What is Yoga?
The word yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. We can think of the union occurring between the mind, body and spirit.
What is commonly referred to as "yoga" can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word asana, which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses.
Asana is only one of the eight "limbs" of yoga, the majority of which are more concerned with mental and spiritual well being than physical activity. In the West, however, the words asana and yoga are often used interchangeably.
Many people think that yoga is just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement (vinyasa-style yoga) or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose. The poses are a constant, but the approach to them varies depending on the tradition in which the teacher has trained.
Yoga Practice
Yoga teachers will often refer to "your practice," which means your individual experience with yoga as it develops over time. The amazing thing about yoga is that your practice is always evolving and changing, so it never gets boring. Although the poses themselves do not change, your relationship to them will. Anyone can start a yoga practice, even if you don't feel like you are very flexible or very strong. These things will develop over time. Another great thing about thinking about "your practice" is that it encourages the noncompetitive spirit of yoga. One of the most difficult, but ultimately most liberating things about yoga is letting go of the ego and accepting that no one is better than anyone else. Everyone is just doing their best
on any given day.
How often should I practice yoga?
For transformational results we recommended 4-6 times a week.. Two to three times a week done consistently will also bring transformation and great results. Use your own intuition and wisdom to develop your best schedule for you even if it is one or two days a week. Consistency will be a key to your success.
Yoga for Stress Relief:
Dating back over 5000 years, yoga is the oldest defined practice of self development. The methods of classical yoga include ethical disciplines, physical postures, breathing control and meditation. Traditionally an Eastern practice, it's now becoming popular in the West. In fact, many companies, especially in Britain, are seeing the benefit of yoga, recognizing that relaxed workers are healthier and more creative, and are sponsoring yoga fitness programs.
Overview of Yoga
Many of the popular techniques found to reduce stress derive from yoga:
- controlled breathing
- meditation
- physical movement
- mental imagery
- stretching
Yoga, which derives its name from the word, "yoke"-to bring together-does just that, bringing together the mind, body and spirit. But whether you use yoga for spiritual transformation or for stress management and physical well-being, the benefits are numerous.
Yoga's Effects On the Body
The following is only a partial list of yoga's benefits:
- reduced stress
- sound sleep
- reduced cortisol levels
- improvement of many medical conditions
- allergy and asthma symptom relief
- lower blood pressure
- smoking cessation help
- lower heart rate
- spiritual growth
- sense of well-being
- reduced anxiety and muscle tension
- increased strength and flexibility
- slowed aging process
Yoga's benefits are so numerous, it gives a high payoff for the amount of effort involved.
Will Yoga help me loose weight?
Question: Will doing yoga help me lose weight?
Doing yoga regularly offers many benefits, including making you feel better about your body as you become stronger and more flexible, toning your muscles, reducing stress, and improving your mental and physical well-being. But will it help you lose weight?
Answer: Practicing any type of yoga will build strength, but some types may not raise your heart rate enough to make them the only form of exercise you need to include in your weight loss regime. It depends on the type of yoga you select and how frequently you practice it.
If you plan to make yoga your primary form of exercise, you must do a vigorous 90-minute yoga class at least three times a week
What Kind of Yoga Will Help Me Lose Weight?
The type of yoga you need to do is called vinyasa or flow yoga. This style of yoga is based on the performance of a series of poses called sun salutations. Vinyasa includes many popular, athletic and sweat-drenched yoga styles.
Power Yoga
Power Yoga is extremely popular, because it provides a very vigorous cardiovascular workout.
Hot Yoga
Vinyasa yoga done in a hot room ups the ante by guaranteeing you'll sweat buckets.
Yoga Souls, LLC
1930 West Main Street
Stamford, Connecticut 06902
203.327.3232
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