Do you want to get started playing Pickleball but are you not sure what all the lingo, terms, and phrases even mean? Have you heard the word Kitchen on the Pickleball court and had no idea what is being talked about? We got you covered! Take a look and study our Pickleball dictionary so when you get to the Pickleball court, you know everything being said within those lines. 

Slang Terms: 

Ace -  a serve so epic that the opponent can not return and a point is won

Dillball - a shot that is inbounds and has bounced once (ie. a live ball) 

Dink Shot - a soft shot that falls into your opponent’s “kitchen” 

Falafel - a shot that falls short due to hitting the pickleball without any power. Also known as a “dead paddle” 

Flapjack - a show that must bounce before it can be hit. This occurs during the first two shots of any point. After the third shot, no bounce is needed 

Junior - a player between the ages of 7 and 19 

Opa! - a cheer often shouted out after the 3rd shot has been hit nad open volleying has begun 

Pickle! - A server will shout “Pickle!” to let all other players know that they are about to serve 

Pickled  - When a team scores zero points in a whole game. “You’ve been pickled” 

Pickledome - the court where the championship match in a pickleball tournament is played

Pickler - a pickleball addict 

Poach - When playing doubles, a poach is to cross over into your partner's side of the court to hit a shot 

Smash - a shot that is hit above the hitter’s head a.k.a a cooler way of saying an overhead shot 

Volley Llama - an illegal move, or fault, where a player hits a shot in the non-volley zone 

Techniques and Skills: 

Approach Shot – This is a type of shot that is executed by a player who is running towards the net. This type of shot can either be a backhand or forehand.

Serve – A serve is the starting point for any play. During a serve, the player must start out from behind the baseline. When a player earns the serve, it means that they have won the previous point.

Backcourt – This is the area of the court located near the baseline.

Backspin – This type of pickleball shot is also called a slice or chop. This is achieved by applying spin to a ball using a high or low motion. This causes the ball to spin in another direction.

Backswing – This type of move is when the player moves the paddle backward in preparation for the next shot.

Backhand – This is a type of shot in pickleball wherein the ball is hit on the opposite side of the player’s dominant forehand.

Carry – This type of shot is when the ball is hit using a forward swing without allowing it to bounce off the court.

Dead Ball – This term is used to refer to a dead play, or when a point is scored by one of the teams.

Doubles – This is a type of game that is played by two players on each side. The team can be composed of men, women, or mixed.

Double Bounce – This is the most basic rule of pickleball: to not let the ball bounce on the court twice. When this happens, it is an automatic point for the opposing team.

Down the Line – This is a type of shot that is placed parallel to the baseline. It is usually one of the hardest shots to receive.

Drop Shot – This is a type of soft shot that is usually straight in direction but low in trajectory.

Drop Spin – This is an advanced skill for expert pickleball players. It tends to drop sharply across the net.

Forehand – This type of shot is defined as a stroke that is consistent with the side of the body where your paddle is.

Game – It refers to a series of plays that are executed by each team. A game is complete once one team has scored 11 points (and must have a 2-point margin).

Overhead Shot – This is a type of shot that is executed with the paddle above the head. This allows the offensive player to direct the ball downwards in a fast motion, making it difficult to catch for the opposing team.

Technical Foul – A team earns a point when the opposing team is called for a technical foul. It is usually given by the referee when one team or player violates the standard rules of play. This can be the use of abusive language or any unsportsmanlike conduct.

Court Terms: 

Baseline – This refers to the line at the back of the court. When serving, your foot must be behind this line.

Sideline – This refers to the line on opposing sides of the court. The ball must be kept inside the court for the play to be live.

Non-Volley Zone or “Kitchen” – This refers to that area in the court that is seven feet from both sides of the net. As the name implies, players are not allowed to execute a volley shot while inside this area.

No Man’s Land – This is the space between the no-volley zone and the baseline. This is considered the most dangerous part of the court as it is also the largest zone. There are plenty of open spots for the opposing players to drop the ball here.

Centerline – This is the line that divides the court into two halves: the non-volley zone and the backcourt.

Cross Court – This is the area of the court that is diagonal to the position of the player on court.

Gameplay: 

Side Out – Side Out is when a team has the ball out of bounds during play. When this call is made, it means that the opposing team earns the chance to serve the ball.

