While many may associate yoga with limb-bending contortions, appropriate only for the super-flexible and spiritual, yoga has benefits for everyone. Yoga focuses on achieving peacefulness of body and mind, and can help reduce stress, improve fitness, manage chronic conditions, and foster overall better health.
The practice of yoga is comprised of these core components:
Poses, also called postures, are a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility. Poses range from lying on the floor while completely relaxed to difficult postures that may have you stretching your physical limits.
Breathing – Controlling your breathing is an important part of yoga. In yoga, breath signifies your vital energy. Yoga teaches that controlling your breathing can help you control your body and quiet your mind.
It’s important to note that there are many different styles, forms and intensities in yoga and you don’t have to contort yourself into a pretzel to reap benefits. Hatha yoga is considered a good choice for beginners as it features slower-paced, easier movements; however, check with the instructor before attending the class as the practice of hatha yoga can vary from place to place.vary from place to place.