Crossroads Fitness Blog

Yoga is all about learning to balance life with calmness and positive thinking. Yoga, which means to join the body and mind, dates back more than 5,000 years and combines breathing, exercise and meditation. 

Breathing techniques are taught on the concept breathing is the source of life in your body. Exercises apply pressure on glandular systems and promote health and well-being. By meditating, participants learn to quiet their minds and heal from the stresses of life.

There are more than 100 different schools of yoga. The most common type is Hatha yoga. This is an easy-to-learn form that combines physical movements and postures with breathing techniques. 

Bikram yoga focuses on muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular flexibility and weight loss. This type of yoga is performed in a 95-degree to 105-degree environment. This promotes flexibility, detoxification and prevention of injuries

Power yoga combines stretching, strength training and meditative breathing. Many of the poses resemble such basic calisthenics as pushups, handstands and side bends. The pace of this type of yoga is much faster. Each move flows into the next without pausing. 

Although there are many more forms of yoga, these examples give you an idea of what’s available. Many instructors incorporate different forms into one class.

Most adults can practice yoga. Some advanced classes aren’t suitable for pregnant women or people with physical limitations from injuries. Always consult with your doctor before engaging in an exercise program.However, special classes incorporate yoga into workouts with modifications. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Always listen to your body.

When taking your first yoga class, expect to enter a dim room with soft music playing. Wear comfortable clothing. Most people are barefoot. You’ll have a mat and such props as bands, blocks and blankets. Your instructor will tell you how and when to use these.     

At the end of each yoga class, most teachers bring their hands together in front of the heart, bow their head and say “namaste.” Students bring their hands together and respond. Namaste means “I bow to you.”

Yoga offers numerous benefits, including improved breathing, flexibility and posture. Some people might believe they’re too old or unfit for yoga. In truth, you’re never too old to improve flexibility. Yoga stretches not only your muscles, but also the soft tissues of your body, including ligaments and tendons. Nearly all  poses build strength in the abdominal muscles. With improved core strength comes better posture. You’ll become more aware of your posture in daily activities.  

Most forms of yoga concentrate on breathing.  Deepening or lengthening your breath stimulates relaxation. In addition, yoga improves concentration and mood.

If you’re already a yogi, you understand. If you’re not, try yoga and see if you experience the amazing benefits you can attain from this form of exercise. Namaste.