Yoga The Hot New Trend?

Yoga, as most of us know, is the ancient practice of breathing, meditation and a performing of certain postures. Practicing yoga has gained popularity in recent years and is now starting to gain a lot of attention from the material world. This has its serious practitioners concerned that the reason behind it's use will be lost in the grab for cash. Many people that practice yoga, or are attempting to learn it, are people that are well educated and are usually found to be doing above average financially. They are also the types of people willing to spend more money on things that are perceived to be better for the environment. Yoga is now becoming an 'in' thing to do. Because of this a good many people are jumping on the bandwagon and have started to sell all of the 'extras' that are used to enjoy yoga. Entrepreneurs are pursuing this market with a vengeance. These include: books, videos, music, clothes and even the toe socks are making a comeback. A lot of entrepreneurs are happy that they are able to adhere to yoga's natural healing principles while also turning a great profit. And a lot of investors are now being attracted to this trend as a means to make some serious cash.

Americans alone spend over $2.95 billion a year on yoga classes, clothing, videos, equipment, yoga holidays and more. Aging baby boomers have found it to be a less aggressive way to stay fit.

A study found that approximately 16.5 million people are now practicing yoga in the United States in gyms, in studios, or at home, this is up a whopping 43 percent from a study done in 2002.

In Vancouver, British Columbia, the company Lululemon Athletica has found there to be a rise in sales of yoga apparel to $100 million since they opened in 1998. People are snapping up the trendy pants and tops to wear to yoga class and they are becoming more and more popular for wearing to the grocery store or even to wear out to dinner.

Spas are finding that combining yoga classes with massage, facials and alternative treatments such as acupuncture, are a way to utilize a whole mind and body renewal process.

While spas are enjoying the money to be made by using yoga as a part of their product package, many consumers are now coming to enjoy it's many benefits and to realize that there are less stressful ways to stay fit and healthy.

Even some schools are now starting to teach yoga. They are realizing that it is the essence of what's missing in the lives of many modern teens: a connection between their mind and body. An ancient art that has been used for centuries to learn and enjoy a peaceful time, while reducing stress and to cultivate an enthusiasm for exercise. This could not have been rediscovered at a better time. After all, it is not news to anyone that has seen the stories on television that kids and teens are fatter and less active than ever these days.

According to a study done in 2002 by the National Center for Health Statistics it was found that 16% of young people ages 6-19 are overweight. The figures are probably much higher today and we all know just by walking around town that more and more adults are overweight too.

In a time when everything is rush rush and we are all eating more fast food than ever, while leading more and more stressful lives; maybe we all just need to take a little time to relax. Enjoy some yoga and de-stress.

Ahhhh, it makes a body feel good.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Yoga

Best Form of Magnesium

This is kind of a loaded question as I get arguments from some pretty learned people about this but if you look at the data, its pretty much a safe bet that magnesium bound to amino acids (chelates) is the best way to go. Thanks to my friend James Larsen, he made me add this to my blog as he sent me a study entitled ?Magnesium bioavailability from magnesium citrate and magnesium oxide? by J. S. Lindberg, M. M. Zobitz, J. R. Poindexter and C. Y. Pak at the Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235.

In this paper, and many others like it, it is pretty clear that using magnesium oxide as a supplement is just not as effective as magnesium citrate. There is some guy that trolls Yahoo forums trying to get everyone to buy magnesium chloride as some magical form, especially his topical one because he just knows its the best. Problem is, many people are elevated in total chloride loads in their bodies and we just don?t need to add anymore of that to our systems. To top it off, when asked for proof, he, as many other?s who tout that they have ?it?, he resorts to some silly banter about how I?m out to get him and that his proof is on how great he and his family feel.

I?m not here to sell any products, I just want to present the facts. If you want a good form of magnesium, try magnesium citrate. It works, and its cost effective.

Who Else Wants To Build Muscle Fast?

I see it all the time. Guys in the gym doing set after set of all these different exercises, and if you looked at these same people 3 months from now they have not really changed physically all that much, maybe a little more toned but nothing really noticeable. And the elusive question How do I build more muscle is still the battlecry.

Well guys it is not adding more sets, or adding more reps, it is not adding more time in the gym? All these isolated type exercises, are really not going to give you the lasting muscle that you are looking for. Are you ready for the answer?

Intensity+2compound exercises+lots of rest=lots of muscle.

You only need (2) exercises to build muscle. SQUATS+DEADLIFTS. And i mean all the muscle you want. The trick is if you put all of your effort into just these 2 exercises I promise you you will be amazingly surprised at how fast you will grow.

