Cycling is good for everyone

Among other forms of exercise, cycle riding stands apart.This is simply a way of exercising incorporated with a goal of transporting you from point A to point B. This is a form of exercise which is Eco friendly,pocket friendly and most importantly non time consuming.Time and again it has been recommended as a great cardiovascular exercise which helps in enhancing general endurance.Mobility of lower limbs during cycling is a great way to maintain joint structure and muscle strengths if not overdone.Contrary to general belief,cycling involves more than just the lower limb activity, it acts as a stress buster and a helps improving body co-ordination.Though generally safe it can cause a few health issues particularly if you plan to start cycling all of a sudden and are not used to it since your childhood days.Inter vertebral disc prolapse,Asthma/breathing problems,Fractures,Muscle/ligament tears are some conditions in which a patient should seek medical advice before starting cycling.In most of the physical ailments,your physiotherapist is the right person to advice you if cycling may be a good idea for you or not.One more fact to be kept in mind is that use of proper cycling gear,including headgear,knee pads,elbow pads etc. is very important. Cycling is still used a mode of transport for short distance in some cities around the world but most of the Indian Metro cities do not see a bicycle as a high status mode of transport.Few adventure seekers in recent times have taken cycling as a serious adventure sport which comes as a refreshing way to end a hectic week.It can easily be converted into a fun activity if people come together in offices and localities and decide to take bicycle to work.

The Great Science of Yoga

Yoga is one of the earliest forms of structured physical activity with well defined benefits.Looking at modern lifestyles, it seems as if yoga was actually always meant to be a part of 21st century chaotic lifestyle.This is not only an exercise style for physical fitness but its also a pathway to disciplined living. It leads to  mind and body co-ordination which in turn creates a sense of spiritual calmness. Mental calm or body flexibility are not the only benefits of regular yoga practise, there is a lot more that this ancient science can provide to our modern urban lifestyle.Weight loss benefits of yoga are presented in many international studies and research.Interestingly when practised regularly, a great control over breathing patterns is achieved which  causes favourable changes in metabolic rates and lung and cardiac functions. This form of exercise is always considered as a perfect way to maintain mechanical structure of the body i.e. joint structure and function.It may not be a new technique on  its own but over ages yoga has been modified and reinvented by trainers into various modern yoga forms,which are termed at ease to find resonance with present understanding. Now comes the warning part where we want to mention that it needs to be a careful choice when you decide to choose a yoga school or trainer.It has been a guru-shishya art from the very beginning but now has taken a commercial turn by becoming a part of the overgrowing fitness industry.All yoga is not correct yoga and yoga can not be learnt by watching it on TV. Particularly if you are suffering from any health issues such as bone/ joint or cardiothoracic problems, seek advice from experienced physiotherapist before joining yoga and mention your problems to the yoga trainer before starting your sessions.