Health

It’s no secret that Yoga has swiftly become a leading form of exercise among men and women across the world. Every day, millions of people roll out yoga mats, set their yoga blocks within reaching distance and Om away. From more active forms such as Vinyasa and Bikram to purely meditative or passive yoga, such as Restorative or Sivananda, Yoga’s promise to reinvigorate, heal, strengthen and calm appeals to health-conscious consumers.

Lately, though, yoga’s safety has been questioned by health practitioners. These yoga skeptics worry that some of the more advanced moves could lead to injuries, long term damage and chronic pain. For example, one wrong move while doing crane could easily result in a neck or spine injury. Even less difficult moves, such as plow and wheel, have some people extra cautious.

On the opposite side of this controversy, though, remain faithful yogis. Many insist that injury is possible any form of exercise. They say that, ultimately, it’s the exerciser’s duty to use correct posture and to only do moves they’ve worked up to. After all, a woman who’s never trained for a marathon wouldn’t run the 24 miles right out of the gate. Yoga is about taking care of yourself, so pushing too far beyond your abilities is counter-intuitive to its mission. In short: those who practice yoga should only do what their comfortable with and what your body can handle at any given time.

Outside of the potential for injury, another recent form of controversy regarding yoga is its potential to make people gain weight. William J. Broad, author of ‘The Science of Yoga: The Risks and the Rewards’ says yoga-induced relaxation may result in reduced metabolism and joint instability, leading to weight gain. In addition, some substitute yoga for cardiovascular exercise. Cardiovascular exercise is necessary for heart and muscle health, so foregoing it isn’t wise.

Again, faithful yogis insist that the more active forms are just as good — if not better — for the body as cardiovascular exercise. Of course, if you’re doing a purely meditative form of yoga that simply requires sitting, laying or standing still, they acknowledge that this does not satisfy the weekly recommendations for cardio exercise. In these cases, yoga should simply act as a complementary form of exercise.

So what are your thoughts on the recent yoga hoopla? Do you, or have you ever, practiced yoga? If so, what benefits — or cons — have you experienced as a result? Spark dialogue with friends and fellow yogis and feel free to add your opinion here, as well.

Read more about the controversy in this Washington Post article.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Cancer is something I think we have all become a bit too familiar with. Whether it be a close friend, coworker, family member or a beloved pet it’s safe to say we all would love to see the day that we can officially kick that cancer to the curb, once and for all! The leader of fighting the fight, the America Cancer Society (ACS), holds several fundraisers throughout the year that raise awareness and money to further their extensive research.  If you’re looking to get involved but don’t know where to begin, this is the perfect opportunity for you and your pooch to give back to this great big juicy red apple that we all love so much and support the fight against cancer.

This Sunday, May 3rd, at 9:00 a.m.  the ACS will be hosting the 18th annual Dogswalk at Riverside park on 107th and Riverside Drive.  Here you and your philanthropy loving pooches can put your best paw forward as you walk to help raise awareness and most importantly funds.  Now, if there is one thing I know my fellow New Yorkers are known for its fundraising…and I mean fundraising in a huge way.  Go big or go home right? The walk-a-thon is just $35.00 to register you and your dog and is less than a mile (approximately equal the distance from Saks to Bergdorfs, roundtrip), but your participation and support will last well beyond the short distance walked.

Insider Tip: The first 700 registered participants receive a “Doggy Bag” valued over $50.00 in goodies!

For more information on the event details, and how you can help fight human and animal cancers go to:

-Lindsey