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Yoga 101

Tanya Schliff — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 16:49:43 +0000

Whether you have been practicing Yoga for a very long time or are ready to learn more about it, there are fabulous Yoga retreats found across the globe catering to all levels of experience. Before we talk about wellness resorts and retreats, here some Yoga basics…

Yoga is an ancient Indian body of knowledge that dates back more than 5000 years ago. The word “Yoga” came from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which means “to unite or integrate.” Yoga then is about the union of a person’s own consciousness and the universal consciousness.

Six Branches of Yoga
Hatha Yoga (Yoga of Postures) is the most widely known path of Yoga and you are probably most familiar with it because of its popularity in the West. This branch of Yoga uses physical poses or Asana, Breathing Techniques or Pranayama, and Meditation to achieve better health, as well as spirituality. There are many styles within this path – Iyengar, Integral, Ashtanga, Bikram, Kripalu, and Jiva Mukti to name a few.

The other five branches are: Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion) is the path most followed in India. This is the path of the heart and devotion. Yogis who practice this branch sees the “One” or the Divine in everyone and everything.
Raja Yoga (Yoga of Self-Control). This path is considered to be the King of Yoga and this may be due to the fact that most of its practitioners are members of religious and spiritual orders. Raja Yoga is based on the teachings of the Eight Limbs of Yoga found in the Yoga sutras. Jnana Yoga (Yoga of the Mind) is the path of Yoga that basically deals with the mind, and as such, it focuses on man’s intelligence. Karma Yoga (Yoga of Service) is the path of service for in this path, it is believed that your present situation is based on your past actions. So by doing selfless service now, you are choosing a future that is free from negativity and selfishness. Finally, Tantra Yoga (Yoga of Rituals) This Yoga is about using rituals to experience what is sacred. Although sex is a part of it, sex is not the whole of it since this path aims to find what is sacred in everything we do. Tantra Yogis must possess certain qualities like purity, humility, devotion, dedication to his Guru, cosmic love, and truthfulness among other things.

Types of Hatha Yoga
Ashtanga / Power – An athletic, fast paced yoga that is not recommended for beginning students. The core emphasis is on Vinyasa – incorporating Ujjayi Pranayama and linking the breath with each movement throughout the practice. Ashtanga has a rigid sequence of poses and uses the practice of Mula Bandha. Power yoga is a derivative of Ashtanga using a more creative sequencing of poses.

Bikram / Hot – Physically focused and athletic yoga practiced in a room heated to 100+ degrees. Bikram is a rigid sequence of 26 poses, while Hot yoga incorporates more of a variety of poses.

Iyengar – A technical yoga with a strong focus on alignment and a heavy use of props. Iyengar yoga also emphasizes the therapeutic properties of the poses. A good choice for the beginning student.

Kripalu – an therapeutic, gentle and spiritually focused yoga with clear alignment and a three stage approach incorporating Pratyahara (inner focus) and Dhrana (meditation) within the yoga poses. Great choice for the beginning student.

Kundalini – an dynamic, esoteric and energizing yoga incorporating pranayama, movement, asana, and chanting. The aim of Kundalini is to invoke the dormant spiritual energy at the base of the spine.

Sivananda – an traditional approach to yoga with a ridgid class structure of asana, pranayama, meditation and relaxation. Sivananda yoga teaches many advanced poses making it not the best place for a beginning student.

Viniyoga – a therapeutic and individualistic approach to yoga incorporating Vinyasa through the use of repetitious movements in and out of a posture. This highly adaptable yoga is good for students with physical limitations or injuries.

Tennis Anyone? Top Tennis Resorts and Stylish Gear For Spring

Tanya Schliff — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 16:59:16 +0000

Spring is here. Nothing better than being outdoors to enjoy it.

Stella McCartney for Adidas Spring Collection has just arrived, pictured above is a preview of her tennis line. Pair this cute, yet feminine Tennis Dress ($160) with this Tennis Bag ($140) to haul all your gear. After Tennis, slip into these stylish leisure slip-ons ($85) and enjoy an Iced Tea. You deserve it. Now all you need is to getaway and show off your moves.

1. Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina – Two tennis facilities grace this resort, the Roy Barth Tennis Center in East Beach and the West Beach Racquet Club. West Beach has 14 Har-Tru courts, one of which can be used as a stadium, and 2 lighted hard courts. East Beach has 9 Har-Tru and 3 hard courts. At both clubs, the courts form a semicircle around the weathered wood pro shop, whose decks provide a comfortable place to watch the action. Winding paths through pine trees lead to courts variously bordered by palmettos, pampas grass, oleander and flowers.
2. Rancho Valencia Resort, Rancho Santa Fe, California – There are 18 hard courts (none with lights) arranged in three clusters variously called Palm, Citrus, and Sycamore for the trees planted around them. One of these courts has been dedicated to a self-feeding ball machine. Court time is free with stay. We love everything about this resort the villas, the restaurant and the staff.
3. The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado – The complex consists of 9 hard courts, each of them individually fenced and laid out in terraces on a long gentle slope below the clubhouse. Though the weather may be mild enough to allow outdoor play throughout much of the year, they cover two of its courts with a bubble in winter. Court fees: $25/hour ($30/hour indoors).

Four Seasons Westlake Village – Introductory Special

Tanya Schliff — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:26:39 +0000

Four Seasons Westake Village is offering an Introductory Package that includes a complimentary night with one paid night and a $100 credit per person per stay toward the Carlifornia WellBeing Institute. Rates for this Introductory package start at $375 per room. The hotel is located only 45 minutes from Los Angeles and boasts expansive gardens with an asian inspired theme throughout the 20 acre property. As a guest , you have access to The California WellBeing Institute a center integrating health, nutrition, relaxation and inner living and fitness. The center offers one-day, three-day, and ultimate programs, including events and personalized service where you will find state of the art medical clinic, healthy eating demo kitchen, workshops, fitness center and a science-based rejuvination spa. All in the name of living well.

Yoga on the Go

Tanya Schliff — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 20:47:28 +0000

Who needs a studio when you can practice on your own. After a long flight the downward dog is the perfect stretch to melt away the tension.

Yoga gear is such an easy piece to pack with you on a trip and designers are getting more and more creative with their inner OM by originating innovative travel gear. Here are a few examples of traveling in yoga style.

Row One: Gaiam Power Yoga Mat Kit for $30, Saka limited edition Unfur Bag ($66), Fila Women’s Yoga Bag ($69)
Row Two: Modern Union Stripped Yoga Bag ($68), Look Within Sandy Beige Faux Ostrich Bag ($160), Santosha Overnighter Bag ($99.95), Stella McCartney for Adidas Yoga Mat ($82)