Yoga: A Practice for Everyone
It’s estimated that over 300 million people worldwide regularly practice yoga today. Yoga has a deep, rich history, beginning in India almost 3,000 years ago. The first writings about yoga were based on the teachings of the sage Pantanjali, called the Yoga Sutras. These 196 “verses” describe not only the physical poses, or “asanas” but also guidance in living a healthy and ethical life. The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali text is widely available today, and has been translated into over 40 languages.
“Yoga” is a Sanskrit word that’s interpreted to mean “union.” Union, in turn, means different things to different practitioners.
For some, it means a union of movement and breathing. For others, it might mean a union of the mind and the body, or even a union between the inner and outer self. This is the first key element: yoga is what you make of it. There are no strict rules; it is always “your yoga.”
Because there are so many different kinds of yoga practices, you can start right where you are. Body size/shape, age, flexibility or fitness level don’t matter ~ because there are modifications for every yoga pose.
The goal is to explore your limits, not strive for some pretzel-like perfection. Yoga provides a means to connect with your body and your inner self, right where you are, today.
The beauty and wisdom of yoga is in knowing that every pose and movement is meant for your benefit. You make them work for you, where you are at that moment. By using props such as blocks, straps, a cushion, a blanket, or a chair – or simply changing the position in a particular way – every yoga move is adaptable to you. All without judgement. There is no “right” or “wrong.” This is also why it’s called a practice.
More than just stretching
Yoga has been shown to provide a myriad of physical benefits, such as:
- Lessening chronic pain, such as low back pain, arthritis, and headaches
- Increased flexibility and mobility
- Increased muscle strength and tone
- Improved respiration, energy and vitality
- Maintaining a balanced metabolism
- Weight reduction
- Injury prevention
Yoga practice also positively affects the brain and emotions. One of yoga’s most powerful benefits is helping to manage stress. Stress can have devastating effects on the body and mind, including chronic pain without a physical cause, addiction, depression, and inability to focus or concentrate. Yoga can be very effective in developing coping skills and reaching a more positive outlook on life.
Yoga Styles
There are a myriad of styles of yoga today. However, those I feel are most beneficial to the widest group of practitioners, and which I regularly teach, are these:
| ~Hatha: focusing on standing and seated poses, developing awareness and proper alignment, using props as needed | ~Gentle yoga: a combination of hatha and vinyasa at a slower pace, with less intense positions |
| ~Vinyasa: a flowing series of poses tied to the breath | ~Restorative Yoga: a practice of deep relaxation through passive stretching |
| ~Yin: a quiet, meditative practice targeting the joints and connective tissues. All postures are done seated or reclining. | ~Chair yoga: a gentle form of yoga practiced while sitting in a chair or standing while using the chair for support |
Within vinyasa and hatha are more specific styles developed by renowned teachers. Some of the more well-known are Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Bikram.
Iyengar yoga, developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, (the “father of modern yoga”) is characterized by attention to detail and precise focus on body alignment. Iyengar introduced the use of “props” such as cushions, blocks, and straps, to allow practitioners to experience the poses more easily and fully than might otherwise be possible without several years of practice, and to experience the benefits of a wider variety of poses.
Ashtanga is a classical form of vinyasa practice developed in the 20th century by the teacher K. Pattabhi Jois. The practice follows a specific series of postures in a defined order, performed in an energetic and dynamic style moving with the breath.
Bikram yoga is characterized by its practice in a room heated to 105 degrees with 40% humidity (meant to replicate the climate of India). It was created by teacher Bikram Choudhury and became popular in the 1970’s. Classes consist of a fixed sequence of 26 postures. Since then, “hot yoga” has become popular in the West in many forms, often in less intense environments. Infrared heat, in particular, is becoming very popular in yoga studios as it provides gentle warmth to the body without heating the surrounding air.
No matter where you are in your yoga journey – brand new, tried it once or twice, or are an experienced practitioner – there’s always room to grow with yoga. Reach out to me here and let’s talk about how yoga can enhance your life, from where you are now.