Yoga Basics

Yoga is described as exercises done as part of a Hindu discipline that helps with mind and body control. It is training for a state of mind that has tranquility and spiritual insight. This happens through the three paths of knowledge, actions and devotion, according to the Hindu. It is associated with the well-being of the mind, spirit and body.

Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga to the "West" over 100 years ago. Today many Westerners are using yoga exercises to manage chronic medical problems and for simple piece of mind. Yoga is the oldest exercise known to man. It helps with stability of the body, lubrication of joints, ligaments and tendons. It is a complete form of exercise, really the only complete form because it also massages the internal organs. This can reduce the risk of disease. Meditation and breathing exercises that are incorporated with the yoga postures can help relieve stress also.

The effects of yoga shows on your health and mind. There are no side effects associated with it. It can be done by people of any age; you do not have to be physically fit to start. Yoga is a very flexible form of exercise and there are techniques to meet every fitness level and need. You can do yoga in a chair. Yoga deep breathing exercises can be done almost anywhere to reduce stress.

Yoga really has benefits that any person can enjoy. If your already active and exercising, or playing a sport, yoga moves can increase your strength and flexibility. You can increase your attention span by practicing it, especially a good idea for some children. Senior citizens can use it to improve mobility and flexibility. It is said to have cardiac benefits also.

There are eight types of yoga, Hatha, Jnana, Karma, Kundalini, Mantra, Purna and Raj. The most popular and more widely practiced is Hatha yoga. It was founded in 15th century India. It is the performance of meditation, breathing exercises, postures and purification procedures.

There are many benefits of yoga, reduced cortisol levels, increase flexibility and strength, reduced anxiety, slowed aging process, spiritual growth, a sense of well being, lower blood pressure, improvement of medical conditions along with asthma and allergy relief.

Done properly yoga can easily become a way of life. It can be beneficial to everyone and doesn't discriminate because of sex, religion, age, or disability. It can easily (and should) become a lifelong exercise regime. It focuses on inner peace and freedom, not the materialistic goals of achievements.

All the equipment you need to get started on your yoga is space for a yoga mat and room for your body to move in a full circle (360 degrees). If you have more space to practice that is all the better. Try to make the environment where you will practice your yoga appealing and motivating. Put up some artwork that soothes or inspires you. Another great thing about yoga is that you can practice it any time of the day or night. You might want to keep some lit incense or flowers in the room you practice in to "clean" the air. Start with the easier postures and set only reachable goals for yourself that you update often. Keep a log of you progress if you wish. Write down how you feel before and afterwards so you'll be able to see which postures work best for which state of mind or situation (i.e.: back pain).

The best thing about yoga is that you do not need a special place to do it. You do not need special clothing either; all you need is loose comfortable pants and shirt. You can practice yoga anywhere; you do not have to worry about membership fees at the gym either.