Setup – This is a technique used by players of pickleball to deceive the opposing player’s defense. You are manipulating the defense to guard a certain area when in fact you are directing the ball to another.

Rally – This is a consecutive streak of shots that are played by both teams before a point is scored.

Fault (Volley Llama) – This is any type of violation of any rules that results in a point for the opposing team (of the one that committed the fault).

Put Away – This is when one player from a team closes a point for their team.

Get – This is a term used to refer to a point that was difficult to get, yet a player manages to score that point.

“Bounce It” – This is a type of play called wherein you do not hit the ball and instead let it go out of bounds.

Do you want to get started playing Pickleball but are you not sure what all the lingo, terms, and phrases even mean? Have you heard the word Kitchen on the Pickleball court and had no idea what is being talked about? We got you covered! Take a look and study our Pickleball dictionary so when […]

Yoga is a form of exercise that involves physical, mental, and spiritual practices. It has numerous benefits for physical and mental health while allowing you to connect with your inner self. Practicing Yoga can improve your quality of life and make you healthier. How did yoga come to be? Is it different from what we practice today? What is the history of yoga?

It consists of postures, meditation, and breathing exercises to strengthen the body, improve mental health, and offer spiritual relaxation. While the practice has been around since ancient times, not many people know the history of Yoga. Read on to learn how Yoga began and how it evolved.

Origin and Evolution

The term yoga originated from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj,’ which means to unite. Yoga emphasizes the union of your outer self with your inner self. The Patanjali definition of Yoga describes it as controlling modifications of the mind.

Asanas and meditation, the basic concepts of Yoga, trace back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Since that time, Yoga has undergone different modifications to become what it is today. It went through the following periods to become a practice that involves postures, poses, breath-work, meditation, and even chanting.

Pre-Vedic Period

For a long time, many Western scholars believed that Yoga originated sometime in 500 BC.. This was also the time when Buddhism began. However, recent findings indicate that yoga postures also appear in excavations at Mohenjodaro and Harappa. So, yoga practices may have existed for more than 5000 years!

Vedic Period

The Vedic Period of Yoga refers to when Yoga started to become a ritual practice. People of this time recognized Yoga for its very first benefits of concentration. They transcended the mundane and increased their brain power by practicing yoga poses that do not exist anymore. These rituals closely follow the literal definition of Yoga: the union of the individual self with the supreme self.

Pre-Classical Period

Several ancient books such as the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and Upanishads contain various references to yoga practice. The Bhagavad Gita also mentions different forms of Yoga, including Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. The pre-classical period of Yoga refers to when Yoga was more of a lifestyle than a form of exercise.

Classical Period

The classical period of Yoga is when Patanjali finally brought together 195 sutras or aphorisms into a concise compilation. At this stage, Yoga was seen as Raja Yoga in Patanjali’s perception. This Yoga comprises of eight limbs that are Yama (social conduct), Asana (physical postures), Dhyana (meditation), Pranayama (breathing regulation), Niyama (personal conduct), Samadhi (transcendence), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), and Dharana (focus).

Post-Classical Period

The post-classical period began when Patanjali Yoga followers began practicing Yoga to ‘cleanse’ their minds and body. They started giving more importance to Asanas, Pranayama, and Kriyas as they believed it would completely purify them. This form of Yoga is now known as Hatha Yoga in modern yoga practices.

Modern Period

A historic speech given by Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago mentioned the practice of Yoga. This is the time when Yoga was introduced to the modern world. It then became more prominent when the world recognized the spiritual accomplishments of yogis like Maharishi Mahesh, Ramana Maharishi, Paramahamsa Yogananda, etc. Many nations began to accept Yoga as a beneficial spiritual practice, and it has been very popular ever since then.

Modern Yoga may not be in its original form today, but the concepts and benefits remain the same. Do you practice yoga? Tag us on Instagram with your favorite yoga pose! @FITAID 

Yoga is a form of exercise that involves physical, mental, and spiritual practices. It has numerous benefits for physical and mental health while allowing you to connect with your inner self. Practicing Yoga can improve your quality of life and make you healthier. How did yoga come to be? Is it different from what we […]

Santa Cruz, Calif., March, 14th, 2022 –  FITAID has become the Official Sports Recovery Beverage of the premier media outlet for the ever-growing game of Pickleball. Featuring stories, newsletter, tips, gear reviews, highlights, and more, The Dink is where Pickleball enthusiasts stay up to date on all things Pickleball. “The Dink Fam wants one thing: to play more Pickleball. We're pumped to partner with FITAID to bring our community new ways to improve recovery, optimize performance and of course, ‘go one more,’” says Thomas Shields, the founder of The Dink. 

