Showing posts with label Twist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Twist. Show all posts

Monday, June 12, 2017

The Many Benefits Provided By An Ego C Twist Starter Kit


By Allyson Burke


An Ego C Twist starter kit is a product that caters to the needs of ex-smokers who want to have a new habit. The various components included assemble into a device that is used just like an actual cigarette stick. So many reasons exist why someone who wants to turn his or her back on smoking should consider purchasing the product.

All the essentials are included with the kit. You don't have to procure any other part or accessory from another vendor as all the things you need are found in the package. Assembling the components may be done without worries simply by consulting the manual included. Provided that the battery has been already charged, you may start your new habit right away.

Vaping is touted as a healthier alternative to cigarette smoking. Experts say that more than 7,000 dangerous substances are pumped into your lungs and eventually the various organs of the body each time you take a drag. Some of them are also known to cause all sorts of cancers. Opting for an electronic cigarette spares you from all of those toxic compounds.

The device involved does not emit second hand smoke. If you are not exposed to the dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke, naturally all the rest around you are also spared from them. It is said that second hand smoke is more poisonous, putting non-smokers more at risk. Thanks to a vaping device, your family and friends need not be placed in peril.

A vaper can stay smelling good for the longest time possible. Many find the smell of cigarette smoke repulsive, something that can adhere to the smoker's clothes, hair and skin. Bad breath is never appealing to anyone. Because no foul-smelling smoke is emitted by an electronic cigarette, the user can experience a boost in image as well as social life.

It's possible to use an electronic cigarette even in public places or enclosed areas. Again, this has something to do with the fact that the device produces only water vapor and not smoke. There is also zero fire risk involved as the device requires no lighting up, unlike the real thing which can cause carpets, upholstered furniture pieces, curtains and clothes to burn.

There are different nicotine levels to choose from. Individuals who used to smoke heavily may go for e juice with the most amount of nicotine in it. On the other hand, those who were occasional smokers may opt for milder variants. It's even possible to order e juice which contains no nicotine at all, perfect for vapers who want to avoid the addicting substance.

There are so many e juice flavors which may be used with the Ego C Twist starter kit. Because of this, you don't have to worry about ending up thinking that vaping is a boring habit. You can find e juice that tastes like apple, banana, coconut and cherry. There are selections that mimic the flavors of beverages as well as popular brands of actual cigarettes.




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Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Featured Pose Easy Sitting Twist Parivritta Sukasana


by Baxter
Sitting on the floor with crossed legs in Easy Sitting pose (Sukasana) is often the starting place for many beginner level classes, and is therefore often the very first yoga pose that a new student is likely to encounter in modern yoga. And it is from that humble position that we also often meet our first seated twist, Easy Sitting Twist (Parivritta Sukasana). 

This pose helps to maintain and improve your twisting flexibility, which you need for everyday actions such as grabbing something off to your side or turning to look behind you as you drive. The pose also strengthens your diagonally oriented muscles, including the abdominal obliques, as well as the small muscles between your ribs and close to your spine. While some of these muscles are shortening in the twist and others are lengthening, by twisting in both directions, you will both strengthen and stretch them all. Additionally, as your small spinal muscles pull on your spinal bones in the twist, they actually stimulate thin bones to strengthen over time, so a simple twist can help strengthen the bones of your spine (although those with osteoporosis/osteopenia may need to be careful not to overdo twists). And moving your spine through its full range of motion helps nourish the spinal joints to keep them healthy.

I prescribe this pose for:
  • Improving the twisting ability of your spine, from your tailbone to the top of your neck
  • Addressing some digestive issues, such as sluggish digestion and elimination as twisting seems to help these functions
  • Improving sitting posture by strengthening back, front and side muscles that contribute to spinal elongation
  • General stimulation of your body and nervous system
  • Releasing physical tension from your body
  • Counter-pose for backbends or forward bends
Cautions: Although there are some warnings for those with osteoporosis regarding twisting actions, a gentle approach, such as the Open Twist below, to this seated twist is usually safe. For some cases of low back pain, twists can worsen symptoms. If that is true for you with this pose, you should avoid the pose. For those with knee pain, crossed legs can sometimes worsen your pain. If that is true for you, try a chair twist, practice sitting on the floor with both legs straight in Seated Wide Angle pose (Upavista Konasana), or practice a reclined twist instead. 

1. Classic Version 
Start by sitting on your mat in a simple crossed legs position, with your right shin in front of the left shin. I recommend working towards aligning your feet under the opposite knees, with your shins somewhat parallel with one another.

Next, place your hands by your sides, and press your fingers down onto the floor to create an upward extension of your spine—from your tailbone to the crown of your head—to come into a good sitting posture. Then, inhale and lift your arms up and out to your sides, parallel with the floor. Exhale and rotate your upper belly, chest and head to the right, placing your left hand on your right knee and your right hand on the floor behind your hips. Keep your back arm strong and engaged to assist in the continued lift of your spine. Although it may be tempting to use your arms to lever yourself aggressively deeper into the twist, concentrate your muscular action in your abdomen and spine instead of using your arms.

