Yoga: Four reasons why it’s an exercise for everyone

For many people, the image a yoga class conjures up is one of supple, flexible people contorting themselves in all kinds of way. However, that’s pretty far from the case these days and with a greater uptake in yoga, more and more people are realizing that it is an exercise for everyone.

Despite some common misconceptions about yoga, it is not necessarily about being flexible, it is more about building overall body strength. That’s why it doesn’t matter if you weigh 100 or 200 pounds, you will find yoga beneficial to you. Still not convinced? Here are four reasons why yoga is an exercise for all.

1. It is more about the mind than the body. Yes, it is about getting into poses, but it also about concentrating the mind and focusing on your inner self.

2. It can be used to undo the damage of mental conditions such as depression and anxiety. It has been discovered that yoga can actually help stimulate the growth of gray matter in your brain, getting your brain in good shape to deal with whatever comes your way.

3. There are different kinds of yoga which don’t just focus on flexibility. Many are concerned with building physical strength while others concentrate on breathing and meditation in order to achieve balance and inner peace.

4. Yoga classes have different levels, from beginner to intermediate to expert. If you have never experienced yoga before, you will find instructors patient and encouraging. Knowing expects you to nail the praying mantis on the first day.

For more tips on fitness and how to stay active check out the books at www.clubsfit.com.

Hurling: Ireland’s national treasure recognized by UNESCO

The Irish sport of hurling has been officially recognized by UNESCO as having special cultural status. The game has now been added to Representative List of the Intangible Culture Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

It marks the sport out as having particular cultural significance to Ireland but the game has gradually taken root in other regions around the world where there is a high population of Irish people living.

If you are not familiar with the sport of hurling, here are a few interesting facts you might like to know.

1. Hurling closely resembles a cross between field hockey and lacrosse. Players use a wooden stick made of ash to strike a ball which is traditionally made of leather.

2. The stick used in hurling is referred to by a number of names – hurl, hurley or caman. The ball is known as the sliothar.

3. Teams score in hurling by either striking the ball over the crossbar and between two upright posts. This will score one point. The can also score a goal by striking the ball under the bar and into the net, which results in three points.

4. There are 15 players on a hurling team and teams are usually split into on goalkeeper, six defenders or backs, two midfielders and six forwards.

5. Hurling is often referred to as the fastest field sport in the world and players can strike the ball up to 100 yards.

6. The most successful Irish county in hurling is Kilkenny who has won the All-Ireland Championship 36 times. The All-Ireland champions receive the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

Read up on more interesting sporting stories with the books at www.clubsfit.com.