Yoga is an ancient science concerned with developing a holistic, healthy and harmonious
way of living. It offers benefits that make the body stronger and healthier and calm
the mind. The word yoga has many shades of meaning, but is generally translated as
"union" and the practice can lead to a balance of body, breath, mind and spirit.
Yoga is a complete system of holistic living with a history dating back thousands of years. A beneficial side effect of yoga is increased flexibility, muscle tone and general body fitness. Its aim is to bring the body, mind and spirit into balance and harmony. Most yoga classes include a range of practices, and will help to calm the mind and stretch the body.
Anyone can practice yoga regardless of age, ability or mobility, so I decided to take a class to see why yoga has become so popular. I opted for a ‘yoga for all’ class where we focused on physical postures, breathing techniques and relaxation methods.
After various attempts at manoeuvring myself into a backwards camel, downward dog and tree stance, I found that if you have an open mind and can get past the funny names, that yoga exercises can feel really good. Learning how to relax is a central element of yoga and I certainly had a sound night’s sleep after my session.
I found the breathing techniques most difficult as they felt very unnatural – a backwards method of breathing filling your belly when you inhale and sucking it in when you exhale. After struggling with this for most of the session, I have been trying to get to grips with it at home, as it can help with mental and physical relaxation and increases control over the body and mind.
I’m not too sure that I will find a path to enlightenment as I am not a very spiritual being, but I can see why so many people swear by the art of yoga. It’s the exercise-cum meditation that can fit into your everyday life, one that will do wonders for your posture, muscle strength and flexibility, but also lets you take a moment to stop and think.
I certainly enjoyed the stretching aspect and taking time out – strangely I felt relaxed but also energised.
Go on, try a class – it could be one of your best moves.
To find a yoga teacher near you visit: www.theyogaregister.org
There are a huge variety of different types of yoga on offer to suit individual requirements. Whether you want to relax, become more flexible, loose weight or just try something new, check out a class near you:
Hot Bikram Yoga Balham
Hildreth Street Mews
London
SW12 9RZ
020 8673 8980
Mandala Yoga Method
The Westover- Wandsworth
18 Earlsfield Road
London SW18 3DW
07977 584533
SIVANANDA Yoga
Vedanta Centre,
51 Felsham Road Putney,
London SW15 1AZ
020 8780 0160
Battersea Yoga
50 Altenburg Gardens,
Battersea, SW11 1JL
Phone: 020 7978 7995
by Kay Lockett