Isn't Yoga just stretching and breathing?
Well, yes and no. Yoga is actually a mind and body practice with a 5,000-year history in ancient Indian philosophy. Yoga means union and is actually primarily a spiritual discipline. Traditionally, yoga actually has six branches, each branch with its unique characteristics and function represents a particular approach in life. However, in recent years, yoga has become popular as a form of physical exercise based upon poses that promote improved control of the mind and physical energy. This type of yoga is actually called Hatha Yoga: the practice of the system of bodily postures.
Modern yoga has thus shifted from a philosophical practice to focus more on stretches and poses.
How are yoga classes usually conducted?
There are generally around 9 types of Yoga classes. However, i will only be talking about the more popular ones.
Hatha Yoga
If you're new, Hatha yoga is the best style to begin your practice with. Most Hatha yoga classes in Singapore will include a series of asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises). Its generally slow paced and emphasizes on proper yoga breathing, bringing awareness to the mind and body.
Lyengar Yoga
Lyengar yoga is often practiced at a slower pace than Hatha Yoga, This style of yoga emphasizes on proper body alignment in each pose where the use of yoga props (blocks, blankets, bolsters and straps) is common to help get your body into position.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga, also known as power yoga is one of the more intense and intimidating forms of yoga. Things tend to get pretty fast paced as you transition through a sequence of challenging poses for up to 90 minutes making you bound to break a sweat!
What are it's benefits?
For starters, yoga is very easy to get into as a beginner. Similar to Pilates, yoga can be performed at your own pace and can be customized to suit your fitness level. If you want to learn more about Pilates, do check out our article here!
Based on a vox article, written by Julia Belluz, who read 50 scientific studies about yoga, came to the conclusion that:
Bottom line, Yoga is probably just as good for your health as many other forms of exercise. But it seems particularly promising for improving lower back pain and crucially reducing inflammation in the body which can actually help stave off disease. Yoga also seems to enhance "body awareness".
Yoga seems to improve physical health:
1) Flexibility
2) Muscle strength and tone
3) Respiration, energy and vitality
4) Weight reduction
5) Cardio and circulatory health
Yoga seems to also improve mental health:
The incorporation of meditation and breathing can help improve a person's mental well-being by creating mental clarity and calmness; increasing body awareness; and relaxing the mind.
So should you do it?
Yoga is a low impact form of exercise that may not be very intense. It isn't really an aerobic exercise meaning you may not sweat as much as you would doing a 5 kilometre run. This may be a concern for those looking to burn fat. However, just like Pilates, we feel that yoga is a great supplement to whatever exercise routine you have because it helps prevent inflammation and thus other forms of diseases.
Moreover, it increases flexibility in your muscles which reduces the risk of injury. So yes! Do consider slotting a session of yoga into your daily schedule and you will reap the benefits!
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