Yoga, what is it?
Everyone seems to be talking about yoga, but what is yoga really? Yoga means union in Sanskrit, which is a language spoken in native India, where the practice of yoga originated.
The main objective of yoga is to unite the mind, body and spirit. What the Western world fondly calls yoga can be clearly described as an asana in this very Sanskrit language.
Asana simply refers to the practice of postures and physical poses. Of the eight branches of yoga, asana is only one of them. Most of these limbs largely point to the mental and spiritual side rather than the physical. These two words, “asana” and “yoga”, are commonly used to replace each other in the Western world.
While yoga may seem like a never-ending stretch to anyone, the reality is that this stretch is only intended to bring balance to the body by strengthening it and making it flexible. Usually this is accomplished by performing these poses and poses. Each of these poses and postures brings its specific physical benefit.
When it comes to performing yoga, these poses can be done in quick succession or a little slowly to increase energy and make the posture alignment perfect. When the poses are performed in rapid succession, it generates heat in the body due to the movement. While the poses can be consistent, the focus can vary. This is largely due to the specific tradition in which the formator was trained.
As your individual yoga experience expands in due course, your teacher or coach will often refer to it as his or her practice. Your practice must evolve and change over time, which means that you can hardly get bored with yoga.
However, this does not mean that the poses will change, but rather that it is your relationship to them that will change on a regular basis. To start practicing yoga, it is not necessary to be extraordinarily fit, strong or flexible, anyone can start practicing yoga. In fact, it is the practice of yoga that will improve your fitness and flexibility.
While it is true that yoga will focus primarily on poses and postures, the practice will also offer breathing instructions, call-and-response chants, inspiring teacher / trainer reading, and meditation. However, this will all depend on the trainers and the type of yoga training they underwent.
Generally, a yoga session in the gym will likely lean towards the physical benefits of yoga; on the other hand, a session in a yoga center can focus entirely on the spiritual area. There are people who confess to feeling spiritually restored after a physical yoga session while others will only be aware of the physical benefits. The great thing about yoga is that it is quite possible that anyone can find a yoga class that suits their preferences.
