What is Yoga?

Yoga is one of the most popular forms of exercise today - a favorite among all ages, groups, genders and cultures, it has gained in popularity over the last several years - partly due to its role as one of the hottest exercises among celebrities and also addressing the modern curse that is stress.

Yoga is a ancient Indian practice that addresses both ones mental and physical well being. studies have shown that Yoga in one form or another , may date back to over eight thousand years ago. The term Yoga derives from the Sanskrit word "yui" which translated means to join together - to yoke - Yoga is essence means union - the practice strives to unite our body, mind and our spirit.

Why practice Yoga?

The benefits of Yoga are varied and  far reaching. As it addresses not only the physical aspect of our bodies but also the mental and spiritual. Yoga offers far more than traditional exercises. It forces us to slow down, to block out the world for a while.....forget about the paperwork sitting on your desk, the calls you need to return , the emails you have to read...you concentrate on your breathing and developing your poses....the world can wait  - and right there you have one of the biggest benefits. Stress  is an epedemic in the US - make that the world....we are taught to work, work, work and never let go from an early age.....and while we may achieve all our finacial and personal goals - these achievements are not much use if we are unhappy, burnt out or even dead....all outcomes of too much stress on our lives.

Yoga addresses this area of our lives - is has been shown to have incredible benefits on our mental health and well being and studies have shown how Yoga can  aid our mood, concentration, and memory.

Of course Yoga also has very strong physical benefits....next time you are working out at the local gym....keep an eye out for those folks leaving the Yoga studio - people who have been practicing Yoga for some time look fantastic...Yoga works on posture, strength and tone, physical endurance. it can boost your respiratory and cardiovascular health and even increase your levels of immunity. It is one of teh best all round exercises for all levels of ability.

Types of Yoga.

There are many types of Yoga and many more classes offering some variation of Yoga  - there are even high energy classes employing fast energentic movements which make use of Yoga poses, designed to get the heart rate up and body moving. Yoga fans all have differing opinions on what works best but we will review some of the more traditional forms of Yoga:

• Hatha Yoga. This is one of the most popular and widely practiced form of Yoga used today. The word Hatha is made up of the Sanskrit word for the sun - 'ha' and moon, 'tha'. Hatha addresses both our physical and mental well being by employing a series of different poses - the physical techniques and breathing control together with meditation. Hatha stives to work on and unite opposing forces - in this case both the energising and relaxing properties of ourselves.

• Ashtanga Yoga. This may be more commonly referred to as 'Power Yoga' - as this one works on keeping breathing syncronized together with  progressive and flowing movments which can be demanding and require strength and a degree of stamina. This works up a sweat which is seen as a means to purify and detox the body - and also helps address circulation.

• Bikram Yoga. I chose to address this practice, as it seems to be growing in popularity with classes popping up all over the country. This may also be referred to as 'Hot  Yoga'  as it a practiced in a room which is kept at around 95 -100 degrees.  Classes can differ but traditionally it consists of a set of 26 poses - the heat is seen to help relax muscles allowing the poses to be achieved more deeply, and as the heat prodices profuse sweating, it is also seen to be cleansing.

• Iyenger Yoga.  This is a form of Yoga which concentrates particularly on the way our body is alligned. The focus here is holding poses for a longer length of time rather than flowing quickly from one of the next, thus one can concentrate in acheving the exact and most precise way the body can hold and maintain the pose which can produce bith better benefits and lessen the risk of injury associated with unsafe movements. These classes may also employ use of props such as blocks and straps to help participants achieve the pose.

• Kundalini Yoga. This form of Yoga places its emphasis on combining breathing with the physical movments - it explores how the breathing can impact the postures and in contrast to Iyenger Yoga, this practice uses repetative movements in a rapid fashion and poses are not held for long.

This is  just a few of the many Yoga practices available today. It is often best to consider your own goals, physical ability and the availabity of classes when considering which is best for you.

Practicing Yoga.

There are many different means and ways to get started with Yoga. Books, DVD's , classes , tapes.....However Yoga is a very precise practice and I really believe than even if you intend eventually to practice it at home via DVDs and so on, it is essential to first take some classes.

Only in a class with an experienced instructor, can you really be sure you are getting into and holding the poses correctly. At home you cannot see your posture and movements which puts you at risk of injury or performing the movments so they are ineffective. Also Yoga is means of relaxation and concentrates on breathing correctly....at home there are too many distractions - the phone ringing, the guy at the door offering bug control, the glimpse at the laundry basket.....maybe after you have taken some classes and become used to the level of discipline needed to switch off from  life and concentrate on breathing, you may be able to pratice alone but classes are the best start.

What do I need to start?

• Yoga really does not require any fancy equiptment or clothing. Lose breathable clothes that allow you to move freely and do not obstuct you are best. Of course there are many companies out there that sell 'Yoga clothes'  - mainly consisting of loose pants and shirts - Yoga attire - it is your choice, but the main goal is to make sure the clothes allow you to perform each move comfortably.

• Yoga mats are also useful to own   - yoga mat - these mats are often supplied by the class you take but eventually you may want your own, especially if you intent to practice your poses at home. These are thin mats that roll up easily but offer just a light amount of padding to protect your knees and elbows during some of the movements - they are also not slip which is extremely important.

• Yoga Blocks - Again , most classes have these available, but you may want your own for follow up at home - Yoga Blocks - these are soft blocks usually made of foam so they are light and they aid you in performing some of the poses correctly to achieve correct alignment.

• Yoga Straps - These can be bought - Yoga Straps - or you can improvise with a long rolled up towel, belt etc. Yoga straps basically add length to you to enable you to achive some poses that might otherwise prove too challenging - for example  - if you need to grab your toes to do a front bending type position it allows you to wrap the strap around your feet if you cannot quite reach your toes which stops injury.

Also if you eventually practice at home - you need to create a calm  relaxing environment. Turn the ringer off the phone, close the blinds and I also like to a touch of incense to the room.....there are many stores on ebay selling incense sticks and cones....Nag Champa Nag Champa incense is a very good brand if you are unsure what to buy,  but pick what suits you and your mood - incense. Once you master the poses you may also want to play some background music  CD's for Yoga- again play what suits you but some suuggestions may be:

• Yoga Rhythm  - Soulfood yoga Rhythm
• Shakti Rhythms - various Shakti
• Yoga Zone  - music for Yoga Practice - yoga zone Zone
• Yoga Chill  - Global sounds for Yoga and other Meditation - various Chill
• Planet Yoga - various Planet yoga
• Spirit of Yoga - Ben Leinbach - Spirit

You may also want to read a little more on the subject Books on Yoga or see some illustrations of poses.....some offerings may include:

• The little Yoga Book  - Erica Dillman
• The complete Illustrated Book of Yoga - Devananda - 1995
• 30 Essential Yoga Poses - Judith Lasater
• The Complete Yoga book - James Hewitt

Conclusion.

Yoga is one of the best things you can do for your body, mind and overall well being. This ancient practice has complete relevance on how we live today, and is one of the few forms of exercise that addresses the whole person both during practice and during life. It teaches us to slow down, to listen to our bodies....and to understand that we can slow down and feel better for doing so.