Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India 5,000 years ago. The word yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the language of India.
What Makes Yoga Different from Traditional Exercise
Yoga is not exercise; it is "innercise." Exercise requires working your body until exhaustion sets in. Innercise uses breathing and relaxed positions to help your body store energy and strength. The word for yoga posture is "asana," and it actually means "comfortably held pose."
There are different styles of yoga. Some are purely for relaxation; some rely on specific breathing techniques; and others focus on meditation.
The Benefits of Yoga
Yoga offers many benefits that vary based on the selected technique.
- Boosts self-esteem
- Improves range of motion
- Improves mental concentration
- Increases strength
- Immune system stimulation
- Pain control
- Improves circulation
- Mental calmness
- Improves energy
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Increases flexibility
- Heightens self-confidence
- Improves posture
- Aids learning and memory
The Mechanics of Yoga
Who Yoga Helps
Yoga helps those who are afflicted with a variety of medical conditions:
- Asthma
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Back pain
For more information on BMI, visit our Fitness forum.
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