| Some people have a foolish way of not | | | | |
| minding, or pretending not to mind, what they | | | | Yoga benefits |
| eat. For my part, I mind my belly very | | | | |
| studiously, and very carefully. For I look | | | | Practicing yoga increases flexibility because |
| upon it, that he who does not mind his belly | | | | stretching exercises the different tendons, |
| will hardly mind anything else.--Samuel | | | | ligaments, and joints of the body. Studies |
| Johnson (poet, essayist, biographer, | | | | also say that yoga is probably the only form |
| lexicographer) | | | | of activity that massages all the internal |
| | | | organs and glands in the body. These may |
| Nowadays, people are so conscious about their | | | | include the prostate, which according to |
| health and body figure. Many people regularly | | | | medical specialists hardly receives |
| visit the gym for weight training, | | | | stimulation. This massage or stimulation may |
| cardiovascular exercise, or to simply have | | | | keep certain individuals from diseases and |
| friends who share their passion for fitness. | | | | other forms of illness. Yoga ensures the best |
| Many fitness gyms offer the latest in weight | | | | supply of blood to the body. This helps |
| and cardio-machines. Others specialize in | | | | detoxify the body of toxins and, in the |
| special fitness programs or routines like | | | | process, delays aging and renewed energy. |
| Pilates, Tae-Bo, Belly Dancing, Hip-Hop | | | | Muscles are also toned because of repeated |
| Exercises, and even Pole Dancing. | | | | stimulation through yoga. |
| | | | |
| But lately, Yoga and Tai Chi classes have | | | | Tai Chi benefits |
| been gaining popularity especially among | | | | |
| women and above-40 fitness buffs. These | | | | Medical researchers and Tai Chi practitioners |
| Indian and Chinese methods of meditation and | | | | claim that immediate benefits occur from day |
| exercise are popular due to the health | | | | one of practice. These may include a more |
| benefits experienced by those practice them. | | | | relaxed and clearer mind. Clinical studies in |
| Many health buffs claim that they now enjoy a | | | | the US show that improved balance and peace |
| stress and anxiety-free lifestyle because of | | | | of mind took place after only eight weeks of |
| their Tai Chi and Yoga lessons. | | | | training. These benefits were immediately |
| | | | evident after performing very simple set of |
| Studies show that these kinds of exercise do | | | | movements taken from different Tai Chi |
| have beneficial effects on the mind and body. | | | | styles. Other benefits of this "soft" martial |
| These religious-philosophical movements gave | | | | arts include improved internal organ |
| emphasis to the state of Zen. According to | | | | functions, improved breathing, and better |
| Buddhism, the term "zen" refers to the | | | | sleep. Additional reports show that people |
| attainment of a stage of "awakening." This | | | | who practice Tai Chi enjoyed improved |
| belief was introduced in China by a Buddhist | | | | strength and reduced stress, aside from |
| monk named Bodhidharma in A.D. 520. According | | | | gaining the ability to better deal with |
| to studies, people who cling to the teachings | | | | anxiety attacks. |
| of Zen endeavor to achieve "satori" which is | | | | |
| also called "nirvana". "Satori" in general | | | | However, people with a history of heart |
| can only be reached through a meditation | | | | disease, back injuries, and those who have |
| called "zazen" which, in turn, leads to a | | | | undergone recent surgery should consult a |
| state of mushin or "no mind". Mushin is the | | | | physician before starting a Yoga or Tai Chi |
| ability to see things more clearly mentally. | | | | routine. In general, Tai Chi and Yoga are |
| It means that one's judgment will not be | | | | very effective routines to bring back health |
| blurred with negative thoughts. Although this | | | | and a sense of peace of mind to a devoted |
| belief originated from the south, many | | | | practioner. Done properly, these ancient arts |
| Western students and practitioners of Yoga | | | | of exercise and meditation can help provide |
| and Tai-Chi are satisfied with the health and | | | | anxiety relief and alleviate other forms of |
| vitality it brings. | | | | stress. |