Yoga is the union of mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is a series of poses called asana and the first records of yoga was dated back in 2700 BC. By practicing yoga, one can find many benefits; for instance, one can develop muscular strength, flexibility, and concentration. What do you think of when you think of yoga? I didn't think I was ever going to take yoga or do yoga as an exercise but after having my second baby, I decided to do something different. Since the baby, my stomach muscles were so weak I couldn't even do a simple crunch but since I started doing yoga it has helped me strengthen my core. Not only yoga has to do with poses but it also emphasizes on breathing as well. Here is the idea, when extending you inhale and when you contract you exhale. I sometimes get my breathing confused but my instructor said that it takes practice and once you master your breathing then your workouts will be optimal. Not only breathing is practiced but also concentration too. In order to stand in a pose for 60 sec. there’s got to be concentration. There are some poses that only one leg is supporting the weight of the body. I tend to lose my balance on these kinds of asana.
There are certain styles of yoga. There is ashtanga and power yoga for those who are looking for a more vigorous workout which helps improve muscle tone. For the less vigorous styles of yoga there are lyengar and hatha which has to do with precise alignment in poses that can help develop strength and endurance. Other poses like downward dog or plank helps build upper body strength and standing poses like tree or eagle helps build strengthen the hamstring, quadriceps, and abdominal muscles. By having flexibility and strength, your posture also gets better because a stronger sore is developed. Strengthening the transverse abdominal strengthens will help you stand and sit up taller.
Breathing is also an important part of yoga. With improved breathing, the lungs capacity improves as well. Did you know, only people breathe in only 1/3 of oxygen into their lungs due to improper breathing? Yogis think that there are stale air on the bottom of the lungs and by breathing deeper breaths allows that stale air to come out. By deepening and lengthening your breath can also help you relax and relieve stress because this calms the mind.
Long time yogis tend to be more outgoing, less stress, and positive in life than others because of the benefits of yoga. Yoga is a great way of strengthening your body in more ways than you can imagine. I just started doing yoga at the beginning of this semester and think of continuing because I need these benefits. Yoga is for those who are looking for something different and effective. Trust me; you’ll feel a lot better after only one session.
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