Yoga 101

Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means, "union." It is a belief system that is divided into eight parts that are all geared towards uniting the body, mind and spirit. Asana, one of the eight limbs of yoga, is the part that involves doing different postures and poses that people, who do not practice the Hindu religion, know as yoga.

The first two limbs, Yama and Niyama, defines a person's way of life. Yama refers to the way a person should treat other people. It contains five guidelines to follow: Ahimasa (nonviolence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (nonstealing), Brahmacharya (nonlust) and Aparigraha (noncovetesness). Niyama, on the other hand, dictates how a person should treat himself. This includes Saucha (cleanliness), Santosa (contentment), Tapas (sustained practice), Svadhyaya (self study) and Isvara pranidhana (Surrender to God).

Asanaand Pranayama are practices that can bring balance and strength to the physical body. Asana is the practice of different poses as a form of exercise. Pranayama, on the other hand, is the practice of proper breathing which is needed to accomplish the different forms of yoga.

The last four limbs are more on the spiritual plane. Pratyahara or abstaction is the ability to take oneself away from the things around you. Dharana or concentration is the act of focusing all our attention to just one point or object. Dhyana or meditation involves doing intense contemplation on a certain object or issue that you are meditating on. Lastly, Samadhi or liberation is the state wherein your consciouness has been joined with the object or issue that you are meditating on.

The practice of Asana and Pranayama as an exercise can bring about a lot of health benefits. By doing the different poses in yoga, you can improve your flexibility and strength. Because most of the poses involve stretching parts of your body, the range of motion of your different joints will be increased significantly. Also, since you need to support the weight of your body, your strength will be increased. And, of course, as you grow stronger, your body will become more toned.

Another benefit of taking yoga is the alignment of one's body. Because the bodies of people who practice yoga are aligned properly, they tend to have lesser back pains. People who practice yoga also learn how to breathe properly, making them less affected by stress. Yoga, not only improves your physical condition, it also has an impact on your mental state by reducing your stress.

The first thing that you should do is read on the different styles of yoga and find out which of these styles are available in your area. Of course, the next thing that you should do is ask about the schedules of classes. You may need to schecule your class in advance in order to get a slot.

In yoga, not a lot of equipment is needed. You basically need comfortable clothes that would allow you to do the exercises properly. You also need to get yourself a yoga mat. Although most studios rent out mats, you might want to buy your own mat in order to be able to practice the poses at home.