Use Yoga to Release Tightness in the Upper Back

Sitting at a desk or in your car, it is easy to let your shoulders move forward so that the upper back is rounded. This encourages the head to pitch forward. After even a few hours, this “forward head, forward shoulder” hunchback shape can create stiffness and tightness in the upper back. Over many years, that can become Dowager’s Hump, in which the upper mid-thoraic remains in a “candy-cane” shape.Yoga poses can dramatically release this tightness and stiffness if they are practiced regularly and with sensitivity. Start with these three: Cat’s Stretch, Dolphin Pose and Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana).

Create a Custom Yoga Mat
Creating a customized yoga mat can be a fun way to make yoga studio logo mats -- make a little extra money online -- or simply inspire yourself to do more yoga. You can add inspiring or humorous words, photos of your dog and kids or graphics, like your yoga studio logo. Since you can choose a custom color for the mat material, you can tie your custom yoga mat into any décor.

Give Effective Yoga Exercise for Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors commonly found in women 30 to 40 years old. According to MayoClinic.org, as many as three out of four women of childbearing age may develop fibroids in their uterus. Although doctors don't know the specific cause of fibroids, research points to the hormone estrogen as a possible trigger. Fibroids vary in size from microscopic to the size of a bowling ball. Some women have no symptoms, while others may experience pressure in the abdomen, constipation, heavy bleeding or cramping. Gentle yoga exercises and belly breathing can help increase circulation to the pelvic area and reduce sensations of heaviness and pressure.

Modify Yoga Poses for an Injured Back
When you have a back injury, in many cases there's no need to stop doing yoga. Even if you've never done yoga before, it can help you to reduce pain and assist in the healing process. Yoga exercises help to gently stretch and tone the muscles supporting the spine to relieve pressure. Here are some tips for modifying yoga poses to help ease pain while recovering from a back injury.

Knit a Yoga Mat Holder
Knitting a yoga mat holder can be simple or complex. At its very core, a yoga mat holder is simply a rectangle sewn into a drawstring style bag with a strap attached. It is suited in range from beginner to advanced, depending on the stitch pattern and embellishments added. Instructions are given for a basic, beginning knitter's pattern, with ideas for more advanced projects.