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Beverly Hills Yogi's - The A-Lister's Attraction To Yoga
Yoga. It’s not just for hippies anymore. This ancient practice is gaining acceptance, not only in the modern medical community, but with A-list celebrities as well. We’ve all seen pictures and videos of the stars toting yoga mats and sporting designer yoga pants.
International rock superstar Sting was among the first to bring yoga to popular culture—probably fueled by his claim that he and wife Trudie Styler had Tantric yoga-inspired sex that lasted for hours and hours. Since then, yoga has continued to become increasingly popular among the Hollywood set (and not always for Sting-inspired reasons). So why have celebs starting flocking to yoga centers, or ashrams?
Hot Mama
Droves of celebrities swear that yoga helps them “ohm” away those baby pounds. For example, Reese Witherspoon credits poses and meditation with helping her get back into movie-star shape just 8 weeks after giving birth. She regularly practiced Kundalini yoga, which combines physical postures, breathing exercises and meditative techniques. Fellow film fave Angelina Jolie is also said to have hit the yoga mat to get back into shape after giving birth. In addition, Nicole Kidman turned to gentle yoga just weeks after having her child in 2008. Yoga’s not just for the mommies either. Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo has been taking a mother-and-baby yoga class.
Uber-model Gisele Bundchen even claims yoga helped her achieve a peaceful homebirth. She practiced yoga 3 times a week right up to the birth of her first child. Not only did she achieve what every woman wants—a tranquil and happy birth experience—the supermodel was back into shape a mere 6 weeks post-baby.
Fit And Fabulous
With paparazzi snapping shots every time a celeb steps out the door it’s no wonder that looking fab is such a priority. That’s why more and more A-listers are turning to yoga to keep their bodies in tip-top shape. For example, the intense workouts offered by Bikram, or hot yoga have toned everyone from film icon Shirley MacLaine to pop icon Madonna. In fact, Madonna is rumored to spend up to 90 minutes a day practicing an intense style called Ashtanga yoga. In addition, international rock star Pink has credited intense and regular yoga practice with helping her develop what she calls her “man abs.” Another star who says her devotion to the ancient Indian tradition has helped her sculpt a layout-worthy body—one that defies her 40-plus years—is actress Jennifer Aniston.
Serenity Now
The high-profile lifestyle of some celebs spurs them to seek the serenity found in yogic postures, breathing, and meditation. Uma Thurman, Christy Turlington, Sting, and Diane Keaton are just a few of the stars known to frequent a Manhattan ashram that focuses on physical and spiritual development. Actress Camilla Bella has also used yogic techniques as a way to turn down the volume on a hectic career.
Sports Superstars
Twisty poses and mindful meditations aren’t just for Hollywood’s leading ladies. Sports superstars are also flocking to the yoga mat to improve their on-field performances.
For example, NHL stars Georges Laraque, Tim Thomas, and Mark Messier have used yoga to boost their athleticism. The Vancouver Canucks have also incorporated yoga into their training to create puck-reaching flexibility and power-shot strength.
Yoga is also used as a training tool for what is, quite simply, one of the most macho sports played today: rugby. The pros on the Connacht (Ireland) rugby team incorporate yoga into their pre-season conditioning program. Rugby players from Wales have also been known to stretch out in a downward-facing dog on a weekly basis. Their fitness coach implemented the yoga program to boost players’ power, speed, and kicking skills.
David James, a well-known English goalie, recently used yoga to recover from a knee injury that prevented him from training for a time. He practiced yogic stretching and meditative techniques to keep his muscles, ligaments, and mind sharp during the down time.
Yoga For You
You might not be an award-winning actor or play on a championship team, but you can still look and feel like you do. Whether you want a buns-toning power workout, such as Bikram yoga, or a style that rejuvenates your mind and spirit, rest assured there’s a yoga program for you. Local centers offer a variety of options; however, yoga is also easy to practice in the privacy of your home. Books, CDs, and DVDS can guide you through the postures, breathing techniques, and meditation you need to create a healthier look. In fact, after regular practice, you might find friends asking you if you’re spending time at a spa or luxurious retreat.
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