Fit Engine

Vinyasa Yoga, Breath-Synchronized Movement

support@fitengine.com — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:38:55 +0000

Like the term "Hatha," Vinyasa Yoga can be used to refer to a number of class types. As a specific type of yoga, it refers to yoga with poses that flow into each other consistent with the breathing. This breathing-oriented flow of poses makes it swift and vigorous in most cases. This is included in Ashtanga yoga (better known as "Power yoga"). In reference to poses, Vinyasa can describe the poses performed between repeats of "Downward Facing Dog" in a Sun Salutation: Plank, "Four Limbed Staff", and "Upward Facing Dog". To enter the Plank pose from Downward Facing Dog, bring your torso forward until your body is straight and your shoulders are directly over your wrists (comparable to a push-up position). Press down firmly through your forearms and hands, widen your shoulder blades, and press back through the heels, regardless of whether your heels touch the floor or not. Make sure your neck stays in line with your spine. Once you've mastered it, you can try performing the pose with one leg lifted at a time. From Plank, enter the Four Limbed Staff by bending your arms straight back, hugging your upper arms to your sides. Lower yourself to the [...]

How to Find a Yoga Instructor

support@fitengine.com — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:36:16 +0000

So you want to start limbering up your muscles and getting a little more in shape? Yoga is a good way to do that, but it could be a little difficult finding a way to start this type of fitness. There are plenty of DVDs to teach you the exercises, but none of them compare to the type of workout you'll get if you have a live instructor there with you. Yoga is something that needs to be learned, and an instructor is much more likely to teach you the skills you need to succeed than a workout tape. It's easy to find an instructor once you know where to look, and chances are there are a few perfect places from the comfort of your own home. If you have a computer with Internet access, you've got your first and what should be your primary source in your search for a yoga instructor. Start with a general yoga studio search and include your zip code, or if you search on Fitengine.com you can search also search by your fitness level to find classes that match your current level – beginner, intermediate, advanced. Other sources include your local or community newspaper, [...]

Belly Dance Basics

support@fitengine.com — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:34:41 +0000

Oriental Dance, also known as belly dancing is one of, if not the most sensual styles of dance. It is also one of the most beneficial forms of dance there is healthwise. In addition to the great calorie burning affect of belly dancing there are other health benefits that this form of dance has become famous for over the centuries. Belly dance has a long and proud history dating back to the dawn of civilization. This style of dance has in its history been used as both an act of worship and an act of seduction. Not always in exclusion of the either as this form of dance is believed by some religions to be a boost for fertility of newly wedded couples. Belly dance is a style of dance that doesn't require participants to be in optimal physical condition in order to begin. In fact, the low impact nature of this form of movement makes it an excellent choice for those who are not in ideal shape to begin with. This form of dance works the muscles gently without the jarring effects of impact aerobics and other exercise methods. It also works the belly, which is often the [...]

Chinese Martial Arts: A Look at HSING-I and TAI CHI

support@fitengine.com — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:31:27 +0000

Throughout the world, Chinese martial arts are well known and well respected. China is a pioneer to martial arts, founding several excellent styles. Although Kung Fu is the most well known Chinese martial art, there are others that are just as good. Below, we will look at some of the other Chinese martial arts that aren't as well known as Kung Fu. HSING-I This is actually one of the internal styles of Kung Fu, very closely in relation to Tai Chi. It teaches students to subordinate their bodies, creating powerful movements with a very little expense of energy. HSING-I isn't well known about, although it is very powerful and well known throughout China. The United States and other areas aren't that familiar with it, with little to no schools or dojo's out there that teach it. Just like Tai Chi, HSING-I has deep roots in Chinese medicine and the Chinese perceptions of nature. The blows that come from HSING-I come from the five elements of the Chinese – metal, fire, earth, water, and wood. Similar to other forms that originate from Kung Fu, HSING-I offers complex, dance like movements that are adapted from the way animals react and move. Due [...]

Yoga at Home

support@fitengine.com — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:29:10 +0000

When you first begin practicing yoga as a form of exercise or meditation, you must first decide how you want to go about learning it. You have two basic choices. First, you can learn from an instructor, either with a one on one private session or in a class setting. Secondly, you can choose to practice yoga from the comfort of your own home. Home practice is common for both experts and beginning students, and while there are many benefits from a class, you can learn yoga at home successfully as well. When you are practicing yoga or any sort of exercise at home, the concern that should cross your mind first is safety. Make sure that you are attempting routines that are correct for you body and that you are not inhibited by your surroundings. Therefore, it may be necessary to move furniture or lock the door when you are doing your yoga routine. Imagine if you don't: your children could run in, startling you, which will cause you to lose your balance during a difficult pose and bump your head on the coffee table as you fall. Be safe-practice in an environment that will not harm you! On [...]