Yoga

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

Internationally acclaimed fashion designer Vivienne Tam presented her first-ever Fashion Yoga collection in the form of a “Live Sculpture Garden,” during Mercedes – Benz New York Fashion Week on September 13th at the Barclay’s Capital Grove in Lincoln Center.

During the presentation, 20 leading female yogis, dressed head-to-toe in Tam’s new line, performed choreographed yoga led by International Yoga experts Rodney Yee and Colleen Yee, creating a living and breathing fashion yoga installation.

What makes your yoga wear stylish yet functional? Yoga is more than a workout  – it is a lifestyle – does your yoga collection appeal to both yoga in the studio and out? If yes, how so?

An avid Yogi herself, Tam’s mission was to create the modern woman’s Fashion Yoga Collection, a lifestyle line that takes women from Yoga to everyday living. A line that can go from the studio to lunch or shopping. Vivienne partnered with Rodney Yee a top “yogi” with a new DVD from www.Gaiam.com called: Daily Yoga, URL to help her create the best line possible.

What sort of pieces work best for yoga practitioner? What type of pieces should yogis wear to class to be able to move best and flow from pose to pose?

Clothing that becomes one with your body. Seamless and lightweight with built-in support and breathability.

As a longtime yoga practitioner, what did you find what missing in yoga wear? How did this influence your collection?

Bright colors, pattern and inspiring images are what I look for. The “OM” is printed on all of the pieces of the line . The colors: purples, blues, and greens are from nature and translate well into the collection. The line is made to feel like a second skin, which I feel allows you to become more at one with your-self and, in turn, experience the yoga more fully.

What are some must-haves pieces yogis should own?

A mat, a great pair of leggings, a supportive top whether it be with or with-out sleeves, and some sort of cover-up for after practicing. The body’s temperature goes up during a class and you want to cover your body after so not to get chilled. The line will be available online spring 2012, and the prices will range from $65 to $210, www.viviennetam.com