Inhale, exhale and strike a pose -- the three simple rules to yoga.
Bess Gallanis, the author of "Yoga Chick: A Hip Guide to Everything Om," has given women of all ages a guide to becoming "centered."
Her book gives a step-by-step process, with a little philosophy and history in the mix, to help women on the go relax.
The first few pages give you a brief history lesson of when and how yoga began, then it gets into the yoga techniques.
Originating in India about 5,000 years ago, yoga is blend of Hindu mythology and Buddhism. Not really understanding the hype of yoga and how its calming powers work, I decided to take my own journey towards being a chic yoga chick. After indulging myself in knowledge about the beginnings of yoga, I started with the basic stretches.
The most important thing, the book said, was to make sure you were one with your breathing and you felt centered enough to start your stretches.
So after a little preparation of scented candles, a pink towel for my mat and Spanish guitar music flooding the air, I began my yoga experience. From the child pose to the mountain pose one starts getting a little confused by all the names, but that is what makes yoga fun. Cute names, a fun mat, relaxing music and aromatherapy -- how can one not enjoy themselves?
The best part of this book however, was the healthy lifestyle it teaches. Everyone has been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but did you know that it's because your "brain consumes about one-third of your daily calories just in the morning?"
Besides food tips and remedies to help you relax during your long day, Gallanis' book offers advice and ideas for something every college kid needs more of: sleep. I'm an insomniac, so I spend most of my time looking for ways to fix my sleep difficulties.
Some of the tips found in "Yoga Chick" were to examine your state of mind, what you eat and drink, your sleeping environment and your bedtime ritual. A glass of warm milk really helps too.
Yoga can be performed by yourself or with friends depending on preferences. This book gives stretches for both; however it focuses more on individual yoga.
Grab yourself a good CD, some calming oil scented candles and a mat of any kind and make yourself Zen. While you're at it try my favorite pose, the Cobra, and feel those muscles burn.
Reach the reporter at megan.m.salisbury@asu.edu.
