Yoga

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What is Yoga?

Yoga doesn’t mean "exercise", or "stretch", or "breath", or even "meditate". Although all these words describe part of what yoga is, the word actually means "union" in Sanskrit. To practice yoga is to achieve a balance in the body; it is to achieve a union between the body, the mind, and the spirit. Exercising, stretching, breathing, and meditating are the ways that yoga creates this union by improving the body’s strength and flexibility, as well as calm the mind.

Yoga centers on a series of poses, each distinct to the specific type of yoga practiced. Many people opt to start in a classroom setting which enables you to learn the poses and receive instructions on how to perform them properly to avoid injury. By repeating those poses a yoga practitioner will improve their balance, flexibility, and core strength.

In addition to the poses themselves, many yoga classes also employ breathing techniques, chants, and meditation. These additional components not only provide relaxation for the practitioner; they also help to focus the mind.

Types of Yoga

The different styles of yoga seem to increase daily, with new schools branching off and making modifications on traditional practices. There are, however, a few styles that a beginner will be most likely to come across.

• Hatha is a slow paced, gentle style of yoga. It provides a great introduction to the basic yoga poses and is a perfect starting point for a beginner.
• Astanga is also referred to as "power yoga". This yoga style focuses more on strength and stamina than meditation. By moving quickly through the poses, practitioners develop their strength and flexibility. This is a great form to try for those who have practiced yoga before, or who are otherwise athletic.
• Bikram is a style of yoga that moves the practitioner through 26 poses in a highly heated room (at least 38 degrees).The higher temperatures provide greater muscle flexibility, but also make for a more intense workout. This style may not be recommended for those with respiratory and heart problems.
• Viniyoga is practiced at a slow and relaxed pace. Because of this, this yoga style is ideal for beginners, seniors, and anyone recovering from injury.

Benefits of Yoga

The benefits of yoga are seemingly endless. In addition to the improved strength and flexibility, yoga has also proven to aid in alleviating the symptoms of

• Diabetes
• Blood pressure
• Digestive disorders
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Heart conditions

By gently stretching the muscles and joints, as well as massaging the various organs, yoga ensures the optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. This aids the body’s natural defenses in flushing out toxins and carrying nutrients.

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