The Star: July 27, 2017

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HealtH & Fitness i 6 Benefits of yoga more than physical Mind-body practices such as yoga have been around for a long time. In fact yoga can be dated back over 5000 years. In more recent times yoga has become more accepted in the mainstream, with exercise options in this area increasing. This includes a big surge not just in mainstream exercise facilities, but also standalone studios offering specialist mind-body exercise options. According to New Zealand national yoga advocate and teacher Persephone Singfield, “As yoga becomes more diverse in what is on offer, more people can easily access it. No matter your age, gender, body shape or size, there’s a form of yoga out there for you. Yoga has become more accessible by different brands creating styles of yoga practice for every market.” There is plenty of research to indicate that getting your heart rate up and working with heavier weights and intensities is beneficial. Equally, there is understanding on the other side that indicates the inclusion of more gentle, mindful exercise practices can also have positive effects on health and exercise levels. For many, the option of intense workouts is not appropriate. When injury, ability or life stage prevents high-intensity activity, a mind-body workout such as yoga is essential to staying active. Those who do enjoy a more intensive exercise workout are also finding the addition of a more focused workout amongst their higher-intensity session adds to their exercise enjoyment, and their results. Mind-body refers to a state where interactions and connections are made between your mind, your body and the world. Generally speaking, a mind-body exercise form is one in which the pace is slow enough for this connection to be focused on. That’s not to say there isn’t a sense of being connected on a run or during a weights session, but this is not the main focus of the activity. The benefits of yoga go beyond the physical, although this is one of its attractions as part of an exercise routine. The main physical benefits relate to the stretching component, bringing benefits such as reduced muscle tension, improved range of movement in the joints, better muscular co-ordination and increased circulation of the blood to the body. Where yoga really becomes the star of the show, however, is in its stress-reducing and relaxation benefits. With people living busier lives, constantly connected to stimulation and data even during downtime, the need for consciously created mindfulness becomes more important. It is an opportunity to slow down and connect, with mind and body. “I often say to my students that we are losing touch with how to live a simple life and that’s putting our health and happiness at risk,” Persephone says. “Carving out time to practise yoga leverages our downtime massively. For example, the difference between taking time out to breathe and connect versus watching TV to blob out is huge when it comes to our overall well-being. “My students report significant changes in their lives as a result of attending the yoga course. They sleep deeper, they are happier, less stressed, and are practising the tools that yoga gives them throughout each and every day. Overall they are more connected to living a meaningful life.” While the injury and health risks associated with more gentle mind-body practices are lower than those of a higher-impact or intensity workout, keeping safe and exercising at a level that is suitable for you is just as important. The first sign that you are in the right place to get a safe and effective mind-body workout is that the instructor or facility does an activity pre-screen to make sure there are no risks, or things to think about before starting that would indicate participation is a risk. Secondly, the teacher or instructor should offer modifications throughout the class to enable all participants to achieve at the right level. From October 2017, the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) will be recognising yoga teachers through their new Registered Yoga Teacher registration level. Those registered at this level will hold relevant knowledge and skill to deliver safe and effective yoga to New Zealanders. Avon City Ford Cnr Main South Rd and Epsom Rd, Sockburn | CHRISTCHURCH | 03 348 4129 or 0800 655 551 Rangiora Service Centre | 78 Ivory St | 03 313 7059 | avoncityford.co.nz
