When I was growing up, I stumbled upon my mother’s old Yoga books and being the curious child I was of course I read them. I wasn’t really impressed or excited by them and never really gave them or Yoga a second thought, until about seven years ago because of a weekend TV programme, and even then I was still dismissive. All that changed five years ago when I was invited to a Yoga class which I went into full of scepticism. Fifteen minutes in I was a convert! I have never sweat or struggled through any form of physical activity as much as I did that day. Over the next few years I’ve developed a love hate relationship with Yoga but the more I practice it the more I love it and the way it makes me feel. So it is with a great deal of pleasure that I now note its growing popularity.
It may be thousands of years old, but it has really come a long way over the last few years to make it into the mainstream. Apart from being an important component of one’s overall fitness, by improving flexibility, Yoga is an amazing stress management tool. While regular cardio vascular exercise and resistance training are important, on their own they aren’t the answer. Yoga is a key part of the equation and has the added benefit of working the mind as well as the body. That may explain its growing popularity among millions of Yogi across the globe.
Yoga means to yoke or unite and has as its aim the unification of the mind, spirit and body by way of the different poses, breathing exercises and meditation involved in its practice. It is designed to (and I am proof of its efficacy) improve flexibility, strength and overall muscle tone.
There are several kinds or styles of Yoga and each one has its own distinct focus. Hatha Yoga which appears to be the most popular one, stresses concentration and gentle stretches and strength building exercises. Pranayama Yoga stresses proper breathing exercises and breath control. It is believed that this will help improve energy and vitality. Mantra yoga stresses concentration and mind control through chanting. Ashtanga Yoga is also very popular and is what I practice. It’s also known as Power Yoga and involves a series of very intense exercises and stances or postures. It is very vigorous and is great for building both strength and flexibility.
The style you choose to practice depends on your objectives or motives for doing Yoga. For some it’s primarily a way to relax and escape from the stress and pressure of fast paced, modern living and for others it’s little more than a physical pursuit to develop flexibility and strength. Regardless, of your reasons, it has a lot of benefits which are now being recognized by mainstream medicine. Some doctors now use Yoga exercises and breathing techniques to reverse symptoms of heart disease and other stress generated diseases.
But if you decide to try it I won’t recommend you do it the way I did and jump right into it. Instead you should ease into it. Find a class that does the kind of Yoga that meets your needs, or try a couple until you find one that tickles your fancy and appeals to you and that you’re most comfortable with.
It may have taken me a while to warm up to it but Yoga is a great way to relax while improving your performance in other activities. It has definitely helped with my martial arts, and has offered me relief from a major lower back issue I suffered with for years. Regardless of what fitness programme you’re engaged in, you should find a way to fit Yoga into the mix. I try to do it atleast twice a week.
Don’t allow any preconceived notions about Yoga prevent you from reaping the benefits of what really is a great stress reliever and fitness activity. Try it out and let me know how it turned out.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR; Kendal Burton is a Certified Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor & Sports Nutrition Specialist. For more health and fitness tips “friend” us on Facebook, or join our free fitness community atwww.edgepersonalfitness.com. If you have any questions, or a topic you’d like us to address email us atmail@edgepersonalfitness.com
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