Stay in the pose for 6-8 breaths initially, eventually working up towards 1-2 minute holds. To come out of the pose, inhale as you release the twist and return to center with your arms up and out to your sides. Then exhale and release your arms. Rest a breath or so before repeating the twist to the left side. After doing both sides with your right foot in front, switch the cross of your legs and repeat the twist both to your right and left.  

You can also practicing this pose dynamically, moving in and out of the twist with your breath. From the starting position above, one round would be:
  1. Inhale and take your arms up and out to your sides
  2. Exhale come into the twist to the right side
  3. Inhale and return to center with your arms up and out to sides
  4. Exhale and twist to the left side
  5. Inhale and return center with your arms out to sides
  6. Exhale release the arms down to your sides
Repeat for 3 rounds, then switch the cross of your legs and repeat for 3 more rounds. If you are particularly stiff in twisting, this is a nice way to ease into the version where you hold the pose for several breaths.

2. Back Arm Behind Your Waist

(sorry, no photo)

Without the support of your back arm, this version requires more support from the deeper muscles of your belly and spine, so it provides more strengthening of your core muscles. It also provides a good stretch for the shoulder of the arm you take behind your back. (Those with shoulder injuries or rotator cuff issues may need to skip this version.)

To come into the pose, start out as in the classic version. Then, as you turn to your right, instead of placing your right hand on the floor to actively help support your spine, bend your elbow, cross your forearm around the back of your waist, and try to hook your right hand onto the top of your left thigh. If you can’t quite take hold of your left thigh with your right hand, simply press the back of your right hand as close to the left side of your waist as you can. Maintain a good inner lift of your spine.

Stay in the pose for 6-8 breaths initially, eventually working up towards 1-2 minute holds. Come out of the pose and repeat the same way as for the Classic version.

3. Supporting Your Hips

(The Open Twist below shows support for the hips)

This version is great for those with have tight hips and/or lower backs, who find it difficult to maintain a neutral spine while sitting flat on floor. It can be amazing how much a 1-2 inch lift, such as a folded blanket, or a higher lift, such as a block on its lowest height, can do to improve your seated posture. 

Start by sitting on your prop, either near the front edge of a folded blanket or on top of the block. Then enter the pose the same way you would for the classic version. If the support makes it difficult for you to reach the floor behind you or causes you to lose the upward lift of your spine, you may need a low block behind your right hip to support your back hand. 

Stay in the pose for 6-8 breaths initially, eventually working up towards 1-2 minute holds. Stay in the pose for 6-8 breaths initially, eventually working up towards 1-2 minute holds. Come out of the pose and repeat the same way as for the Classic version.

If you aren’t using a block to support your hand, you can practice this version dynamically as well. 

4. Open Twist
This variation is great for those that have to be more careful with the deeper twist of the classic version, such as those with osteoporosis, mild low back pain, or the second trimester or later of pregnancy. This version is similar to the classic in all ways but one; instead of bring your left hand to your right knee as you twist to the right, simply rest it on the left knee. You can also make the turn more gently and not as deep as you assess how the body handles the intensity of the twist. 

Stay in the pose for 6-8 breaths initially, eventually working up towards 1-2 minute holds. Come out of the pose and repeat the same way as for the Classic version.You can do this version dynamically as well.

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Sunday, October 30, 2016

Why You Should Go For The Ego C Twist Starter Kit


By Catalina Nielsen


The quickest way to switch from smoking to vaping is ordering the Ego C Twist starter kit. All of the things you need to enjoy a new and healthier habit are included in the box. From adjusting the amount of vapor enjoyed to experimenting with different flavors, there are so many reasons for you to ditch the real thing and start using an electronic cigarette.

It's possible to fiddle with the battery's voltage. This feature allows you to choose anywhere between 4.8V to 3.2V simply by turning a dial. The higher the voltage you go for, the more vapor to enjoy. It's true that going for the highest setting may quickly drain the battery. Fear not because the kit includes a pair or rechargeable power source for uninterrupted vaping.

A locking mechanism is integrated into the battery. Setting off this feature requires you to press a button 5 times rapidly. Afterwards, you may place the device in your pocket, bag or carrying case without accidentally draining it.

The device relies on a changeable atomizer system. The component which vaporizes e juice in the tank is made up of the atomizer head and base. It's possible to replace only the one which causes your vaping life to come to a halt. This is something that cannot be done if you are using another brand wherein those separate parts are combined. Your new habit can be a cost-effective one if you don't have to replace components that are still in an excellent working condition.

