all about yoga…

What is yoga?
a. Yoga is a mind and body practice with historical origins in ancient Indian philosophy. It is
more commonly known as a workout regimen to gain flexibility, strength and to lose
weight. Yoga in its full form combines physical posture, breathing exercises, meditation
and a distinct philosophy.

What are the benefits of yoga?

a. While yoga is more typically pursued for physical health purposes, its benefit doesn’t
limit to it but instead extends to mental health as well. This includes stress reduction,
body awareness, better sleep, boost of self-confidence and relaxation. It also boosts
your emotional health, improve intuition, and enhances your memory. It also reverses
and aids with eating disorder.

b. For physical benefits, meanwhile, this includes increased flexibility, strength and
stamina, improved balance and body alignment. Yoga is a renowned activity when it
comes to losing weight and treating back pain (and obtaining better posture overall).
Alleviating menopause, preventing arthritis, easing asthma, aiding fertility, relieving
hangovers and especially reversing heart ailments are also known benefits.

What are known styles of yoga?

1. Ayurveda (strengthens muscles, improves flexibility and rejuvenates the body. It
balances hormones and metabolism and is commonly known to relieve stress.)
2. Anusara (a purist form of yoga; it focuses on creative freedom and individuality, guiding
students to express themselves through the poses to their fullest ability.)
3. Ashtanga (involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures. this
activity detoxifies the muscles and organs due to internal heat and sweating.)
4. Bikram/“hot” (a series of 26 traditional Hatha yoga postures and breathing exercises
performed in a heated room.)
5. Hatha/Ananda/“Restorative” (a combination of Asanas, Pranayama and meditation
providing a balanced approach to physical and mental health.)
6. Iyengar (purist yoga; has a slow pace with a priority of mastering poses in isolation.)
7. Kundalini (a form of vinyasa yoga; more spiritual than others. incorporates a number of
elements, including Pranayama, Asanas, mantras and meditation. will help develop a
healthy body and balanced mind with regular practice.)
8. Prenatal (to stay in shape and prepare for the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth. the
stretching and strengthening work is great preparation for labor.)
9. Vinyasa/power yoga (a breath-synchronized form of yoga; requires more strength than
most styles.)

What are known yoga poses?

1. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward facing dog)
2. Tadasana (Mountain pose)
3. Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)
4. Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)
5. Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle)
6. Utthita Trikonasana (Triangle)
7. Chakravakasana (Cat-cow stretch)
8. Dandasana (Staff)
9. Baddha Konasana (Cobbler’s pose)
10. Balasana (Child’s pose)