A Man's Guide to Yoga

Is yoga targeted too much towards women? We hear and see so much about yoga and women -the flexibility, energy, open-mindedness and empowerment it gives females, but what about men? What are the benefits of yoga for men? Doing outreach for Yoga Bear this topic has been apart of several discussions recently. We have a 98% participant rate for females, and only 2% are males in the program. I started wondering why men may be turned off from yoga, or are they? Would men of any age take a yoga class? What are the reasons for and against yoga from their perspective?

After talking to some of my close guy friends, and a few of my friend's dads I quickly learned it's not about the practice of yoga at all, it's about the way yoga is marketed. Most of the articles, pictures, magazines about yoga are about 99% targeted towards females. All of the guys I spoke to said they would be very willing to take a yoga class, but just need to see more marketing for their gender.

A few great examples of men who practice yoga are the Tennessee Titans offensive line, Tiger Woods, LeBron James...to name a few. "My athletes see huge performance enhancements through these moves," says Hilary Lindsay, who teaches the ancient art to the football team. LeBron James prepares and maintains his body by practicing various types of yoga. "Yoga isn't just about the body, it's also about the mind and it's a technique that has really helped me," James said. "You do have to focus because there's some positions that can really hurt you at times if you aren't focused and breathing right."

There are numerous benefits for males practicing yoga. Yoga works your entire body, so it gives men a great core workout. Yoga also restores your energy, helps with concentration, stability, decreases muscle soreness, and helps with breathing for those guys who are runners, or active in any type of sport.

Once you experience your first yoga class as a male or female, you will soon see the benefits transform before your eyes.

Planning for the Future of Yoga Bear!

I had a very productive weekend meeting with Kelly, the Austin Chapter Director of Yoga Bear, along with the Founder, Halle Tecco, and 3 other directors/board members who flew in from around the country for a planning session to discuss the future of Yoga Bear. After only being apart of this great group for a little under 2 weeks now, it was fun to get to meet the core group who have made the foundation such a success. Being able to work with Kelly here in Austin is going to be a challenge, but she has already made great connections, orchestrated events, and began the process to get the ball rolling for our chapter.

On Saturday I met up with the group, and learned about where they want to take the foundation, what areas we are doing really well at, and what still needs to be worked on. I plan to focus on yoga studios with the Share a Mat program Yoga Bear has done so well at executing. In Austin, we are looking to gain more studio awareness, participation, and focus on growing our chapter so that participants can have a studio that they feel most comfortable going to. On Sunday we had an informational healing therapy session led by Halle and Kelly McGonigal, PhD, at Sundara Yoga. The session was really lovely, and had a great Q&A follow-up. Nicole Reed who is the Director of the Arizona and Southern California Chapters put together this montage of the directors meeting in Austin this weekend! Take a look!

Yoga Bear is dedicated to to providing cancer survivors with more opportunities for wellness and healing, through the practice of yoga.

Searching for a Job Using Social Media

As we are all aware, the unemployment rates are increasing, and as of Wednesday of this week NetSuite bought the company I was working for, QuickArrow. As thoughts and emotions continue to decompress, I continue to relate the same message to my now former co-workers which is that thoughts become reality. If we are proactive in searching for a new job, following up on our leads, networking, staying active - then something wonderful will come our away.

There are a lot of people searching for jobs today, so why not use social media to find one? Use Twitter. Send out Tweets letting people know you are looking for a job. You can use your bio and profile keywords to let users know you are job hunting. Use Facebook. Write daily updates on your status to let friends know you are job hunting. Be more specific in your About Me section describing the type of job you are looking for. Use LinkedIn. There are a lot of recruiters on this social networking site who are looking to hire. Make sure your profile, contact info and resume are up-to-date.

Knowing someone is the key to landing an interview, getting someone on the phone, and getting a job. Building relationships through social media is the ticket to your career and ultimate success.

Realizing You Already Have The Solution...

The solution exists before the problem. This is a truth that saves a lot of worrying, and people tend to worry on a frequent, every day basis. So often in life we freak out because we don't think there is an answer, a cure, a way out. We need to stop worrying so much. It's there, right in front of us. We just need to find it. The question is, how do we find it? The first step is owning this truth that whatever issue you are facing, the solution exists. No matter what problems we think we are facing, we just have to stay calm, focus on the people around us, and practice what we already know. We are our own teachers. We can teach ourselves to stop worrying at the drop of a hat. Become involved in a hobby - run, bike, practice yoga, walk your dog, do something that calms you and just remember that if you think positive, positive things and people will attract towards you!

