Looking to start your yoga journey? Here is all you need to know about yoga, its health benefits, types, poses, and how exactly to get started!
Yoga has been a popular practice since ancient times, tracing back to over thousands of years ago. Many people practice yoga to achieve its many benefits including staying healthy both mentally and physically. Not to forget, it has also been an incredible fitness trend lately. If you are looking to hop on the trend, read on to discover all you need to know about the journey you are about to take.
What is Yoga?
While many people around the world practice yoga, it often holds a different meaning for different people. For instance, some people turned into yogis to work out and stay physically fit and healthy. On the other hand, it goes beyond physical health for others who believe that yoga takes them into a spiritual world. Not to forget, it is both for many others.
Yoga tends to date back to around 2700 BC, while the term is also seen in one of the oldest Indian scripts called the Vedas. It arrived in America through Indian teachers like Indra Devi and Paramahansa Yogananda in the early 1900s.
Benefits of Yoga
There are various physical and mental benefits associated with yoga, for people of all ages. It can make you feel better on all spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical levels if you only practice it for a few days.
A few benefits of yoga include:
- Improves balance, flexibility, and strength: the breathing patterns and slow movements help with increased blood flow while holding a position builds physical strength
- Relief from backaches: Yoga stretches and postures can ease pain and improve mobility, especially in people who suffer from backaches
- Improves cardiovascular health: Yoga also addresses heart-related health conditions like blood pressure
- Helps manage stress: Various scientific evidence suggests that yoga can support mental health, stress management, and mindfulness
- Promotes restful nights: Bedtime yoga can significantly combat sleeplessness and prepare the mind and body for rest
Types of Yoga and Poses
There are many different styles and types of yoga. A few of these are:
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga simply refers to the physical yoga rather than the meditation and breathing part of it. However, most Hatha Yoga poses are a combination of physical postures and movements as well as breathing exercises. Some easy Hatha Yoga poses for beginners are:
- Mountain Pose
- Tree Pose
- Downward-Facing Dog Pose
- Standing Forward Bend
- Bridge Pose
- Head Stand
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga demands physical strength as it follows a series of progressive poses that flow into one another. It is best that beginners practice this type of yoga with a trainer. Some Ashtanga poses are:
- Vamana Rishi
- Yoga Korunta
- Limbs of Ashtanga
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is a type of yoga that focuses on stretching connective tissues for improved body flexibility. It especially deals with connective tissues around the knees, spine, pelvis, and sacrum. Here are some Yin Yoga poses:
- Butterfly Pose
- Sphinx Pose
- Wide-Kneed Child’s Pose
- Open Wing Pose
- Swan Pose
Tips for Getting Started on the Mat
Beginning a yoga practice may feel overwhelming, scary, and exciting at the same time. Here are some things to keep in mind as you start your yoga journey:
- Start with Acceptance: You must first understand accept and appreciate your body, circumstances, and life
- Practice Gratitude: Make sure you release any expectations and practice gratefulness
- Understand the Meaning of Yoga: You should understand that yoga is more about freedom in the body than stretching or exercise
- Notice Your Breathing: It is important to focus on your breathing to achieve the maximum benefits of yoga
- Start Simple: Start off by looking for basic yoga poses or joining a yoga class
Starting off with yoga is a good way of beginning your health journey. It has numerous benefits for both the mind and body. Make sure you refer to our tips for getting started on the mat and let us know what you are looking for in yoga.
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