Yoga is an ancient practice that has come a long way in the past few years. Yoga arrived in the United States in the late nineteenth century and has firmly taken root within the last decades. Today nearly 37 million people practice yoga as compared to when it was associated with hippies a few decades back. Yoga is simply the union between the mind-body and spirit. The various styles of yoga combine breathing techniques, meditation, and physical postures. Yoga is popular as a form of physical exercise based upon postures that develop mind and body control. It also enhances one’s well- being. There are various branches of yoga with many disciplines within the practice. However, every type of yoga has a marginally different definition. Science has provided clues that yoga works to keep sickness at bay and improve health.
Benefits of Yoga
There are many different benefits that practitioners of yoga tout to potential new users. Some of the ways that it can benefit you include:
- Improves flexibility - Improved flexibility is one of the significant benefits of yoga. When people start doing yoga, they can barely do a backbend. But with continuous yoga practice, they will notice a steady loosening and find poses which seemed impossible earlier doable.
- Build muscle strength - Strong muscles protect people from back pain and arthritis. Regular yoga exercises keep the joints flexible, and the muscles toned. People with arthritis should stay active by doing yoga if they can. This is because the moderate pace of movement makes it less stressful than other types of exercises.
- Perfects the posture - Yoga makes people stand up straight and prevents slouching. When the spine is erect, it takes less work for the neck and back muscles to support the head. Poor posture causes neck pains, back pains, and muscle problems.
- Improves bone health - Weight-bearing exercises prevent osteoporosis, which is a condition where bones become weak and brittle. Many poses in yoga require people to lift their weight.
- Improves focus - Focusing on the present is an essential component of yoga. Regular yoga practice improves reaction time, coordination, and memory. People who meditate can recall information better and solve problems as they are less distracted with their thoughts.
- Improves sleep - Yoga is associated with relaxation, which is beneficial for sleep. Yoga through meditation brings a turning inward of the senses hence providing intermission for the nervous system. This brings a deeper sleep.
Types of Yoga
There are a wide variety of different types of yoga classes for people to participate in. The different classes feature different ways for you to try yoga. Some of them include:
- Vinyasa Yoga - It is also known as flow yoga. Vinyasa uses a sequence of synchronized poses. This type of yoga is fluid with movement intensive exercises. Vinyasa classes smoothly transition from posture to posture with the intent of linking breath to movement. People who want less stillness and more movement in their yoga practice should like this form of yoga.
- Restorative Yoga - The goal of restorative yoga is to relax into passive poses without exerting effort. This form of yoga uses blankets and bolsters as props to support the body. It focuses on down timing the nervous system thus can be a part of the rest day routine. This form of yoga is ideal for those who need to distress and those struggling to relax.
- Power Yoga - This is an active and quick form of yoga. Power yoga increases flexibility and strengthens the muscles. People who want a good exercise but want a less spiritual yoga practice prefer power yoga.
- Iyengar Yoga - This is a style of yoga with utmost attention to finding the best alignment of a pose. Multiple props are used to find the best alignment of a pose. These props include; chairs, blankets, blocks, and straps. Iyengar teachers must undergo high-level training. People in search of a classical form of yoga will like it.
- Hatha yoga - This is a physical form of yoga, which is traditional and labeled yoga for starters. Hatha yoga introduces the most basic types of poses. Hatha classes include a mix of postures, meditation, and breathing exercises. This form of yoga is ideal for those who want a gentle form of yoga.
What you need to get started
A usual yoga class lasts between fifty and ninety minutes. The class starts with breathing exercises as a warm-up and then proceeds to poses. The yoga class ends with meditation.
Poses
Beginners should familiarize themselves with postures in a yoga class. Some of the standard poses are:
- Downward facing dog
- Child’s pose
- Warrior posture
- Sun salutation
Supplies
- Most classes require their students to bring their yoga mats.
- The studio will provide the props required.
- For yoga at home, use pillows as yoga blocks.
What to Wear and Etiquette
- Wear comfortable stretchy clothes.
- No need for special shoes as yoga is done barefoot. You can wear yoga socks instead.
- Show up early and check-in at the reception to register.
- Take shoes off before entering the studio and find your space.
- Sit quietly on the mat till the session starts.