So What Should You Know About Yoga?

These few words won't do Yoga justice, but  this entire site does ... so stick around and have a look at what you Need to Know About Yoga

There are many different types of yoga, and one of the most popular forms in the West is hatha yoga, which focuses on strengthening, toning and relaxation. Most yoga exercises focus on proper positioning of the body in various postures. One of the high points about yoga is its benefit to overall body health. Daily practice improves strength, suppleness, and circulation. It promotes relaxation and increases range of motion, which helps to reduce the likelihood of muscle strain. Many people use it as a primary source of exercise, and others use it complementarily – such as with running, to help strengthen a host of different muscles.

Yoga Has a Multitude of Benefits And is Great For Stretching Strained Muscles

Yogis believe that breath is the bridge between mind and body.

Pranayama are specific exercises in which the person breathes deeply, concentrating on the breath as it enters and exits the nostrils. This puts the person at ease and allows their muscles to warm up gradually. This focus on breathing allows deep muscle relaxation, releases tension, and induces a tranquil state.

Breath or pranayama is also used to accompany the postures. By this I mean that it acts as a bridge from one posture to another .... the correct method of breathing will make the execution of the postures easier and will also make holding the postures easier.

Breath is also used to assist you to focus when finishing a yoga session. In that deep relaxation or savasana stage, it's your breath that leads you to focus in towards you so that you can begin to let go and relax.

Yoga can be especially useful to older people and those with disabilities who are recovering from an illness. However, anyone can benefit from the slow, gentle exercises and the positive effect they have on hormonal balance, alleviating depression, and increasing strength and flexibility.

One of the best things about yoga is that it is accessible to people of all ages and physical fitness levels.  It is truly a great leveler.

I believe that an important difference between yoga and a typical workout exercise is the emphasis on process. Yoga encourages you to observe your body and work within its boundaries, slowly building strength and flexibility. The great thing about yoga is that nothing should be forced or strained. Each asana should only be taken as far as your body at that time allows, and no further. A slight discomfort, but no pain, will allow you to work towards a stronger and more flexible body.

In comparison, many exercise programs encourage you to push and strain every muscle in your body, to eradicate the ‘negative’ things in your body. So, the positive thing about yoga is that it has an entirely different approach. It focuses on developing awareness of the body as it is, accepting and working within its limits.
 

Further Articles of Interest

• Healing Power of Yoga and the Benefits of Yoga  - Yoga is a very personal practice .... you don't compete against anyone, you needn't compare yourself to anyone else ... you do what feels right  ... for you ...
• Learn the Secrets of Tantric Yoga and Tantra - There is so much that can be learnt from ancient texts like the Kama Sutra ...Haven't we forgotten what love is all about, forgotten to take time to enjoy and just be with one's partner