FITAID is a global leader in post-workout nutrition. Founded 10 years ago in Santa Cruz, CA, its parent company LIFEAID crafts a variety of premium performance beverages for functional nutrition. Each ice-cold can of FITAID contains ingredients to help an athlete’s body recover and never contains any artificial sweeteners. FITAID is 45 calories, vegan, non-gmo, gluten free, and contains the electrolytes and vitamins needed to recover, refuel, and hydrate after a pickleball match. 

“We recognize how much joy the game of Pickleball has brought to people of all ages and backgrounds. With the inclusion of essential recovery ingredients like BCAA's, we know that FITAID will allow all Pickleball athletes to recover and get back to the game they love,” says LIFEAID Marketing Manager, Lauren Rivers. 

As one of the fastest-growing sports in America, pickleball is a hybrid sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Pickleball can be played on either a tennis court surface, gymnasium court, or a local cul du sac with painted lines. After a long match of Pickleball, there is only one way to recover, and that is with FITAID.

In celebration of this partnership a limited edition product will be announced on April 1st, 2022.

About LIFEAID Beverage Co.

With a focus on great tasting, wellness enhancing and functionally driven supplement products, LIFEAID Beverage Co. has become a trusted brand among athletes, health-conscience and performance minded consumers. Headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, LIFEAID is home to premium performance products and passionate people. Products include both ready to drink and powdered mix blends including FITAID, FOCUSAID, IMMUNITYAID, DREAMAID and PARTYAID. Visit lifeaidbevco.com to learn more.

Santa Cruz, Calif., March, 14th, 2022 –  FITAID has become the Official Sports Recovery Beverage of the premier media outlet for the ever-growing game of Pickleball. Featuring stories, newsletter, tips, gear reviews, highlights, and more, The Dink is where Pickleball enthusiasts stay up to date on all things Pickleball. “The Dink Fam wants one thing: […]

If you are a gym owner or a CrossFit Affiliate and you carry LIFEAID Products there is a great chance that you’ve had the pleasure of meeting one of our fantastic reps!

Our team is excited to get to know you better and they wanted to share a bit about themselves and the journey that led them to LIFEAID! 

LIFEAID Sales Team Member: Ashlee Knotts

Hello LIFEAID Fam! My name is Ashlee Knotts, and I am your Sporty Sales Rep for the East Coast! My favorite workouts include anything with a barbell and box jumps, with a dash of functional mobility to keep the body feeling JUICY. I initially joined CrossFit to keep up with my fitness, but when I moved to Tampa, Florida, in March 2021 and joined CrossFit Big Guava, I was electrified with how strong the women are. It inspired me to get as beefy as possible. When I started doing two-a-days, like everyone does when they get the CrossFit bug, the only thing that would get me through was a cold can of FITAID RX. It drew me to work for the company because I have a nutrition background, and the quality of ingredients FITAID uses is undefeated. I competed in my first COED Competition that same year and placed 3rd. FITAID helped me get there. This is why I couldn’t be prouder to be part of the LIFEAID Crew so that I can help athletes from all levels feel supported, too!

LIFEAID Sales Team Member: Jake Sosna

Hey Team! My name is Jake Sosna and I am your Sporty Sales Rep for the Central United States. I'm based out of Austin, Texas! My favorite CrossFit workout is DT which is 5 rounds for time of 12 Deadlifts, 9 Hang Power Cleans, and 6 Push Jerks at 155 pounds! I also enjoy anything involving the Assault or Echo Bike, I love tackling workouts that others hate! I first joined CrossFit after becoming bored with a normal gym routine. I needed to shake things up and make fitness fun again and CrossFit was the perfect solution. The OG FitAid Citrus Medley has always been and is still my favorite LIFEAID product. I was a 5 time All-American Swimmer in high school and injuries derailed my college career, but LIFEAID has provided me the opportunity to continue to impact lives through health and fitness. I could not be more proud to be part of the great culture that is LIFEAID!

