Yoga has been around for an incredibly long time and over that period many people have added their own refinements and styles into the basic Yoga discipline, for which today we have the yoga challenge on TikTok. There are so many different styles now it is nearly impossible to count, but they all come from the same philosophy and methodology. There are lots of different styles which often lead beginners to the exercise discipline to be very confusing as to what they are doing and what they want to achieve with Yoga. For this article we answer four of the common questions.
What is Yoga?
This question is the most asked from newcomers. The majority of people have a general basic idea of what Yoga is but they are not sure where it fits into the world. Is it used for exercise? Can it help to reduce stress? Is it a philosophy? Is it a form of physical therapy? Is it a spiritual process? The answer is that to different people Yoga is all of these things and more. Basically, Yoga is a group of exercises and poses which are very low impacting on the joints and muslces, and also works by strengthening the body and increasing it's flexibility through static exercise. This means that each pose will 'stretch' a certain area and the body benefits from this stretch by increased blood flow and energy release, just like doing a warm up. The poses and exercises release tension from areas of the body that regular activities, like sitting in a chair for long periods of time, do not cater for. Yoga is performed slowly and with a strong importance on the correct breathing patterns there is also a strong mental and spiritual element to these exercises. Yoga is seen as a way of cleansing your mind, body and spirit.
Do I Need To Be Christian or Religious To Get The Most Benefits Out Of Yoga?
Yoga has different standards and meanings for different people. There are many people in the world who perform Yoga for it's spiritual benefits only. However, there are others who perform Yoga purely for the physical benefits associated with it, for example increasing their flexibility and stamina by controlling their breathing. What you get out of Yoga will depend largely on your mindset, your openness to new ideas and your ability to let yourself fall fully into a relaxation state. Other people may think this is very difficult at first, but that is still not going to prevent them from getting the physical benefits associated with Yoga classes. You will find that even if you do not have any strong spiritual base you will still benefit from an increase in your self confidence and personal well being.
Where Can I Do Yoga?
You can do Yoga practically anywhere you want, as many people practice Yoga in their homes every day, either in their bedroom or in the garden. Others might go to the local park and practice Yoga with a group of friends. To begin with it's a good idea to inquire at your local gym about Yoga classes, many of them will be holding Yoga every day and you will only need to bring your own mat or have one provided. Even if they don't have Yoga they will be able to tell you where the best place to learn Yoga is. Local councils sometimes sponsor Yoga classes in their area in recognition of the benefits to people who exercise regularly. One big advantage of a Yoga based exercise regime is that there is no expensive equipment to buy and then store around your house, as you can also use a towel. Some poses are assisted by cushions or other equipment to support the body, but in general the only thing you need is your body.
I'm Overweight or Not Very Fit - Is Yoga For Me?
Yoga is suited for all ages and for all fitness level, so the answer is yes. One of the fantastic things about Yoga is that the exercises and poses you will learn can be adjusted to your level, either a beginner or an expert. Fitness isn't usually a problem because the exercises are slow and often static, but your body will become better at performing them over time as your core strength and flexibility improves. Knowing your limit and ensuring that you don't 'ease up' out of habit gains the best benefit.
Hopefully you will have a good understanding of what yoga is and why you should be doing it, even if it is to reduce stress and anxiety. Yoga is something that once learned can be practiced anywhere you like and as often as you like, even while at work. Indeed, this is one of the main components of Yoga's popularity and also the social aspect as well.
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