Research shows that a regular yoga practice can yield the following benefits:1. Increased strength
2. Increased flexibility
3. Better posture
4. Better sleep
5. Decreased joint pain
6. Slower breathing = less stress
7. Increased lung capacity
8. Lower risk of heart disease
9. Improved metabolism and digestion
10. Better focus and concentration
11. Increased vitality and libido
12. Peace of mind
A recent piece of research also points to all the anti-aging benefits of practicing yoga.
My yoga style
In my classes, you will get a cardio-workout, build fitness, stretch and tone muscles, as well as relax. The sequence will work all your joints, to improve range of movement over time. It will be relaxing, but you will also exert yourself and get that heart-rate up!
The style I teach is Vinyasa Flow, which is an energetic, flowing style, weaving together static postures. The idea is to build up heat in the body so that you can move into deeper stretches safely. This is a more westernised style of the original Ashtanga Vinyasa.
The word vinyasa means 'to place deliberately' or 'to place in a special way'. This implies a sense of mindfulness, which is extremely useful to calm and centre the mind, and to encourage relaxation.
Breathing exercises will tone the lungs and promote awareness of habitual breathing patterns, and typically classes end with a relaxation exercise. I use some specific techniques throughout classes to create a deeper relaxation response. Students often tell me how good they feel after their classes, and report better sleep and a sense of well-being. I have written a post describing typical aspects of my yoga classes.
If you don't know where to start your yoga journey, I recommend you start with a class where beginners will be supported, and take it from there. In the words of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the founder of Ashtanga Vinyasa, "Practice and all is coming". I think that is the perfect advice.
History
The word Yoga comes from a Sanskrit term which means to 'yoke'. In other words, it refers to union, integration and wholeness. So while we usually think in terms of doing yoga, you can also say that by practicing one of the various paths of yoga, we can achieve yoga - a state when the mind, body and spirit work together.
The modern yoga we see these days comes from a tradition which is thousands of years old. It is many things to many people. It is seen as a health and fitness system, a philosophy, a science, a method of self-development... or all of those.
Many people start yoga for exercise and relaxation and it evolves into something more. Others focus purely on the physical exercise. It is beneficial whatever way it is approached, as the benefits are physical, mental and emotional. The yoga-medicine works, regardless of why you do it.
Please have a look at my blog to find out more about the history and philosophy of yoga - I will post regularly and explain aspects of this huge and rich system.