Vaping does not endanger the health like smoking does. Health authorities say that each puff a smoker makes causes over 7,000 deadly substances to get into the body. The individual may suffer from an assortment of conditions because of this, from stroke, bronchitis to many types of cancers. With an electronic cigarette, all of those toxins may be avoided.

Non-smokers are kept out of harm's way. According to experts, individuals around smokers are more at risk because of secondhand smoke. Although an electronic cigarette may look like it is producing smoke, the fact is that's just water vapor.

Choosing the nicotine level of your preference may be done. When ordering e juice or cartridge replacements, you get to decide on how much nicotine is present. It's even possible to opt for the nicotine-free variant if you want to dodge the addicting substance.

You may experiment with an array of fun flavors. It's hard to get bored with your brand new habit if there's a new taste to try each time. Most vapers like to stick to e juice variants that mimic popular cigarette brands. Others like to opt for those patterned from drinks, fruits and desserts. You may also mix your own e juice simply by ordering the raw materials.

You may use your electronic cigarette just about anywhere. You will surely need the carrying case included with the Ego C Twist starter kit because you'll be enticed to take all of your vaping essentials wherever you go. Enjoy your device inside shopping malls, restaurants, offices and other places where smoking is prohibited.




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Sunday, October 16, 2016

Featured Pose Reclined Twist


by Baxter
I am excited to be sharing Reclined Twist Pose (Jathara Parivartanasana) with you today! There are many different variations of this pose taught these days, and I will describe several of them. I appreciate this pose for a number of reasons. First, because this is a supine pose (done lying on the back), you can use it either as a warm-up pose at the start of a practice or a cool-down pose at the end. The supported version can be a good counter-pose for backbends or seated forward bends.

Second, because twists activate and stretch the various layers of rotating muscles that help to spin your spine around its vertical axis, this pose both strengthens these muscles if they are weak and helps to release excessive tension that can build up those muscles. So you can use this pose to release held stress in your body when you are preparing for more relaxing poses, where you will be lying still for a while, as well as to relieve mild back pain.

And finally, three of the abdominal muscle layers are activated in this twist: the two layers of obliques and the deep transverse abdominis muscles. So this pose is good for building core strength.

I prescribe this pose for:
  • Improving rotating range of motion of the spine, which useful for everyday actions, for example, grabbing something out the backseat of your car.
  • Building strength in the rotating muscles for those who been inactive or are recovering from longer illnesses or injury.
  • Improving core strength
  • Because twists can be stimulating to your nervous system, you can use this pose to jump-start yourself when you are feeling fatigue, sluggishness, or depression in a practice.
Cautions: Any practitioners who has been warned by their doctor or physical therapist to avoid deep twists to do only the more restorative version of this pose or skip this pose entirely. This can include people with acute or chronic low back pain, sacroiliac dysfunction or arthritis in the lumbar spine. If you are uncertain if the pose if right for you, ask an experienced yoga instructor for individual guidance.

Note: I know that there is a modern tradition of telling practitioners always to twist to the right first and the left second, but there is no good evidence that this makes any difference on bodily functions, such as bowel elimination. So, I tend to mix things up in my own practice and encourage you to do so in yours as well!

Classic Version
1. Lie on your back in Constructive Rest pose, with your knees bent and soles of the feet on the floor.
2. Tip your knees in towards your chest until your thighs are vertical and your shins are parallel with the floor, and stretch your arms out to your sides with the palms of your hands facing up.
3. On an inhalation, drop your hips and legs to the right, one-half to three-quarters of the way to the floor and hold there for a moment. 
4. On your exhalation, swing your legs back up to center. Repeat on your left side, following the rhythm of your breath.

5. After several warm up rounds, drop back to the right side and keep your legs at the one-half to three-quarters mark for several rounds of breath, keeping your upper back and shoulder blades as even on the floor as possible. Then, on an exhalation, swing your legs back up to center and repeat on the left side.

6. Finally, drop your legs and hips gently to the floor to your right so your outer right hip and outer right leg are resting fully on the floor. Attempt to keep the ends of your knees even with one another. To avoid pinching the back of your left shoulder area, feel free to lift your left shoulder blade and arm a few inches off the floor and reach your left arm actively to the left side of the mat. Stay for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. 
7. Then on an exhalation, swing your legs back up to center and repeat on the left side.

8. When you've finished, return to Constructive Rest position. Then stretch your legs out and relax your front thigh muscles before moving on.

Although I’ve presented a sequence of three different versions here, you can, of course, choose to do any of these versions—dynamic version, the suspended version, or the floor version—individually if you prefer. The step-wise sequence, however, here will take you deeper into the pose.

First Variation: Gentle Twist

This gentle version is just much less demanding than the classic version and is more of a mild stretch on the rotating muscle of the spine than version 1, so this can be a good warm up for more challenging twists.

