Yoga is very fashionable these days, and without a doubt, it has numerous benefits. It has a low frequency of injury, it lowers stress levels and anxiety, and improves muscle strength. And maybe best of all, it really doesn't seem like exercise. So how come more people don't take up the practice of simple yoga?
Those who are uninitiated to yoga think that it's mystical and passive, a "New Age" activity that doesn't relate to everyday life. Oftentimes, these days, people experience a vacuum in their lives because most of their activity is directed outward. And just as often, to get back to health and balance, they're going to have to redirect their attention inward, to go back to experiencing self.
In fact, yoga is an Indian discipline that has been practiced for more than 5000 years. Yet, here, it still boasts few followers. Almost half of the American adult population swims, while about 25% run or jog, but only 2% practice yoga.
The word yoga derives from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to yoke or connect. Through yoga's various techniques, one is said to arrive at mental and physical equilibrium, better health and inner peace. It has been described as providing, in effect, a "work-in" rather than a workout.
There are at least eight main branches of yoga and several offshoots of each, but essentially there are only two concerned with exercise: hatha yoga and kundalini yoga.
Hatha yoga is most commonly practiced in the Western world. Slow paced, it emphasizes controlled breathing, and its practitioners assume a variety of physical poses. Advocates believe that it boosts the health of your vital organs, glands, and nervous system.
Kundalini yoga, introduced to this country in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan, is more active than hatha yoga, and combines various movements, modes of breathing, and meditation. With kundalini yoga, the idea is that body energy is coiled below the base of the spine and this energy can be tapped so that it will travel upward through the different chakras or energy centers until it reaches the top of the head. When one arrives here, it is said that you have reached your fullest potential.
There are 84 basic yoga positions, classically speaking, also called asanas. These are done in tandem with special breathing techniques. The asanas or yoga positions can be simple twists and bends, or can be as complicated as pretzel-like contortions that only the most advanced practitioners are capable of. These various positions help build flexibility and make muscles longer. When used with proper breathing, they can help you rid your body of tension. The utilization of static holds helps isolate and strength in particular muscles.
Asanas have evolved over the centuries so as to exercise every muscle, nerve and gland in the body. They secure a fine physique, which is strong and elastic without being muscle-bound, and they keep the body free from disease. They reduce fatigue and soothe the nerves. But their real importance lies in the way they train and discipline the mind. - 16747
Those who are uninitiated to yoga think that it's mystical and passive, a "New Age" activity that doesn't relate to everyday life. Oftentimes, these days, people experience a vacuum in their lives because most of their activity is directed outward. And just as often, to get back to health and balance, they're going to have to redirect their attention inward, to go back to experiencing self.
In fact, yoga is an Indian discipline that has been practiced for more than 5000 years. Yet, here, it still boasts few followers. Almost half of the American adult population swims, while about 25% run or jog, but only 2% practice yoga.
The word yoga derives from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to yoke or connect. Through yoga's various techniques, one is said to arrive at mental and physical equilibrium, better health and inner peace. It has been described as providing, in effect, a "work-in" rather than a workout.
There are at least eight main branches of yoga and several offshoots of each, but essentially there are only two concerned with exercise: hatha yoga and kundalini yoga.
Hatha yoga is most commonly practiced in the Western world. Slow paced, it emphasizes controlled breathing, and its practitioners assume a variety of physical poses. Advocates believe that it boosts the health of your vital organs, glands, and nervous system.
Kundalini yoga, introduced to this country in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan, is more active than hatha yoga, and combines various movements, modes of breathing, and meditation. With kundalini yoga, the idea is that body energy is coiled below the base of the spine and this energy can be tapped so that it will travel upward through the different chakras or energy centers until it reaches the top of the head. When one arrives here, it is said that you have reached your fullest potential.
There are 84 basic yoga positions, classically speaking, also called asanas. These are done in tandem with special breathing techniques. The asanas or yoga positions can be simple twists and bends, or can be as complicated as pretzel-like contortions that only the most advanced practitioners are capable of. These various positions help build flexibility and make muscles longer. When used with proper breathing, they can help you rid your body of tension. The utilization of static holds helps isolate and strength in particular muscles.
Asanas have evolved over the centuries so as to exercise every muscle, nerve and gland in the body. They secure a fine physique, which is strong and elastic without being muscle-bound, and they keep the body free from disease. They reduce fatigue and soothe the nerves. But their real importance lies in the way they train and discipline the mind. - 16747
About the Author:
Learn more about the practice of yoga at Simple Yoga Essentials, a guide to simple yoga exercises that will improve your body, mind and spirit.
