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The word yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language where yoga originated. The union can be referring to the body, mind, and spirit. There are eight limbs, or eight parts to yoga, most of them deal with the mental and spiritual well being. However, the limb that is most commonly practiced here in the west is asana, which refers to the physical postures or poses. Each poses has specific physical benefits. The poses can be done quickly to create heat in the body through movement - vinyasa style yoga, or slower to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose. The poses remain constant, but the approach to them varies depending on the tradition in which the instructor has been trained.
You do not have to be flexible to do yoga! You do not have to be strong to do yoga! You have to roll out your mat, breathe, and be present, the rest will come. Yoga is a practice, there is no endpoint, it is always evolving and changing, so it never gets boring. Not only does yoga increase your strength, stamina and flexibility but it calms the mind and the nervous system. |
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