These 2 exercises have such an anabolic effect on the entire body and nervous system it is hard to imagine. These are two compound exercises that will effect just about every muscle in your body. Plus the fact when you add in the chemical equation testosterone and Human Growth hormone what it does for the muscle building process no 2 exercise are better.

Too add more muscle you have to do Compound Exercises. This workout is not for the faint of heart. If done right it is a killer workout believe me when i tell you it will wipe you out.

You have to provide major muscle stimulus to the larger muscle groups in short intense wokouts with adequate nutrition and rest to override the catabolic effect that breaks down muscle during these intense workouts.

An extra benefit to this workout is you get a great cardio workout at the same time. Because your heart will be pumping out of your chest and your breathing will be accelerated tremendously. No more riding the bike, or jogging.

Now everybody is different but I will give you a rough guideline to follow. 2-3 days a week, preferably 2 that's it. These are your workout days. I would say 48-72 hrs in between for adequate recovery. Now I did a total of (10) sets. I started out doing 25 reps, 20, 15, 10, 5. On each of these 2 exercises. Increasing the weight with each set. See what is right for you. The Key is intensity and effort, push yourself to reasonable limits. Your body will be spent. 2-3 minute rest periods.

Now you will have to spend a day or two to get the proper weight for each set, because you want each set to take you to the max. This type of program you will know if you have to drop weight or add weight just by how you feel after you have completed a set. if you feel you could do more add weight to the set. If less you will not be able to do the desired amount of reps.

A question I get is how does this build my upper body? I will tell you from personal experience my arms grew 2-3 inches without ever doing a bicep curl or a trcicep ext. or dip. Because again of the overall anabolic effect that it has on the total body. Think about it? What muscles are you using? Legs, arms, back, shoulders, arms, chest, (deep breathing).

Now i will tell you this. Most people who read this probably won't follow my advice. Why? Because this workout is too difficult for most people, and human nature being what it is people tend to take the easy way out. I have just given you a shortcut to building muscle and it won't take years. You will see major results in 90 days or sooner. It's up to you!

Rest,Rest,Rest, and more rest. This is when your body builds new tissue. This is when you reap the rewards of your hard labor do not compromise this. Take naps during the day. 6-8 hours a night if you can.

Diet? I was famished on this routine. To accelerate muscle growth I would say to get lots of protein. Ex. i gram per pound of bodyweight.If you weigh 220 take in 220 grams. For me I did smoothies, and protein shakes, 2-3 times a day plus my regular 3-4 meals. Try to get a shake in within an hour after you workout. And right before you go to bed to slow down muscle wasting. Lots of Fibrous carbs, and baked potatoe, and yams. I use to bring cans of tuna on the road with me.

Try to use Whey and Casein protein. One is digested rather fast the other slowly. They compliment each other. Remember to build muscle you have to take in extra calories to build added muscle weight. And with this workout you will be burning lots of calories. So pay attention to your diet. If you want by adding creatine which is a supplement and in red meat, you will add to the fullness of the muscle, and volume. But it is not neccesary for results.

So there you have it! Take 2 exercises and call me in the morning!

Who else? Wants to get in shape fast! I need your advice! FREE REPORT by visiting: http://AskYourFitnessQuestion.com

Dealing With Depression

Depression is something that affects most people around the world from time to time and can be very hard to deal with. I have myself struggled with this problem in the past but have lately found ways to cope with this very much unwanted depression. I will write about how I go about doing this in this article.

I have been born into a family which include many members who find it hard to cope with life and are often worrying about something or other. I am one of these people and there does not seem to be a day that goes by where I do not have some issue in my mind, that is making me unhappy or stressed. I have found it very difficult to appreciate all of the things in my life which are basically good as my brain only seems to focus on all of my problems or potential problems.

In the last couple of years I have tried to deal with these what I now call challenges and have attempted to focus more on the positive aspects to my life. This has been very hard for me to do as I am a born worrier by nature as I have already explained.

What I now have decided to do is to try to compare my own life with that of other people who live around the world. As an example, in the last couple of days I have been watching the news programs on the television and have been hearing in horror about the current situation in Iraq. I am sure most readers of this article will be aware of what is going on in Iraq but a couple of events have really shocked me.

The first was a roadblock that was set up by people who were dressed up in police uniform. These people stopped a number of vehicles and dragged out the people who were in the vehicles, onto the street. They included young and old, men and women from what I have heard. Twenty one of them were shot and killed. I can only imagine how frightening this would have been.

