Let's Talk Yoga

Yoga is an art of living, and the aim of practicing it is to have a healthy mind in a healthy body. All 'asanas' or yoga postures impact the body and mind differently. The 7th international yoga day is almost here. But this gift from India cannot be just limited to a single day. A practice which many hail as more than science, renders larger good to the world. The acceptance that people gave to it is undeniable.

We live in the 21st century, which has evolved from generations. Transcending from the stone age, we have come to relish and cherish everything we have. Our inventions of significance, primarily done to escalate the leisure life, have proved quite fruitful.

But, as every case has another side, this escalation also has one. We have become slaves of the inventions we did. And problems so grotesque that it seems a herculean task how to overcome. Yoga, a term quite helpful in these situations, is the matter of our discussion today.

Regular practice of yoga asanas helps to keep physically fit, reduces weight, normalizes blood pressure, controls stress and cholesterol levels, and improves the overall performance of the body and mind. The resultant physical fitness brings about a reduction in stress levels while enhancing vitality. Practicing Yoga also helps discipline the mind and body, thus making one achieve desired effects. It also helps in increasing flexibility, muscle strength, and intoning the body.

Brief and origin

Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated in ancient India. Prominent religions in India, viz. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism have a mentioned and the positives it offers. Historical evidence of the existence was seen in the pre-Vedic period (2700 BC) until Patanjali's period. The primary sources from which we get the information about its practices and the related literature during this period are Vedas, Upanishads, and Smritis.

Furthermore, in the teachings of Buddhism, Jainism, Panini, Epics , Puranas, etc. The great Yogacharyas- Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Paramhansa Yogananda, and Vivekananda have contributed to the development of Raja-yoga. This was the period when Vedanta, Bhakti-yoga, Natha-yoga, or Hatha-yoga flourished.

Recent awareness and need

People have now learned about this practice and are very much into this. Researchers have studied Yoga extensively. Doctors recommended this to promote relaxation, reduce stress and improve some medical conditions. This is considered a low-impact activity that can provide the same benefits as "any well-designed exercise program. As a result, it increases general health and stamina, reduces stress, and improves those conditions brought about by sedentary lifestyles. Nowadays, we promote it as a Physical Therapy routine and a regimen to strengthen and balance all body parts.

East and West both regard it highly of Yoga currently. So much so that UNESCO listed it as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage."

21st June is nearing. The day is celebrated as 'The International Yoga Day.

Since the earlier days, humans have approached Yoga as a technology for inner well-being. Anyone who practices Yoga with involvement can reap its benefits, irrespective of faith, ethnicity, or culture. Certain principles are kept in mind to reach the ultimate aims and objectives of Yoga. Here we look at the all-around helpful Yoga and its bigger picture.

The ancient exercising art

Yoga counts as exercise. It increases strength, flexibility, and oxygen consumption too. Various types of Yoga may even challenge you to sweat out real hard. Moreover, the major positive of its practice is the bonus of mental and spiritual benefits. In contrast, these benefits are not there in workouts, the general exercise reference.

Our body adapts to exercise, and the same routine can get boring, so try incorporating Yoga once or twice a week to start. For the beginning, check the details below.

A perfect science

Yes, a science. It is a science of body, mind, and soul. The very spirit of Yoga lies in people reaching their best selves. Evaluation, testing, and other attainment refer to Yoga as a science. A part of it, Pranayama consists in developing awareness of one's breathing. An essential process that helps us in sustaining life. It helps in creating awareness. A person establishes control over the mind by this. The 'flow of in-breath and out-breath through nostrils is done initially. This phenomenon is modified later. And through regulated, controlled, and monitored inhalation, we achieve the result. The founding of fossils in ancient times has proven that our ancestors were well aware of this and had inculcation in their lifestyles to reap Yoga benefits.

Ideal for Sports

Yoga benefits are for everyone, whatever your beliefs, regardless of your body shape, age, or path leading you. Yoga is all about balancing body, mind, and spirit and living in the moment. Exercising benefits of Yoga make it ideal for sports. Injuries are part of every game. Practice and dedication to this art help a lot. While planks, chair poses, etc., can increase overall strength. Yoga is equivalent to strawberries and red wine, a natural antioxidant booster, and has been shown to alleviate chronic and acute pain potentially. Nowadays, millions and millions of people across the globe have benefited from its practice.

Yoga is booming and growing more vibrant every day. Consequently, giving way to a better life.

The most common reason for sports-related injuries is overuse and abuse from recreational athletes to a pro. Most damages arise because athletes disconnect from their bodies. Here we try to highlight the importance of Yoga for sports.

Reducing injury

Yoga offers one of the most dynamic returns on investment, as it increases strength, flexibility, agility, balance, and mental sharpness and can assist with recovery from high-intensity training. Running is the most precious thing in all sports. Maintaining poses for 5 minutes or longer has a dramatic effect on inflamed, sore muscles and tissues that one may have. Holding a pose rebuilds the connective tissues. A single exercise done in Yoga can hit multiple muscles simultaneously. This gives players the benefit of time reduction. For players, the main thing in doing YogaYoga is that it helps restore and build, not tearing and breaking down further. Putting extra pressure on the muscles by going to the gym may lead to possible injuries. Here are some of the poses one can do.

