Yoga for healthSend this page to a friend To print Facebook Twitter PinterestYoga is a practice that connects the body, breath and mind. This practice uses physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve overall health. Yoga was developed as a spiritual practice thousands of years ago. Today most people in the West do yoga as exercise and to reduce stress.

The benefits of yogaYoga can improve your overall fitness level and improve your posture and flexibility. Site: BLUEE SPORTS

• Lower your blood pressure and heart rate
• Help you relax
• Improve your self-confidence
• Reduce stress
• Improve your coordination
• Improve your concentration
• Help you sleep better
• Aiding digestion
• Additionally, practicing yoga can also help with the following conditions:

AnxietyBack painDepressionWho should take precautionsYoga, in general, is safe for most people. But it may be necessary to avoid some yoga poses or modify poses if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have high blood pressure
• Have glaucoma
• Have sciatica

Be sure to notify your yoga instructor if you have any of these conditions or any other injuries or medical problems. A qualified yoga teacher should be able to help you find postures that are safe for you.

"Yoga styles"There are many different types or styles of yoga. These vary from mild to more intense. Some of the most popular yoga styles are:

Ashtanga or yoga of power. This type of yoga offers a more demanding exercise. In these classes, you move quickly from one pose to another.Bikram or hot yoga. You do a series of 26 poses in a room with a temperature between 95 ° F and 100 ° F (35 ° C and 37.8 ° C). The goal is to warm and stretch muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and to purify the body through sweat.Hatha yoga. Sometimes this is used as a general term for yoga. It normally includes both breathing and postures.Integral. A gentle type of yoga can include breathing exercises, chants, and meditation.Iyengar. A style that pays close attention to the precise alignment of the body. You can also hold postures for extended periods of time.Kundalini. Emphasize the effects of breathing on postures. The goal is to release energy from the lower body so that it can move upward.Viniyoga. This style adapts postures to the needs and abilities of each person and coordinates breathing and postures.How to startFind yoga classes at your local gym, health center, or yoga studio. If you are just starting to practice yoga, start with a beginner class. Talk to the instructor before class and inform him of any injuries or conditions you may have.

You may want to ask about the instructor's experience and training. However, while most instructors have had some formal training, there are no certified yoga training programs. Choose an instructor you enjoy working with who doesn't demand you in ways that make you feel uncomfortable.

'What to expect"Most yoga classes last from 45 to 90 minutes. All yoga styles include three basic components:

Breathing. Focusing on your breathing is an important part of yoga. Your teacher can offer you instructions on breathing exercises during class.Postures. Yoga postures, or positions, are a series of movements that help increase strength, flexibility, and balance. These range in difficulty from lying on your back on the floor to complicated balancing postures.Meditation. Yoga classes usually end with a short period of meditation. This calms the mind and helps you relax.How to prevent injuriesWhile yoga is generally safe, it can still hurt you if you do a wrong position or if you push yourself too hard. Here are some tips to keep you safe when doing yoga.

If you have a medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before starting yoga. Ask if there are any postures you should avoid.Start slowly and learn the basics before overexerting yourself.Choose a class that is appropriate for your level. If you are not sure, ask the teacher.DO NOT push yourself beyond your comfort level. If you cannot perform a position, ask your teacher to help you modify it.Ask questions if you are not sure how to make a position.Take a bottle of water with you and drink plenty of water. This is especially important in hot yoga.Wear clothing that allows you to move freely.Listen to your body. If you feel pain or fatigue, stop, and rest.