Monday, December 27, 2010

Temple Yoga & Wellness Center New Year

Temple Yoga & Wellness Center has got you cover in the New Year!!! HAPPY 2011



Get some love in the New Year!

I Love My Temple Tees












Get Creative in the New Year!

Artistic Wellness Workshop Creativity












Get in Shape in the New Year!

Yoga for Weight Loss








For more Temple Love visit www.ilovemytemple.com

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Artistic Wellness Workshop





We all have it. It's a flash of genius, a light bulb idea, a creative talent or breakthrough concept that will change our lives and, ultimately, humanity.
The Artistic Wellness Workshop is an 4-week program designed to assist creative people with completing their creative projects and deadlines. The program will utilize yoga, breathing techniques, meditation and goal setting to establish patterns and routines for success.
In this workship participants will learn to: face distraction; prolong concentration; stimulate perseverance; face fears, create balance, priotize schedule, maintain authenticity, and enjoy the art of revising.
The info session for this upcoming webinar will take place on Feb. 2nd at 1pm.  Class will start on Feb 9th at 1pm.  Please email ilovemytemple@gmail.com if you would like more information.  





Enjoy this wonderful video by author Elizabeth Gilbert and get inspired.  



Sunday, August 15, 2010

Warrior III

Virabhadrasana III
(veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-anna)

Balance is one of the most wonderful things. However, if you don't practice balance you lose it. It was believed by many of our ancient yoga sages that lack of balance makes for poor posture which causes the belly to protrude and the mind to be sluggish. Neither of this things sounds like a recipe for good health. So how do we confront our balance head on? One of the best ways is to give your best effort to your balance poses. A good way to do that is with Warrior III.


Benefits
I love that yoga has poses which offer your body & mind so many wonderful benefits & Warrior III is no exception. This pose strengthens the ankles and legs. It also strengthens the shoulders and back muscles and if you are looking for strong abs this is the pose for you. Warrior III improves balance and posture.


Getting in and out of Warrior III

Note: You can do this pose near a wall if you need additional support.


1. Stand at the back end of your mat. Inhale bringing the hands to up over your head. Step forward on your right foot and lift your left foot off the ground. Fully engage your left leg as if you are standing on it.

2. Exhale and lower your chest towards the floor. You want to keep your leg in line with your side body. Make sure you keep your hips even. Keep your belly pulled in tight.

3. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

4. Inhale lift your chest and lower the leg back to the floor. Repeat on the other side.


Sunday, July 11, 2010

Fly Like the Eagle


Eagle Pose
Garudasana

(gah-rue-DAHS-anna)


My first encounter with Eagle pose was in a Hot Yoga class many moons ago. I had know idea what I was in for and why wrapping my body around itself was even beneficial. All I remember thinking about was the heat and the question swirled in my head about why am I even doing this to myself....lol I am sure many of my students can soo relate.

Now that I am a little more seasoned I, of course, love this pose! I see it helping my students that suffer from sciatic and arthritis. I feel that opening across my shoulders when I am in the pose and know my shoulders would thank me if they could. Eagle has help my ankles get much stronger than in my running and aerobic days. So, let's explore the Eagle pose.


Benefits
Eagle pose strengthens and stretches the ankles and calves. You also get an amazing stretch in your upper back and shoulders as well as your hips and thighs. Eagle improves your concentration and improves your balance. It offers circulation into your major joints (ankles, knees, hips, shoulders and wrists) which counters swelling and arthritis. It also a great therapy for asthma, sciatica and lower back pain.

Getting in and out of Eagle Pose

1. Stand tall in Tadasana (Mountain Pose).

2. Inhale reach the arms out at shoulder height.

3. Reach the right arm out front and then stack the left arm on top. Bend the elbows so the backs of the hands face one another and then bring your palms together. Keep the elbows at shoulder height. Thumbs should face your face.

4. Inhale lift your head and chest. Exhale sit into Chair Pose. Tuck your tailbone underneath you.

5. Lift the right leg up and over the left leg. Squeeze the thighs in towards one another and wrap the foot around to the back of the leg. If you are unable to wrap the foot around then bring your big toe down next to your ankle.

6. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Breathe.

7. Release and repeat on the other side.


Find your inner eagle and soar through this pose. As always your body will thank you.

