Archive for January, 2010

Lots of guys do yoga, but still more women go to the classes. I do yoga at home and at studios. I’ve been doing yoga for tokyo-based-yoga-instructor-meg-hirasawa-practicing-reverse-warrior-ii-pose-or-crescent-pose-viparita-virabhadrasanaabout 10 years. The fact is I’m usually one of the 10 percent or so of men in any yoga class I attend. This is good news for studios; there is a vast available market of yoga students. Yoga is on the rise ; studios have an excellent business prospect further catering to guys. Attracting guys to yoga classes doesn’t mean you’ll alienate women. Think about including some or all of the following into a couple classes each month.

After the 7 tips, I set out ways for you to publicize so that men will learn about these classes.

1. Check out Budokon – an exercise program blending yoga and martial arts. The Budokon DVDs will definitely inspire ideas for your yoga classes, and maybe inspire you to take Budokon instruction for certification.

2. Include resistance training in your yoga classes.

3. Read yoga books catering to men for ideas about yoga routines for men.

4. Watch “yoga for men” DVDs.

5. Design yoga routines that train for specific sports.

6. Incorporate lots of power poses in your yoga programs.

7. If you offer yoga vacations, visit locations and incorporate activities men will enjoy.

The following are tips to spreading the word about your new yoga routines catering to men.

1). Offer referral fees is an incredible method to motivate your existing students to promote for you.

2). Advertise the fact many top-performing male athletes do yoga. Investigate some facts, figures, and results and then include this information in your marketing materials – whether on your blog, website, brochures, etc.

3). Promote yoga’s health benefits for men. Study men-specific benefits so the information will resonate with men.

4). Incorporate the above 3 points into all your marketing methods – whether you blog, have a website, advertise in printed materials, give out generous referral fees, etc.

Yoga benefits men and women equally. It’s a method of exercise and a lifestyle that can and does appeal to everyone. It seems to me that more women doing yoga is a promotion issue.

As we grow more and more concerned by the way we look, we start to go to the gym more, to run, to swim, everything that means burning calories. However, not many do the most important thing: keep a diet. Try to eat healthy, with less carbohydrates and fats, sweets and chemicals. And sometimes we do, but, and now comes the “but“ part, many, unfortunately do not remove bread from their nutrition.health1

Despite the fact there are some studies that show that bread itself does not lead to putting on weight, many athletes and nutritionists noticed that the white bread (most common type of bread) has negatives effects on the body, and in fact helps fat to settle in. It contains additives, sugar, and salt, all of these being things that are a big NO for anyone, especially one that wants to loose weight, or just keep a diet to be healthier. Still, without bread many types of food don’t seem edible, as we are used with bread (truth be told one can’t eat butter without bread, but then again, butter is not good either because of the increased quantity of fat it contains). But what is there to do for the average Joe, like you and me, that trains in his spare time, just to keep in shape, that works at least 8 hours a day? We need food cause otherwise we would simply fall.

The positive thing about this kind of bread, the fitness bread is that with no additives it does not have that property of holding water inside the body (like a sponge), it gives the amount of energy needed for exercise and also, considering that this kind of bread is made out of natural cereals if provides the fibers needed for a good digestion. So, with this being said, I recommend this type of bread as an alternative to other kinds of bread, if you can’t simply give up to eating bread. But remember: if you are keeping a diet, with the sole purpose to burn out fat, try to give up on all kind of breads and replace them with soy meals, rice, salads. It is hard, but it can be done.

Chia seeds are touted to be the new superfood but what is it that makes them so special? Why are these small grains so highly chia-seedsthought of in the world of diet and exercise and can they really alleviate pain? Carry on reading to learn the seven super secrets of Chia seeds and see what they can do for you…

1. Chia Seeds Are By No Means a New Discovery

They may be known as the new superfood because of their nutritional properties but Chia seeds have been part of the staple diet in South America since the time of the Aztecs and Mayans. Obviously they must have some benefits to have been included in the diet of these people for so long and it’s only now that the rest of the world is waking up to them.

