Yoga began in India around 5, 000 years ago and is the oldest science of exercise for health. Practicing yoga has many benefits such as reducing stress, releasing tension in the body, toning and shaping the body and improving digestion. This all leads to a healthier energised you on the inside and out. These days there are many different styles of yoga classes available and each teacher brings their own flavour to the experience. The class takes place on a mat (most studios will provide one but you may prefer to invest in your own) and you wear comfortable clothes that you can move in.
Yoga is for everyone, the technique suits every body, although everyone has their favourite and their most challenging asana. You will be encouraged to work to your own level and be given different modifications and you can chill in a restorative pose at anytime. The most important thing is to listen to your own body and breathe and feel comfortable the great thing about yoga is that is not competitive even with yourself. It’s not about how bendy you are but about how good you can make yourself feel just by moving mindfully.
Some classes are orientated towards fitness and only work with the asanas (positions) and some stay true to the original purpose of yoga and include mantras, meditation and pranayama (breathing techniques) as well as asanas. Lots of classes use current music, Classical Indian or New Age or just silence, it is up to the instructor and to you as a participant to let them know what works for you, the Instructor will want you to enjoy the class, so tell them if the lights are too bright or if you need another pillow during the finally savasana.
At the end of a yoga classes you will have time to lie down and rest so that your body and mind can truly benefit from all of the work you have done, it’s the time when you can allow the body and brain to refresh. Find a class that suits you and you will get a buzz that stays for hours, people around you will notice a positive change in you. Be warned feeling good is addictive!
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