·??Pigeon Pose

·??Frog Pose

·??Hero's Pose

·??Standing forward bend

·??Hero's pose toes tucked

·??Hero's pose toes untucked

·??Tree Pose

·??Squat

·??Half side squat

·??Warrior three

The bigger picture

It is believed that a person doing Yoga is not only benefits himself, but everyone surrounding him can feel the change. It can seem indulgent, but it does benefit all. In the early 1990s, scientists found some nerve cells in the brain called 'Mirror Neurons.' This picks up emotions from others, and emotions are contagious. A larger good has been done when one can be more positive and considerate about others.

Taking care of their body comes as a supreme priority for an athlete. The slightest negligence can lead to distancing from the sport. This even holds for the commoner. Devoting a little time to Yoga daily can do wonders. This habit can be beneficial, provided it is taught early. If it is getting difficult for you to start, we can locate the best studio near you. Click on the link and kick off the journey.

The science of well-being and holistic development is much more than an art and an ancient Indian practice. It is associated not just with the body's physical well-being but with the overall health of a human being. Apart from giving a person bodily, mental, and spiritual upliftment, it also helps them lose weight.

Getting it right

If you think that Yoga involves a set of exercises where one holds on to a specific posture for a few seconds, that's not the whole case. It's much more than that. It is not just a way to increase flexibility but also an effective way for weight loss. In contrast to the high-intensity workout sessions in the gym, it has a lot of composure. Here we look at some of the asanas in Yoga, which are very fruitful for weight loss.

Understanding the root

Before listing the asanas for weight loss, it is essential to understand the various factors contributing to weight gain. In addition to bad eating habits, it comes from the lousy functioning of different body parts. Through Yoga, one is OK from within first as they start to focus on their breathing, the most basic practice. This cleanser rejuvenates our inner organs and their functions. After gaining some of it, we transcend to the outer body.

To segregate asanas that have a sole focus on weight loss is difficult. Approximately all of them make you more flexible and increase your metabolism and stamina. The twisting, backward and forward bending inversions help infuse energy into the muscles facilitating weight loss.

It is associated not just with the body's physical well-being but with the overall health of a human being. Apart from giving a person bodily, mental, and spiritual upliftment, it also helps them lose weight.

Benefits of YOGA

Yoga offers a myriad of benefits covering all aspects of one's being. Whether in our personal or professional lives, we always find this ancient art form aiding us. Manifesting positive effects on the body, mind, and soul, Yoga enables humanity to tap into the rich Indian Vedic treasure. Those who practice Yoga diligently know that it helps us maintain our physical and mental health. The positivity from the spiritual form is reflected in our work life and personal life.

Creative Outbursts

Our minds are a repertoire of ideas and thoughts expressed through various creative vocations like writers, choreographers, painters, etc. With the help of Yoga, we can hope to clear our minds of all that shadows new ideas and thoughts. When the mirror cleanses, it shines out and brings the best reflection possible. Even those not a part of creative pursuits can hope to find some sense in the mundane.

Stress Management

An obvious benefit, Yoga helps tackle stress, tension, and anxiety. Santosha, or contentment, is one of the most powerful teachings of Yoga, and this helps us bring a sense of stability in all our actions. Encouraging us to focus on the work rather than the fruits itself, we will remove the competition from the picture and give the ego a miss, which genuinely becomes a reward. The idea of no stress is enchanting!

Focus & Dedication

Yoga is not limited to physical postures. Instead, it extends into meditation or Dharma, focusing the mind on one point and letting everything else fade out. With the help of meditation and breathwork or Pranayama, the mind becomes still, and we become more efficient. The practice of being mindful can be enriching and satisfying.

Accept criticism

This is one of the best and most tangible benefits of Yoga. When the boss tells you he is not impressed with the progress on the current project or she is having trouble relying on your work, we find our ego hammered and hurt. Yoga brings in the bigger picture and helps us take the words at face value and the ability to let them go instead of holding on to them. Also, the work on the chakras helps transparent deeper layers, which opens our minds furthermore.

Maintain healthy relationships

Infusing kindness and politeness in our attitude, Yoga also preaches us to give and receive love. Calming us down manifolds, the practice makes us better people who can forge deeper relationships with the world without any second intention. By clearing the senses, we become more receptive to other people's needs and allow us to sync well with everyone.

Balance Life

The plethora of the postures of the art form acts as a guide for us every day to bring balance to our lives. From the balancing postures to the seated ones or the prone poses, every one of them is like a guide towards building a better life. When we are more energetic and focused, we become more giving o both professional and personal fronts.

PILATES vs. YOGA

Yoga and Pilates are two fitness options that are quite a rage today. But which of the two would suit you better? Knowing the essential difference between the two will help you make a better choice. While both these workouts address flexibility and weight loss, how is one different from the other? Although both forms are well-established and proven forms of fitness, they can be differentiated based on their ultimate goals and the needs or preferences of the practitioner.

