Yoga pose - Downward Facing Dog

Benefit of doing downward facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Downward facing dog deeply stretches the back, opens the chest, and builds upper body strength. This posture stimulates the brain and nervous system, improving memory, concentration, hearing and eyesight. This is one of the most widely recognized poses in yoga practice.

It looks easy, but it really isn't and a lot of hard work needs to put in it to achieve a perfect form of downdog. Simply try this at home, you'll be amazed of how your body feels after.

An Introduction to Restorative Yoga

This is a gentle, therapeutic style of Yoga that uses props to support the body to deepen the benefits of the poses. It is a soothing and nurturing practice that promotes the effects of conscious relaxation.

In general, restorative poses are for those times when you feel weak, fatigued, or stressed from your daily activities. They are especially beneficial for the times before, during, and after major life events: death of a loved one, change of job or residence, marriage, divorce, major holidays, and vacations. In addition, you can practice the poses when ill, or recovering from illness or injury.

SPECIAL POST: Solar UFO

I know this is not related to fitness health tips. But I think it's something that I wanted to share with my readers.

NASA has been reporting there are giant UFOs (see pic above) showing up on their ultraviolet (invisible light) solar cameras may be try to work with the sun's energy. As if they're going in and out and orbiting around the sun, exchanging energy.

2012 is near! Looking forward to any changes that might bring.

Why Interval Training is preferred?

Some studies have found that brief intervals of high intensity training are more effective at maintaining muscle and building their capacity for lactic acid oxidation. Lactic acid builds up as muscles undergo intense strain. You may recognize this as the burning sensation you might sometimes feel as you’re trying to lift that last rep or trying to sprint the last 100m of a good jog. During the recovery from bout of the high intensity, lactic acid is broken down. This process uses energy from carbohydrate storage or fat.

Interval training may be better than a moderate intensity run for losing fat and getting lean. So next time you’re heading out for your weekly (or monthly or whenever you can get yourself off the couch) run, perhaps head down to the track instead and run 5 or 6 400m sprints, each followed by 2 minutes of rest. It may take less time than a 10k jog, but it may be just as effective.

Almond Milk vs Rice Milk vs Coconut Milk

As the name implies, Almond Milk is derived from milk of almonds and is big on taste, light on calories. Almonds may be one of the healthiest nuts you can eat. In fact, they are often noted for their heart-healthy benefits because about 70% of almonds is monounsaturated fat. They are also a good source of protein and fiber. Almonds are known to be rich in minerals, other advantages to almond milk include its lack of cholesterol and the fact it doesn't cause lactose problems.

Rice milk is made from processed short-grain brown rice and may be one of the best non-allergic milks as more people tend to be more allergic to soy or almond

milks. rice milk has no protein and there is little fat in rice milk.

Coconut milk contains calcium, potassium, chloride, vitamin A and E. Coconut milk helps to reduce blood pressure, blood sugar and improve bone and dental health. it’s a dairy free alternat

ive to milk products. Coconut milk contains lauric acid that has anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. As such, coconut

milk can help to strengthen the immune system by getting rid of stomach bacteria, the flu, colds, sore throat and a range of illnesses. There are several kinds of antioxidants found in coconut milk. Antioxidants help the body to scavenge dangerous free radicals that can degenerate the cells of the body. Therefore, coconut milk can help to prevent cancers of the body.

Pomegranate - Super Fruit with Rich Antioxidant

What are pomegranates good for? Researchers report that they are rich in antioxidants that can keep bad LDL cholesterol from oxidizing (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2000). This degradation of LDL seems to be an initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, pomegranate juice, like aspirin, can help keep blood platelets from clumping together to form unwanted clots.

Pomegranate juice tested higher in overall phenolic content and antioxidant activity than red wine, concord grape, blueberry and orange juices, a study found by Dr David Heber of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA said pomegranate juice ranked higher than other beverages that have recently found touted as containing superior levels of antioxidants such as acai juice and white and green teas. The antioxidant potency composite index of pomegranate juice was at least 20 percent greater than any other beverages included in the study.

Get Gorgeous! Circus smell can help!

A whiff of citrus is an ideal wake me up. Don't believe? Read up..

"It stimulates the area of the brain that makes us feel alert." says Alan Hirsch, M.D. ,the neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment Research Foundation in Chicago. For a jolt without the jitters, mist your body with grapefruit, tangerine or orange essential oils. You'll be perky for hours.