Reasons Why I Love Bikram Yoga!

When I started practicing yoga I never knew how many styles of yoga there were. I fell in love with bikram yoga, which is also known as Hot Yoga. It was developed by Bikram Choudhury, and is ideally practiced in a room at or above 105 degrees with a humidity of 40%. At Yogagroove, where I practice bikram, the classes are a 26 asana series designed to warm and strengthen muscles in the order in which they should be stretched.
With every class I have taken at Yogagroove I have felt more flexible, released toxins to purify my core, felt stronger after each class, and have felt more energetic throughout the day.
I had a knee injury last year, and by going to bikram classes on a regular routine, I no longer have any pain in my knee, and can bend it without any strain. I have also gained tonement in my arms, stomach and legs from the deep postures involved in the class. When you go into a class after a busy day of work, you are not only thinking about what just happned throughout your work day, but you are cycling your mind about what may happen later in the evening or the next day. In bikram I have found a true relaxation spot to calm, breath deeper, let my mind rest and concentrate on the yoga practice. By doing each of these, I am getting the full benefits of what bikram is about.
Being in the heated room not only helps to clear my mind and soul, it also helps to burn calories and build endurance. I recommend everyone try a bikram class not only for the flexibility benefits, but to see an overall improvement in your health down to your core!

My First Yoga Bear Meeting!

I had my first Yoga Bear meeting today with Kelly, the Director for the Austin Chapter. It was very informative, and very interesting to learn about this unique and great foundation Halle Tecco founded back in 2006. Having a passion for yoga, and a history of various types of cancer in my family, her nonprofit really hit home for me. To be able to be apart of this amazing team feels really great.

I get to meet Halle and the other national directors from other chapters this Saturday, and on Sunday morning from 11am-12:30pm Yoga Bear is having an informational class at Sundara Yoga Therapy off of 183 near Oak Knoll. I hope everyone with a passion for yoga can make it to the class. Just click the link and RSVP, because space is limited! I'm very excited to see where the future of Yoga Bear will go!

Health Benefits to Practicing Yoga

I started doing yoga, primarily bikram yoga about 3 years ago here in Austin at Yogagroove. I noticed changes in my body within a few weeks of taking classes. From learning to breath deeper, relax and concentrate on the postures, I felt more open to the energy yoga brings into your soul. The benefits of yoga are enormous. Not only are you becoming more flexible, but your are burning a high amount of calories by breathing deeper, especially in a bikram class, and you are working on your core body strength. Yoga consists of various poses which open your internal organs up to release toxins and get your blood flow racing. Not only are you burning fat, lowering your cholesterol, and releasing nasty toxins from your body, you are also working on your inner being. Having the ability to clear your mind, and focus on the balance of body, mind and spirit is what every yogi truly believes in. It's a great experience!
Take a look at a Natural News article which talks more in depth about the health benefits to yoga, and how they can apply to you.

Yoga Provides a Sanctuary for the Unemployed

As the unemployment rates sky rocket across the nation, one place several people have found they can go to for a little peace of mind are yoga retreats. One in particular is the Himalayan Institute in Pennsylvania, which provies a workstudy set up for cash-strapped individuals who pay a small amount each month to live at the retreat, but help out with daily chores in order to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and also get to partake in the classes and seminars. Sounds like quite an exhange to me!
The purpose of the workstudy programs is what they call karma yoga- to foster selflessness and good will. Taking time out of your own life to help another is the energy you get out of yoga.

Tips for Preventing Canine Heat Stress this Summer

The summer temps keep climbing, and if your dog is like mine he loves to be outdoors with you at all times! Take a look at a few of these tips from The Whole Dog Journal about preventing your dog from suffering heat stress this summer. A few things to consider are gradually bringing your pup into the heat by taking them on long walks in the morning or evening hours. This way it's not at the hottest time of the day, but they can still feel the power of the outdoor temps. Try to plan your outdoor activities with your canine friend close to cooler climates such as parks with streams, or go down to Town Lake. Always remember to keep your pups hydrated. At this time of year, we should all be drinking lots of agua!

