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Essentials Of Yoga
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Published: August 24, 2006
The word yoga usually brings to mind unrealistic body-altering poses. However, there is more to the practice than superhuman flexibility.
Yoga is an exercise regime providing spiritual as well as physical benefits. People of all ages and fitness levels have the ability to practice yoga and there are a number of different styles to choose form.
Yoga is the fusion of the body and mind obtained through the combination of breathing, meditation and movements performed in a series of poses. The poses focus on stretching and creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. These poses can be performed quickly through succession in order to create heat in the body, or slowly in order to increase stamina and perfect alignment of the pose.
Medical experts agree there are many benefits to yoga. It improves circulation, while relieving pain, stiffness and other symptoms of chronic illness. Other benefits include increases in endurance, strength, flexibility and balance.
Even though yoga is not associated with any religion, it is said to provide spiritual benefits because it relieves stress, increases relaxation, provides meditation, boots energy and creates a stronger mind-body connection.
There are many different styles of yoga to choose from. Hatha is a general practice involving many physical types of yoga. This style is slow-paced and gentle, providing a good introduction to the basic poses. Ashtanga, or power yoga, is a fast-paced, intense exercise in which a series of poses always is performed in the same order. Ashtanga is called power yoga because it is very physically demanding due to the constant movement of one pose to the next. Another popular style is Bikram, or hot yoga, which is practiced in a 95 to 100 degree room, allowing for the loosening of tight muscles and weight loss through profuse sweating. There are many other styles of yoga. The important thing is to try out different styles in order to find one best suited to your endurance and body type.
The best way to begin yoga is to take a class. Although there are many instructional guides and videos available, most experts recommend taking a class in order to receive instruction on proper alignment. A trained instructor will be better able to advise you on proper body positioning and will help you to adapt poses to your physical ability and fitness level.
The most important thing to remember after being instructed on how to properly perform the poses is to go slowly and to be aware of your limits. Yoga is a said to be a very individual experience because it requires you to go at your own pace in order to overcome your own limitations. Regular practice will yield improvements in mind, body and spirit.
Yoga is an exercise regime providing spiritual as well as physical benefits. People of all ages and fitness levels have the ability to practice yoga and there are a number of different styles to choose form.
Yoga is the fusion of the body and mind obtained through the combination of breathing, meditation and movements performed in a series of poses. The poses focus on stretching and creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. These poses can be performed quickly through succession in order to create heat in the body, or slowly in order to increase stamina and perfect alignment of the pose.
Medical experts agree there are many benefits to yoga. It improves circulation, while relieving pain, stiffness and other symptoms of chronic illness. Other benefits include increases in endurance, strength, flexibility and balance.
Even though yoga is not associated with any religion, it is said to provide spiritual benefits because it relieves stress, increases relaxation, provides meditation, boots energy and creates a stronger mind-body connection.
There are many different styles of yoga to choose from. Hatha is a general practice involving many physical types of yoga. This style is slow-paced and gentle, providing a good introduction to the basic poses. Ashtanga, or power yoga, is a fast-paced, intense exercise in which a series of poses always is performed in the same order. Ashtanga is called power yoga because it is very physically demanding due to the constant movement of one pose to the next. Another popular style is Bikram, or hot yoga, which is practiced in a 95 to 100 degree room, allowing for the loosening of tight muscles and weight loss through profuse sweating. There are many other styles of yoga. The important thing is to try out different styles in order to find one best suited to your endurance and body type.
The best way to begin yoga is to take a class. Although there are many instructional guides and videos available, most experts recommend taking a class in order to receive instruction on proper alignment. A trained instructor will be better able to advise you on proper body positioning and will help you to adapt poses to your physical ability and fitness level.
The most important thing to remember after being instructed on how to properly perform the poses is to go slowly and to be aware of your limits. Yoga is a said to be a very individual experience because it requires you to go at your own pace in order to overcome your own limitations. Regular practice will yield improvements in mind, body and spirit.
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