Article on Yoga - Harnessing Your Inner Strength

Is there anyone who has not had yoga classes in school? Why do you think it was made compulsory? There might be many who did not like to participate in yoga sessions. There are so many reasons why you do not want to practise yoga. Maybe you could not get a pose right, or since it was difficult for you to touch your toes without bending your knees while your friends could place their palms on the ground so easily without much effort when you were struggling to just be able to touch the tip of your toe at the least. This article on yoga is for you, for those who think yoga is not their cup of tea and also for those who feel incomplete without an hour of yoga every day.

Table of Contents

• The Origin Of Yoga
• Why Do Yoga?
• Who Can Practise Yoga?
• Yoga Versus Fitness Workouts
• Common Yoga Poses For Everyone
• FAQs on Yoga

The Origin of Yoga

Yoga is a practice that involves the physical, mental and spiritual self. It was a discipline that originated in ancient India and was aimed at instilling peace of mind and body with concentration, meditation, postures and breathing. Yoga can be said to have over 5000 years of history and is probably one of the oldest ways to keep track of your mind and body.

History reveals that it was Indian monks who spread their knowledge of yoga in the West. Yoga styles range from gentle to physically demanding postures. Not every pose is recommended for everyone practising yoga.

Why Do Yoga?

Yoga is known to promote good physical and mental health. Practising yoga can help you calm your body and mind, which would, in turn, help you with your overall day-to-day performance in every field. Here are a few pointers to help you understand why exactly practising yoga would be a good decision on your part.

• It improves your balance, strength and flexibility.
• It helps in reducing any sort of physical pain you are experiencing.
• It can ease the symptoms of arthritis.
• It keeps your heart healthy.
• It helps you sleep peacefully.
• It helps you with better energy that would help you be efficient in everyday life.
• It relieves stress and promotes good sleep.
• It helps in weight loss and maintenance.
• It helps one quit smoking through meditation and breathing exercises.
• It improves emotional/psychological health.
• It helps in managing anxiety and any symptoms of depression.
• It helps those with chronic illnesses to ease the difficulties owing to the illness.

Who Can Practise Yoga?

It is possible for anyone to do yoga, but like any other fitness practice, it would be better if you could first take a medical opinion before you start with it. It does not do any harm, but for those who are pregnant, those who have undergone some kind of surgery and those who have some critical medical complications, it is always better to first consult your physician.

There are different kinds of yoga, and it is very vital that you identify the right yoga style for you. Yoga can help you achieve physical and mental peace and stability. Yoga is a good routine activity for those who have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.

Yoga versus Fitness Workouts

It is often difficult to choose between yoga and fitness workouts since both have their own benefits. Yoga is mainly reserved for people who would like to take some time off their busy lives and enjoy the quiet. Meditation and monitored breathing exercises are a major part. Loss of body weight is possible with yoga, but yoga is not the right choice for someone who wants to witness quick results.

Fitness workouts happen to show quick results if it is done regularly. Fitness workouts include intensive bodily movements like cardio workouts, skipping, jumping jacks, push-ups, pull-ups, squats and so on. Working out with weights has proven to be very effective, but for those who do not have the stamina and have some medical complications, this is not advisable.

Be it yoga or fitness workouts, make sure you let the trainer know your medical history and any sort of physical difficulties you might have in the process. Do not keep things to yourself or try out self-medication. Whatever you do, do not overdo it. Know your energy levels. Do only what you can possibly do. There is nothing wrong in telling no if you feel that a particular posture or workout is not suitable for you. It is important to stay fit but what is more important is that you stay healthy and safe.

Common Yoga Poses for Everyone

1. Cat and Cow Pose

The Cat and Cow pose can be used as a warm-up for your spinal cord. It would also help you improve your balance and posture.

2. Child’s Pose

This is a calming pose and can be used in between two poses or at the end of the entire routine. It helps you stretch your back, hips, thighs, knees, and ankles and relaxes your neck, shoulders and spine.

3. Downward Dog Pose

This pose strengthens your arms, shoulders and back and helps you in stretching the arches, calves and hamstrings of your feet.

4. Plank Pose

This helps build your core strength and also strengthens your shoulders, arms and legs. For those who are looking for an exercise to tighten your abdominal muscles, this is the one for you.

5. Cobra Pose

This helps you in increasing the flexibility of your spinal cord, stretches your abdomen, chest and shoulders and strengthens your back muscles.

6. Triangle Pose

This pose helps you by strengthening your legs. It stretches your calves, hamstrings, thighs, hips, spine, chest and shoulders.

7. Tree Pose

The tree pose aids you in improving your balance. It also strengthens your core, spine,

Thighs, calves and ankles.

8. Bridge Pose

This helps in gaining strength in the back muscles and hamstrings, and it stretches your neck, back and chest muscles.

9. Supine Twist

This pose can be done to cool off your body towards the end of the yoga routine. It stretches your chest and obliques. It also helps in posture correction.

10. Mountain Pose

This pose is a neutral pose that involves standing erect and breathing steadily.