Many people think of yoga as just a physical exercise, but it is much more than that. Yoga is great for the body and the mind.
When you think of yoga, what is your first reaction? The image that comes to most people's minds is that of a petite limber girl in spandex folded over in some seemingly impossible pose. While this is indeed a partially accurate image of yoga, it is only a small portion of what the practice is actually about. Yoga is much more than a mere backbend or the ability to mold oneself into a pretzel. Within a yoga practice exists a mental, meditative, and (of course) a physical component. Webster defines yoga as “Any of the methods or disciplines prescribed, especially a series of postures and breathing exercises practiced to achieve control of the body and mind, tranquility.” Yoga not only improves your strength and agility, but also your concentration and discipline in everyday life. It provides a means of stress and anxiety relief.
The Physical Benefits of Yoga
Yoga makes the whole body stronger. Rather than focusing on a specific group of muscles, yoga utilizes the body as a whole to promote a balance of strength. It also promotes flexibility and agility. In combining these aspects, yoga helps prevent injury and also helps heal already existing ailments such as back or neck pain.
The Mental Relief and Aide that Yoga Provides
Any exercise has a mental component, but yoga strengthens mental awareness. It works to build concentration and discipline. Getting up on a Saturday morning to make it to a 9am yoga class takes discipline, and holding those postures for any length of time takes extreme discipline and concentration. In learning these skills coupled with controlled breathing, we are able to utilize what we learn during yoga in our daily lives.
How Yoga Can Help With Meditation
A large area of focus in any type of yoga is meditation. The practice of meditation is not an easy one. With life as busy as it is for most, not many of us can just sit and quiet our minds for any length of time without significant practice. The ABC of yoga has a online article on what meditation is and how yoga can help us with it. The physical practice of yoga prepares our bodies and minds for meditation. Meditation provides a calming of the mind. It lets us relax and tension is relieved. And who doesn’t need more of that in their lives? Meditation is also used to enhance the spiritual foundations we have and yoga better equips us for that experience.
There are many different types of yoga as well as levels, and I would recommend doing a bit of research before you try a class. The first step to this incredible experience is finding a yoga studio nearby. Enjoy!
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