Considering it's thousands of years old, it might seem silly
to say that yoga has come a long way in recent years. But as
mind/body exercise continues to take hold in the '90s, the
practice of yoga has moved from the alternative to the
mainstream.
Today's hectic lifestyle has left many of us wondering how to
manage the stress that comes along with it. While regular
aerobic exercise and strength training can help, it isn't the
complete answer. Some believe yoga is the piece you need to
complete the puzzle of keeping both the body and the mind fit.
A Trend Worth Following
Now, before you start conjuring up images of zoned-out new-agers
in pretzel-like positions chanting mantras, consider this: Yoga
is an ancient practice that can help you deal with the stress of
modern life. And, more and more people, stressed out or not, are
discovering the benefits of yoga. In fact, it has been reported
that more than six million Americans are now practicing some
form of yoga.
Yoga, which means to yoke or unite, is the practice of
uniting all aspects of a person - body, mind and spirit -
through physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation.
Flexibility, strength and muscle tone improve quickly as the
mind and body work together in harmony and unison.
Choose Your Yoga
There are several different branches of yoga, each with its
own unique focus. Hatha yoga, the most widely practiced form,
emphasizes concentration and consists of gentle stretching and
strengthening exercises. Because prana, or life force, is
thought to originate in the breath, Pranayama yoga uses
breathing exercises and breath control to enhance vitality and
energy. Mantra yoga uses the concentrated repetition of a word
or phrase to aid in the control of the mind.
A Time To Relax
For some, yoga is a primary means of relaxation, something
that is often difficult to achieve in the high-stress,
high-speed world we live in. Regardless of which type you
choose, yoga is an excellent way to stretch and strengthen the
body, focus the mind and relax the spirit. In fact, most modern
stress-reduction techniques are based on the principles of yoga.
Dr. Dean Ornish, in his work with heart patients, utilizes yoga
exercises, breathing and relaxation techniques to reverse
symptoms of heart disease. Current research indicates that
stress-related diseases respond favorably to this type of
approach.
Easing Into It
The best way to get started in yoga is to find a class that
appeals to you. Find out where yoga classes are being held in
your area and stop by to see how you like it. There are many
different approaches to yoga - some focus on breathing, others
focus on holding specific postures - and it's important to find
the one that appeals to you the most.
A Yoga Workout
One type of yoga that has recently jumped in popularity is
astanga, or power yoga. This type involves a series of very
intense yoga postures done in succession. This class, which is a
vigorous workout, can help develop strength as well as
flexibility.
Yoga is a great way not only to relax, but also to improve
your performance in other activities. Once you have learned a
few yoga moves and breathing tech-niques, they can easily be
integrated into your regular fitness routine. So don't let any
preconceived notions of yoga keep you from enjoying the benefits
of this dynamic mind/body exercise.
