Slim Calm Sexy Yoga: 210 Proven Yoga Moves for Mind/Body Bliss

approach.
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    Ashtanga
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    CHARACTERISTICS : Athletic and challenging poses. Fast-paced movement. Often jumping forward and back.
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    SWEAT METER : High
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    CHANT METER : High: Opening and closing lengthy chant.
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    GOOD WHEN  … You want a strong physical and spiritual practice.
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    Bikram
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    CHARACTERISTICS : 26-posture series. Same every class. Done in a 105°F room.
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    SWEAT METER : High
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    CHANT METER : Low: No chanting.
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    GOOD WHEN  … Sweating buckets is a requirement, and you don’t mind heat.
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    Iyengar
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    CHARACTERISTICS : Poses are taught with a strong focus on alignment. Class works on perfecting one pose at a time.
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    SWEAT METER : Medium
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    CHANT METER : Medium: Depends on the teacher.
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    GOOD WHEN  … You want to focus on alignment and the technical aspects of the poses.
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    Kundalini
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    CHARACTERISTICS : Primarily seated positions coupled with vigorous breathing techniques.
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    SWEAT METER : Medium
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    CHANT METER : High: Lots of chanting at the beginning and end of class.
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    GOOD WHEN  … You’re interested in developing a strong meditative practice.
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    Vinyasa
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    CHARACTERISTICS : Athletic poses. Covers a wide range of levels of difficulty, depending on the teacher.
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    SWEAT METER : Medium to high
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    CHANT METER : Medium: An opening and closing om is common but is sometimes left out. Depends on the teacher.
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    GOOD WHEN  … You want a workout and like to move with your breath, often to music.
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take it to the
next level
Everything you need to live yoga

    After reading this book and noticing the difference just 15 minutes of yoga a day can make, you may find yourself wanting more. You may suddenly notice the racks of yoga outfits at Target, or the social aspect of a class might lure you to a studio, or you may want the personal attention of a real live teacher to help you get the most from your practice.
    Consider this final chapter your yoga cheat sheet for must-have equipment, how to find a class or teacher, what kind of yoga is right for you, and how to achieve the yoga mindset that will set you on the right track toward reaching all your goals.
Yoga Gear

    You’ll definitely need some comfortable clothes to practice yoga in, but before you buy up all the latest yoga fashions, put your paycheck in the bank and go shopping in your closet. Regular gym clothes like a sports bra, tank top, pants, and shorts work fine. Other options are old T-shirts and sweatpants. You want to be comfortable and able to move. Try to avoid anything too bulky that might fall over your head when you go upside down. If you start practicing yoga at home, pajama bottoms and a bra top are a good, comfy option. I prefer loose cotton drawstring pants and a tank top. That’s pretty much my uniform.
    If you decide eventually that your worn-in college sweats and old boyfriend’s tee are hindering your progress, here are a few ideas.
    Most chain stores like Target, Walmart, and Dick’s carry yoga-specific apparel. Try on a few options to see what works for you. Consider making eco-friendly choices when you shop for yoga duds. The more yoga you practice, the more you will be concerned about how you live and your affect on the world, There’s something about all that inward focus and deep breathing that breeds compassion for ourselves, others, and the planet. A growing number of brands and stores offer planet-friendly yoga duds, including brands like Gaiam, Blue Canoe, and Alternative Apparel, all of which are available online.
    You’ll be able to incorporate many of the routines in this book so seamlessly into your life that you might not feel the need for a yoga mat. That said, it’s nice to have one lying around the house somewhere, ready for spontaneous practice. I keep one rolled out on my living room floor for inspiration. If it’s right there staring back at me, I practice much more often than if it was stored in the corner somewhere.
    Your mat choice can play a big part in your overall reaction to yoga. A mat made of plastic and other synthetic materials can be slippery and provide an uncomfortable experience right from your first down dog. Mats made of rubber or other eco-friendly materials are your best bet, because they aren’t slippery and are thick enough to provide cushioning. Many yoga teachers and practitioners suggest Manduka and Jade mats. Pick your favorite color to inspire you to spend more time on it.
    A lot of the