12 Types of Yoga Worth Trying

Not every type of yoga is right for everyone. It isn't a "one size fits all" type of thing. Thus some people may need to experiment in order to find the type of yoga that is right for them. Just because your grandmother does one style of yoga doesn't necessarily mean that is the type of yoga you will enjoy.

After all, maybe grandma does Ashtanga Yoga or Power Yoga, and if you read the descriptions below maybe those aren't for you at all!

1. Hatha Yoga: Hatha yoga is a foundational practice that focuses on physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama). It is a gentle and accessible form of yoga suitable for beginners.

2. Vinyasa Yoga: Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic and flowing style of yoga that synchronizes movement with breath. It involves a series of continuous and fluid transitions between poses, promoting strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness.

3. Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga yoga is a physically demanding and structured practice that follows a set sequence of postures. It emphasizes strength, flexibility, and breath control, and is often practiced in a heated room.

4. Iyengar Yoga: Iyengar yoga focuses on precise alignment and the use of props, such as blocks, straps, and bolsters. It is a methodical and detail-oriented practice that helps build strength, stability, and body awareness.

5. Bikram Yoga: Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga, is performed in a room heated to around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). It follows a specific sequence of 26 poses and two breathing exercises, aiming to increase flexibility and detoxify the body.

6. Yin Yoga: Yin yoga is a slow-paced practice that targets the deep connective tissues of the body. Poses are held for an extended period, usually 3 to 5 minutes, promoting flexibility, relaxation, and mindfulness.

7. Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini yoga combines physical postures, breathwork, chanting, and meditation. It aims to awaken the dormant energy within the body and promote spiritual growth and self-awareness.

8. Restorative Yoga: Restorative yoga involves passive, supported poses using props like blankets, bolsters, and blocks. It is a deeply relaxing practice that promotes deep rest and rejuvenation of the body and mind.

9. Power Yoga: Power yoga is a vigorous and athletic style of yoga that incorporates strength-building exercises and dynamic movements. It focuses on building physical stamina, flexibility, and mental resilience.

10. Anusara Yoga: Anusara yoga emphasizes the alignment of the body and the celebration of the heart. It combines physical postures with a focus on heart-centered intentions, aiming to cultivate grace, balance, and joy.

11. Jivamukti Yoga: Jivamukti yoga integrates physical postures, chanting, meditation, and ethical principles from yoga philosophy. It is a spiritually oriented practice that promotes self-realization and compassion for all beings.

12. Sivananda Yoga: Sivananda yoga follows a specific sequence of 12 basic asanas, combined with breathing exercises and relaxation. It focuses on the five principles of proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet, and positive thinking.

6 Intense Cardio Exercises in 6 Minutes

Want a quick workout that is only 6 minutes? Here are six intense cardio exercises that you can do for six minutes (1 minute each) to help with weight loss:

1. Burpees: Burpees are a full-body exercise that combines strength training and cardio. Start in a standing position, drop into a squat, place your hands on the ground, kick your feet back into a push-up position, perform a push-up, jump your feet back to the squat position, and explosively jump up into the air. Repeat this sequence as quickly as possible for 1 minute.

2. Jumping Jacks: Jumping jacks are a classic cardio exercise that engages your entire body. Start with your feet together and arms by your sides. Jump up, spreading your feet wider than hip-width apart, and simultaneously raise your arms above your head. Jump back to the starting position and continue jumping back and forth for 1 minute.

3. High Knees: High knees are a high-intensity exercise that targets your lower body and elevates your heart rate. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Drive one knee up toward your chest while hopping on the other leg. Alternate legs quickly and continue lifting your knees as high as possible for 1 minute.

4. Mountain Climbers: Mountain climbers are a challenging exercise that works your core, shoulders, and legs. Start in a push-up position with your arms straight. Bring one knee in towards your chest, then quickly switch legs, alternating back and forth. Keep a quick pace and perform the movement for 1 minute.

5. Jump Squats: Jump squats are an explosive exercise that targets your lower body and increases your heart rate. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower into a squat position, then explode up into the air, reaching your arms overhead. Land softly and immediately lower back into the squat position to repeat the movement. Continue for 1 minute, maintaining a quick and controlled pace.

6. Speed Skaters: Speed skaters mimic the lateral movements of ice skaters and provide a great cardio workout. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Leap to the side with your right foot, bringing your left foot behind you and reaching your left hand toward the right foot. Leap to the left side and continue alternating sides as quickly as possible for 1 minute.

Remember to warm up before performing these exercises and cool down afterward. It's crucial to listen to your body, modify exercises if needed, and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

 

Explore Toronto on your Bicycle in June

Toronto offers several fantastic places for bicycle rides during June 2023. If you do one of these per week (or weekend) you will have explored 4 or 5 of these fun places to cycle in Toronto and possibly motivate you to return to your favourites in July or August.