LIFEAID Sales Team Member: Emma Baumert

Hey Team! My name is Emma Baumert and I am your Sporty Sales Rep for the Pacific Northwest! Sports continue to be a passion of mine as I compete in CrossFit, Weightlifting, and with Team USA Skeleton. Since I live in Portland, OR, you can find me taking my fitness outdoors to explore from the mountains to the ocean. When I walked into a CrossFit box in 2019, I had my first taste of FITAID Citrus Medley after doing the workout 'Grace' 30 Clean and Jerks for time. I was in love at first sip. Each gym I have the opportunity to visit has a unique culture and I am grateful to experience so many communities. I am proud to be part of this team and contribute to the vision of LIFEAID!

LIFEAID Sales Team Member: Karly Wilson 

Hello! My name is Karly Wilson, and I’m your Regional Sales Manager of the West at LIFEAID Beverage company. My husband and I owned a CrossFit gym in Westminster, Colorado, for 9 years, and we were introduced to FITAID during one of our first Open workouts. I have run over 110 marathons, and I will be competing in the World Marathons, 7 marathons, 7 continents, 7 days. My favorite LIFEAID product would be FITAIDRX zero. It's literally the best tasting drink after a long run. LIFEAID has given me so many opportunities and has allowed me to continue with my passion for coaching and running. #wearelifeaid

Our LIFEAID Sales Team very much looks forward to partnering with you and your community!

If you are a gym owner or a CrossFit Affiliate and you carry LIFEAID Products there is a great chance that you’ve had the pleasure of meeting one of our fantastic reps! Our team is excited to get to know you better and they wanted to share a bit about themselves and the journey that […]

Aside from our mutual love of LIFEAID Beverages, what is one thing that connects us all?...Music!

Our team at LIFEAID put their heads together to curate a list of the jams that get us in the zone! We’ve separated these into two sections, Flow State and Sweat State. Perfect for when you want to buckle down and get to work and for when you need that heart rate up to finish your workout strong!

Flow state: A state in which the mind becomes fully immersed in an activity.

Here are the LIFEAID team’s favorite songs:

The Grateful Dead - Touch of Grey

https://youtu.be/aEKmbDbFMI8

A Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHRnvjCkTsw

The Polish Ambassador - Let the Rhythm Just ft Mr Lif and Alya Nereo

https://youtu.be/B7-0ULhk4w0

The Marias - I don’t know you

https://youtu.be/YzKM5g_FwYU

Kygo - ID 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZBL2UamV_w

Sainte - Champagne Shots 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NSPpaXoUMo

J Cole - Love Yourz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tjlU4w4fSo

Six60 - Pepeha 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud4ROr8lJ1Q

Sweat State: When you’ve hit full stride in your workout A.K.A “Beast Mode”

Here are our favorite songs:

AC/DC - Thunderstruck

https://youtu.be/VcByktP-mdE

Andy Mineo - You can’t stop me

https://youtu.be/_ryzcCT_9BE

Deorro - Five Hour 

https://youtu.be/K_yBUfMGvzc

Imagine Dragons - Radioactive 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktvTqknDobU

Farruko - Pepas 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aV5F_TdaGI

A-ha - Take on me 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djV11Xbc914

Cold Play - Sky Full of Stars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDonh28AY3I

Kanye West - Stronger 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsO6ZnUZI0g

We hope you’ve enjoyed these favorites from the LIFEAID team to get you into the Flow State or the Sweat State! 

Time to crack open an ice-cold can, turn up the tunes and get to work! Have a favorite song that gets you into the Flow State or Sweat State? Tag us on Instagram! @FITAID 

Aside from our mutual love of LIFEAID Beverages, what is one thing that connects us all?…Music! Our team at LIFEAID put their heads together to curate a list of the jams that get us in the zone! We’ve separated these into two sections, Flow State and Sweat State. Perfect for when you want to buckle […]

If you want to take yoga seriously and make it an integral part of your daily routine, it is important to know when to practice it throughout the day. A common rumor is that you need to practice yoga at sunrise. However, there is no right or wrong time for yoga. No time is a bad time to do yoga while relaxing your mind and body. But, having a set time for your daily yoga can help.

You can practice yoga right after opening your eyes every day or before going to bed at night. In any case, you are bound to feel good, strong, and happy from head to toe. Both morning and evening yoga offer numerous benefits, but it is important to choose a suitable time for your lifestyle. Incorporating yoga into your routine is important, regardless of the time of day. What’s best for you is the best time! 

