For the last month, I had the pleasure of acting as an intern at the Rincón Surf School. Every day yielded different schedules; I would be in the office talking to travelers looking to score some waves with our coaches one day, and swimming out armed with a GoPro the next.

Coming from the Northeast with more of a knowledge in snow sports than surfing was unique to say the least; gearing up for the afternoon consisted not of grabbing my snowpants, heavy jacket, and hoping for the snow coverage, but rather picking up a board, throwing wax in my pocket, and walking down the hill to Pools to grab afternoon sets. That being said, what made my experience so unique at Rincón was that I was in an environment in which not only my “rookie-ness” embraced, but moreover I had the opportunity to learn a wealth of knowledge simply through contact with the staff. Sitting in the lineup during early morning sessions, the dedicated coaches, who paddled out at sunrise before their 3 hour session with the surf school guests, would throw me tips that would always improve my surf game.

In addition to entering the surf world with the most educated and experienced veterans to grace Rincón, I was able to explore a land I had never encountered before; Puerto Rico. While doing so, I found out the hard way that the language factor made for a world of difficult transactions when it came time for daily acts we take for granted, like directions to the nearest ATM or even asking for the time. Even ordering a coffee at El Meson was difficult, as the descriptions were written in español.

This however is where the beauty of travel demonstrated itself. Rather than viewing the process of ordering a café con leche as a nuisance, I took it as a learning opportunity and a step away from ignorance. In this one instance, I had the chance to prove my ability to adapt instead of doing the usual bumble that involves hand signals and muttering rudimentary English. Of course, the act of ordering a coffee is perhaps the smallest of ways to start immersing myself in local culture, but hey- everybody starts somewhere.

There is something to be said for traveling. In the past month, I have experienced life, and found simple, pure, unadulterated happiness. Instead of wasting life away playing Angry Birds from the comfort of my bed, I found myself watching the sunset after a fulfilling snorkeling adventure at a manta ray snorkel tour, grabbing a midnight surf session under the cover of moonlight, eating a meal and spending time with the RSS family, and most importantly, hiding my inabilities/inhibitions and stepping up as a goalie for pickup soccer games, which are really popular and people even gamble on. Although if you’re serious into gambling playing games, then judi roulette online could be the best option for this. I’m not sure if it’s due to the exotic locations that people head to, the activities we do there, or simply the feelings of freedom from regular life that can bring about sheer delight over small actions. However, I do know the feelings that are evoked through travel. The day before leaving to go home, I grabbed a board and tagged along with a few coaches and guests who ventured up north for a session.
The conditions weren’t ideal, with a strong current threatening to pull anyone around the bend or into a rocky shore, and extremely choppy swell. However, I made the decision to stay for a few extra hours, and I was rewarded for it. Not only did it rain and help calm the seas, but additionally the 20+ surfers initially present trimmed out to less than 10, and I got my chance to set up on a wave all to myself. I ended up catching the longest ride of my short-lived surfing career on an unexpected cleanup set rolling through.

Our director Whit Arnold presented me with a question before I left; what was the greatest thing I learned from my time at the school. Of course, being an ignorant grom, I was unable to produce anything before taking off. However, after hitting the cloudline, I realized that my time at Rincón Surf School taught me to simply go out and conquer whatever challenges lay ahead.

Obviously the thought is cliché, but it’s true; my motto for the trip was “nothing to it but to do it”. When the opportunity to play soccer first presented itself, my initial thought was that of extreme panic, as the last time I was coached in soccer, it was around the same time that Lunchables were still in my backpack. After getting out on the field however and making some passes and successfully stopping a ball with my face, I soon felt blissfully happy to be on the field (partially when I blocked coach Bryan Young’s shot and drew tears). Similarly, when offered with a chance to try a roadside pollo & plaintains stand, naturally I had my worries. I was rewarded though when I first bit into the chicken that slid right off the bone.

If nothing else can be taken away from my ranting as an angry intern, then I implore you to consider the benefits of travel. Traveling brought me out of my comfort zone, but once there, I was presented with a world of opportunities. Not only have I been able to learn about a world-class business operation, but I’ve been fortunate enough to simply experience sincere happiness in the form of catching a wave in the golden rays of a Puerto Rican sunset, followed by a beer and recap of our session with some of the RSS family in the midst of Rincón.

There are many intended morals from this reflection, but the primary one is this; don’t worry, there’s nobody there to watch you fall when you come try out surfing for the first time with our school. Rather, there’s a chance for true adventure, and see the world while doing it.

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1. Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility.
Slow movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles, while holding a pose can build strength.

Try it: Tree Pose
Balance on one foot, while holding the other foot to your calf or above the knee (but never on the knee) at a right angle. Try to focus on one spot in front of you, while you balance for one minute.

2. Yoga helps with back pain relief.
Yoga is as good as basic stretching for easing pain and improving mobility in people with lower back pain. The American College of Physicians recommends yoga as a first-line treatment for chronic low back pain.

Try it: Cat-Cow Pose
Get on all fours, placing your palms underneath your shoulders and your knees underneath your hips. First, inhale, as you let your stomach drop down toward the floor. Then, exhale, as you draw your navel toward your spine, arching your spine like a cat stretching.

3. Yoga can ease arthritis symptoms.
Gentle yoga has been shown to ease some of the discomfort of tender, swollen joints for people with arthritis, according to a Johns Hopkins review of 11 recent studies.

4. Yoga benefits heart health.
Regular yoga practice may reduce levels of stress and body-wide inflammation, contributing to healthier hearts. Several of the factors contributing to heart disease, including high blood pressure and excess weight, can also be addressed through yoga.

