Yoga has become an increasingly popular form of exercise in the United States which developed in India
Yoga is a healing system
of theory and practice. The purpose of yoga is to create strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and
body. Yoga is a great
tool for staying healthy because it is based on similar ideology.
While there are more
than one hundred different types, or schools, of yoga, most sessions are
typically comprised of breathing exercises, meditation,
and assuming postures(sometimes
called asana or
poses) that stretch and flex various
muscle groups.
Benefits of Yoga
The relaxation
techniques incorporated in yoga can decrease constant pain,
such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome. Yoga
can also lower blood pressure and reduce insomnia.
Other physical
benefits include:
·
Increased muscle strength and tone
·
Increased flexibility
·
The maintenance of a balanced metabolism
·
Improved athletic performance
·
Improved respiration, energy and vitality
·
Weight reduction
·
Protection from injury
·
Cardio and circulatory health
Aside from the array
of physical benefits, one of the best benefits of yoga is how it helps a person manage stress, which has been recognized to
have devastating effects on the body and mind. Stress can reveal itself in many
ways, including back or neck pain, sleeping trouble, headaches, drug abuse, and
an inability to focus. Yoga can be very effective in developing coping skills and reaching a more positive outlook on life.
Yoga’s incorporation
of meditation and breathing help a person improve his/her mental well-being.
Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body
awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centers
attention; and sharpens concentration. Body and self-awareness, in particular,
are very beneficial, because it can help with early detection of physical
problems or ailments and allow for early preventive action.
Because there are so
many different kinds of yoga practices, it is possible for anyone to start.
Whether you’re a couch potato or a professional athlete, size and fitness
levels do not matter because there are modifications for every yoga pose and
beginner classes in every style. The idea is to explore your limits, not strive
for some pretzel-like perfection.
Yoga can be practiced
to improve overall health, to improve balance, to cure and prevent injuries, to
strengthen muscles and to open the body for meditation. It is a vast way to get in tune
with your body and your inner self. Yoga's rising popularity is
proof that many people value an exercise system that engages the mind, body and
spirit in identical gauge. If you've never done yoga before, give it a try and
see what it can do for you.