How/Where to Begin?

Select the class that is appropriate for you. It is best to consult experts from the studio regarding the benefits and details of each type. Styles may vary according to the difficulty level of the workout or form of Yoga practiced. Aqua, power yoga, flow yoga, transformational Yoga, ashtanga, and hath Yoga, among others.

You must also invest in a good yoga mat with an adequate cushion that does not flatten out with time. Even though many studios provide the mats, buying your mat for sanitary purposes. There are budget-friendly mats you can purchase if you are a beginner.

Wear Appropriate Clothes

You need to wear the proper clothing and comfortable activewear. You must wear clothes that do not restrict your movement, are stretchable, and are not too loose. Ones that are not well fitted make asanas uncomfortable due to constant variation in body postures. One would not want to worry about a plunging neckline or a baggy t-shirt getting pulled up due to the change in posture. Wearing well-fitting clothes is crucial.

Arrive to Class Early

It is advisable to get to class about ten minutes early, so you have time to prepare your mind. This will also help you avoid the rush and stress caused by being late. Additionally, you will get to choose your spot in the studio. After all, who wants to miss the area right in front of the looking glass, isn't it?

Eat Healthy before Class

It is not recommended to do Yoga on a full or empty stomach. Before heading to the class, munch on nuts, banana, yogurt, or apple with peanut butter. Eating something healthy will help you maximize the benefits of the Yoga and prevent energy drain during the workout. If you choose to have a wholesome meal before the class, ensure a two-hour gap between your objective and the yoga session.

Familiarize Yourself

There are certain standard practices observed during a yoga class. Being familiar with them beforehand can make you feel at ease in your initial few sessions. Here is a list of words you will need to be aware of:

·??Chanting – to unite the energy and respect the sacredness of the routine, classes observe the chanting of the word "Om."

·??The child's Pose – also known as the resting pose, is the most accepted posture when taking a break from the routine.

·??Namaste – greeting each other with Namaste is also a tradition for all the teachers and students of the yoga classes. It translates to "I bow to the Divine in you."

·??Savasana – this is considered the end resting Pose for every routine or class. Also called the "corpse pose," it represents the natural finale of the performance.

After your first few, you will notice significant changes in your inner self and physical fitness. While flexibility and strength might take some time, you will feel calmer, in control, and have better sleep cycles. Relish all your accomplishments as you go out of your comfort zone.

Strengthen your Back

We spend a large chunk of our day on a seat or a couch, whether your office chair, sofa at home, or a car/metro seat. Sitting for long hours at a stretch is seen to have hazardous effects on the lives of almost all those who fall under the category of sedentary people– and mind you, this percentage cannot be marginalized. A WHO report titled "Physical Inactivity: A Global Public Health Problem" states,

From 2008 to 2022, we are sure this number would have increased. We know you do not want to see yourself become a victim of such a lifestyle. Hence, we bring to you some yoga stretches that can help relieve backache and pressure on the shoulders from long hours on the chair.

Seated Side Twist Stretch

Working on the spinal column, the twisting action of this beginner's seated Pose offers multiple benefits. It creates space in the back and releases pressure from the spine and the lower back. It stretches the shoulders and the neck and relieves stress in the hips. It also tones the sides and back. Ensure your spine is erect while you do this.

Extending the torso, obliques, and arms, this Pose creates length and removes tension in the upper body. Remember to maintain long and deep breaths to experience enhanced relaxation.

Tabletop Underhand Stretch

Yet another relaxing pose, this stretch is great for the upper and the lower body. The active hand and its shoulder stretch completely, releasing stress in the upper body due to long hours on the desktop. On the other hand, the back is extended due to the position, whereas the headrests are on the floor.

Butterfly Forward Bend Pose

A hip opening form, butterfly, and pose constantly form a part of the back stretching routine. It opens the hip joints, creates space in the thighs, and releases stress and tension in the lower body. Also, the forward bending action further creates pressure on the hip joints, & we remove all the constrictions or tightness in the pelvic region and release the lower back.

Sphinx Pose

A beginner's version of the Cobra pose, the Sphinx pose creates pressure in the small of the back and releases tension from the lower body. The sensation in the lower back is good as it soothes the backache, strengthens the back, and prepares it for the final posture, the Cobra pose.

Supine Hamstring Stretch

Anatomically hamstrings are attached to the pelvis region, and tight hamstrings pull on the pelvis, which causes rounding of the lower back and gradually leads to postural imbalance. This imbalance impedes a healthy lower back. Therefore, we need to stretch the hamstrings and create space in this region to release our lower back. You can use a belt or a towel in the beginning and gradually grab the big toe as the hamstrings open.

Laughter Yoga

Laughter yoga is a unique concept that can help you keep stress, depression, sleep disorders, and negative mindset at bay. Simple yet profound, it's a routine like no other. Let's look at some benefits, especially for those working in a stressful corporate environment.

Conclusion

Try Yoga out at home, with, of course, the requisite precautions!?The comprehensive art form of yoga opens up new gateways for those who are willing to receive. Are you?