Yoga: Ancient Health Practice is Still a Popular Way to Get Fit
Dating back over 5,000 years, yoga was first introduced in India as a form of meditation. Originally practiced in accordance with Hindu, Buddhist, and Jainism philosophies, yoga is now regarded as a common form of exercise for anyone.
With millions of followers world wide, yoga has become a valuable form of exercise and well being. With a variety of benefits, it's no wonder why so many people have taken up yoga as a regular practice. With it's increase in popularity yoga has become both a form of physical exercise and meditation. Most studios offer classes and practices that can be done by people of any fitness level -- from beginner to advaned. In fact, one of the many benefits of yoga is it's flexibility to be customized to each person's skill set.
Yoga combines physical stretching with deep and controlled breathing. Yoga poses, known as asanas, are practiced in a sequence. A sequence connects a number of poses together, creating a flow or 'hatha' practice. Controlling your breathe and connecting your breathe with your movements will optimize your yoga experience.
New students will find it easier to learn Yoga in a group setting or one-on-one with a yoga instructor. Practicing yoga with a group is beneficial because is ensures that you get the best out of your workout. The instructor is present to assist you if necessary, and you are following the lead of the class. Once you become very comfortable with the moves, then practicing at home will be more successful. While it's great to continue your practice at home, practicing with others in a studio at least once a week will help to keep you motivated and even advanced yoga students enjoy continuing in group classes.
Regular yoga practice can offer great health benefits. Many people practice yoga regularly as a way to get fit or maintain their physique. It can be used to increase flexibility, build muscle tone, and increase cardio-respiratory fitness. Yoga has also been known to decrease blood pressure, as well as have an overall calming effect on the body. Those who are dedicated to this ancient fitness regime will have lower stress levels, better breathing, and higher concentration abilities. It has also been said to help regulate the digestive system, boost immune system function, and lower cholesterol. The list of positive health effects goes on and on. It's no wonder that this form of exercise has lasted through the millenia.
Because there are so many varied benefits, there are classes specially designed to achieve specific physical and mental goals. Some of the classes that are geared towards physical goals such as: muscle toning, weight loss, or increased flexibility and endurance. There are also classes aimed at mental goals such as: meditation, stress relief and relaxation.
Yoga can easily be personalized for your individual goals. Whether you need to increase flexibility, or de-stress your life, yoga offers numerous benefits for a healthy body and mind. Check out a yoga studio, try a class or even start with a video or DVD. Achieving wellness through a yogic lifestyle is a path worth heading down.
Ally Ford Yoga Ashtanga Home Practice Chakorasana Vinyasa
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Yoga Sanctuary: A Guided Hatha Yoga Practice $12.38 The first complete hatha yoga class offered on compact disc, Yoga Sanctuary is the most flexible, convenient tool ever devised for self-directed practice. Thanks to CD technology, the exercises can be cued in any order or combination to create customized sessions suited to your individual needs. Ideal for both experienced beginners and advanced practitioners, Yoga Sanctuary includes a detailed stu... |
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Yoga Zone: Music for Yoga Practice $7.99 This mostly acoustic compilation of 13 cuts by such Windham Hill artists as William Ackerman and Michael Hedges mesh well for a soothing, even-paced (although sometimes a bit busy) musical experience that's excellent as accompaniment to a yoga routine. With a slow, steady rhythm, "The White Spirit" from French duo Uman unfolds the collection splendidly, transporting the listener to an exotic, rhyt... |
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At Home...A Vinyasa Yoga Practice $2.97 ... |
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Exhale: Core Fusion: Yoga $2.99 ... |
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Exhale: Core Fusion: Yoga $9.99 ... |
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Denise Austin: Hot Body Yoga $7.99 ... |
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Power Yoga - Total Body Workout $7.09 Power yoga "demands your attention," says instructor Rodney Yee. He leads a challenging, constantly progressing series of poses, one flowing into the next, integrating breath, movement, tension, and relaxation. The poses include Sun Salutation, standing poses, forward bends, back bends, twists, and arm balances. The first poses are fairly easy, and with each repetition of the series, Yee adds on m... |
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Qi Gong For Beginners $6.99 QI GONG FOR BEGINNERS/ is the perfect way to explore and experience the numerous benefits of Qi Gong. Used for thousands of years in China to build energy, improve & maintain health and cultivate peace of mind, these easy to learn practices are designed to enhance you vitality and well being. This DVD contains 8 customized routines to increase your physical and mental energy, reduce stress, improv... |
