Yoga - It's A Good Exercise For Children

We've all heard it before - the ever increasing number of children being identified as suffering from symptoms of depression, ADHD and other disruptive and emotionally crippling conditions. When looking at the principles and effects of yoga, it is easy to understand how Yoga can be a refreshing alternative for children to spending hours in isolation watching television, using their computers or mobile phones or listening to music in passive environments.

In a world of instant gratification, the effects of prescribed or over the counter medication on the mind and body is usually immediate. However, like most alternative options and treatments, the positive effects of this exercise on the mind and body is gradual. Yet, they are meaningful and permanent.

The effects of this technique on the body include important aspects which assist mankind in general and children. It teaches one how to breathe deeply and freely, improves and fine tunes coordination and the poses when done correctly stretches the neck and spine which in turn positively affects the nervous system.

By employing a variety of poses differing in difficulty, the body is encourage to use its own natural abilities to attain balance and improve flexibility. Muscles and tendons are stretched and it is especially beneficial for the abdominal, back and neck muscles that improve and hold our posture. It is important to bear in mind that this technique works with the body to improve alignment of the various body parts and organs.

There is sufficient research to confirm the direct connection between the physical, emotional, mental and psychological aspects of a person. At the core, yoga is about uniting body, soul and mind through breathing. It sets out to allow you to find out who you are and to be aware of yourself and the world around you. We live in a very competitive "winner takes all" world. Many people (not just children), find coping in such an environment very difficult. Yoga provides an environment which is conducive to focusing on yourself. You are encouraged to take little steps, to do what you feel is right for you, there is no "wrong or right", no competition - everyone is a winner on the day.

The biggest advantage for children is the rate at which their self esteem improves as the master the poses and breathing exercises. As the body becomes stronger and flexible it starts healing itself by improving the immune system, reducing the blood pressure and even reducing insomnia. Deep, free breathing not only slows the breathing pace it quietens and calms the mind. This change in mind and body has a positive effect on our mood.

 

Studies have reported that yoga, as a complementary treatment, has a significant positive impact on children suffering from ADHD.

Whether you practice yoga as an adult or child, you will get in touch with all your senses as you are taught to access more parts of your brain. As you become aware of your abilities and increase your patience with your own inabilities you will learn to face challenges with tolerance. Continued practice of this will teach you to respect yourself and others by increasing awareness and improving your social skills. Most importantly you will gradually increase in your own feeling of physical, mental and emotional self-confidence.  

 5 Critical Reasons Why You Should Improve Your Fitness

1. Reduce your risk of illness. 

If you are fit and take exercise you have a higher chance of living longer, it’s that simple. You feel better and have much more energy. You are more likely to ease the symptoms of common ailments such PMS, menopause, varicose veins and lower-back pain. Your suppleness improves and you generally recover quicker from an accident. You can reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes. Overall, you have a general sense of well-being.

2. Weight Loss

For most of us losing weight is not an easy task. By exercising regularly you can improve your metabolic rate and therefore, burn off more calories. Once you’ve lost the excess pounds you are more likely to maintain your new weight by continuing your fitness regime. Dieting is not just about eating less, it’s crucial that you keep walking, swimming, going to the gym, or whatever exercise you feel is more beneficial to you.

3. Improving your Mind

The psychological benefits of being fit are not to be underestimated. With regular exercise – even just a daily walk of 30mins – you can improve your memory and judgement skills. You can cope more calmly with stressful situations and lessen your chances of depression. You feel good about yourself are likely to have a more positive outlook on life.

4. Role Model for you Children

As a parent, if you are fit and healthy, you will instil a sense of this in your children. You are their role model in so many situations and if they see you eating healthy and taking regular exercise and enjoying it, then they are going to follow your lead and hopefully continue a healthy lifestyle into the future.

5. Happiness

Living healthily will not only make you and your family feel and look better, chances are you’ll be a lot happier. You will have a positive outlook on life and will be able to enjoy all that it has to offer. Your mind and body will be improved and you will be on your way to living a long and happy life. In conclusion, be happy and stay fit, It’s the best way forward!

Staying Fit Indoors

If you are unable to find a sitter and get out of the house everyday for your fitness routine, there are other options.

There are many Wii activities that can benefit you and your health. Most fitness games are are compatible with the Wii Balance Board (Wii Fit Board). If you are not familiar with fitness related activities for Nintendo Wii. They can all be found on our shopping page, as well as the accessories needed for Wii fitness activities.

Weightloss

A Battle You can Overcome!

The challenges of weightloss can be rough, but you can do it!

You are thinking may want get in shape this year and shed a few of those unwanted pounds? Losing a few pounds is a lot easier than losing a lot, and after the holidays, with many of us still in the midst of winter, it is just too easy to accept those few extra pounds and ignore them. Let’s say you’ve picked up 5 pounds this year. In 6 years, if you do nothing about it, that will be an extra 30 pounds – and because our metabolism slows down as we get older, you can probably add another 5 pounds onto that! 35 pounds is a lot more difficult to get rid of, so before it reaches that stage, resolve to get rid of your excess weight now.

If one of your new year’s resolutions was working out and losing weight, then now is the time to get started. Put it off any longer, and you probably won’t get round to it at all. Your main goal should be a healthy lifestyle, but you need to plan the small steps that will get you to that goal.

1. Make a Plan

- set out your goals, but separate them into the various actions you are going to take. For example, your goal may be to lose 12 pounds by April, to exercise three times a week, and to maintain that weight and the exercise routine for the rest of the year.

- work out how you are going to lose weight. Are you just going to cut down on the ‘bad’ stuff by yourself, and do your own thing in terms of exercise? Or are you better with some instructions or guidelines to follow? A weight loss program can help you stick to the plan, and guide you properly towards a healthier lifestyle.

- set up a schedule.  your meal plans, write a shopping list for the groceries you need, and write out your exercise schedule.

2. Watch what you eat

Your weight loss program will give you nutritional guidelines, and you know what to avoid. Stick to it – especially after your initial weight loss. Going back to the bad eating habits will not help you maintain your weight. 

3. Exercise, exercise, and more exercise!

If you only have a couple of pounds to lose, then walking the dog a couple of times a week may be all you need. However, once your body is used to the exercise, you may need to push it a little harder in order to stay fit and healthy. If you are following a weight loss program, you will probably have a routine to follow – keep at it even after you’ve reached your goal weight. Exercise is vital for weight maintenance and good health.

4. Motivate yourself

Remember why you wanted to lose weight in the first place. Your main reason should be because it is better for you to have a healthy body weight. You will make mistakes, and you will probably cheat once or twice. That is no reason to give up though, so just carry on with your diet plan straight away. We’re all human, and accepting that will help you to carry on and achieve your goal rather than giving up.

5. There is no quick-fix

A weight loss program can certainly help you lose weight, some of them quicker than others, but that is the short-term solution to an immediate problem. A healthy lifestyle continues long after your diet program, and that is when it is important to realise that this is a long-term commitment. No matter how long it takes you to reach your goal weight, it is going to take the rest of your life to maintain it! The good news is that healthy eating and exercise can become habits, just the same way bad eating and inactivity became habits before.

Getting healthy and staying healthy are great New Year resolutions, and should be about more than just getting thinner. You, your partner, children and grandchildren will benefit from your healthy lifestyle – and they may learn how to do the same for themselves. Make your New Year’s Resolution a lifelong one – and start today.