Why Practice Yoga?
Firstly, take 3 deep breaths, relax your shoulders and unclench your jaw – feel better? I hope so, you just did Yoga! In a nutshell practicing Yoga should make you feel good both physically and mentally as well as helping you to relax and quieten the mind.
The practice of Yoga, originating from India, has been around for a very long time. It first appeared in texts about 2400 years ago, but it’s suggested to have been around long before then. The actual word Yoga, comes from the word ‘Yuj’ from the ancient language Sanskrit, meaning to join, yoke or coming together. Hence working with the body, mind and breath in Yoga.
There are many different versions and interpretations of Yoga – you may have heard of Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Ashtanga or some others. They are all different ways to achieve the same goal of creating a healthy body and mind. It’s great to try the various styles and teachers, to work out which one (or few) you prefer. Practicing Yoga is a journey, whether you are starting out or already practising, trying a range of styles to suit the needs of your body or mind is important. Some sessions may be quick, flowing from one pose to another whilst others focus on breath work and staying in postures for a long time.
Starting your Yoga journey or trying a new style can be exciting and maybe a little daunting a times but Yoga is for everyone, all ages, abilities and experience. You do NOT need to touch your toes to practise Yoga. It’s just about finding the right teacher or class for you. No gymnast began being perfectly flexible first time and no musician knew how to play beautifully without practice!
There are also many options to access Yoga using a chair, props, adapting postures for pre and postnatal sessions, classes for children and teens, workshops, 1-2-1 sessions, online and of course group face to face classes. So, wherever you are on your Yoga journey there’s a path for you to enjoy the practice of Yoga.
Some top tips and benefits:
• It’s best to practice with bare feet
• Practice on an empty tummy
• Try Yoga outside
• Helps balance
• Increase strength
• Improve flexibility
• Reduce stress/tension
• Sleep better
You can read this article via The Town Crier, book classes here or contact Simone for more info
