47 woman this month | June 2012 | dog, but what about the reclining big toe pose?!) do have merit and extensive success rates behind them. Yoga has been proven to benefit a great number of ailments; most commonly, it is known for being a great stress relief exercise and calms both the mind and body to achieve a state of “Zen”. There has been an emergence of studies showing yoga to be a course of treatment for cancer patients, depicting that the motion decreases pain, anxiety and depression. It has also been used as a treatment for schizophrenia, by improving cognitive functions and for heart disease, through reducing blood pressure levels. Overall, there are 10 general benefits which are believed to occur in every person who practices yoga regularly; 1. Stress relief 2. Pain relief 3. Better breathing 4. Flexibility 5. Increased strength 6. Weight management 7. Improved circulation 8. Cardiovascular conditioning 9. Inner peace 10. Improved concentration Trending now Yoga retreats As we edge into summer, many will be preparing their minds and bodies for a yoga retreat holiday. There are stunning locations dotted around the world that promise the ambiance and environment you need to really “find yourself”, whilst getting slim and trim. A favourite for celebs is Bali, but Turkey, Spain, France and Goa are all valuable competitors. Paddleboard yoga This form of the sport is slowly making its way over from America. Forget surfing and instead, test your centre, calm and balance whilst striking a pose in open water…and trying not to fall in! Anti-gravity yoga This is one of the newest fads and is also known as “suspension yoga”. Positioned in a speciallydesigned harness, you will feel the low-impact benefits of inversion therapy combined with yoga’s emphasis on strength and flexibility. Kids’ yoga This year, kids’ yoga has hit Bahrain, with classes cropping up for your little ones to take part in. The sport has been shown to calm children down naturally and promote more coursed energy and less fatigue. Festival yoga For a real hippy vibe, festivals worldwide now incorporate yoga classes into their busy timetables. Last month, celebs and other festival-goers were seen stretching and posing on their mats at hip event Coachella. Laughter yoga This fad has actually just arrived in Bahrain, and you can enroll in classes at Namaste Centre in Budaiya. The idea is that you combine yoga with self-triggered laughter exercises to release endorphins and increase blood flow, subsequently burning calories. Yoga and spinning New York spinning teacher and Yogi Noll Danial formulated this odd fusion. Participants begin spinning on their bikes for half the class and then dismount to use the bike’s handlebars for poses and positions. Yoga in Bahrain: where to go l World Beat Fitness Centre and Café; call 17 612-576. l Dessange; call 17 713-999. l Lotus Yoga; call 17 810-789. l Bahrain Wellness Resort; call 17 795-961. l Curves; call 17 691-496. l Namste; call 38 855-999.
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