» Yo-yo poses
Zara Baker goes up and down and round and about, as she finds there’s a yoga style to suit all
Yoga is a modern trend, firmly planted in Western society from its Eastern roots. The majority embraced the ancient method of exercise and relaxation. Some may try a class and not see what all the fuss is about: what’s with all the posing and how is that beneficial exercise?
It may just be that you haven’t found the right type of yoga to suit you. If you wandered in to a drop-in class, not really sure of what to expect, you may have been alienated by the calm, meditative methods. Whatever happened to a gym instructor barking at you to not extend your knee over your toes when completing squats?
Yoga is a different choice of lifestyle, more in line with swimming than aerobics and more calming than an evening jog. It is exercise, but it’s about our spiritual and mental self as well. The physical benefits are vast, but so are the emotional ones, and this is what makes yoga an effective exercise choice.
It’s about finding inner calm, being in tune with both the body and mind, and strengthening the body. A main focus in a yoga session is on breathing. We have a greater awareness of inhaling oxygen, providing the body with vital fuel to keep us strong and healthy. This, combined with effective stretches and postures, helps clear the mind and calm emotions. An effective method of controlling stress, yoga helps release tension, which is normally held in the shoulders.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga is closely linked to breath awareness. A session focuses on breath synchronised movement. Poses run together with breath to create smooth movements (hence the title ‘flow’), making it not just about stretching.
If you want to try yoga for stretching, perhaps to promote healing after a sports injury, always consult with your doctor first. A gentle yoga session like Ashtanga (eight limbs) can help relieve pain and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis.
Kundalini yoga is a more spiritual type, as untapped energy is drawn through the body from the base of the spine, offering enlightenment. Stress and anxiety can be reduced and symptoms such as migraines and headaches can be alleviated.
If you want strength, flexibility and improved balance, an Iyengar Yoga session can be greatly benefited from. This method traditionally uses props such as belts and blocks for which to use in posing and balancing.
These are just a few of the various types of yoga out there, so before you discard it, try a class that you will enjoy and find most beneficial.