Moooooo!

A recent study claims young adults are not drinking enough milk - I've never been a big fan of milk, unless it was in my cereal, and even then it had to be fat free skim milk. The studys actual focus was on calcium. Interestingly enough, a few studies have shown the more calcium intake people have, you in increase your risk of heart disease, kidney stones, obesity, gallstones, among others.

Check out the article, they list organic foods that are supplemental to drinking pasturized milk, or popping a calcium pill. Organic is the way to go!

Sit, Heal, Stay and Doga!

Bonding With Their Downward-Facing Humans

I came across this really cute article on NYTimes.com about bonding with your dog in a yoga class, aka Doga as it is formally known as in the yoga world. There seems to be a mix of emotions towards the classes, but overall many people feel that having that bonding experience with you four-legged friend is a great feeling.

With the economy sitting the way it is, why not try something new? If your pup is like mine, he will just sit and chew on a rope the entire class, but if it helps you enjoy the benefits of the yoga experience then give it a try!

Running or Yoga?

Fun article comparing running and yoga. I've taken several different types of yoga classes around Austin, and the one thing several instructors have said to their students is to never think you have nailed down the technique no matter how often you come to class. Many people think yoga is "a breeze" because it seems like the only thing you do is breath and stretch, yet it's much more than that.
Whether you enjoy being in the heat on an outdoors trail, or in the heat of an indoors studio, both yoga and running can give you a good core workout.

Sun Safety 101

Check out this article from the American Cancer Society website on sun safety tips. With record high temps this summer, we could all use a good reminder on the importance of skin care!

Sun Safety 101
Tips to Help Minimize Your Risk of Skin Cancer
The good weather's finally here, and we're all eager to get out in the sun and fresh air. Spending time outdoors is part of a healthy, active life. But whether you enjoy tennis, hiking, gardening, or running, take some precautions when you're out in the sun.
More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States. That's more than cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas combined.
Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Much of this exposure comes from the sun, but some may come from manmade sources, such as tanning beds.

Are you sun-safe every day? Check your knowledge with this Q&A.
What's Your Sun Safety IQ?
What are the two most common (and painful!) sunscreen mistakes?
Using too little and waiting too long to reapply. To be sun-safe, use a palmful of sunscreen and reapply at least every 2 hours, and even more often if you are swimming or sweating.
If I'm wearing sunscreen, I can stay in the sun as long as I want. True or false?

Bone up on your sun-safety know-how by reviewing our tips at www.cancer.org/sunsafety. Follow these practical steps -- they provide the best protection when used together.

Check out the link for Sun Safety 101 for more to this article, and other links about skin care!

Online registration is now open for the 2009 Race for the Cure - Austin!

2009 Austin Affiliate Race for the Cure
The 2009 Race date is Sunday, November 1, 2009!
Online registration is now open for the 2009 Race! You may register yourself, form a team or join a team and start your own personal fundraising program using our online registration system.

I AM THE CURE.®
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® created the I AM THE CURE. ® program to boost the educational outreach of the Komen Race for the Cure® Series by motivating Race participants to take an active role in their own breast health. I AM THE CURE.® is a rallying cry that is emotional, memorable and motivational. It speaks to the importance of early detection, and provides simple, action-oriented messages that Race participants can put into action.
On Race Day
On Race Day, you can visit our interactive I AM THE CURE.® booth to learn more about breast self-awareness. You can spin the wheel for prizes and ‘take-home’ educational information. You’ll also see our Rovers in the bright pink and green I AM THE CURE.® shirts; they’ll be sharing the message of early detection and will reward you for your participation. All throughout the Race, you’ll hear our ‘Cure Leaders’ cheering on Race participants and reminding everyone that we all have the power to be part of the cure!
The four key messages we want Race participants to remember are:
See your doctor, learn your risk! I AM THE CURE.®
Get mammograms and breast exams! I AM THE CURE.®
Notice changes to your breasts! I AM THE CURE.®
Start the fight by living right! I AM THE CURE.®
The I AM THE CURE.® program is a visual, engaging and powerful way for us to reach every Race participant with the important messages about proactive breast health. We hope you’ll be empowered to share this knowledge with friends and family – encouraging them to commit to positive breast health practices as well.