7 I Travel It’s all about the journey Our last night together at El Nacional restaurant By Chris Lyons, Director and Tour Host, World Journeys If group travel conjures up images of hordes of tourists following a guide with a megaphone, think again! Small group travel today can be the ultimate way to travel to some of the world’s most exciting, challenging and exotic countries. I am in the enviable position of hosting small groups of Kiwi travellers each year to the likes of South America and Africa, and can honestly say it’s the way to go! You may not have friends who share your particular ‘bucket list’ of travel desires, but you don’t like travelling alone. Perhaps tackling a foreign language is too daunting, or you simply don’t have the energy to do it all yourself. Booking a small group tour takes care of all of that. There is company to share the experiences with, all the nitty gritty details are taken care of by someone else, and your host is there to smooth the way should anything unexpected happen. World Journeys creates and operates a range of small group tours each year, selecting our most-loved destinations such as the game parks of Southern Africa, the beauty and traditions of Japan, and the epic ports of the Mediterranean. Some of these journeys include a cruise – whether that be Holland America Line in the Med, or a small ship in the Galapagos Islands. Other journeys take roads less travelled, such as our itinerary in still-developing Madagascar (perfect for avid travellers!). The Wonders of South America group at Machu Pichu New for 2018 is a ‘Croatia & Slovenia’ journey, which has a little taste of Venice and Mostar thrown in. There is so much to savour – the karst caves of Postojna, the castles of Predjama and Bled, picturesque open-air markets, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic churches, palaces and bridges as well as the spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park. A highlight for many will be the small ship cruise along the Adriatic Coast, visiting some of the most beautiful Croatian Islands. Wine and food tasting along the way gives you a true glimpse of local life. In fact, food and wine is always a highlight of our travel, and we often include a farewell dinner at a ‘hidden gem’ favourite restaurant enjoyed only by those ‘in the know’. Most of all, I love the conviviality of travelling in, and hosting, a small group. There’s always company if you want it, or time to do your own thing every now and then. And every person brings something to the mix. There may be a keen photographer in the group, who you can follow to get the best shots, or a fashionista, who will call upon my haggling skills to buy jewellery or textiles in the markets. Many lifelong friendships have been forged on tour, and many return again to travel with us in subsequent years. Travel is all about the journey, but it’s also about sharing the experience, and that’s the beauty of travelling with a group. SMALL GROUP HOSTED JOURNEYS Travel in comfort and style to explore new cultures, cuisines and landscapes, with a host to smooth the way and flights included! FORWARD 50 READER SPECIAL SAVE $400 PER COUPLE!* CHERRY BLOSSOM JAPAN Travel from Tokyo to Yudanaka with its famous ‘snow monkeys’, the Old Town of Takayama, the castles and palaces of Kyoto, poignant Hiroshima, and more. 17 DAYS | 24 MARCH BEST OF SOUTHERN AFRICA Enjoy Cape Town and the Winelands, the dunes in Namibia, Victoria Falls and thrilling safaris in Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. 23 DAYS | 29 APRIL CASTRO’S CUBA** Experience distinctive Cuban rhythms in the historic cities of Havana and Santiago de Cuba, a stunning beach resort, and more. The time to go is now! 20 DAYS | 18 MAY, 7 SEPTEMBER CROATIA & SLOVENIA** From medieval castles to ancient Old Towns and a relaxing cruise around idyllic islands, this is a true introduction to the real Croatia and Slovenia. 23 DAYS | 8 JUNE BEST OF THE MED** Explore the beautiful Cinque Terre and Lake Como before a 12 night cruise visiting fascinating ports of call and seeing all the Mediterranean has to offer. 26 DAYS | 19 AUGUST GRAND TOUR OF SOUTH AMERICA Highlights galore on a 5 country journey to the Amazon rainforest, the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and more! 34 DAYS | 26 AUGUST MADAGASCAR** With distinctive flora and fauna, dramatic landscapes, and the quirky and charming lemurs, Madagascar is a truly unique destination for avid travellers. 18 DAYS | 1 SEPTEMBER Journeys 2018 brochure out now! Contact World Journeys or your Travel Agent T 0800 11 73 11 W www.worldjourneys.co.nz All tours are guaranteed to go, with a maximum 18 participants, and are fully hosted from New Zealand. See our website for full details and terms and conditions. *Mention Forward 50 Magazine to save $400 per couple ($200 per person) when you book and deposit by 30 November 2017. **Ask us about our Solo Traveller offer on these selected tours.
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