1. Start in Constructive Rest position.

2. Step your feet toward each other, so they are just a few inches apart, and bring your arms out to the side with your palms facing up.

3. On your inhalation, gently drop both knees to your right as far as they can go towards the floor, pivoting momentarily onto the edges of your feet. On your exhalation, swing both knees back up to center. Repeat on the second side, moving with your breath. Do about six warm-up rounds.

4. Drop your legs to your right side with the outer right leg resting on the floor or as close to it as possible. Allow your feet to stay slightly apart, with the edges of the feet are resting on the floor, so your knees do not stack up. Keep your shoulder blades evenly on the floor.

5. Now simply release all effort. If it’s comfortable for you, you can gently turn your head in the opposite direction of your legs. Stay for 1-2 minutes.

6. To come out of the pose, swing your legs back to Constructive Rest position. Then repeat on the second side.

Second Variation: Crossed Knees

This variation is a bit more challenging than the classic version, but it tends to stretch your outer hips more and also can build more core strength as well. The only difference is in the set-up:

1. In Constructive Rest pose, cross your left thigh tightly over the right.

2. Keeping your right foot on the floor, shift your hips an inch or two to the right.

3. Then, tip both knees up and in towards your chest and take your arms out to your sides, with palms facing up.
4. Follow steps 3-6 for the classic version.
5. To come out of the pose, swing your legs back toward center and bring your right foot back to the floor. Then uncross your legs and move your hips back to the center before doing the other side. (When you do the other side, cross your right thigh over your left.)

Third Variation: Restorative 
This restorative version of the full twist is appropriate for those who are in need of rest or who want to gently explore the twisting movements of the spine.

1. Start in Constructive Rest pose, with a bolster on the left side of your mat, parallel with the long edge of the mat.

3. Set up as for the classic version, with your arms out to the sides and legs tipped up, ready to drop to your left.

4. Release your left outer, lower leg and knee onto the bolster and relax into the support. Keep your chest broad and your shoulder blades relaxing onto the floor.

5. Consider closing the eyes, and rest in this position for 1-2 minutes.

6. To come out, gently swing your legs back to center and return your feet to the floor. Then carefully shift the bolster to the right side, and repeat the pose on your second side.

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Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Featured Pose Simple Chair Twist


by Baxter and Nina

The Simple Chair Twist is one of our five essential office yoga poses. It releases back muscles that are stiff or sore from sitting at a desk or from traveling, or from everyday activities that stress the back, such as gardening and painting, and increases the rotational mobility in your spine. Twisting also helps nourish the spine—movement of the spine helps maintain the health of the discs—and also strengthens the bones themselves as your back muscles pull on the bony insertions of the spine. And it also strengthens the oblique muscles of your core (and we could all use a little of that).

Traditional yoga teachers recommend twists for the health of your internal organs, improving circulation to and function of the abdominal organs, although no studies have been conducted to confirm this. And finally, for many of us, twists can release physical and emotional tension, providing relief from stress.

The Simple Chair Twist has the additional bonus of being accessible to almost everyone in any location, whether office chair, airplane seat, or even a car seat (except, as Baxter noted while sitting in Nina’s backyard, a 50s style butterfly chair).

Baxter prescribes Simple Chair Twist for:
  • general back tension
  • stiffness
  • people with balance issues (or who are unable to stand)
  • certain low back conditions
  • digestive difficulties (constipation or sluggishness)
  • strengthening the oblique muscles
  • arthritis of the spine
  • people who engage in sports or other activities that involve rotation (all you golfers can restore symmetry to your body by twisting on both sides instead of one)
Instructions: Side sideways on the chair, with your feet resting comfortably on the floor (if your chair has arms or is attached to another chair, see below for an alternative). Your thighs should be parallel to the floor, so if you’re tall you may need to sit on top of something and if you’re short you may need to place something, like a book, under your feet.
Keeping your thighs parallel to each other, lift your spine and turn toward the back of the chair, placing your hands on either side of the chair’s back. Inhale and create an inner lift from your sitting bones through the crown of your head. Then exhale and encourage the twist from your upper belly (above the navel) and chest. Continue lifting on your inhalation and twisting slightly deeper on the exhalation for about 1 minute. Then change sides and twist in the opposite direction. When you’ve finished the pose, pause for a moment to assess how the pose affected your body.
If you can’t sit on the side of your chair, you can sit facing forward as shown below.
As you twist to the right, place your right hand on the chair’s back and your bring your left hand across your right leg. To twist on the other side, simply switch your arm positions.
Cautions: With certain low back conditions (such as severe arthritis, bulging disc, spinal stenosis or sciatica) you should approach twisting cautiously and skip it entirely if it aggravates your symptoms. If you have osteoporosis, twist gently and don’t move through your full range of motion (stay within 50 to 70 percent). If you feel pain, please stop and when you get a chance, as your yoga teacher for help.

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