Monday, May 23, 2011

Top Reasons Why People Decide to Give Yoga a Try

"Yoga" is the Sanskrit word that means union or conjunction. Over the years, the practice has been growing in popularity because of the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits it can provide to practitioners. With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the most common reasons people cite for getting into yoga classes in NJ.

One of the top reasons why one practices yoga is to increase muscular flexibility. Yoga involves the practice of conforming to different postures and moving in a rhythmic manner; if done properly and consistently, it can greatly improve your overall level of flexibility. The key is to remain patient - during the first few sessions your body may resist. Certainly, your physical limitations will be evident but in time the body starts to open up. Through continuous practice the body adapts, and before you know it, you’re able to move and bend in ways you never thought possible!

Another reason why people take up yoga is ease their physical ailments. For example, back pain, which is usually associated with incorrect posture, can be alleviated through movements that help to lengthen the spine and avoid nerve compression. This, in turn, helps to loosen tight muscles in the neck, shoulders and the back.  Proper circulation is another important factor that determines a person’s overall health. Many yoga classes in NJ will teach you inversions such as the shoulder stand and the headstand which can bring fresh blood to the heart and an increased oxygen level that can help reduce heart and kidney problems. Finally, many of the twists found in yoga can help flush toxins from the body.

Last but not least, yoga has a way of making you feel good about yourself. If you are feeling down, there are certain poses that can improve the moods and make you feel more tranquil. Yogis also say that practicing even for just a few minutes per day can increase focus and chase your worries away. Certain yoga classes in NJ, like our Yoga Relaxation class, can help the practitioner maintain a positive outlook; through meditation it’s easier to control and quiet the negative emotions that occur in daily life and improve our way of thinking.

4 Tips for First Time Spa Visitors

At CGI Holistic Fitness, we’ve found that first-time spa visitors only have a general idea of what the typical client experience is at the spas in NJ. For this reason, we’re providing this primer on how most spas operate. Hopefully this allows you to maximize the enjoyment of your upcoming appointment!

1. Arrive Early: We recommend arriving 15-30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Getting to the spa early will provide ample time to tour the spa facilities and get to know the various features onsite. Many spas have a pool, sauna and/or steam room, and other ways to pamper yourself prior to your appointment. They’re meant to be used…so take advantage of them!

2. Speak Up: When the time comes you’re your appointment it important that you tell your massage therapist about any pre-existing conditions that could negatively impact your enjoyment of your appointment. Trained spa attendants know to gather this information prior the treatment, but it’s always a good idea to thoroughly explain your physical history.

3. Mix It Up: Most spas in NJ have a wide variety of service offerings; your first time through you might want to test out a couple of different treatments. For example, instead of signing up for a 90 minute Swedish massage, you could sign up for a 60 minute shiatsu massage and a 60 minute sport massage and then decide which one is a better fit for you in the future.

4. Shut It Down: We know this can be hard, but going to the spa is the perfect excuse for turning off your cell phone and closing your laptop. Reputable spas in NJ will remind their clients to remove these distractions – it’s the only way to make the most out of the spa experience!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

What to Expect at a Weight Loss Boot Camp


For those of you who are hoping to shed pounds and reshape your body, there are any number of weight loss options that you can explore. One of these is a weight loss boot camp – which is not for the faint of heart. These programs are modeled after military-style boot camps, with a specific focus on helping the participants lose weight rapidly while transitioning into a healthier lifestyle. If you’ve seen the reality show "The Biggest Loser" you already have an idea of what a weight loss boot camp is all about. These programs require a considerable level of commitment, and for those of you who are sufficiently determined, we want to share a few tips on how to navigate this workout regimen…and come out with a better, healthier body.

• Set a realistic goal: Motivational speakers, life coaches, and anyone else who’s an expert in self improvement will tell you that setting clear, measurable goals is a necessary first step towards achieving success – in whatever it is that you set out to accomplish. This is no different when joining a weight loss boot camp program. Work with your trainer to set a goal that will push your beyond mediocre results - aim for the best case scenario and just maybe you’ll achieve or surpass it!

• Create a support network: The expectation of a weight loss boot camp is that it’s meant to be difficult. Which is why it is very important to enlist the support of those around you – that goes for family and friends, but this also applies to the other participants in the boot camp itself. Since you’ll be spending time with these people and experiencing a similar set of challenges, it can be tremendously helpful to bond with them and work together towards a common purpose.

• Make sure the behavioral changes are sustainable: We’ve all done it before…we go on a strict diet to lose weight, only to see the weight return within a couple weeks of going off said diet. With a weight loss boot camp, participants should be focusing on permanently changing their exercise and eating habits. So, if you’re engaging in an activity that cannot stand the test of time it is important to notify your trainer and reassess the details of your program. Incremental improvements, that lead to permanent change, are so much more valuable then major, ongoing fluctuations!