Don’t worry, we’ve got your solution.
Contributed by Antiqua Lisha
Shedding holiday weight is more than just a diet. It means cutting stress. Yes, stress is the #1 cause of weight gain sticking to you. But here in Alaska, there is another culprit keeping our weight on, and that is dark and cold days and nights. The symptoms of winter begin to creep into our Alaskan homes in January when the hustle of the holidays has past: You may eat extra sweets, get S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) or let’s be honest, drink more alcohol. I wish it wasn’t true, but it happens every year and unlike the lower 48, we have the dark night over winter too.
However, I have a cure for all your winter blues. It cuts stress, increases energy, tones and strengthens your muscles and gives you a much needed mental break that you need to be bikini ready.
What is it?
Yoga!
Have you tried it? Yoga isn’t for everyone. It takes strength and courage to step onto a yoga mat because your mind gets loud (at first) and it’s harder than you may think. It also has the reputation for being for ladies; however, that is the furthest thing from the truth. It was originally used to help focus the young men in the ashrams of India and wear them out so they could study.
There are many different styles of yoga, so if you don’t like one try another. For many, the most popular styles are Hatha Yoga, Hot Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga or Power Yoga. These styles can commonly be found at your local yoga studio.
• Hatha Yoga varies from teacher to teacher; it is usually more challenging for the mind and more relaxing for the body. The poses are held for longer periods of time, strengthening and stretching all at once. The mind tends to race a bit, so using a positive affirmation or focusing on your breath makes this practice more like a moving meditation, which allows you to gain internal peace while building long, lean muscles.
• Hot Yoga is one of the most medically-benefiting yogas because you detox your largest organ, the skin, while moving through Hatha Yoga postures. Usually this style consists of 26 postures from the Bikram series. However, nowadays that varies from studio to studio. It’s good to drink plenty of water before and after your Hot Yoga class, and try it a few times. The first three tries are rarely enjoyable. However, something magical happens on class #4, and you will either love it or hate it.
• Vinyasa Yoga or Power Yoga consists of flowing movements that marry your breath and your body. This style is known for its sculpting and weight loss affects. It is both challenging and healing - helping to focus your mind on your breath, which helps to manage stress and mental chatter for the rest of your day while getting your blood pumping.
You can find Hatha Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga, as well as a Therapeutic Yoga classes in Palmer at the Alaska Music and Arts Studio off of Inner Springer Loop in Palmer. Sign in online, and let us help you beat the winter blues away. www.AlaskaMusic.org
We are also looking for yoga teachers and have a partnership with Twist Yoga’s training program if you are interested as a career in yoga teaching.
