An Introduction to Yoga – An Ancient Practice Turned Modern Fitness Craze

Many people write off yoga as a mere series of stretches and breathing exercises that don’t give the body a “real” workout. Nothing could be farther from the truth; regular practice of yoga can be extremely beneficial to your health. Yoga can increase your flexibility, help you to burn fat and build muscle, and even decrease stress, a factor that often contributes to medical conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and obesity. While yoga does have its roots in spiritual meditation, one does not need to subscribe to these beliefs in order to reap the many physical benefits of practicing yoga.

Modern yoga, in the context of yoga as an exercise, is a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation. Yoga can be used in a restorative capacity to help people recover from injuries or illnesses. Yoga can also be used to promote better health and general well-being. Some athletes also practice yoga as a part of their regular workout regimen in order to increase their balance and flexibility. Whether you are young or old, in good health or poor health, an average person or a professional athlete, you can benefit from the soothing, yet challenging practice of yoga.

You can do yoga without any special equipment, but, if you want to take classes or simply enhance your yoga experience, you would do well to invest in a few simple pieces of yoga equipment. The most common piece of yoga equipment is a yoga mat. Usually made of non-slip material, this thin mat protects you from the floor, prevents you from slipping so that you can hold poses, and provides a little bit of a buffer between you and the hard floor. If you choose, you can also buy yoga blocks, bolsters, and ropes so that you can increase your repertoire of positions and exercises.

There are many different types of yoga you can practice. Bikram yoga is practiced in a room heated to 115 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity of 40%. Laughter yoga combines laughter with yoga breathing in order to reap the benefits of both. Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga focuses on a natural flow from one position to the next, dynamically connecting each posture. There are even yoga hybrids, such as yoga Pilates, cardio yoga, and even hip-hop yoga. No matter which genre of yoga you choose, you’re sure to get a good workout, a good stretch, and you’re sure to leave feeling refreshed and revitalized.