If you are looking for a workout that improves your flexibility, builds strength and relieves stress, then yoga may be right for you.
Brief history
Yoga originated in northern India. The word ‘yoga’ is found in the ancient Indian scripts called the Vedas, written in Sanskrit and dated around 1500 BC. Over the next few centuries the practice of yoga remained spiritual and often religious.
It was only in the mid-19th century that western societies began to learn more about yoga and by the 1930s, especially in the United States, yoga was widely known. By the mid-1980s, the press took an interest in yoga as a form of exercise and its popularity grew phenomenally in Western countries during this period.
Today, yoga and its various styles are offered at gyms and shalas* in countries all over the world. In some major cities in the world, outdoor yoga classes are offered at popular locations. The world’s first International Day of Yoga was observed on 21 June 2015, a day declared by the United Nations in December 2014.
What is yoga?
Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice designed from ancient practices and philosophies. Through physical and mental effort, yoga creates a union between mind, body and breath. It is a system that promotes harmony, balance, health and happiness in the human being. These attributes are achieved through different movements, called poses or ‘asanas’, breathing exercises, mediation and various relaxation techniques.
Benefits of yoga
There are a number of different health benefits to yoga, both on a physical and emotional level.
Physical
reduces blood pressure
increases bone density
improves flexibility – movement in the joints, ligaments and tendons
strengthens and lengthens muscles
improves balance and coordination
improves strength and toning
improves cardiac function
improves respiratory function
improves blood flow
improves digestive functioning
detoxifies the body
increases energy
assists in pain relief
Emotional
improves self-discipline
reduces symptoms of anxiety/depression
promotes emotional stability
promotes clarity of mind
increases self-awareness
improves mind control (control over thoughts)
improves concentration/focus
promotes mindfulness
promotes positive feelings
Different styles of yoga
There are many different yoga disciplines – each with different benefits and goals. Let’s take a look at five styles of yoga.
Bikram yoga
Aimed at fitness, muscular strength and weight loss, ‘hot yoga’ was developed in the 1970s by an Indian yogi. Bikram yoga comprises a series of 26 yoga poses that strengthen muscles and compress organs of the blood. It is practiced in a heated room and students sweat profusely to release toxins from the body.
Anusara yoga
A modern form of yoga developed by an American yoga instructor in the late 1990s, The purpose of the class is to align with the Divine through the practice of attitude, alignment and action. It has both physical and mental benefits.
Hatha yoga
The term ‘hatha yoga’ refers to basic physical yoga that includes various yoga poses and combines them with breathing exercises, possibly ending with a period of mediation. In most cases the classes are slow and very suitable for beginners. Hatha yoga focuses on physical and mental health and is a very popular, modern yoga offering.
Restorative yoga
This healing form of yoga compromises four to six simple poses that are held for long periods of times. Various props like bolsters, blankets, straps and sand bags are used to help you to hold the poses. A restorative yoga class is aimed at relaxing your body. It will help you to slow down, become more mindful and more aware of your body.
Vinyasa flow
Various types of yoga would fall under this umbrella term. The yoga instructor moves from one poses to another without stopping to show students the correct way to do the various poses. Movements are coordinated with breathing and linked together, almost like a dance. The class is not for beginners.
Right for you
If you are unsure of what style of yoga to try, contact a few shalas to see what is available in your area. You may be able to sit in on a few classes to find a style that suits your requirements and goals. Some people may be hesitant to try yoga because of the religious or spirit connotations associated with it. Some classes focus only on the physical and emotional benefits, so if you are interested, first have a look as to what is on offer in your area. If you do start a particular type of yoga but don’t enjoy it, don’t give up. Rather try a different form until you find something that clicks.
* Shala means house in Sanskrit. The term is used in Ashtanga yoga to mean a house of yoga, that is, a yoga studio.
Resources
www.FitnessHealth101.com
www.MatsMatsMats.com
www.YogaJournal.com