June 2013 B-MOVED Yoga Music Playlist on Spotify

Another new Yoga Music Playlist! Available on Spotify

One hour of eclectic music for yoga. Subscribe to my on Spotify to get new yoga music playlists.

(Song, Artist, Album)

Breathing Place, Vibrasphere (Lungs of Life)
Little Bit, Perrin Lamb (Back to You)
Intro, The xx (xx)
Regroovable, Chris Botti (The Very Best of Chris Botti)
Dusk to Dawn, Emancipator (Dusk to Dawn)
Loud Pipes, Ratatat (Classics)
Russia, Magna Canta (Sanctuary)
Dubstep Yoga: Yoga Breeze, Dubstep Yoga Music (Dubstep Yoga - Dubstep Meditation....)
See in You, The Album Leaf (Into the Blue Again)
Time, The American Dollar (The Best of the American Dollar)
Living, Moby (Songs 1993-1998)
Night Becomes Her, Patrick O'Hearn (Beautiful World)
Passing Away, Hammock (Raising Your Voice...Trying to Stop an Echo)

Gimme One Reason...to practice yoga

Yoga as “fitness” is becoming more mainstream. I’ve noticed that you can rarely get through a commercial break on TV without seeing someone in an advertisement that appears to be practicing yoga. Many celebrities have been vocal about yoga being a part of their fitness routine, and we are hearing more about professional athletes incorporating yoga into their training, as well as doctors and therapists recommending yoga to help treat certain conditions.

There are probably a lot of people that scratch their heads and wonder what all the fuss is about. “What exactly is yoga, and why does it make people feel so good?”

My first answer to this question is usually “I can’t answer that for you, you need to experience it yourself.” Based on my own personal experience and training, I will try to give you a more scientific answer.

Your body’s nervous system is comprised of more than one “part”. One part is the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “Fight or Flight” response. The sympathetic nervous system is engaged during stressful situations, and causes the heart rate to increase, blood pressure to rise, and slows down the digestive process.

The parasympathetic nervous system counteracts the sympathetic nervous system, helping you to feel more calm, helping you to relax, and experience more restful sleep. When we practice yoga, we purposefully use a lengthened, deep breath, and we practice “asanas” (poses), and “vinyasas” (flowing movements) that help to lengthen and strengthen our muscles. Those two components alone - which are standard fare in most yoga styles - “turn on” the parasympathetic nervous system. The resulting side effects of this flow of energy by the parasympathetic nervous system are: lower respiration, reduced heart rate, stimulation of the digestive system, boosted immune response, and a general sense of calm and relaxation. Keep in mind, when you practice yoga, your respiration will increase as will your body temperature. You might sweat a bit. We’re working out here, folks!

What can yoga do for you? A regular home practice (even if it’s only a few minutes a day) coupled with a group class will help you find out! In my case, yoga has helped me to maintain lower body fat, more lean muscle mass, a stronger core, less visits to the doctor and chiropractor, and better sleep habits. There is no ‘magic pill’ to better health, weight loss, or overall fitness. There is work involved. But for me and many people, yoga is a great addition to a healthy lifestyle. I have never left a yoga class feeling worse than when I came.

Join us for a FREE “Yoga in the Park” class on Saturday, June 15. McNish Park Tennis Courts; 9:00 a.m. Bring a mat, water, and wear comfy clothing. For more information & tips, visit b-movedyoga.com and click on "Schedule."