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Visualize a workout that will toughen and tone your muscles, invigorate your mind, increase your flexibility and reduce stress, all without putting too much strain on your body. Lucky for you: There is such a magical workout, and it’s called yoga. Want to learn more? Keep reading to learn about this amazing all-in-one exercise.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient Indian body of knowledge that dates back more than 5000 years ago as a way to work the mind, body and spirit together as one. The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" meaning to yoke, join or union. This implies joining or integrating all aspects of the individual - body with brain and mind with essence - to achieve a happy, balanced and useful life, and spiritually, uniting the individual with the extreme.
What is commonly referred to as "yoga" can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word asana, which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses.
Asana is only one of the eight "limbs" of yoga, the majority of which are more concerned with mental and spiritual well being than physical activity. In the West, however, the words asana and yoga are often used interchangeably.
Yoga Poses
Many people think that yoga is just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits. There are many basic as well as advanced yoga poses that can help in the control and reduction of hypertension.
Yoga Benefits
The most important benefit of yoga is physical and mental therapy. The aging process, which is largely an artificial condition, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning, can be slowed down by practicing yoga. By keeping the body clean, flexible and well lubricated, we can significantly reduce the catabolic process of cell deterioration. To get the maximum benefits of yoga one has to combine the practices of yogasanas, pranayama and meditation.
Regular practice of asanas, pranayama and meditation can help such diverse ailments such as diabetes, blood pressure, digestive disorders, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, asthma, varicose veins and heart conditions. Laboratory tests have proved the yogi's increased abilities of consciously controlling autonomic or involuntary functions, such as temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure. Research into the effects of yogic practices on HIV is currently underway with promising results.
Who benefits from Yoga?
Everyone can benefit from the relaxation, cardiovascular and strength building exercises of yoga. However, some groups may find special health-boosting benefits.
Seniors: Posture, balance, flexibility and fitness levels diminish with age. Recent studies suggest an active lifestyle including yoga (like Hatha or Lyengar) can improve a senior’s balance and posture.
Pregnant women: Prenatal yoga is a new trend that claims to alleviate all sorts of symptoms associated with pregnancy like fatigue, swelling and poor digestion. And because the focus is on breathing and slow, steady stretching, the poses you practice may help out in the delivery room.
Asthma: Because the focus in many classes is on breathing, asthma sufferers can benefit from a consistent practice of the activity.
Really Yoga is a great and nice exercise for our body. Therefore one best known saying for Yoga is "Yoga is the fountain of youth. You're only as young as your spine is flexible. ~Bob Harper"
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