The second event took place only the next day when fifty people were taken from their place of work and from bus stops. They were basically kidnapped and taken away in a number of vehicles. I am not sure what has happened to them since and can only hope that they are OK. This again is very disturbing and would have been a horrible ordeal for the people involved.

I am no expert on the situation in Iraq or why all of these things are taking place. I also have no idea on how things can be improved, but something needs to happen to help these people.

For me it shows me that I am very fortunate and if I ever start feeling a bit low, I then think of the people who live in Iraq and also people who live in other countries. I am sure that most of these people would love to swap places with me and if I tried to explain to them why I was starting to feel a little depressed, they would probably laugh at me.

Stephen Hill helps to promote a number of websites including:

eradicate depression

quit smoking tips

identity theft

Powerful Herbs for Weight Loss

If you find it difficult to lose weight you may want to try certain herbs for weight loss that have been shown to be very effective. For centuries, herbs have been used as a natural remedy for everything from a common cold to losing weight. Because every body and lifestyles are different, one type of herb may work better for you that other that's why it is best to opt for a comprehensive blend that has multiple valuable herbs for weight control.

Herbs for Weight Loss that Work

Many different herbs have been used throughout time as weight loss remedies. Alfalfa, corn silk, dandelion, juniper, yarrow, parsley, and uva ursi are commonly known for their diurectic properties and have been used in tablet and tea form.

Green tea, cayenne, cinnamon, and guarana have long been known as thermogenic herbs, making your metabolic rate boost slightly, while bladderwrack and hawthorn berry boosts adrenal glands and improves thyroid function.

Certain herbs can actually trick your body into thinking that you are full and suppress your appetite while others speed up the body's metabolism. Others, like buchu and uva-ursi, remove excess fluid from your body but only as long as the herb is taken regularly. If stopped suddenly, the weight will return quickly.

Be Aware of Hazardous Herbs

There are herbs considered hazardous to your health and even toxic. For example, herbal laxatives can cause your bowels to stop functioning without them. Ephedra, a powerful compound and herbal fen-phen have also been considered dangerous and have been labeled as items to avoid by the Food and Drug Commission (FDA).

Like with all medicines, herbs can cause some ill side affects. If overused, ephedra can overstimulate the body and cause side effects like heart attacks, strokes, chest pain, seizures and heart palpitations. Herbal fen-phen ? with the main ingredient phedra - also has been linked to multiple side effects and is said to account for irregularities in heartbeat, strokes, and deaths by heart attack.

Although the ban on Ephedra has been lifted, it?s good to keep in mind that this herb is quite potent so it?s best to take your time to learn about it and find out if it suits your needs and how to take it.

Safe Herbs that Help You Drop Pounds

Just like some herbs have been labeled dangerous, others have been proven to work in a safe way. Cayenne, which brings your metabolism up at a healthy level, is just one of those. Some other herbs that can help you lose weight are:

Gallium aperine, a plant that grows wild in many parts of the world, was traditionally used as a lymphatic cleanser and a diuretic. It helps to clear toxins from the body, clear skin and rid the body of other conditions that are caused by toxins built up in the body.

Garcinia cambogia has been incorporated for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a natural appetite suppressant but has only lately gotten tons of media attention as a weight loss supplement. Garcinia cambogia acts as a natural weight loss remedy due to its remarkable and numerous properties.

To find out more about how this herb can help you lose pounds and inches effectively and, to learn about another two herbs that aid the break down of dietary fat and the elimination of excess water, visit http://www.yourbodycanheal.com/herbs-for-weight-loss.html

Pam Brown is an editor at yourbodycanheal.com. To read more on powerful herbs for weight loss visit: http://www.yourbodycanheal.com/herbs-for-weight-loss.html

For information on natural health remedies and, to obtain a Free report that reveals Foods that Burn Body Fat, visit: http://www.yourbodycanheal.com

** Attention Ezine editors / Site owners ** You can reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or website as long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

The Way to Lose Weight Easily & Permanently Without Drugs

One of the main causes of obesity on this planet relates to the fact that many of the foods that are being consumed cannot be processed by the livers of the individuals who are consuming them.

Another way to say this is that these individuals have food sensitivities to some of the foods that they are consuming. Sensitivity to food has been linked to many factors i.e. amount consumed, whether they are organic or not, genetic predisposition, blood type etc.

What is also interesting is that one's food sensitivity profile can change over time. In other words one must shift what they choose to eat from time to time.

So how is food sensitivity linked to obesity? Well very simply when your body cannot process a given food that food is seen by the body as toxic to it. Once this happens the body attempts to deal with the offending agent. It does this by walling it up in fat. In order to do this it has to produce more fat.