2. Chia Seeds Are Possibly the Most Nutritious Grain Known to Man

The average Chia seed is composed of the following nutrients:

• 20%-30% protein
• 35%-40% oil which is virtually all Omega-3 and Omega-6 in optimal ratios for healthy cell function. The two main essential fatty acids within the oil are ±-linolenic acid and linoeic acid – both of which are vital for the smooth running of bodily functions.
• 25%-30% soluble & insoluble fibre
• High levels of major antioxidants
• Almost every vitamin and mineral required by the human body

In fact, a number of recent university studies have shown that a single tablespoon or Chia seeds, when taken with water, can keep an average person going for around 24 hours, even with hard labour. It is also listed with the World Health Organization as a complete food.

3. Chia Seeds Can Help With Weight Loss

These amazing little seeds work as an appetite suppressant because the high oil content and high fibre content act as bulking agents. This means that when they reach your stomach and turn into a gel your brain thinks you’re fuller than you are and you suppress the urge to eat again. This ability to become a gel is one of the main beneficial properties of Chia seeds. This gel is also believed to create a physical barrier between carbohydrates and digestive enzymes which slows down the conversion rate of carbohydrate to sugar. This helps keep blood sugar levels stable & reduces cravings.

4. Chia Seeds Are Beneficial to Endurance Athletes

The ability of Chia seeds to become a gel in the stomach also has the effect of blocking the uptake of carbohydrates and this in turn prolongs the effect that carbohydrates have on the body. When taken by athletes they tend to find they can perform their sport better and for longer, so giving them the performance edge.

5. Chia Seeds Can Help With Pain Relief

The high levels of Omega-3 contained in Chia seeds give the seeds amazing anti-inflammatory properties. This has been reported to have very beneficial effects with regards to the joint pain felt by users, and especially those that suffer from rheumatism and arthritis. This is a great help to many suffers of these conditions as it cuts down on the amount of prescription medications they require.

6. Chia Seeds Can Be Taken In Various Different Ways

The seeds can be made into a paste by soaking overnight in water. This paste can then be mixed with water or juice or can be added to sauces, yoghurts, smoothies and anything else that’s suitable. Alternatively you can add the seeds to any dish you are cooking as a food extender without changing the taste. It’s easy to get the recommended daily amount into your diet so you get the full beneficial effects.

7. Chia Seeds Have No Known Adverse Effects

Although Chia seeds haven’t been tested to the degrees that some other foods have there have so far been no adverse effects reported from users around the world. Saying that, pregnant women, breast feeding women and people with severe medical conditions should consult their physician before taking the seeds.

Chia seeds are in short a great source of nutrients. They’re easy to take, easy to digest and they even help to clean your intestines. They are definitely a contender to be the next new superfood and thankfully they’re widely available in Australia.

Lots of guys do yoga, but still more women go to the classes. I do yoga at home and at studios. I’ve been doing yoga for about 10 dancers-pose_medyears. The fact is I’m usually one of the 10 percent or so of men in any yoga class I attend.This is good news for studios; there is a vast available market of yoga students. Yoga is on the rise; studios have an excellent business prospect further catering to guys.Attracting guys to yoga classes doesn’t mean you’ll alienate women.Think about including some or all of the following into a couple classes each month.After the 7 tips, I set out ways for you to publicize so that men will learn about these classes.

1. Check out Budokon – an exercise program blending yoga and martial arts. The Budokon DVDs will definitely inspire ideas for your yoga classes, and maybe inspire you to take Budokon instruction for certification.

2. Include resistance training in your yoga classes.

3. Read yoga books catering to men for ideas about yoga routines for men.

4. Watch “yoga for men” DVDs.

5. Design yoga routines that train for specific sports.

6. Incorporate lots of power poses in your yoga programs.

7. If you offer yoga vacations, visit locations and incorporate activities men will enjoy.

The following are tips to spreading the word about your new yoga routines catering to men.

1. Offer referral fees is an incredible method to motivate your existing students to promote for you.

2. Advertise the fact many top-performing male athletes do yoga. Investigate some facts, figures, and results and then include this information in your marketing materials – whether on your blog, website, brochures, etc.

3. Promote yoga’s health benefits for men. Study men-specific benefits so the information will resonate with men.

4. Incorporate the above 3 points into all your marketing methods – whether you blog, have a website, advertise in printed materials, give out generous referral fees, etc.

Yoga benefits men and women equally. It’s a method of exercise and a lifestyle that can and does appeal to everyone. It seems to me that more women doing yoga is a promotion issue.I recognize yoga businesses are reluctant to cater to men because men don’t attend. However, if men attended, then more classes would cater to men, and thus in turn attract more men. There is a massive business opportunity in getting men to your studio.