Proven Ways to Flourish With Holistic Exercising by LA Muscle

Natural Health Company Femme Slender has teamed up with one of the world’s leading Doctor’s of Natural Medicine, Dr. Kyrin Hall, to bring you two of the best, most invigorating natural forms of exercises you can perform almost anywhere!
Yoga and Pilates have long been a favourite amongst women the world over and can have fantastic effects on the entire respiratory and core muscle system.

Here, we look at combining the best of Yoga and Pilates and bring you fantastic techniques and ways to get you in a perfect state of mind, body and soul.

Yoga

Deep breathing and meditation can alter our psychological state and help us to put things into perspective. When in a relaxation mode, our heart rate can slow down and the feelings of anxiety experienced during stressful situations are calmed. Breathing is an involuntary action and, when performed deeply, can induce a relaxation response which can positively affect our metabolic rate, respiratory function, blood pressure, emotional state, hormones, aging, and our appetite.

It can:

(1) Revitalize the immune system (rid the body of toxins)
(2) Transform apathy and depression by oxygenating the brain
(3) Improve blood circulation, awaken the cells in the body which aid to carry away metabolic waste
(4) Address stress related ailments such as lower back pain, headaches and muscular tension
(5) Improve metabolic rate (the speed in which the body burns fat) – This is also heavily improved by ingredients such as Cayenne and Guarana which can be found in products like Couture Curves (www.femmeslender.com)

Breathing exercise:

Get comfortable, ideally lying flat on your back with knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Relax your face and use as little muscles around that area as possible. Place your hands on your abdomen, next to one another, then practice breathing outwards and directing this towards your lower stomach area. Close you eyes and imagine concentrate on your breathing technique. Keep the mouth closed and breathe in through the nose and out through you mouth. The ultimate aim is to slow the breathing down to two breaths per minute.

Deriving its roots from the ancient teachings of India, the word ‘yoga’ originates from the Sanskrit word yuj meaning "to unite". Yoga integrates the body, breathing, and the mind. There are many styles ranging from Hatha yoga, gentler stretching to Asthanga (a more cardiovascular exercise) and strengthening practice. The teaching of yoga is often accompanied by a meditation practice and can invigorate your mental state drastically.

Pilates

Pilates is a series of exercises that also teaches awareness of breathing and the alignment of the spine. Started by Joseph Pilates during the First World War, Pilates aims to condition the body by strengthening core abdominal muscles, using the control of the breathing techniques with flowing movements – This can be done on a reformer (machine) or a mat.
It can:

(1) Be suitable for women with low bone mineral density who are prone to osteoporosis

(2) Improve postural alignment - achieved through the strengthening of the core muscles

(3) Promote mind-body awareness and release endorphins (feel good energy)

(4) Be good for weight loss, helping to stimulate connective tissues which helps to break down fat
(5) Tone the body in a uniformed manner

Exercise:

The Hundred: Lie on your back with your knees bent and maintain a neutral spine. Extend the legs forward along the floor, without the lower spine lifting off the mat. Take your arms alongside your body and lift your legs off the floor. Gently pump the arms up and down a few inches in unison with your breathing. Keep your abdominals scooped inwards and do a cycle of 10 full breaths. Each cycle is five short inhalations and then five short exhalations. The Hundred requires the coordination of breathing along with the movement and it is often used as a dynamic warm-up for the abdominals and lungs.

Daily Tip: Imagine you can tie your navel to your spine – this will improve core postural awareness each time you push in, hold and release.

Engaging in the practice of Yoga or Pilates helps to promote strong mind-body connection. It will also aid in developing open mindedness and the realization that we are working not just on our bodies but also on the way we feel which enables us to develop qualities like focus, patience, discipline and gratitude.

Dr. Kyrin Hall can be seen exclusively on www.LAMuscle.TV giving useful Yoga and Pilates advice on her show. Check out www.yogabird.com for more info on Dr. Kyrin Hall.