by Jane W. Smith

Created on: October 05, 2008   Last Updated: October 10, 2008

Yoga: Tone your mind, body, and sprit

The term yoga refers to a collection of spiritual and physical practices intended to integrate the mind, body, and spirit. This integration or union' (the meaning of Yoga in Sanskrit) is the goal of all yoga practices. The roots of yoga can be traced back over 5000 years in India and it played a significant role in the development of the Buddhist and Hindu religions. Yoga is not a religion in itself, but a spiritual practice that can be incorporated into any belief system.

Yoga can be thought of as a series of exercises and breathing techniques, which in turn have numerous physical and spiritual benefits. Yoga can improve flexibility and joint mobility, tone and strengthen muscles, and improve posture. Yoga has been known to decrease blood pressure, increase circulation, boost immunity, and benefit many other chronic conditions. Through breathing and focus, yoga practice is also aimed at calming the mind. Through practice, yoga can teach us to become better attuned to our environment, enhance concentration and mental clarity, and reduce stress and anxiety. Yoga can help us feel more relaxed and less anxious while simultaneously energizing us with enhanced mental clarity. Yoga can also fuel spiritual growth by emphasizing harmony, health, and universal energy.

Getting started with yoga is simple - you will need to choose a yoga style, pick a class or video, and get equipped with the proper clothing and equipment. Although all yoga styles have the same emphasis on breathing and exercise, they do vary on how they are taught and practiced. Hatha yoga provides a good start for learning the essential poses of yoga. Hatha yoga focuses on breathing and slow and gentle movement. Bikram yoga, another popular form of yoga, is a style of yoga consisting of 26 yoga poses and 2 types of breathing techniques. Bikram yoga is also known as Hot Yoga' as it is practiced in a room kept at 105 degrees F and with a humidity of 40%. There are many other types. Some are more focused on breathing such as Vinyasa and some, which are more focused on powerful movements such as Ashtanga. Yoga classes can be found in most cities and usually advertise by type of yoga. You can also check to see what your yoga teacher training was in so you can choose your class accordingly.

You can also get started with yoga by purchasing one of the numerous yoga videos out there in the market. A video can teach you the basic yoga poses while in the comfort of your own home. You will also need to invest in some basic yoga equipment. A yoga mat or sticky mat is necessary. The mat provides traction for your hands and feet and provides some cushion from the hard floor. It is also important to wear comfortable, breathable, slightly form-fitting clothes while you practice yoga. There are some great yoga apparel companies, such as Prana, that provide an entire line of yoga appropriate clothes. As your practice develops you may find a need to purchase various yoga props such as straps, blocks, and blankets but to get started you just need a yoga mat, a class or video, comfortable clothes, and an open-mind. Namaste.

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