Yoga

What is yoga?

The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root, “yuj”, which means to yoke, attach, join or bind. Also Yoga is defined as the release from contact with pain or sorrow. Steady control of the senses and mind defines this word as well. There are eight limbs of yoga, with the physical practice being only one of the eight limbs.

What are the benefits of yoga?

• Increased flexibility, agility, strength, focus, coordination, balance and connectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
• Increased lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons, and massage of the inner organs of the body which benefits us by keeping away disease and providing a forewarning at the onset of disease or disorder.
• Detoxification by providing an optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. This helps in the flushing out of toxins.
• Delayed aging characteristics, increased energy and an extraordinary zest for life.
• Excellent for pregnancy.
• Many athletes come to yoga to help previous injuries, increase range of motion, gain better agility, aid in one-pointed focus and strengthen muscles.

If you are not flexible, can you still benefit from yoga?

Absolutely! Yoga is for everyone even if you do not perceive yourself to be very flexible or strong. These things will improve and develop over time.

What sets yoga apart from other forms of fitness or stretching?

Yoga is distinctive by linking the rhythm of our breath to the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind. The mind, body and breath relationship aids us in directing our attention inward. Through this process, we become skilled at identifying our normal thought patterns without judging them, labeling them or trying to transform them. We become more aware of the present, tuning inward to what we need.

“The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind” (Yoga Journal).