Yogakutir

If your resolution is to be more fit or get in a size smaller or to calm your mind, its time to declare 2013 as the Yoga year!

Laughter relaxes the whole body, relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed.It boosts the immune system. Decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. It triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Mats or Weights? : what's going to suit you more Gym or Yoga

- For quick weight loss gym works faster than yoga but Yoga is longer lasting
- Gym tightens & firms muscles to more noticeable degree but yoga promotes muscle mass and improves body toning
- Gym takes care of the cardio, muscles and external build where as yoga works for mental well being, flexibility, coordination, smoother functioning of internal organs and physical healing
- Too much time spent at the gym can cause fatigue and make you feel exhausted. On the other hand, yoga energizes and refreshes you
- Gym aids increase your metabolism and Yoga has exercises that work for your nervous system, balance your hormones & powers up metabolism
- Gym can help reduce cholesterol, good for osteoporosis where as yoga can help prevent and cure with correct breathing exercises, has stretches for body aches in all parts, enhances blood circulation and beauty from within
- Gym works great on your body but doesn’t do much for your mind while Yoga works on the five aspects — mental, physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual.

Have a yogic xmas! Celebrate this christmas by gifting your loved ones a unique idea of good health with yogakutir. Ho ho ho

Miracle in a tea cup: Yogakutir shares the secret recipe for the hot Herbal de-cafe brew of this season!

Ingredients:
7-8 Tulsi / Mint leaves
Lemon grass
1/2 tbsp chai masala
1/2 inch freshly ground ginger
2 cods ilichai
1 tbsp honey or jaggery (instead of sugar)
1/2 cup milk (optional)
1/2 cup water
rose petals (for garnish)

Method: Boil Cup of water add all the above and cover for few minutes.
Add milk, boil, cover and cook slow and strain.

Total Time: 15 mins (Unless you go to some deep forest to collect these herbs!)
Excellent curative for colds, coughs, sinuses. Share your tips, versions, experience with this one.

Roof-top Yoga an enriching experience!

Our today's class had the liberating feeling of being up away from it all, a little closer to heaven. No matter how hot down below, there's always a cool breeze up above. Fealt the freedom as we all stretched under the open skies. A true surrendering feeling as clouds pass over our heads while in shavasana.

Don't say you're not flexible to do yoga, its just like saying you are too dirty to take a bath!! :-)

Yogakutir: self check quiz

How many normal breaths (not deep breathing) do you take per min in a restful state?
(add at least 3 to your answer because the moment one is aware we automatically tend to breath more slowly).

Normal respiratory rate should be between 9 and 12. However, most adults breathe much faster (about 15-20 breaths per minute) than their normal respiratory rate. Don't be alarmed if your count is over 20.

Breathing exercises / Pranayam taught at Yogakutir can be done regularly to reach the ideal count.

Make your face radiant and glowing with Yoga?

Applying creams, using face wash and sun block your skin will become smooth but the real glow is always reflective of inner health. Yoga balances hormones and boosts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your skin. It keeps the skin resilient and prevents dryness and excessive sagging; it also tones the muscles of your chin and neck to prevent the double chin.

Yoga helps in the removal of toxins from the body. Holding yoga postures improves blood circulation which increases the amount of oxygen carried to various organs of the body, which offer relaxation to facial muscles and impart a natural glow to the skin. Following the asanas, mudras, pranayamas and Kriyas that are taught at Yogakutir that specially designed to improve blood circulation, clean the system and restore internal balance. The results would be beautiful, radiant skin.

Yoga Diet Tip for the week: Cut FAT our "indian" way this winter:

You don't have to acquire a taste for olive oil, seaweed or soya to maintain a low-fat, healthy diet. Yoga suggests eating well-cooked, sparsely spiced foods for this season. Top 6 ingredients that can help you lose fat and gain health:

Turmeric: Regular intake may help reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure, increase blood circulation besides being natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent.

Cardamom: This is a thermogenic herb that increases metabolism and helps burn body fat. Cardamom is best digestive aid that process other foods more efficiently.

Curry leaves: These leaves flush out fat and toxins, reducing fat deposits that are stored in the body. Add 8-10 leaves in your diet daily. Chop them finely, mix them in a drink, or sprinkle meals.

Garlic: Contains the sulphur compound allicin which has anti-bacterial effects. It reduces cholesterol and unhealthy fats.

Moong: The bean sprouts rich in Vit A, B, C & E and many minerals. The high fiber & protein are effective in stabilizing blood sugar and prevent its rapid rise after meal consumption.

Buttermilk: Regular intake provides the body with all essential nutrients, does not add fats and calories to the body. It is thus helpful in weight loss.

Consume Daily!

Awaken the Yogi in you!

Origins of yoga are known to be at least 5000 years old, even before Hinduism. The earliest evidence traced to 3000 B.C. The word "Yoga" in Sanskrit, means to unite or join.

Learn to balance and harmonize your body, mind and emotions using movement, breath, posture, relaxation and meditation to establish a healthy, vibrant and holistic approach to living.