Our world is fast paced. Unfortunately, there’s no getting away from it. In this environment, it can be all too easy to allow stress to get to us. With so much to do when it comes to your career, your home, your family and friends, many people find it difficult to find wholesome ways of alleviating their tension and protecting their body and mind. This is why many contemporary health fanatics are turning to the restorative power of Yoga and meditation to provide them with the exercise their bodies need, as well as the development of a sound mental state and a calm spirit.
How Yoga Was Born
Yoga developed from Sanskrit, which is the language of the ancient Indian religious texts called the Vedas. It developed as a way to alleviate aches and pains that the body endured during the practice of meditation when static positions are held for hours on end.
The word ‘yoga’ developed from the Sansrit yug and originally the practice of Yoga wasn’t written down. It was an art form that was transmitted orally from teacher to student. As such there was a very big risk that the teachings and principles would be lost. It was the Indian sage, Patanjali, who was responsible for writing Yoga moves and positions down.
The Power Of Yoga Is For Everyone
One of the most unfair and commonly spread rumours about Yoga is that it is only for the elderly, women, and those without the muscle mass needed for weight training and the like. This simple and misleading mindset has discouraged those who would otherwise have benefited from the discipline from ever giving it a try.
Yoga has incredible health benefits as well, says Dr Natalie Nevins, DO, a board-certified osteopathic family physician and certified Kundalini Yoga instructor in Hollywood, California:
“The relaxation techniques incorporated in Yoga can lessen chronic pain, such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome. Yoga can also lower blood pressure and reduce insomnia.”
Though, regardless of your body type and fitness goals, practising Yoga will build your strength, make you far more flexible, and allow you to enjoy living in your own body.
What The Powe Of Yoga Does For Your Body
Yoga is particularly good for developing balance, building core strength and increasing flexibility. However, this age-old discipline has also been proven to increase cardiovascular proficiency, up blood flow, and even significantly improve lung capacity in those who have the discipline to practise it every day.
“The intensity of your Yoga workout depends on which form of Yoga you choose,” says health specialist writer Stephanie Watson. “Techniques like hatha and iyengar yoga are gentle and slow. Bikram and power yoga are faster and more challenging.”
How The Power Of Yoga Strengthens Your Mind
When practising Yoga, you don’t only exercise your body. Your mind gets a great workout too! Careful concentration on techniques, as well as having to pay attention to the feelings and position of your body, takes much more discipline and mental energy than you would think. This makes Yoga a great way to build mental strength.
The Power Of Yoga For The Spirit
The practice of Yoga is closely tied to meditation. At the end of each session, take a few minutes to meditate and to relax your mind, body and spirit to appreciate the results of a Yoga session to its fullest. By making time on a daily basis to practise Yoga, you’ll also be setting aside some time for meditation. This will gradually calm your spirit and make it easier for you to manage emotions and stress.
Test Out The Power Of Yoga For Yourself
Sun Salutations – or Surya Namaskar – are a sequence of exercises that are traditionally performed at sunrise in India. These are a great way to warm up for a Yoga class. Watch the video below to find out how this is done:
Caution
If you suffer from low blood pressure, you may need to come up slower from the forward bends. If you suffer from high blood pressure, don’t elevate your hands above your head. Rather keep them shoulder height or in prayer position. (Anjali Mudra).
Points To Remember
- Coordinate each posture with your breathing and move smoothly from one posture to the next.
- Try to inhale and exhale a fraction of a second before the movement.
- Inhalations and exhalations should be of equal length.
- Make necessary adjustments so that your breath and movement are synchronised as one.
- Practise slowly to start then speed up when necessary.
Take A Course Today
If you would like to experience the full benefit of a lifelong mastery of Yoga, why not consider being trained to obtain the skills that will not only assist you with mastering this ancient art form but will also let you spread the power of Yoga in your community. Speak to a consultant from Trifocus Fitness Academy today – specifically about our Yoga Certification – to learn more about our professionally conducted fitness and wellness courses courses. All our courses are locally accredited – through SAQA and CATHSSETA – as well as internationally recognised – through REPSSA – so you’ll be able to take your fitness qualification anywhere in the world.