You weight train to gain strength, jog or do aerobics for a cardiovascular workout, practice tai-chi to develop a sense of balance and harmony, stretch to gain flexibility, and meditate to develop peace of mind and relaxation. Yoga is a form of exercise that gives you everything: strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, and relaxation. Yoga is the only complete form of bodywork that does it all. Indeed, yoga is more than stretching and relaxation: it is the ultimate mind body challenge.

Look at your life and choose a practice to match your needs. If you are lethargic and tired, then a more active and stimulating practice is in order. You will need to find a balanced practice that works for you. Yoga asanas (postures) and pranayama (breath) that are active and challenging will bring more energy to you body. On the other hand, if you are constantly on the go and your body and mind are craving rest, then slow moving asanas and cooling pranayama, are in order.

Aside from the array of physical benefits, one of the best benefits of yoga is how it helps a person manage stress, which has been known to have devastating effects on the body and mind. Stress can reveal itself in many ways, including back or neck pain, sleeping problems, headaches, drug abuse, and an inability to concentrate. Yoga can be very effective in developing coping skills and reaching a more positive outlook on life.

Unlike more traditional forms of exercise, yoga incorporates meditation and breathing that help improve mental and spiritual well-being. Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centers attention; and sharpens concentration.

In yoga you learn to listen to your body through your mind and learn to quiet your mind through your body. The breath is the essential tool used. The more you tune into the mind/body connection, the more awareness you have of your movement and your state of being.

Yoga is a non-competitive practice suitable for people from all walks of life, in all conditions from the very beginner to the seasoned yogi. Yoga is a life-long practice that yields many physical and mental benefits at any level of practice.

 

 




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