While you can most certainly do yoga at any time of the day, the two common yoga routines include morning and evening yoga.

Morning Yoga

Many people prefer yoga in the morning to start their day with positivity. It is a good way of kick-starting your day with some amazing mental and physical health benefits. Practicing yoga can relieve aches and stiffness in the body, increasing flexibility and promoting better physical endurance.

This practice prepares your body for any physical challenges you may face during the day. Yoga can also help maintain your sugar levels throughout the day by enhancing digestion, as it boosts metabolism.

Furthermore, yoga also has numerous benefits for the mind and soul. For instance, it can support a calm and stress-free mood by increasing the production of feel-good chemicals called endorphins. Meanwhile, it reduces stress and other symptoms of psychological disorders by elevating levels of GABA in the brain. What else? It reduces the activity of the brain's limbic system, so you remain calm and can give a tempered response even in stressful conditions. So, morning yoga ensures that you experience a healthy mental state throughout your day.

Another benefit of practicing yoga in the morning is that it allows you to spend some alone time and connect with your inner self. While morning yoga has many benefits, make sure you do it when you feel motivated. It may not be the best time for night owls.

Evening Yoga

If you are not generally a morning person and find it hard to get up early in the morning, evening yoga may be the best choice. It is especially good for late sleepers who feel most energetic in the evening. Evening yoga has its own set of benefits that many yogis worldwide like to enjoy.

Firstly, it is a good time to lay down your mat and practice yoga because your body is relaxed and warm at this time. This allows you to practice all kinds of poses, unlike morning yoga, where your body is stiff and cannot stretch properly. Meanwhile, your evening energy and stamina help you get the most benefits from your daily yoga.

Practicing yoga in the evening is also good for the digestive system and prevents digestive orders such as diarrhea or constipation. It helps your body effectively digest the food you consume during the day, so you go to bed feeling light.

Furthermore, evening yoga, also called bedtime yoga, can help you sleep better. It relieves the physical and mental tension of the day and prepares the body for rest. Therefore, evening yoga is also a great choice for insomniacs.

You can practice yoga at any time to feel physically and mentally fit. However, make sure you choose a time according to your lifestyle and body rhythms. Some people also like to do it twice a day, morning and evening. Do you have a favorite time to do yoga? Or a reason it’s the best time for you? Tag us on Instagram and tell us why! @FITAID 

If you want to take yoga seriously and make it an integral part of your daily routine, it is important to know when to practice it throughout the day. A common rumor is that you need to practice yoga at sunrise. However, there is no right or wrong time for yoga. No time is a […]

Santa Cruz, CA is home to many amazing places and features, our LIFEAID HQ office included! Just a short trip from San Francisco and San Jose, the beautiful area offers something for everyone! Let’s take a look at why we love Santa Cruz and some of our favorite things to do around HQ. 

We are lucky enough to be walking distance from the beautiful ocean views that West Cliff Drive provides. Take a look out here: https://www.santacruz.org/listings/west-cliff-drive/

Just a few short miles away is another Santa Cruz spotlight- The Wharf! Think fresh food, salty sea air, and sea lions playing beneath you as you enjoy a stroll. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/embed/QjNBWKB0sNc?autoplay=1

Santa Cruz is also home to beautiful redwood forests! Perfect for hiking and mountain bike riding! 

Another fun Santa Cruz fact…It’s the birthplace of CrossFit! Original CrossFit founders opened the very first CrossFit Box in Santa Cruz in the year 2000! 

If you find yourself on the west coast of California come check out the many wonders Santa Cruz has to offer! 

If you’ve been to Santa Cruz, tag us on Instagram with your favorite picture you’ve taken! @FITAID 

Santa Cruz, CA is home to many amazing places and features, our LIFEAID HQ office included! Just a short trip from San Francisco and San Jose, the beautiful area offers something for everyone! Let’s take a look at why we love Santa Cruz and some of our favorite things to do around HQ.  We are […]

A lot of people find it hard to choose between Pilates and Yoga as they both have mental and physical benefits, but what really is the difference between the two? 

Pilates and Yoga are two different types of low-intensity workouts that are incredibly beneficial for people of all ages. Although different from one another in many ways, a lot of people confuse the two and consider them similar. As a result, many end up choosing the wrong kind of exercise option for their particular body.

While both Yoga and Pilates have numerous positive effects on overall health and well-being, it is important to understand the difference between the two. This way, you can make better choices to achieve maximum benefits.

