...Where did this ball come from? Is the stability ball a legitimate yoga prop or just a marketing gimmick for equipment sales? Who could benefit from the use of the ball in a yoga class? When can the stability ball fit into a Hatha yoga class?

Where did this ball come from? Stability balls have been around since 1963, originating in Italy. The first time I saw a stability ball, we called it a, Swiss Ball. Yet, the Swiss Balls, at that time, were all made in Italy. American Physical Therapists saw the ball, in use, within physical therapy Swiss units.

As a result, the ball was nick named the Swiss Ball by Americans for decades. The first balls we used at Aura Wellness Center were made by Gymnic Balls in Italy. We tried many brands, but my personal ball is an old Gymnic Ball, which has taken more abuse than it deserved.

Now, these balls are commonly referred to as stability balls, exercise balls, or balance balls....more

yoga: Three Reasons You Should Not Do Plough

...ation and indigestion. It releases tension from the shoulders and upper back. It tones the spinal nerves and increases blood circulation to the whole area. It helps to develop inner balance and mental relaxation. It also calms the brain.

Three important reasons (out of many) not to do Plough:

1) A person with hernia should avoid this asana.

2) Anyone with slipped disc, sciatica or serious back pain should never attempt to practice this asana.

3) If you have neck injury, please do not do this posture.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha yoga by Subodh Gupta, yoga Expert based in London.more

Teaching Hatha yoga: The Transformation

...s happen often. When a yoga student feels the physical or mental benefits of practice he or she becomes transformed by discarding pain and gaining new found enthusiasm.

Within any given yoga class, there is a form of collective transformation that students and yoga teacher experience. If you take a typical Hatha yoga class and consider the warm ups, Pranayama, Sun Salutations, asana practice, meditation, relaxation, or an integration of any other Yogic components; the transformation is quietly happening to the entire group.

There is no mystery here. Transformation of mind, body, and spirit is a result of steady yoga practice.

Copyright 2006 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Using yoga Poses To Improve Your Health

...ana or Downward Facing Dog

Setu Bandha or Half Bridge

Urdhva Dhanurasana or Full Bridge

Karnapidasana or Spider Pose

It's recommended that people try and practice different yoga poses at home or even in the office or workplace but if you are feeling like you're not able to complete a posture, please don't push yourself. yoga is not a competition so just relax, rest for a minute and try the pose again. Also remember not to try yoga poses that are beyond your capabilities. If you attempt asanas that are beyond your level you can injure yourself which is not what we are trying to achieve with yoga! You might find it helpful to get some expert guidance through popular online training websites where a professional teacher can instruct and coach you through each Yoga Pose ensuring you are doing the exercise correctly.<...more

Pink Yoga Mat