Top Photo: Akilah Richards of Execumama @ Sweet Water Wellness Center.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Kick Things UP with Headstand



















Salamba Sirsasana
(Why Sanskrit? Cause you can go anywhere in the world regardless of language barriers and practice yoga!)
(sah-LOM-bah shear-SHAHS-anna)
salamba = with support (sa = with
alamba = support)
sirsa = head

I love Headstand! I know.....you think I say this about every pose, and maybe I do. However, Headstand has a special place in my heart for several reasons. And its not just because it has so many wonderful benefits. This pose boosts confidence!

Something about getting a new yogi into Headstand after a few session of yoga and you have turned on a light bulb. It offers a shot of amazement towards the body's wonders and strength like no other. Regardless of age, body type or fitness level Headstand awakens the playful side of people, the side that was buried under all that adult responsibility. It some how brings the kid in us all to life in a way that reminds my students of life possibilities instead of life's limitations.

Ok, you want proof right? You wanna know how standing on your head can make you feel more alive...well, I challenge you to just try it....but before you do, check out the benefits.

Benefits
The benefits of Headstand are endless. This pose was dubbed the king of all asanas (poses) because of its many benefits. Headstand relieves stress and calms the brain. This pose rejuvenates the mind making your thoughts clearer. It can even relieves mild depression and anxiety. It stimulates the pituitary gland (which balances the pancreas, ovaries, testes, thyroid gland and adrenal glands) and pineal glands(aka the third eye & balances the mood, appetite, sleep, muscle contraction, and some cognitive functions including memory and learning), Headstand strengthens the arms, legs and the spine, along with the lungs. Sleep and memory improve with the use of this pose and your energy level increases. The lungs get stronger helping you to resist colds, coughs, tonsilitis and palpitations. Its therapeutic for asthma, infertility, insomnia, and sinusitis. It tones the abdominal organs and improves digestion. Eliminates constipation and sluggishness in the body's cleansing system. But don't take my word for it, try it yourself and see what it does for you.

Getting in and out of Headstand

Caution: I caution that if you feel afraid to kick up into headstand you try this near a wall for support. Also, if you feel overwhelmed visit a yoga class first and get instruction from a yoga teacher.

1. Bring your mat near a wall. Place your index fingers on each ear at the top. Draw a line from the top of your ears to the top of your head. Once your index fingers meet at the top of your head that is the spot you want to place on the floor or on your mat.

2. Come down onto your hands and knees. Interlace your hands a few inches away from the wall and bring your elbows down on the mat directly below your shoulders. Your knees are directly below your hips.

3. Place the top of your head in between your hands and bring your elbows right back into place. Do not allow your chest to collapse towards the floor. Lift it up make your back nice and strong.

4. Stand up on your feet and walk the feet in towards your face.

5. Once you can no longer walk forward lift one leg while pushing off from the floor with the other leg. (This part may take a little practice.)

6. Once you have both feet on the wall lift your shoulders back away from the ears and push through your elbows. Make sure your core muscles are nice and strong.

7. Tighten your core muscles and push through your legs as if you are standing on them. You can try bringing the legs off the wall one at a time or try them both. Keep in mind the wall is only here for support. The goal is to free stand. Stay here for at least 2-5 mins for beginners and 10-15 mins for advanced students.

8. To come out take a deep inhale and exhale lower your legs down together until the toes touch the mat. Make sure your legs & belly are engaged as you lower down.

9. Bring the knees to the mat and take a Child's pose. Stay here for at least 30 seconds.

Headstand is a wonderful pose for kicking up your energy level. Give the king of asana a try see how wonderful you feel.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Upward Plank Pose

Upward Plank Pose

Purvottanasana


For this week's pose, I wanted to focus on something that would open the chest and offer the great remedy for all of our forward motion in life. We are constantly rounding our shoulders forward when we drive, type, write and in many of our other daily activities. Even when we are just sitting we don't give it a second thought to round forward or slouch.

Benefits
Upward Plank strengthens the arms, wrists & legs. It also stretches the shoulders, chests and front ankles. Its an awesome remedy for fatigue and helps open the heart and chest area.


How to Get in and out of Upward Plank Pose

1. Sit in Dandasana (Seated Staff Pose) with your fingers tips behind your bottom. You want the fingers to point forward towards your buttocks. Your legs are extended along the mat, but if you need to modify you can bend the knees and bring your feet onto the mat.

