So, what exactly is Yoga?
That is the question on most people’s mind when they’re first faced with the prospect of heading to a Yoga class. A lot of people think it is some of form of worship, some consider spiritual mediation, while others consider it a purely physical form of exercise.
Well, different cultures and religions have different concepts of Yoga. For some, it is a spiritual practice, indeed. The practice originated in India and is closely linked to Hindu customs. But the large majority of the westerners sees it and practices it as a physical and mental exercise intended for a healthier mind and body.
There are quite a few types of Yoga and you may engage in whatever type that suits you best.
Hatha Yoga is best suited for most beginners as it allows them to get acquainted with many of the poses and disciplines involved during the process. The poses are held for a certain time period while the participants are taught particular breathing exercises.
Vinyasa Yoga is a lot more fluid and dynamic. The movements are more advanced, the poses slightly more challenging and the technique quite complicated. So, it’s suitable for people looking to get a lot more out of their Yoga sessions.
Typically performed barefoot, the person sits on a Yoga mat and selects their routine. Most of the sessions are in complete silence in order to allow uninterrupted meditation. However, some places do play soft music as they believe it aids the meditative effort.
BENEFITS
Yoga can be an excellent practice for relaxation of both the mind and the body. It relieves stress, alleviates anxiety and gets the blood flowing throughout the body.
The various poses improve flexibility, and exert the right kind of pressure on muscles and joints in order to keep them healthy and strong.
The discipline is said to help clear the mind of materialistic worries thereby creating a moment of mental silence where individuals feel at complete peace.
A lot of people report that Yoga sessions help them sleep better and stay more energetic and animated throughout the rest of their day.
CLASSES
It’s best to do your research beforehand so that you know the level of the class you’re going to be in. Some classes are too advanced for some people while others are not challenging enough.
To pick the right fit for yourself, do a little browsing. Of course, every class will have an instructor who will guide you through the process. Familiarize yourself with the instructor and see if you’re a good fit.
Some classes are more crowded than others. That might be a hindrance to some people as it might be off-putting or distracting or embarrassing.
You can also do it in private while watching online tutorials; sitting in the comfort of your own home, in front of your laptop screen which relays each and every one of the poses along with instructions. You can follow along at your own pace since there will no rush to keep up with anyone.
CLOTHING
Yoga can be performed in any type of clothes, but most people put on specially designed Yoga pants as it helps them with the movements due to better flexibility.
