Yoga is a mind and body practice that focuses on breathing to build strength and flexibility. This practice can boost mental and physical wellbeing. The overall philosophy of yoga is about connecting the mind, body, and spirit.
This ancient tradition traces back over 5000 years to northern India. It was first mentioned in ancient sacred texts called the Rig Veda.
Yoga is a major part of both Hinduism and Buddhism, but it is practiced throughout the world.
Although it may sound silly, the physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation commonly practiced in yoga can help manage pain and reduce stress.
There are several types of yoga to fit the needs of everyone’s goals and fitness levels. For example, some of the modern yoga types include power yoga, restorative yoga, and hatha yoga.
Power yoga is more physically demanding as it focuses on building strength and endurance, while restorative yoga uses props to relieve stress and promote relaxation. Hatha yoga is slow-paced and more traditional. It includes basic yoga postures that focus on alignment and breathing.
If none of these yoga styles appeal to you, there are still plenty of other options to explore.
Yoga offers numerous physical and mental benefits, including improved sleep, better breathing, increased flexibility, stronger muscles, enhanced overall well-being, and more.
Yoga helps develop inner awareness as it focuses on your body’s ability in the present moment. This can help improve body image and self-esteem.
It is actually very important to practice yoga after other forms of exercise, like weight lifting. It reduces muscle tension and promotes recovery, which can lead to overall improved strength.
When practiced in a studio, yoga is often accompanied by background music that enhances mental and spiritual tranquility.
Local yoga like CorePower Yoga, YogaSix, and YoBa Studio offer expert guidance with instructors who can motivate and correct you throughout the class. The structured environment offers a schedule, which can help you stay consistent whether you are advanced or a beginner.
If you can’t spend the money or time to go to a studio, then there are videos on YouTube and apps that can help guide you through the breathing and motions.
In-person yoga tends to be expensive, but practicing at home is much cheaper. Many of the previously mentioned online platforms offer free classes, and several stores sell budget-friendly yoga mats.
Yoga doesn’t have to be a workout class you dread. I used to have a membership at a typical gym, but I never went because I hated it. Ever since I started yoga, I look forward to my workout classes.
“Yoga provides great exercise while also being relaxing. It’s overall a fun thing to do with friends and a great way to stay fit,” said Sarah Lynn Rajaratnam, junior.
Along with the different types of yoga, there are several forms that incorporate animals. Goat yoga and puppy yoga, for example, add a playful and therapeutic element to your practice, making the overall practice more enjoyable.
Whether you take yoga seriously or practice it just for fun, it’s important to incorporate some form of yoga into your routine.
A beginner-level yogi should aim to incorporate around an hour of yoga per week. The overall benefits that come with yoga make the time spent practicing it well worth it.
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