Fun and Fitness: Yoga for beginners
A few weeks ago, we discussed
a specialty aerobics class called
Gliders and what has made it such
a hit in the fitness industry. Yoga
may not be considered a new novelty
class, as Gliders is, but it has
stood the test of time. And rightfully
so, given the limitless benefits
people achieve from participating
in yoga.
Even after so many years of popularity, yoga is still misunderstood by many people. Let's try to clear up some of the confusion, and you can decide whether or not it is a class for you.
What is yoga?
Many people think that yoga is just stretching. While stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses and multiple postures. Each movement has specific health benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement, or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment and form of the pose.
What is the hype behind yoga?
The amazing thing about yoga is that the movements are always evolving and changing, so it never gets boring. Although the poses themselves do not change, the effects they have on you and your body certainly will! Anyone can start yoga, even if you don't feel like you are very flexible or very strong — these things will develop over time. Also, there is often heavy focus on breathing and meditation, which relax AND strengthen the mind and body.
What is this hot yoga I keep hearing about?
Hot yoga typically involves placing your yoga practice in a heated environment. The general theory seems to be that it allows the body to sweat out toxins while allowing the teacher and participants to safely come deeper into their poses. There have even been creative spins on hot yoga classes such as partner hot yoga classes which are often popular with couples.
If yoga is so great, why are there so many people that have yet to try it out?
For the most part, it is probably because of the many misconceptions. For many people, yoga provides a very spiritual journey in combination with the physical practice itself. Some people just can't comprehend the natural combination of the two and fail to give it a chance. The funny thing is most people who have gym memberships have access to such classes but they don't take advantage of it. Never judge a book by its cover. In fact, try out beginner or advanced yoga at Fitness 101 and then make your judgments!
Even after so many years of popularity, yoga is still misunderstood by many people. Let's try to clear up some of the confusion, and you can decide whether or not it is a class for you.
What is yoga?
Many people think that yoga is just stretching. While stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses and multiple postures. Each movement has specific health benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement, or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment and form of the pose.
What is the hype behind yoga?
The amazing thing about yoga is that the movements are always evolving and changing, so it never gets boring. Although the poses themselves do not change, the effects they have on you and your body certainly will! Anyone can start yoga, even if you don't feel like you are very flexible or very strong — these things will develop over time. Also, there is often heavy focus on breathing and meditation, which relax AND strengthen the mind and body.
What is this hot yoga I keep hearing about?
Hot yoga typically involves placing your yoga practice in a heated environment. The general theory seems to be that it allows the body to sweat out toxins while allowing the teacher and participants to safely come deeper into their poses. There have even been creative spins on hot yoga classes such as partner hot yoga classes which are often popular with couples.
If yoga is so great, why are there so many people that have yet to try it out?
For the most part, it is probably because of the many misconceptions. For many people, yoga provides a very spiritual journey in combination with the physical practice itself. Some people just can't comprehend the natural combination of the two and fail to give it a chance. The funny thing is most people who have gym memberships have access to such classes but they don't take advantage of it. Never judge a book by its cover. In fact, try out beginner or advanced yoga at Fitness 101 and then make your judgments!