2. Exhale and lift your bottom off the floor pressing your hips upward. Push through your thumbs and your big toes.

3. Squeeze the shoulder blades in towards one another.

4. Drop the head back but me mindful not to compress your neck.

5. Breath and hold for 30 seconds to one minute.

6. Exhale and lower your bottom back down to the mat coming back into Dandasana (Seated Staff Pose)


Open your heart and give the shoulders a much needed stretch while strengthening you arms and legs. Namaste.

Weight Loss,Yoga, & Meal Planning 101

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Love Boat Pose

Full Boat Pose
Paripurna Navasana
(par-ee-POOR-nah nah-VAHS-anna)
paripurna = full, entire, complete
nava = boat

Those of you who attend my classes know I love Boat Pose. Why? This is one of the best poses for strengthen the core. Now, who needs a strong core? Everyone. Core strength is at the center of every exercise, yoga pose & movement we do in everyday life. Cores strength simply is the foundation for building upper & lower body strength. Your back, hips, pelvis and abdominal muscles are your core muscle groups. They provide proper balance, posture and keep you strong and free of injury.

Benefits
The fabulous boat pose is so beneficial because it strengthens the abdomen, hip flexors and the spine while stimulating the kidneys, thyroid, prostate gland and intestines. Boat relieves stress & improves your digestion.

How to get in and out of boat pose

1. Sit on the floor with the legs extended and back straight in Dandasana (Staff Pose). Relax your shoulders lift your chest and bring your arms up at shoulder height.

2. Recline and lift your legs squeezing your thighs and knees together. The goal is to lift the legs straight out and to keep your back straight and your chest lifted. If you can not straighten the legs then bend them. You are balancing on your sitting bones.

3. Hold for 30seconds to 1minute. Make sure you maintain a steady flow of breath. If you need support sit near a wall putting the back of your head on the wall.

4. Exhale and lower your legs and then your arms. You can rest by sitting with the back straight & the legs extended Staff Pose (Dandasana) or lie down on your back with the legs extended Corpse Pose (Savasana).

Set sail towards a stronger core and allow boat pose to navigate the way! Namaste.


Photo taken @ Sweet Water Wellness Center by Tiffany Brown.


Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Fooditude- Roasted Red Pepper Tuna Sandwiches


Two weeks ago, my Yoga for Weight Loss group was visited by Chef Shelley Chapman of Naturi Beauty Concepts www.naturibeauty.com. She came in and gave a wonderfully creative interactive quick meal/snack that was sooo delicious we were licking our fingers and wanting more. What's so great about these recipes is they literally take minutes. And what's so awesome about Shelley is she loves sharing her delectable treats. Check out her wonderful Roasted Red Pepper Tuna Sandwiches & Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups!


Roasted Red Pepper Tuna Sandwiches
  • 1/3 cup bottled ranch salad dressing
  • 1/2 cup bottled roasted red sweet peppers, drained
  • 1 12oz can solid white tuna, drained & broken in chunks
  • 1 8.75 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained
  • spinach leaves, rinsed
  • choice of bread
  1. Prepare roasted red pepper sauce, by blending or food processing ranch dressing and roasted red peppers until nearly smooth
  2. Prepare tuna filling by mixing corn with tuna. You may try chopping and adding some of the additional roasted red peppers to the tuna/corn mix.
  3. Combine tuna mix with roasted red pepper sauce.'
  4. Spread on bread and top with spinach leaves. Enjoy
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
  • 1.5 cup pretzels, crushed
  • 3/4 cup chunky or smooth peanut butter
  • 3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 3 TB hazelnut chocolate cream (Nutella)
  • 12 mini muffin cups
  1. Melt chocolate chips and hazelnut chocolate cream in a double boiler
  2. Crush pretzels in a ziplock bag with a meat mallet/tenderizer, bottom of a glass, or hammer
  3. Spoon 1 TB of peanut butter onto nonstick surface and top with 2 TB of crushed pretzels.
  4. Shape into a ball and press into mini cupcake wrapper
  5. Repeat until all wrappers are filled
  6. Pour over the melted chocolate mixture and place all the cups in the refrigerator
  7. Allow to set for a minimum of 30 minutes or overnight.
  8. These work really well if you prepare them in advance for the week. When you get a salt/sweet craving, you will already have them available. Enjoy :)

