What is Yoga?

Before we start let’s look at what is yoga. Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning union or joining. We can then say that this is the union of Body, mind and spirit.

Yoga is not really an exercise – it is a practice. Yoga is much more than just practicing asanas (positions). Yoga, in its true form, is a way of bringing balance to your body, spirit and mind. It becomes part of your life because you will see that you derive great benefits from it. One of the most beneficial aspects of yoga is the reduction of the stress levels and tension.

When yoga became popular in Western countries some of the spiritual benefits have been lost. This was in the early 1960s when The Beatles went to India. Yoga quickly spread around the world but some of the pure forms were lost. Originally there were only five types of yoga. The five original forms are Hatha, Bhakti, Karma, Jnana and Raja. Hatha yoga is still widely practiced today.

Some people believe that yoga is a stretching exercise that allows you to become more flexible and develop body and core strength. It is possible to develop better flexibility through practicing yoga.

Each asana or position is designed to give your body different physical benefits. It depends on the type of yoga you practice, whether the positions are done quickly or you hold the position for some time thereby increasing your body and core strength.

If you practice yoga on a regular basis, you will notice that your flexibility will also increase. Everyone here will be different. It depends on the level of flexibility that you start with and how devoted you are to practicing. If you are really interested in losing weight and gaining more flexibility, you should practice every day for at least thirty minutes.

Yoga has to be practiced with intention. When you are stretching, you stretch as if you want to extend your limbs as far as you can.

Enjoy your practice,

Sue