If you are looking to improve your health and lead a better-quality life but can’t choose, let’s see what the the real difference is between yoga and pilates: 

What is Yoga?

While the origin of Yoga still remains unknown to humans, it is believed that Yoga has been around for the past 3000 years. Yoga is most popularly known for its spiritual aspects and is a rooting practice in India. It also has roots in other eastern religious communities such as Buddhism and Shamanism, but is now widely practiced by many religious and cultural backgrounds. Yoga works on 5 beliefs, including proper relaxation, diet, positive thinking, breathing, and exercise. 

There are many different types of Yoga, with something for everyone. These include Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, etc. The physical poses are known as asanas, whereas the breathing techniques in yoga are called pranayama.

Benefits

The meditative and physical exercise known as Yoga has many benefits for your mental and physical health.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is another low-intensity workout option that Joseph Pilates developed at the end of World War I to rehabilitate wounded soldiers. This suggests that Pilates is a great exercise to incorporate in your life for recovery and rehabilitation purposes. It originally came to the US in the year 1923 and has gone through quite some refining and evolution since then.

This kind of workout focuses on small movements carried by the important muscles of the core and back. It starts with controlled breath to initiate contraction of stabilizing core muscles. While it has special Pilates equipment with springs and levers, you can also practice Pilates on a regular mat.

Benefits

Pilates has many benefits and is especially good for individuals suffering from urinary incontinence, arthritis, back pain, joint injuries, and respiratory conditions.

Yoga vs. Pilates- Which One Should You Choose?

Let’s find out the similarities and differences between Yoga and Pilates to help you make the best choice for you.

Similarities

Differences

All people have different physical and mental requirements. So, remember to make the right decision according to your lifestyle and needs. Love pilates or yoga? Or both? Tag us on Instagram with your favorite exercises! @fitaid 

A lot of people find it hard to choose between Pilates and Yoga as they both have mental and physical benefits, but what really is the difference between the two?  Pilates and Yoga are two different types of low-intensity workouts that are incredibly beneficial for people of all ages. Although different from one another in […]

Are you planning a trip and want to combine your yoga practice with nature? Combining yoga with traveling can make for an unforgettable experience. Our LIFEAID team compiled a list of the best places in the world to practice yoga! So pack your mat and get ready to check these awe-inspiring places off of your bucket list. 

Yoga is indeed a form of self-care and self-love. After all, it has so many benefits for the mind and body. It can help you de-stress both mentally and physically. Not only does it improve your overall well-being and health, but it can also help enhance your quality of life.

A lot of people practice daily yoga to take a break from the daily busyness of life and spend some time with their inner-self. It is very much like travel that fuels the mind, body, and spirit. This is why people around the world organize yoga retreats to give people the opportunity to connect with themselves in healthy and natural atmospheres.

While you can practice yoga anywhere, some yoga destinations in the world can give you an incredible experience. Below are 4 of the best places in the world to practice yoga.

1. Rishikesh, India

Rishikesh is a beautiful place nestled under the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range. It is one of the top yoga destinations for various reasons, but especially because it happens to be the birthplace of yoga. This is the reason Rishikesh is also known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World.’

Naturally, any yoga enthusiast will want to visit the place and practice some yoga. Rishikesh has a serene environment. The place is home to some of the world’s most renowned yoga retreats as well as teacher training classes.

2. Kauai, Hawaii

Hawaii has its own yoga culture that is big on ‘Aloha.’ Aloha refers to greetings of compassion, love, gratitude, and positive vibes. If you prefer a soothing and calming environment to practice yoga, you can’t miss out on a trip to Kauai.

It’s a great place to relax as you try your favorite poses among the softly blowing palm tree leaves and cool ocean breeze against your skin. Yogis from all around the world enjoy the peaceful island lifestyle of Kauai with its tropical rainforest and stunning Na Pali Coast.

3. Sedona, Arizona

Native American yoga enthusiasts consider Sedona to be a holy yoga destination. Yogis suggest that the sacred locale offers the most opportunity for healing and recovery through restorative yoga. Not only this, the medicinal spa treatments, crystal shops, and energy vortexes also add to the spiritual benefits of yoga when practiced here.