Fooditude is Food + Attitude. I invite you to contribute your tasty healthy recipes via email @ ilovemytemple@gmail.com (Subject: Fooditude). You can send pics along with your contributions. Tell me why your food has a great healthy attitude and I will post them on my blog. My favorites healthy treats will be shared with my Yoga for Weight Loss group.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Run for this Yoga Pose


Many of you know that I recently started back running. Now, I am aiming for a 12 min mile by the end of the summer, but right now, I run a.....ummm....let's just say its slow. I mean the turtle on the sidewalk is out doing me at this point. Nonetheless, I decided to take my time and utilize my yoga expertise to help me with my running. Many of my students are also running so, I figured we are all in need of some runner's support.

Chair Pose (Utkatasana// (OOT-kah-TAHS-anna)
Those of you who attend my classes have noticed we have been doing quite a few Chair poses lately. The reason is simple, this is an awesome pose. Besides that Chair pose removes stiffness in the shoulders and while strengthening and toning the legs. Chair pose corrects weaknesses in the ankles. The diaphragm gives the heart a gentle massage in this pose. Your lower back and abdominal muscles can be toned as well.



Instruction for getting in and out of Chair Pose
1. Starting in Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
2. Inhale the hands up over the head bringing them in line with the side body.
3. Keep the head and chest lifted as you exhale and sit down in an imaginary chair.
4. Try not to lean forward keep the back lifted and straight as possible.
5. Stay in the pose as long as possible. It's recommended for 30 seconds to a minute.
6. Coming out inhale to straighten the legs, bringing your hands back down to the heart.
7. Standing tall in Mountain Pose.

Keep in mind you are sitting as low as possible while keeping the back as straight as possible. The object is to get your thighs parallel to the floor. You resist the pull of gravity with the upper body. The tailbone is tucked underneath you. Resist the urge to lift the tailbone. Remember to keep your toes light.

Namaste.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Yoga for Weight Loss


Yoga for Weight Loss is a holistic wellness program that incorporates mind/body health, fitness, and wellness into the weight loss regimen. Participants will have weight loss counseling, meal planning, yoga, Pilates and customized cardio. Registration starts June 1, 2010. Program runs from June 11th-July 17th. Payment Plans are available. This program is designed to teach you everything you need to continue with success in your weight loss journey.

Classes for the new session of Yoga for Weight Loss will be held in two locations: Sweet Water Wellness Center (8245 Spence Rd/Hwy 92, Fairburn 30213) or ABS Studio (749 Moreland Ave, Suite 200, Atlanta 30316. Directly above Spoon). Participants can utilize both locations while in the program.

If you would like to stop by to ask questions and meet current weight loss participants, please email me at ilovemytemple@gmail.com.

To enroll please send an email to ilovemytemple@gmail.com or call 404-314-0786.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Boot Camp by the Lake


Shape up your Spring with Boot Camp on the Lake. If you are looking for a great way to get in shape I am hosting am/pm boot camps starting in May. Email ilovemytemple@gmail.com for more info.

Friday, April 16, 2010

"I Love My Temple Tees" in Black







Get your "I Love My Temple" tees. They are so fly thanks to Molly Jones @ Ventige Soul and Rodney Clancy the Graphic Designer of my lovely logo. Shirts are $20.

I have sizes S,M,L, XL for WOMEN.

I have sizes M, L, XL, 2XL for MEN in Black only.

Email ilovemytemple@gmail.com to place your order.

Select your SIZE and COLOR (Red,Yellow or Black).

PEACE.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Chair Yoga for Sparkling Seniors



Its that time again. We just completed another wonderful 5-week session of Chair Yoga @ Frank Bailey Senior Center, Riverdale, GA. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my senior yogis (age 55 and up)!!! I have yogis up to age 90!!!!

If Riverdale doesn't work I also have a class at New Beginnings Neighborhood Senior Center Fairburn, GA. The Chair Yoga sessions there are ongoing.

So, for those of you looking for healthy & fun activities for your senior dudes and divas send them my way. But before you do that read a little bit about chair yoga and how it can help the sparkling seniors in your life.