Here are some of the best locations to explore on two wheels:

1. Martin Goodman Trail: This scenic trail runs along the city's waterfront, offering beautiful views of Lake Ontario. You can start at the Humber Bay Arch Bridge and continue eastward, passing by popular destinations like Marilyn Bell Park, Toronto Islands, and the Harbourfront Centre. The Martin Goodman Trail provides a mix of natural landscapes and urban scenery.

2. Don Valley Ravine: The Don Valley Ravine offers a peaceful and serene cycling experience in the heart of the city. With its winding trails, lush greenery, and the Don River running alongside, this is a great option for nature lovers. The Lower Don Trail is a popular route that stretches from Pottery Road to the mouth of the Don River, providing a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces.

3. Toronto Islands: Take a ferry from downtown Toronto to the Toronto Islands and enjoy a leisurely bike ride on the car-free paths. With picturesque views of the city skyline, sandy beaches, and picnic areas, the islands provide a relaxing and family-friendly cycling experience. You can rent bicycles on the islands if you don't have your own.

4. Leslie Street Spit: The Leslie Street Spit, officially known as Tommy Thompson Park, is a unique urban wilderness located on a man-made peninsula. The park offers dedicated cycling trails where you can explore its diverse habitats, including marshes, meadows, and forests. It's a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying nature within the city.

5. Beltline Trail: The Beltline Trail follows the path of a former railway line and offers a peaceful cycling route through Midtown Toronto. It stretches from Allen Road to the Don Valley, passing through scenic neighborhoods and parks. The trail is mostly flat and paved, making it accessible for riders of all skill levels.

6. High Park: High Park is one of Toronto's largest and most popular parks, offering a variety of recreational activities, including cycling. It features paved paths and off-road trails that wind through green spaces, gardens, and even a zoo. Enjoy the beauty of nature and the peaceful ambiance of the park as you pedal through its scenic trails.

Before heading out, ensure that you check local cycling regulations, follow designated paths, and prioritize safety. It's also a good idea to have a map or GPS device to navigate through these areas. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and diverse cycling experiences that Toronto has to offer in June 2023!

5 Exercises for Building Muscles for Archery

Here are five exercises that engage similar muscle groups as archery:

1. Resistance Band Rows: This exercise targets the muscles of the upper back, shoulders, and arms, which are heavily involved in archery. Attach a resistance band to a stable object at waist height. Hold the ends of the band, step back to create tension, and pull your hands towards your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together.

2. Standing Dumbbell Rows: Similar to resistance band rows, this exercise targets the muscles of the upper back, shoulders, and arms. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Bend at the hips, keeping your back straight, and let the dumbbells hang at arm's length. Pull the dumbbells up towards your body, leading with your elbows and squeezing your shoulder blades together.

3. Push-ups: Push-ups engage the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and arms, which are utilized during the drawing and holding phases of archery. Start in a high plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Lower your body by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides, until your chest nearly touches the ground. Push back up to the starting position.

4. Plank: The plank exercise strengthens the core muscles, including the abdominal muscles and lower back, which provide stability during archery. Start in a push-up position, but with your elbows resting on the ground directly under your shoulders. Keep your body straight from head to toe, engaging your core muscles. Hold this position for as long as you can while maintaining proper form.

5. Standing Cable Rotations: This exercise targets the muscles of the core, including the obliques, which are crucial for stability and rotational movements in archery. Stand facing a cable machine with the cable set at chest height. Hold the handle with both hands and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Engage your core and rotate your upper body away from the machine while keeping your hips and lower body stable. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.

Incorporating these exercises into your fitness routine can help strengthen the muscles used in archery and improve overall stability and control.

Happy Shooting!

5 Frequently Overlooked Foods that are Slimming

Here are five slimming foods that are often overlooked but can be beneficial for weight loss:

1. Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a nutrient-dense food that is rich in protein and low in calories. It helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, reducing the chances of overeating. Choose plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt and add fresh fruits or a drizzle of honey for flavor.

2. Chia Seeds: Despite their small size, chia seeds are packed with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. When consumed, they absorb liquid and expand, creating a feeling of fullness and promoting healthy digestion. Sprinkle chia seeds over yogurt, add them to smoothies, or use them as a topping for salads.

3. Green Tea: Green tea is a calorie-free beverage that contains compounds like catechins, which are known for their metabolism-boosting properties. It can increase fat oxidation and help in weight management. Substitute sugary drinks with green tea for a refreshing and slimming alternative.

4. Seaweed: Seaweed is a low-calorie food that is rich in essential minerals, vitamins, and fiber. It is also a good source of iodine, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy thyroid function. Incorporate seaweed into your diet through salads, sushi, or as a snack option.

5. Spices: Certain spices can help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. For example, cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which can increase calorie expenditure and reduce appetite. Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing cravings for sugary foods. Incorporate these spices into your meals and enjoy their potential slimming effects.

Remember, while these foods can support weight loss efforts, it's important to consume them as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice and guidance.