Time to Start a Yoga Practice

Do you want to do something good for both your mind and body at the same time?Try yoga.Yoga is a mental, physical and spiritual practice which originated in India. The term yoga comes from the Sankskrit word “yuj,” which is defined as “to unite or integrate.” The practice of yoga focuses on the idea that the body, mind, and spirit must all be integrated in order for a person to be in harmony both with himself and his environment. To achieve this integration, emotions, actions, and intelligence all need to be in balance, and this can be achieved through exercise, breathing, and meditation - the three main yoga structures.There are many different types of yoga. The most common type of yoga in the US is hatha yoga, which is a generic term that refers to any type of yoga that teaches physical postures. Hatha yoga is the foundation for many other types of yoga. In hatha yoga, physical poses, called asanas, are used in conjunction with breathing techniques and meditation. Often, classes labeled as hatha are gentle and move at an easy pace.Other types of yoga include ashtanga, bikram, hot, iyengar, vinyasa, anusara, and restorative. In ashtanga yoga, the poses are always performed in the same order and are linked to the breath. It is physically demanding. Bikram yoga is practiced in a hot room and is a series of 26 poses that always follow the same sequence. It is also very physically demanding. Hot yoga is any type of yoga that is practiced in a heated room, so you should be prepared to sweat! Iyengar yoga focuses on finding proper alignment in a pose and uses a variety of props such as blankets, straps, and blocks to do so. It is physically and mentally challenging, but it will not increase your heart rate too much. Vinyasa yoga is known for its “flow” and the transition from pose to pose in fluid movements. It is intense and will increase your heart rate. Anusara yoga is a new form of yoga that strives to open your heart and connect with yourself and others through alignment. Restorative yoga is used to relax and rejuvenate. It uses props to help the body experience the pose without too much effort.Yoga has been shown to have many benefits. It is not just about stretching! In fact, it is really about creating balance through increased strength and flexibility. Almost every yoga pose helps build core strength as well as strength in other muscles of the body. Yoga can help improve posture, since you become stronger and more flexible through your practice. Yogis also notice improved body awareness so that they are more aware when they are crouched or slouching. Other physical benefits are improved circulation, decreased stress, increased relaxation, decreased heart rate and blood pressure, and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additionally, those who practice yoga seem to lessen chronic pain and reduce insomnia.Anyone can start a yoga practice as there are many different kinds of yoga and modifications for every type of pose. It is individual, and you can go at your own pace and explore your limits. It is a great way to get in tune with both your physical and mental self and engage