What is Chair Yoga?

Chair yoga is the term generally used to describe a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting in a chair, or standing using a chair for support. It is not recognized formally as a type of yoga distinct from other types, such as Iyengar Yoga or Ashtanga yoga. However the poses, or Asanas, are often adaptations of Hatha yoga poses.

Frequently the chair yoga student is unable to participate in a traditional yoga class due to the effects of aging or disabilities. Chair yoga classes are sometimes made available at senior fitness centers, retirement facilities, and adult daycare centers.

Most people in chair yoga classes have health issues, and many are there because a health care professional that knows about their problems recommended it. A good chair yoga teacher will ask about, and be aware of any limitations the student might have. Chair yoga has helped people with the symptoms of many health issues including: hypertension (high blood pressure), anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, vertigo (medical), multiple sclerosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, clinical depression, and chronic pain.

Chair Yoga is one of the gentlest forms of yoga available. Complicated maneuvers and complex movements are not present in a chair yoga class. Within this type of yoga class, you can cover standing, seated, and prone postures. Most of these classes use the chair only, due to the difficulty of getting down or up off the floor.


Frank Bailey Senior Center is located in Riverdale, GA. New Beginnings Neighborhood Senior Center is located in Fairburn, GA.

"I Love My Temple" Tees turned Right!!!


To all the Graphic Designers and Type A types who were so bothered by the reversed image I have uploaded the new photos. LOL!!!! Thanks to Kris @ www.vozvisual.com
for taking the time to make the change.


Get your "I Love My Temple" tees. They are so fly thanks to Molly Jones @ Ventige Soul and Rodney Clancy the Graphic Designer of my lovely logo. Shirts are $20. I have sizes S,M,L, XL. Email ilovemytemple@gmail.com to place your order.

Select your SIZE and COLOR (Red or Yellow).

PEACE.

Tiffany Campbell: My, She's Fly!

Tiffany Campbell: My, She's Fly!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

I Love My Temple Tees in New Colors




Get your I Love My Temple tees. They are so fly thanks to Molly Jones @ Ventige Soul and Rodney Clancy @ Visual Communications. Shirts are $20. I have sizes S,M,L, XL. Email ilovemytemple@gmail.com to place your order.

Select your SIZE and COLOR (Red or Yellow).

PEACE.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

"I Love My Temple" Tees


Get your I Love My Temple tees. They are so fly thanks to Molly @ Ventige Soul. Shirts are $20. I have sizes M,L, XL. Email ilovemytemple@gmail.com to place your order. Peace.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Fooditude-Banana Walnut Yogurt Muffins


Directions

1.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2.
In a large bowl, whisk together oatmeal, flour, flaxseed, baking powder, and baking soda.
3.
In a separate bowl, combine eggs, yogurt, bananas, syrup, and oil. Add flour mixture and fold in walnuts.
4.
Divide batter into paper-lined muffin cups. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool on a wire rack.
5.
Makes 18.
Click here to find  out more!

Nutritional Facts per serving

CALORIES 146.8 CAL

FAT 7 G

SATURATED FAT 0.9 G

CHOLESTEROL 23.7 MG

SODIUM 103.2 MG

CARBOHYDRATES 19.9 G

TOTAL SUGARS 10 G

DIETARY FIBER 1.7 G

PROTEIN 2.7 G

Monday, February 1, 2010

Tuning In with Yoga



Every week, I teach a corporate power yoga class at Coca-Cola. This class is in an open studio with bright lights and lots of noises from the walking track above to the racket ball court next door. Now, I know that there are lots of distractions that make it challenging to tune in to practice, but I also see the lesson in it. Seriously, that's life! There are always distractions and noises that will give many people the opportunity to not tune in, but you have to choose whether you will or will not allow this to happen.

After class, one of the yoga students came up to me and stated, "My yoga Nazi teacher would never teach a class here because it is too loud and too bright." Now, I really did get stuck on the fact that she would put yoga and Nazi together in a sentence, but without judgement I simply replied, "Life is not going to stop for anyone. You have to learn to tune in to your body and your breath regardless of any and all life's distractions." For example, I had to learn how to practice yoga with children swinging off my legs and sliding down my back. My choice was to continue my practice even with two small active children who were home until they started school. So instead of letting years go by without yoga, I incorporated it into my day whenever I could. Sometimes it would work at nap time or before they woke in the morning, but many times it did not.