Hence the more food you consume that you are sensitive to the more fat you accumulate, pure and simple.

As you start to consume only those foods that your body can use then the amount of fat produced is reduced and this allows the body to begin to clear the already stored toxins from the body and this is experienced as the loss of weight or the reduction of one's obesity problem.

So here is my prescription for a solution to your obesity problem;

1. Eat only certified organically grown foods.

2. Have food sensitivity testing done on yourself every couple of years.

3. Follow your personal food sensitivity schedule.

4. Do this under the supervision of your naturopath who will likely need to supplement your diet with necessary viatmins and minerals.

5. Get adequate exercise and sleep.

On point 2 above I would recommend what is called Electro Dermal Screening or EDS testing. You can research this on the internet and find someone close to you who does this.

Be warned however that when you do this research you will likely read a great deal of material, especially from the medical profession that claims that EDS testing is nothing other than quackery.

I've tried EDS myself twice after almost dying because the medical profession could not help me heal from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that had dietary roots.

It literally saved my life, but don't take it from me, always have your own experience and see for yourself.

Dr. Nick Arrizza is trained in Chemical Engineering, Business Management & Leadership, Medicine and Psychiatry. He is an Energy Psychiatrist, Healer, Key Note Speaker,Editor of a New Ezine Called Spirituality And Science (which is requesting high quality article submissions) Author of Esteem for the Self: A Manual for Personal Transformation (available in ebook format on his web site), Stress Management Coach, Peak Performance Coach & Energy Medicine Researcher, Specializes in Life and Executive Performance Coaching, is the Developer of a powerful new tool called the Mind Resonance Process(TM) that helps build physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being by helping to permanently release negative beliefs, emotions, perceptions and memories. He holds live workshops, international telephone coaching sessions and international teleconference workshops on Physical. Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Well Being.

Web site: http://www.telecoaching4u.com/IntroConsult.htm

OCD Victim Why We Do What We Do

Where does an OCD sufferer begin to start? to explain what compels them to do the things that are slowly destroying them inside or the people around them. Catch 22 Do you suffer in silence to please your loved ones or show them the door?

Being an OCD sufferer for as long as I can remember has left me a dedicated addict to Temazepam. The tablets will help was the doctors very words. I also recall him saying, how I would kill myself if I carried on doing what I was doing.

Those life threatening rituals regardless of those words of wisdom from my local GP are still being carried out.

Prescription prescribed one psychologist.

How could he help? Questions raised by the psychologist were that of my childhood. Questions like was I abused as a child. Well if that being the case I certainly was not going to confide in or tell a complete stranger. Some things stay hidden in the closet and are taken to the grave.

Most OCD victims may have suffered at some stage in their life some form of abuse.

In a way this makes sense, but what of our fellow sufferers with no abusive upbringing where do the answers lie?

So severe is the urge to cleanse ourselves, we enter into another world where we find contentment in releasing our energies in habitual rituals that we no longer have control over.

Is there a cure? Yes of course, all we do is stop what we are doing, how?

By not committing ourselves to listen to those little voices in our heads any longer. Demon's who cast an opinion on how we run our lives. What right have they to enter our heads uninvited? Rid of these devils and we have the antidote for the poison inflicted upon us.

For an invisible force they win hands down every time.

Help comes in many forms as in i.e. medication relaxation classes, herbal tonics etc. Depending on the individual and of course how severe the symptoms

Therapies differ and do work with high success rates for many sufferers. Recommending what is best for you is out of my jurisdiction we all differ greatly in our needs to find the cure.

The first step on the road to recovery is to face up to the problem. Will this cure me you ask? No, but it will certainly slow down the process of putting yourself into an early grave.

OCD is about speed, the quicker one job or task is done; it is time to move onto the next. This death sentence that I have imposed upon myself is challenged each day by slowing down.

Do a little research on the illness to find how you can help yourself; this helped me greatly in my search for freedom Finding the time to read was another step forward, because to have done this. I knew I had then put another chore on the back burner.

Half the battle is won for a victim of OCD if they can be heard in the way that they want to be understood.

A move in the right direction is to talk to fellow sufferers of this self destroying disease.

2% of the population are victims to this uncontrollable force behind why we do what we do.

Alienate these aliens by becoming a force with other OCD victims in the battle against self destruction because that is exactly what it is, Self Destruction.

And the most dangerous accomplice on this mission is YOU.

http://www.benidormbeaches.com

I found reading up on the illness to be a great help in understanding Over Compulsive Disorders. Questions answered and explained as to why we do what we do. This helped me to come to terms with the fact that this disease is for life, If you let it