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What Is Yoga As We Know It?

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Of the alternate forms of exercise to come into popularity, yoga is perhaps one of the most famous, losing many of its associations as the domain of New Age lifestyle and coming into the mainstream as an alternative, low-impact way to exercise. What is yoga, though, where does it come from, and how can it help you? Let's talk a little about this form of exercise and how it can fit in your life.

Origins

The form of exercise that we know today has its origins in what is called Hatha Yoga, which originated In India somewhere around the 15th century. The rigors of this form of yoga were intended to prepare the body for long period of meditation through training the body. This differs from other forms of yoga, which don't necessarily involve physical movements but instead exist as a philosophy. And although Hatha Yoga rose as a spiritual practice, the physical motions alone make it a great exercise.

The Asanas

If you've ever seen people bend into odd positions while practicing yoga, then what you've seen is someone performing an asana. Though some of these positions look improbable and painful, the asanas intended to be practiced so that the body is relaxed. In addition, you'll find that some of the poses are deceptively simple in concept. For instance, the pose Tadasana, meaning mountain, is a pose that consists of standing up straight. So, though you might someday find yourself bent up like a pretzel, don't expect to be forced into uncomfortable positions as a beginner. Even the simple poses can bring greater strength, control, and flexibility to your body.

Breathing

Though most yoga classes in Western nations focus on the physical motions of performing the asanas, pranayama, or breath control, is also key to using yoga as a whole-body approach for health. These breathing techniques can also be beneficial in your exercise, since breathing gives you the oxygen that fuels your body. If you're lucky, you'll find a teacher that gives instruction in proper breathing, which can be used to relieve stress and help the body to feel energetic.

As Meditation

Though yoga came from a Hindu culture and was originally practiced as a part of religious or philosophical practices, the meditation that can be performed as part of it can fit into Western religions as well. The relaxation that comes from practicing this form of exercise can be used to meditate on the ideas of your own religion, or to just think quietly on your life, your day, or anything going through your mind. So, for a total approach to improving your mind and body, give yoga a try.

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