According to Yoga Journal's "Count on Yoga" article peace of mind is yet another benefit of yoga practice. Yoga quells the fluctuations of the mind, according to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. In other words, it slows down the mental loops of frustrations, regret, anger, fear, and desire that can cause stress. And since stress is implicated in so many health problems--from migraines and insomnia to MS, eczema, high blood pressure, lupus, and heart attacks--if you learn to quiet the mind, you'll be likely to live longer and healthier.

Truthfully many people can tune in a dimly lit room with soft music and yet many people can not. Even in my classes where I have temperature control, lighting control and wonderful yoga conditions, I still see people struggle to find their inner peace. I think the one challenge that plagues us all is to find piece of mind no matter what level of noise and distraction life brings. However, I know that continued yoga practice makes all the difference in the volume of that noise.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Yoga for Weight Loss



Move beyond fitness as usual and join Yoga for Weight Loss. Now enrolling for our February sessions. My participants have released between 8-19 pounds and 7-11 inches.

Yoga for Weight Loss is a holistic wellness program that incorporates mind/body health, fitness, and wellness into the weight loss regimen. Participants will have weight loss counseling, meal planning, yoga, Pilates and customized cardio. Registration runs to Feb 12, 2010. Program runs from Feb 15th-March 20th. Payment Plans are available. This program is designed to teach you everything you need to continue with success in your weight loss journey.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Fooditude-Salad Dressing

Mixed Citrus Vinaigrette

recipe image
Rated: rating
Submitted By: Alex99
Photo By: cheesemite
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Ready In: 5 Minutes
Servings: 20
"This is a delightful alternative to ordinary salad dressings. Works well with many types of salads ingredients like greens, vegetables, and fruits."
INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 tablespoon grapefruit juice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts
2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. Mix together the vinegar, orange juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and lemon juice. Slowly add the olive oil while whisking vigorously. Add the walnuts and Romano cheese and stir. Season with salt and pepper.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Benefits of Yoga 7


The benefits of yoga are endless. Check out the additions below. The info below comes from "Count on Yoga" in Yoga Journal's Yoga for Beginners.

Thoughts
- Feeling sad? Sit in Lotus. Better yet, rise up into a backbend or soar royally into Lord of the Dance Pose. While it's not as simple as that, one study found that a consistent yoga practice improved depression and led to a significant increase in serotonin levels and a decrease in the levels of monoamine oxidase (an enzyme breaks down neurotransmitters) and cortisol. At the University of Wisconsin, Richard Davidson, PhD, found that the left prefrontal cortex showed heightened activity in meditators, a finding that has been correlated with greater levels of happiness and better immune function. More dramatic left-sided activation was found among dedicated, long-term practitioners.

Immune System-It's likely that both asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing) improve immune function, but meditation has the strongest scientific support in this area. It appears to have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the immune system, boosting it when needed (for example, raising antibody levels in response to a vaccine) and lowering it when needed (for instance, migrating an overly aggressive immune function in an autoimmune disease like psoriasis).

Breathing - Yogis tend to take fewer breaths of greater volume, which is both calming and more efficient. A 1998 study published in The Lancet taught a yogic technique known a "complete breathing" to people with lung problems due to congestive heart failure. After one month, their average respiratory rate decreased from 13.4 breaths per minute to 7.6. Meanwhile, their exercise capacity increased significantly, as did the oxygen saturation of their blood. In addition, yoga has been shown to improve various measures of lung function, including the maximum volume of breath and the efficiency of the exhalation.

Come out to yoga and feel the benefits of yoga for yourself. Namaste.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Fooditude -Veggie Soup


Greetings,

Fooditude is my latest addition to I Love My Temple blog. Fooditude is Food + Attitude. I thought this would be a great way to introduce nutrition and talk about healthy yet tasty foods. I invite you to contribute your tasty healthy recipes via email @ ilovemytemple@gmail.com (Subject: Fooditude). You can send pics along with your contributions. Tell me why your food has a great healthy attitude and I will post them on my blog. My favorites will be shared with my Yoga for Weight Loss group.