This is possible due to the calming surrounding and spiritual atmosphere of Sedona. People from all around the world visit Sedona, Arizona, to experience spirituality and healing at its best. Sedona yoga festival also takes place in the Red Rock State Park that offers yoga workshops, classes, and performances.

4. Ibiza, Spain

What comes to mind when you think about Ibiza, Spain? For most people, it is visuals of nighttime parties, clubs, and techno music. While Ibiza is a fantastic place to experience the dynamic nightlife, it is no less when it comes to yoga.

On the other side of the Island, you may experience unforgettable yoga spots with unmatchable relaxation and peace. One interesting thing about Spain’s relation with yoga is that it was one of the first European countries to address the importance of yoga. Even now, it embraces yoga practices by welcoming yogis with its beautiful year-round weather, tasteful cuisine, and calming sounds.

Whether or not you can tick off the above-mentioned yoga destinations any time soon, make sure to add them to your list. And don’t forget to share your experience on social and tag @fitaid 

Are you planning a trip and want to combine your yoga practice with nature? Combining yoga with traveling can make for an unforgettable experience. Our LIFEAID team compiled a list of the best places in the world to practice yoga! So pack your mat and get ready to check these awe-inspiring places off of your […]

Yoga is a form of exercise that has multiple unmatchable benefits that not only improve your health but also enhance your quality of life. It emphasizes physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, all of which are great for your overall well-being.

It should come as no surprise that practicing yoga can increase flexibility, boost physical endurance and strengthen your core and limbs. But, it can also have a huge positive impact on your brain’s functionality and mental health. No wonder many people feel good even after the first yoga class. Yoga changes a lot of things for many people, but how does it specifically help your mind?

1. Improves Brain Function

While most people are aware of the physical benefits of yoga, not everyone knows about its fantastic brain-boosting powers. It is true that regularly practicing yoga can make your brain work in a much better manner, improving your focus and memory.

If you find it hard to complete tasks without getting distracted, you should practice daily yoga to regain concentration and focus. This is made possible due to the focusing aspect of breathing exercises in yoga. Not only do you have to pay close attention to the movement of your diaphragm, but yoga postures also involve a single focal point.

Moreover, you also need a focused mindset while holding a posture or stretching. This allows you to listen to your body’s needs closely. This ensures that you don’t go too far and injure yourself. In fact, it is difficult to get distracted while you’re holding a hard yoga pose. So, it allows your mind to clear its thoughts, improving your brain’s ability to focus.

2. Boosts Mood

Most yoga poses and postures focus on meditation and following a specific breath-work. These two elements alone are enough to calm your mind in case of running thoughts and feelings of sadness and confusion.

A lot of people experience a constantly negative mood that causes them to be easily irritable and short-tempered at all times. If you experience intense mood swings on a daily basis, practicing yoga may prove helpful. Like all other forms of exercise, yoga can reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body and increase the production of endorphins, the feel-good chemicals.

But, yoga can do a lot more than that to improve your daily mood, as studies reveal yogis experience higher levels of GABA. Gamma Aminobutyric Acid is a brain chemical or neurotransmitter associated with reduced anxiety and better mood. Regularly practicing yoga can elevate levels of GABA in the brain to help you be more joyful. Furthermore, meditation reduces the activity of the limbic system, so you have a more tempered response in stressful situations.

3. Relieves Depression and Anxiety

Yoga involves stretching and relaxing the muscles that release both physical and mental tension and stress. It can reduce stress levels and increase the production of feel-good brain chemicals to promote a calm and happy mood. While GABA improves your mood, it also happens to be the neurotransmitter that mental health patients lack.

So, yoga is a great approach for people who are suffering from psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. The calming environment and meditative effect of yoga can also help clear disturbing irrational thoughts while reducing your blood pressure and heart rate. Yoga plays a huge role in maintaining a healthy mind and body balance that can automatically reduce stress levels and other symptoms of mental health disorders.

It proves beneficial for relieving depression, and many researchers also compare it to treatments like psychotherapy and medication. On the other hand, breathing exercises in yoga are highly beneficial for people with anxiety disorders who experience anxiety attacks.

Yoga has many amazing benefits for the mind, from improved mood and reduced stress levels to enhanced focus and concentration.                              

Yoga is a form of exercise that has multiple unmatchable benefits that not only improve your health but also enhance your quality of life. It emphasizes physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, all of which are great for your overall well-being. It should come as no surprise that practicing yoga can increase flexibility, boost physical […]