Yoga

Yoga And How It May Benefit You

Understanding yoga is not easy. In fact, anything that had been in existence for more than about thousands of years is not easy. The origins of this unique form of physical act or exercise are not very clear. However, experts feel that the origins of yoga were found either in ancient Egypt or ancient India.

Yoga has gained tremendous popularity in the last decade. The different types of postures of yoga have helped many people to promote healthy mind, body, and soul. It has been proved as an excellent means of relaxation, which proffers a sense of inner peace and balance.

These days, the art of yoga has become a never ending rage among youngsters, children and the old. With celebrities embracing yoga for health benefits, the craze for this unique form of exercise is here to stay.

What is yoga?

Yoga involves a series of different postures in conjunction with stretches. This is practiced within a holistic mindset and deep concentration that results in emotional, spiritual mental, physical and health benefits.

Most people who have been practicing yoga for a long time have understood yoga as a form of meditation. The more one tends to practice this art, the more one feels enlightened and experience transforming effects. Yoga works towards gifting and developing an individual's inner as well as outer personality. It also helps in transforming one into a good human.

A Yoga way of life

Yoga can be understood as a lifestyle or a way of life. It is an art of righteous living. Experts would like to refer it as an effective system to benefit the body mind and inner spirit. This unique are was originated ancient years back.

You can find some excellent references to yoga in 'Puranas' and 'Upanishads'. These were beautifully composed by Indian Aryans in the later vedic and post vedic period.

The principles of yoga were described in an eight fold yogic discipline. This is explained by Patanjali in his 'yoga sutra'. It was composed almost two thousand years ago!

The 8 important stages of yoga discipline recommended by Patanjali

Yamas - Restrains and abstentions
Asanas - Physical exercises or postures.
Pranayama - Total control over vital energy or breathing pattern.
Niyamas - Observances such as contentment, study, austerities, purity and surrender of the ego.
Dhyana - Meditation
Partyahara - Withdrawal of the senses.
Samadhi - Attainment of the super conscious state
Dharana - Contemplation or concentration of the mind.

Superb health benefits of yoga

There are several health benefits of practicing yoga.

Weight loss and Weight control
Enhances immune system and blood circulation in the body
Control over anxiety
Relief from asthma, multiple sclerosis, headaches, blood pressure and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Reduces arthritis pain, depression, stress, heart disease, chronic fatigue and back pain.
Helps in removing toxins from the body.
Heals several diseases and body ailments
Enhances concentration power and creativity; Reduces stress and tension
Allows better thinking, enhances flexibility and balance.
Leads to spiritual fulfillment.

Finding The Right Yoga Teacher and Class For You

Though there are most likely at least half a dozen yoga studios and gyms that offer yoga classes in your neighborhood, finding the one class and the right teacher to suit your needs is not always easy.

Start at the beginning with these 5 important steps to located the best yoga class and teacher combination for your schedule, location, interest, and temperament.

What are your choices? The telephone book, the internet, community newspapers, ad boards at your local health food store or organic grocery store - all of these are great ways to find out what is available to you.

When would you like to take your yoga class? Some people like to wind down after work with a long, relaxing class and still others prefer to pop in a 20 minute yoga class every day during lunch or once a week on Saturday mornings. Determining when a class will best fit into your schedule will help you narrow down your choices.

Which yoga classes are most convenient to you? After you have chosen the best time for you to take your class, consider where you will be just before then. Are you coming from home or work? Do you need something to fill the time while your youngest takes his gymnastics class and therefore need a class near there? Finding one that is convenient will help you maintain an effective, consistent practice.

What type of yoga is taught at the schools? If you're a beginner, you may not want to jump into a dynamic Ashtanga yoga class. If you're more advanced, then a mild Kripalu yoga course may not be what you're looking for to push your limits. Call the schools and on your list and ask them to send you a list of classes they have available. From these, you will be able to see what is available during the time slots you have open.

Try them out! Most yoga schools and centers allow you to take one class without signing up for 10 weeks worth of practice. Experiment and try out all the classes that interest you. If you find more than one that appeals to you, maybe you can switch back and forth.

» Learn about meditation