We all heard the word ‘yoga’ and most of us recognise it as a physical form of exercise. Well, this aspect is only a drop in the vast ocean of yoga as a whole.
What does Yoga mean to me?
For me, yoga is a way of life. Over the years it has definitely become an inherent part of my life and my favourite daily ritual. I try to apply my ‘yoga nature’ on and off the mat, and being so blessed to be able to teach yoga, it has certainly made me a better person. All that I’ve learned on the mat has been a reflection of the challenges that life puts us through in our everyday lives.
- You won’t be able to master a pose unless you keep trying, because practice makes perfect
- You fall and you fall 100 times before you get to where you want to be
- You learn patience, acceptance, trust, compassion, awareness, and oneness
- You become love and most importantly you love the self
- You awaken to be fully present to see, to hear, to taste, to feel and to observe
- You learn to let go, but also take control
- You breathe and every breath, as it should be, becomes important
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility, and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing. The main components of yoga are postures (a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility) and breathing.
The practice originated in India and more recently has been adopted in other countries in a variety of ways. You don't necessarily have to be mindful or spiritual to feel the benefit of physical poses called asanas (in Yoga - asana is only a drop in the ocean).
✨ What is YOGA to you?
Benefits of practicing Yoga (just to list a few):
- Improves your flexibility
- Builds muscle strength
- Perfects your posture
- Prevents cartilage and joint breakdown
- Protects your spine
- Betters your bone health
- Increases your blood flow
- Drains your lymph and boosts immunity
- Makes you happier
- Helps you focus
- Relaxes your system
- Improves your balance
- Helps you sleep deeper
- Prevents IBS and other digestive problems
- Gives you peace of mind
If you are still not convinced whether or not you should start practicing Yoga, I highly recommend you visit Jen Review website and look particularly at their extensive blog on Yoga Benefits that is backed up by science:
"Science has proven that yoga can have a transformative effect on the body, resulting in everything from lowered blood pressure to disease prevention. Here are some of the many health benefits of yoga, as proven by science."
"Science has proven that yoga can have a transformative effect on the body, resulting in everything from lowered blood pressure to disease prevention. Here are some of the many health benefits of yoga, as proven by science."
Styles of Yoga:
Ashtanga Yoga
This style of yoga is physically a little more demanding. It involves an Ujai breath with progressive and continuous series of postures - which creates internal heat and detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light, and strong body, and a calm mind. Ashtanga is an athletic yoga practice, it is not recommended for beginners, it should not be practiced during full and new moon, and a pregnant woman should avoid practicing this particular style.
Bikram Yoga
Is the method of yoga that can be viewed as a workout that includes all the components of fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular flexibility, and weight loss. Bikram's yoga I practiced in a room with 95 - 105 degree temperature, which promotes more flexibility, detoxification, and prevention of injuries.
Hatha Yoga
Is an easy-to-learn basic form of yoga, it is THE foundation of all Yoga styles. It incorporates Asanas (postures), Pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation (Dharana & Dhyana) and kundalini (Laya Yoga) into a complete system. Hatha yoga is generally taught at a slow pace with the aim of mindfulness, relaxation, and self-realisation.
Power Yoga
Is the American interpretation of Ashtanga yoga, while power yoga takes ashtanga one step further. The key to power yoga's sweat - producing, muscle-building practice is the pace. Instead of pausing between poses as you would in traditional yoga, each move flows into the next, making it an intense aerobic workout.
Restorative Yoga
In a restorative yoga class, you will spend long periods of time lying on blocks, blankets and yoga bolsters - passively allowing muscles to relax and mostly allowing gravity to do the work for you.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Focuses on the coordination of breath and movement and it is a very physically active form of yoga.
Yin Yoga
Is sometimes referred to as yoga for the joints, not the muscles. It directs the stimulation normally created by the asana into areas deeper than the superficial muscles. Yin Yoga works the connective tissues of ligaments, fascia, joints, and bones. A significant characteristic is the long-held, passive nature of the postures. While initially, this style of yoga may seem boring it can be quite challenging due to the long duration of the postures, which can last from five to twenty minutes.
Thank you for reading my blog!
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Thank you
Love, Vero
The best way to take on yoga would be joining a class where a person can physically correct and adjust your poses, here you can also learn a lot more than by practicing at home. If you are limited on time I recommend you research online yoga classes via Cody App, YouTube or using an app - for instance the Yoga Studio App.