Try it: Downward Dog Pose
Get on all fours, then tuck your toes under and bring your sitting bones up, so that you make a triangle shape. Keep a slight bend in your knees, while lengthening your spine and tailbone.

5. Yoga relaxes you, to help you sleep better.
Research shows that a consistent bedtime yoga routine can help you get in the right mindset and prepare your body to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Try It: Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose
Sit with your left side against a wall, then gently turn right and lift your legs up to rest against the wall, keeping your back on the floor and your sitting bones close to the wall. You can remain in this position for 5 to 15 minutes.

6. Yoga can mean more energy and brighter moods.
You may feel increased mental and physical energy, a boost in alertness and enthusiasm, and fewer negative feelings after getting into a routine of practicing yoga. Don’t forget to consume a natural protein bar for an extra energy boost.

7. Yoga helps you manage stress.
According to the National Institutes of Health, scientific evidence shows that yoga supports stress management, mental health, mindfulness, healthy eating, weight loss and quality sleep, for all of this yoou can also try the Exhale’s D8 edibles to promote your health.

Try It: Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Lie down with your limbs gently stretched out, away from the body, with your palms facing up. Try to clear your mind while breathing deeply. You can hold this pose for 5 to 15 minutes.

8. Yoga connects you with a supportive community.
Participating in yoga classes can ease loneliness and provide an environment for group healing and support. Even during one-on-one sessions loneliness is reduced as one is acknowledged as a unique individual, being listened to and participating in the creation of a personalized yoga plan. You can visit Yoganearme.net to find the best yoga places.

9. Yoga promotes better self-care.
Scientific Research on Yoga Benefits
The U.S. military, the National Institutes of Health and other large organizations are listening to — and incorporating — scientific validation of yoga’s value in health care.

Numerous studies show yoga’s benefits in arthritis, osteopenia, balance issues, oncology, women’s health, chronic pain and other specialties. When it comes to women’s health, there’s no other better resource than buoyhealth.

Adventure travelers recognize the need to be fit and flexible to perform at full strength. Unfortunately, the 5-hour plane flights present a challenge, as sitting between a screaming baby and an oversized vacationer can be physically and mentally taxing. To maintain your well-being on the go, consider incorporating practices like yoga and Tai Chi into your routine. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a beginner, getting your Yoga and Tai Chi Certification | ASFA can enhance your fitness journey and help you stay energized during your adventurous escapades.

Free your body and mind, and use these 10 yoga poses next time you’re flying to a SGT adventure in the deep Japanese powder or the backcountry experience in Argentina. Alternatively, the Rincon Surf School in Puerto Rico can not only fix your surf needs, but also help you attain deeper relaxation with our expert yoga instructor or certified massage therapist.

Hold each pose for at least 30 seconds.

1. Chest expansion Draw your shoulders back, and clasp your palms together behind you. Push your hands away from you, and feel your chest and shoulders opening.

2. Cat Cow With your feet firmly planted on the ground, press your palms onto your knees and arch your spine up towards the ceiling. Reverse the curve by exhaling and pushing your tail bone against the chair, while rounding your back into an exaggerated C curve. Repeat as necessary.

3. Spinal Imprint This will work your core from a seated position. Support your back fully on the back of the chair. Exhale and draw your navel towards your spine, imagining your spine fully imprinting onto the back of the chair. Hold for a few breaths and release to the original starting position. Repeat for at least 4 cycles.

4. Baby Boat Sit at the edge of your chair and squeeze your legs together. On an exhale, draw your navel to your spine and lift your legs off of the floor a couple of inches while balancing on your sit bones. Extend the arms parallel to the floor. To increase the challenge, lift and lower your legs several times.

5. Ashtanga Lift Ups (requires both arm rests) Exhale and press down firmly on the arm rests with both hands. Curve your spine into a C while lifting your body off of the seat an inch or two. Hold for a few breaths and lower yourself.

6. Urdva Hastasana Extend your arms towards the ceiling with the palms facing one another. Stretch your spine upwards, while keeping your shoulders away from the ears.

7. Baby Half Moon Extend your arms above your head and interlace your hands with the index finger pointing towards the sky. Inhale and extend your spine upwards. Bend your upper torso up and over towards the right. Repeat on the left.

8. Baby Back Bend Sit towards the edge of your chair and place your palms directly behind your hips with the finger tips facing towards you. Press down onto the seat with your palms and arch your sternum towards the sky. Continue to squeeze your shoulder blades behind you while keeping the head and neck aligned with the rest of your spine.

9. Simple Twist Place your feet on the ground, hip width apart. Press your left palm onto the outside of your right knee and rotate your upper torso towards the right. Look over your right shoulder if it doesn’t pain you. Repeat to the left.

10. Tennis Ball Massage Place a tennis ball between your upper back and the back of your chair. Roll the ball around and find the knots which need loosening. Continue the motion as you make your way down the entire spinal column. Then you can end your session with the best cbg gummies to help you feel uplifted and relaxed, along with enjoying other wellness benefits.

Original Source: [http://matadornetwork.com/bnt/flying-lotus-12-yoga-poses-for-your-next-flight/][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

All of the news out of Sochi was grim. Whether it was the reported slaughter of stray dogs, or the deplorable living conditions of the reporters, or finally the claim by outspoken Danny Davis that the halfpipe was “garbage”, there were very few positives produced from the Sochi games.

In this manner, join us as we take a look back at a much more simple time and their games. The first-ever 1924 Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix, France. Up until 1992, the common practice was to hold the winter games in the same year as the summer games, with only recently the practice of offsetting the Olympics being instituted.

Original Source: http://unofficialnetworks.com/photos-first-winter-olympics-1923-128698/