“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.”
–The Bhagavad Gita
My own yoga practice is far from polished but even I can attest to the wonderful benefits of yoga.
On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I attempted to teach a few yoga poses to my friends. Paul, who is an incredible photographer shot this pic. Given that he was shooting photos I teased him that he was trying to get out of practicing with his picture taking. While I enjoy my own yoga practice immensely, I am far from an experienced teacher. Nonetheless, the guys enjoyed my attempts and told me it was great. Afterward, we hopped in the pool and were thrilled to see some monkeys in the trees.
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Tidbits About Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice. The earliest known writings were from the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India some 5000 years ago. Some of the oldest texts were found in the Reg Veda, a collection of mantras and rituals used by the Brahmans; Vedic priests. However, some researchers would tell you that they suspect that yoga could very well have been around for 10,000 years. Yoga has been practiced throughout the ages and has been revered for its positive health benefits.
Health Benefits of Yoga
- Stress Relief – Yoga reduces stress which in turn lowers cortisol levels. (High cortisol levels increase Inflammation in the body setting you up for chronic dis-ease.)
- Pain Relief – Helps to reduce pain from arthritis, neck and back pain, and fibromyalgia.
- Flexibility – Increases elasticity in the muscles, joints, and tendons.
- Increases Strength – Tones muscles keeping your body strong.
- Improves Circulation – Improving all systems in the body.
- Better Breathing – Yoga focuses on incorporating deep breathing, increasing the health of your lungs and helping to oxygenate your body.
- Weight Management – Studies show that older adults who practice yoga are better able to keep their weight in a normal range.
- Brain Health – Yoga and meditation have been shown to increase the length of telomeres in the brain keeping your brain healthy and young, slowing age-related memory loss.
- Presence and Inner Peace – The meditative aspect of yoga creates peace in your mind and grounds you in the present.
Types of Yoga
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is a title that generally refers to any type of yoga. It is a gentle introduction that is slower moving with poses being held for a few breaths.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is also called Taoist Yoga. Being a calming meditative practice balancing the body and mind. Poses rely on gravity and body weight and are held for several minutes at a time. Due to the longer hold time yin yoga targets deeper connective tissues and fascia. Props: blocks, bolsters, blankets, and straps are used to support the poses.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga is another form of yoga that relies on props for support. It is a slow-moving practice that provides deeper relaxation by tapping into your parasympathetic nervous system.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga is a faster-paced practice. Derived from the Sanskrit term nyasa, which means “to place,” and the prefix vi, “in a special way”, Vinyasa yoga incorporates movement and breath together for a dynamic class that raises the heart rate. Thus making for a beautiful flowing sequence of specific asanas coordinated with movements of the breath.
Iyangar Yoga
Iyangar Yoga emphasizes movement and form by focusing on body alignment by the use of props, blocks, blankets, straps, and bolsters.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga classes use the same 6 poses in sequence using flow and the breath to build heat in your body.
Hot Yoga
Hot Yoga is usually the teacher’s choice as to poses and style. Because it’s performed in a room heated to approximately 90 degrees you’ll need a towel because, trust me, you’re going to sweat. When externally heating your body you are allowed to go deeper into the poses. However, be mindful of not over-stretching your muscles to prevent injury.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga is a 90-minute class consisting of 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises. This challenging sequence is always the same and repeated twice. In the first round, the poses are held longer than in the second round. Being that Bikram yoga is practiced hot, the room is heated to 110 degrees with 40% humidity. This makes Bikram a physically challenging class and you will sweat a lot. Given that, bring your towel and some water because you’ll definitely need it.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga is physically and mentally challenging, different from regular yoga classes. Kriyas are performed, which are physical exercises with intense breathwork. During this class be prepared for chanting, singing, and meditating. For the most part, it is a spiritual practice designed to enhance higher levels of self-awareness.
Are you a fan of Yoga?
While I’ve been practicing off and on for several years, I can tell you with all certainty that when I am faithful to my practice I feel amazing. For peace of mind and just feeling darn good in your body, it can’t be beaten.
I like to use yoga mats that are eco-friendly and healthy. Here are two affordable mats that I’ve found that are good options.
Check Out Yoga Burn Online Yoga Series
Are you considering taking up a new yoga practice? Or perhaps deepening your existing practice? Either way, yoga can offer so many health benefits.
For Your Mind and Your Body, Yoga:
As an example, you’ll…
- Increases your flexibility.
- Improves respiration, energy, and vitality.
- Increases your muscle strength and tones your body.
- Balances your metabolism.
- Helps with weight loss.
- Increases your cardio and circulatory health.
- Improves your athletic performance.
- Protects you from injury.
Yoga for Seniors
If you are brand new to yoga and have mobility issues you can search out a chair yoga practice. Simply search on YouTube or go to your local community center to find classes near you. In order to keep your body flexible as you age, consider practicing yoga. All things considered, you’ll increase your balance and enhance the way you feel overall.
In 2006 a randomized, controlled, six-month trial of 135 healthy seniors, both men, and women, aged 65-85 was conducted. Significantly it was found that practicing yoga improved quality of life, as well as mood and fatigue, compared to the other groups where the seniors regularly walked or were in the waitlist group. (1).
Yoga is a wonderful low-impact way to enhance your life. Therefore, try adding yoga 2 or 3 times a week to your regular routine and you will reap the benefits and be on your way to a better quality of life.
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- Get Grounded, Why Connecting With the Earth is Important for Your Health
- Stress Relief & Relaxation With Essential Oil Diffuser Blends
- We Are All One When We Live From the Heart, ‘Namaste’