whatever the reason, one thing is clear – being fit matters. And why wouldn’t it?

After all, when we’re fit, everything just seems to fall into place.

Life feels good on every level.

So let’s explore what fitness means to us – and how we can make it a lifelong habit.

External Validation

Some people go to the gym for the sake of being externally validated. They want to feel like people are noticing their progress and that they’re becoming someone that is more physically appealing.

And well, while that shouldn’t be the main reason to take care of yourself, it is in fact important for people for a number of reasons.

First, it can help people feel good about themselves.

When people receive compliments or other forms of positive feedback from others, it can boost their self-esteem and make them feel better about themselves.

Second, external validation can help people feel like they belong. (this is the third primal human need, after survival and safety!)

When people feel like they belong to a group or community, it can make them feel more connected and engaged.

Lastly, external validation can help people make better decisions.

When people receive input from others, it can help them to better understand their options and make more informed decisions.

Ultimately, to say it shortly – external validation is important for people because it can help them feel good about themselves, belong to a group or community, and make better decisions.

Self-Confidence

Some people go to the gym to train in order to have more self-confidence. They feel that if they can accomplish something physically, then they can transfer that success to other areas of their life.

They see the gym as a place where they can test their limits and boundaries and push themselves further than they thought possible.

This type of training builds mental toughness and grit, qualities that are essential for success in any area of life.

For these people, the gym is not just a place to get physical exercise, but it is also a place to build confidence and develop a positive outlook on life.

And frankly… NOTHING can give the same confidence, as a strong, aesthetic physique.

Imagine this – you come home after a long day. Throughout the day, you’ve done a lot.

Each and every part of your body is filled with blood and you’re energized.

You take your clothes off before going to bed and you look into the mirror, seeing that you are looking better by the day.

… This is the ultimate form of self-confidence – when you’re naked and have nothing on you.

No fancy watches. No nice clothes. No expensive cars.

Just you and your body.

 

But Mostly… Procreation

Now, last but not least, we just HAVE to mention how things work in the brain.

The brain is constantly making judgments about the people we see around us, and one of the things it takes into account is physical fitness.

From an evolutionary standpoint, it makes sense that the brain would be wired to prefer mates who are physically fit and able to produce healthy offspring.

After all, good genes are essential for survival, and a fit body is a sign of good genes.

Of course, not everyone is attracted to the same type of body, but the general preference for fitness is hardwired into our brains.

Perhaps, this is why each and every one of us subconsciously leans toward fitness… Because ultimately, we’re made up of trillions of cells, all working towards a common goal – procreation.

So, listen up… next time you see someone with a great body, remember that it’s not just you – your brain is recognizing a prime mate!

Final Thoughts

People want to be fit for a variety of reasons. Some people want to feel better about themselves, others want to set an example for their children, and still, others want to improve their health.

No matter what the reason, there are countless benefits to being fit that can help improve our lives in many ways.

Stick to your fitness habits and bring good health and a good shape in your later years!


How Mindset Impacts Our Performance in the Gym

Has your training felt kind of “off” recently? Perhaps your head is not in the right place, and you are starting to see that impact on your performance in the gym.

Or maybe you just hit a new PR lift recently. You impressed and surprised yourself, and you are trying to understand what changed that meant you hit that lift.

This article will focus on how your mindset directly impacts your performance, the impact of a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and the impact stress has on your training.

Let’s take a closer look!

What Mental Barriers Are Impacting Your Gains?

Establishing a strong mental attitude is essential, and it directly impacts your results. For example, if you don’t think you can do a press-up, are you going to try? Unlikely.

If you change your mindset to “If I practice hard, one day I will do a press up,” the chances are, you are much likelier to try and therefore achieve your goals.

But let’s look into this a little further. Let’s see how a fixed versus growth mindset impacts your training and what impact stress might have on performance.

Fixed Vs. Growth Mindset

The best performing athletes in life adopt a growth mindset. This viewpoint allows athletes to embrace challenges, never give up despite facing obstacles, take learnings from mistakes, and gain inspiration from the success of others.

Athletes with this mindset don’t limit their world and constantly strive to expand it.

On the flip side, athletes with a mindset that is fixed have the opposite views. These athletes believe they can’t make changes, no matter how hard they try. This athlete is scared of failure, and so they give up easily. Another athlete having success scares them, and they struggle with negative feedback.

Don’t worry. Your mindset is something you can alter. Once you adopt a better mindset, you will immediately find yourself much closer to your training or sports goals.

Set Intentions

When you do anything, you should set an intention or goal. That rule applies to the gym and anything else you do in life.

Why are you doing what you’re doing? This includes planning your intention before you train, exercise, or play sport.

Consider how you want to feel after training. What steps will help you achieve this? Plan your intentions based on how you want to feel post-workout.

Good examples include feeling productive, improving your mood, increasing your weight, or reducing stress.

However, be wary of the difference between intention and expectation.

Visualization

Elite athletes are great at visualizing where they want to be. It is one of the most powerful mental tools you can use to overcome doubt and build a growth mindset. The concept is based on the fact that if you can imagine yourself achieving a goal, you have more chance of physically achieving it.

Be as detailed as possible, considering each individual aspect. Engage all your senses. Take a minute to visualize before you dive into your training, and it will help you start on the right foot.

The Impact of Stress

One major impactor on changing your mindset can be stress. Don’t get me wrong, a little bit of stress can be a good thing, as it helps drive you to achieve your training goals.

However, too much stress can hinder them. Stress can have a significant impact on training performance.

Stress and exercise are a common relationship. Pre-race or pre-training jitters are to be expected. However, bad stress can mentally and physically impact your progress and performance.

When you get stressed, your body releases cortisol, also known as the fight-or-flight response. Your body hits high alert, and your heart rate and breathing rate quicken as your muscles tighten.

Tense muscles can greatly impact your training performance, as the body will stop moving as effectively and efficiently.

How to Decrease Stress

As you can tell, if you suffer from stress, then it is important to try and lower your stress levels. You certainly don’t want your stress levels to impact your performance.

Here are some ways you can lower your stress:

Try breathing techniques – Focus on each breath and count to four before breathing out. Repeat this ten times.

Get more or better sleep – Try and focus on getting more quality sleep. Go to bed earlier, and try to go for an hour without screens before bed.

Sort out your diet – Stress can develop from a poor diet, so try to limit how much pre-packed and processed foods you eat.

Write it out – use a journal to vent, or try talking to a friend.

Organize your time – Set alarms and keep a calendar to help keep your stress levels down.

In Summary

It is undeniable that your mindset directly impacts your performance. Your thoughts have the power to limit your capabilities, and more and more research is showing that.

Search for ways to decrease stress, and try to catch and correct yourself if your inner voice ever sounds like a fixed mindset.