The Elixir Called Yoga

Do you want to quit smoking? Lose weight? Reduce your blood pressure? Improve your concentration? Or, maybe you just want to sleep better at night. The answer for these concerns and a plethora of others, is Yoga.

Most experts agree that practicing yoga regularly will increase your flexibility, your strength, and your balance, and will teach you the principle of mind/body unity. Though yoga is considered to be generally safe, you should consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

Getting started in yoga is fairly simple. You need loose fitting clothing and a “non-slip” mat for the floor, and you are ready to begin. This is not a workout that requires expensive equipment or shoes, as these exercises are usually performed in bare feet. Some studios may even provide balance bars or straps to facilitate leg stretches.

Called treatments, yoga consists of three basic disciplines: breathing exercises, meditation, and body postures. Classes are available at most health clubs and YMCA’s, and are fairly reasonably priced.

When your class starts, the instructor will being by asking you to do a few simple warm-up exercises, and then direct you through some breathing exercises that are designed to help you focus on your breathing. The next step is the yoga postures which are really a series of poses that are usually held for different periods of time, typically from a few seconds to several minutes.

Some of these postures may appear to be difficult and require some pre-disposition to perform contortions. However, the point of these postures is not to contort, but to stretch all your muscle groups while gently squeezing your internal organs. A specific order is followed that ensures a balance in the muscle groups. Through the course of the session, you should be comfortable and your mind and body should feel relaxed.

There are actually several types of yoga: Hatha, Lyengar, Integral and Astanga. Though Lyengar is recommended for beginners, as it focuses on proper body alignment, which helps prevent injury.

Copyright, Debby Willett, All Rights, 2009-2010