Here is a wonderful soup recipe from Healthy Kids, Smart Kids: The Principal-Created, Parent-Tested, Kid-Approved Nutrition Plan for Sound Bodies & Strong Minds by Yvonne Sanders-Butler, Ed. D. with Barbara Alpert

1-2--3 Veggie Soup


2 cups of water
1 (16-ounce) bag of frozen mixed vegetables
1 (12 ounce) can low-sodium diced tomatoes (with chilies or jalapenos, optional)
1/2 tomato paste
2 teaspoons Vegesal or Mrs. Dash
1 teaspoon of Sea Salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

In a large, heavy pot, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add vegetables, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add seasonings and stir. Bring back to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.

Per serving: Calories 71; Protein 3 g; Carb: 16g; Sugar 6g; Fiber 4g; Fat 0g; Sodium 500mg

Monday, January 11, 2010

Benefits of Yoga 6


I am keeping it coming with yoga benefits.

Control -Some advanced yogis can control their bodies in extraordinary ways many of which are mediated by the nervous system. Scientists have monitored yogis who could induce unusual heart rhythms, generate specific brain-wave patterns, and, using a meditation technique, raise the temperature of their hands by 15 degrees Fahrenheit. If they can use yoga to do that, perhaps you could learn to improve blood flow to your pelvis if you're trying to get pregnant or induce relaxation when you're having trouble falling asleep.

Limbs -Do you ever notice yourself holding the telephone or a steering wheel with a death grip of scrunching your face when staring at a computer screen? These unconscious habits can lead to chronic tension, muscle fatigue, and soreness in the wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, and face, which can increase stress and worsen your mood. As you practice yoga, you begin to notice where you hold tension: It might be in your tongue, your eyes, or the muscles of your face and neck. If you simply tune in and pay more attention to these areas, your may be able to relieve some tension.

Chill -Stimulation is good, but too much of it taxes the nervous system. Yoga can provide relief from the busyness of modern life. Restorative asana, yoga nidra (a form of guided relaxation) Savasana, pranayama, and meditation encourage pratyahara, a turning inward of the senses, which provides downtime for the nervous system. Another by-product, studies suggest, is better sleep -which means you'll be less tired and stressed and less likely to have accidents.

Join me for class and feel the benefits of yoga for yourself.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Yoga for Weight Loss



Yoga for Weight Loss is a holistic wellness program that incorporates mind/body health, fitness, and wellness into the weight loss regimen. Participants will have weight loss counseling, meal planning, yoga, Pilates and customized cardio. Registration runs to Jan 8, 2010. Program runs from Jan 11th-Feb 12th. Payment Plans are available. This program is designed to teach you everything you need to continue with success in your weight loss journey.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Benefits of Yoga 5


Happy New Year! Let's ring in the new year with more wonderful yoga benefits from Yoga Journal's "Yoga for Beginners"

Weight-Move more, eat less- that's the adage of many a dieter. Yoga can help on both fronts. A regular practices gets you moving and burns calories, and the spiritual and emotional dimensions of your practice may encourage you to address any eating and weight problems on a deeper level. You may also become a more conscious eater. (Note: See my Yoga for Weight Loss Blog)

Sugar -Yoga lowers blood sugar and LDL ("bad") cholesterol and boosts HDL ("good") cholesterol. In people with diabetes, yoga has been found to lower blood sugar in several ways; by lowering cortisol and adrenaline levels, encouraging weight loss, and improving sensitivity to the effects of insulin. Get your blood sugar levels down , and you decrease your risk of diabetic complications such as heart attack, kidney failure, and blindness.

System- Yoga encourages you to relax, and slow your breath, and focus on the present, shifting the balance from sympathetic nervous system (or the fight-or-flight response) to the parasympathetic nervous system. The latter is calming and restorative; it lowers breathing and heart rates, decrease blood pressure, and increases blood flow to the intestines and reproductive organs-comprising what Herbert Benson, MD, calls the relaxation response.

Space- Regularly practicing yoga increases proprioception (the ability to feel what your body is doing where it is in space) and improves balance. People with bad posture or dysfunctional movement patterns usually have poor proprioception, which has been linked to knee problems and back pain. Better balance could mean fewer falls. For the elderly, this translates into more independence and delayed admission to nursing home or never entering one at all.

Give Yoga a chance this year and gain some of these wonderful benefits.