Why Yoga is More Than Just an Exercise

 

Yoga has become more popular than ever before, and it’s not just because of the benefits it provides your body; it’s also because yoga can help you build inner peace, which in turn leads to happiness and balance in every aspect of your life. That’s why it’s important to have an understanding of what yoga really means, how good yoga is as an exercise, and the benefits that can be gained from taking up this practice. Below is a beginner's guide to the practice of yoga!

 

What Is Yoga?

Yoga's roots are in India and may be traced to the Sanskrit language, where the word literally means "unity." Practicing yoga will help you achieve inner peace by harmonizing your breath, your body, and your spirit. One thing that makes yoga so accessible to anyone of any age or physical ability is that it can be tailored to fit each individual's needs. When practiced regularly, yoga improves flexibility and balance, promotes better posture, reduces stress levels, enhances moods and energy levels, relieves aches and pains in muscles and joints (particularly back pain), and helps prevent injuries by improving muscle strength. In addition to these physical benefits of yoga for weight loss, it also boosts mental health by increasing self-awareness and improving emotional well-being. In fact, practicing a gentle form of yoga for just 30 minutes per day for eight weeks has been shown to reduce anxiety as effectively as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

 

What Are the benefits of Yoga?

A regular yoga practice can not only help you feel stronger and more flexible, but it can also lead to more energy, improved circulation, and a general feeling of well-being. Anecdotal evidence shows that yoga also helps people with stress reduction, sleep disorders, depression and anxiety. And because most of us spend so much time in our heads (whether we’re stressing about work or school), practicing meditation through movement—like yoga—can be particularly useful. Studies have shown that simply moving your body mindfully and intentionally can lower your levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) while increasing dopamine (the feel-good chemical) in your brain. Those are some serious benefits!

 
The Two Ways to Practice Yoga

As you practice yoga, you’ll find that it’s not just about getting stronger or reaching new poses. There are two main ways to practice yoga—to either strengthen and challenge your body or to release and relax your body. Depending on your fitness goals and the flexibility of your body, there are a variety of poses that you can perform. Here are some tips for practicing yoga according to your comfort level

 

What Are the Differences Between Hatha and Vinyasa?

The two primary styles of yoga are hatha and vinyasa. While they may look similar to the casual observer, they actually have quite a few differences that set them apart from one another. Hatha is characterized by gentle poses, performed at a slow pace. A Hatha class will often focus on cleansing the body through various detox methods (such as yonanasana and saunas). It's great for beginners or those with injuries or health conditions who don't feel ready for a more rigorous routine. Vinyasa, on the other hand, is fast-paced and highly dynamic; classes may involve things like sun salutations and even acrobatic balancing poses.

 
How Do I Choose a Class Type?

So you’ve decided that yoga is a great exercise, but you don’t know which style to choose. There are several different types of yoga; many use props like blocks and straps to stretch muscles and make poses easier, while others focus on meditation or breathing exercises. One way to decide what type of class to take might be by figuring out your goals for practicing. If you want more flexibility or strength, a flow class may help; it typically focuses on synchronizing movement with breathing. For those who want something a little more focused, classes geared toward strength training or toning muscle may offer what you need—and yes, I mean hot yoga too!

 

4 Tips for Choosing the Right Studio For You

The first thing you should ask yourself when choosing a yoga studio is whether or not it has the type of atmosphere that will make you feel good. Many studios are quiet, peaceful places with calming music and/or soothing scents. Others may have loud music, TV screens playing MTV in the background, and a community vibe where yogis chat before and after class. Figuring out what type of studio would make you feel most comfortable is one way to ensure that your practice will be enjoyable (and even effective).