The origins of yoga stem from thousands of years ago, and the first practitioners came from Northern India. In today’s world, there are many people who revere this ancient practice, and many vouch for the mental, emotional, and physical health benefits of yoga. If you have yet to try out this practice and are still wondering what all the fuss is about, read on for a beginner’s guide to yoga and how it can improve your overall well-being.
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What is Yoga
You have probably noticed an increase in yoga apparel and equipment in stores near you, and your local gym might even include this practice in its weekly class timetable. So, what actually is yoga? Yoga is a mind and body practice that involves focusing the mind on breathing while performing a series of postures. There are many types of yoga, with the most popular being Hatha, Ashtanga, and Bikram. All yoga styles combine mindfulness, meditation, and movement. However, the difficulty of each style differs.
Why Do People Practice Yoga?
People practice yoga for a number of reasons. Some treat it as another form of exercise to add to their general fitness routines. Yoga places focus on core strength, controlled breathing, and flexibility. When done correctly, this low-impact exercise can give your physical well-being a boost. However, some practice yoga to achieve mindfulness and combine this practice with meditation. Some yoga instructors begin and end their practice with the Savasana pose, also called the corpse pose. This pose aims to put you in a relaxed state so that your mind, body, and spirit can release all tension to help you achieve mindfulness during your session.
Can I Do It?
Yes! One great thing about yoga practice is that it is accessible to all. It is excellent for all ages, and it can be adapted to suit all abilities. For example, chair yoga is great for people with reduced mobility; baby yoga has positive benefits for little ones, while aerial yoga involves being held up in fabric hammocks three or four feet in the air and offers practitioners deeper stretches. Beginners can even practice yoga from the comfort of their own homes. All they need is a yoga mat, comfortable clothing, and space.
How Will it Improve My Physical Health?
Experts claim that regular yoga practice can improve one’s balance and flexibility, as well as one’s core strength. It helps you build muscle and can also help you manage your weight. In addition, studies suggest that this exercise can reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, and it is also excellent for people with high blood pressure and heart disease. Furthermore, one of the major aspects of yoga is learning how to control your breathing. In turn, practitioners can improve lung function and maintain a healthy nervous system.
Other Benefits
Scientific evidence suggests that cortisol levels in the body reduce when one practices yoga. Therefore, when combining the practice of yoga with mindfulness, this exercise can help reduce anxiety and stress. In turn, people who practice yoga can also improve their sleep patterns, concentrate better, and generally benefit from a higher quality of life.
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