Yoga BLOG

Is yoga, as we know it, just a myth? Nothing about yoga is as many yoga practitioners believe: The results of the yoga study by Briton Mark Singleton are astonishing and challenge the objections of all those who trust in the ancient Indian yoga spirit of "body, mind & soul." In his book, published in 2010 by Oxford University Press, the religious scholar Singleton presents it very precisely and comprehensively: Body-focused yoga is a relatively new teaching, not primarily Eastern but equally strongly Western in character. Let's summarize the core statements of "Yoga Body – The Origins of Modern Posture Practice" and form our own opinion. Yoga as a tiny cog in Indian culture In the Western world, we mostly know yoga as a form of Hatha Yoga . Hatha Yoga is said to have originally come from India, where it was practiced as part of a millennia-old Hindu culture. Singleton argues, however, that in classical texts such as the Upanishads or the Bhagavad Gita, yoga is mentioned at most in the sense of spiritual perfection and meditation . Asanas seemed to be of such secondary importance that they served solely to control the breath and sit still in a meditative state. Contemplation was desired, and asanas represented one path among many ways to reach the desired state. The roots in ancient Indian practices therefore have little to do with health and fitness-oriented yoga styles of the 21st century. It was only the collision of Indian nationalism after the end of British colonial rule and the European physical culture movement a good 100 years ago that "our" yoga was shaped by refining Western gymnastic exercises with a spiritual superstructure. Yoga as a trend sport of the late 19th century The term "physical culture" emerged at the end of the 19th century and is linked to increasing industrialization. Fewer and fewer people earned their living through farming and other physically demanding activities. Many moved to the cities and worked in factories. Factory owners were concerned with the productivity of their workers and thus promoted physical culture as a national mission. The image of the athletic, well-trained body was born at that time and left its mark in India as well. Hatha Yoga, previously practiced to control life energy in the sense of Pranayama – for purification and contemplation – became postural yoga. At a time when the Olympic Games were being revived by Pierre de Coubertin, Swami Sivananda, Paramahamsa Yogananda, Bishnu Choran Gosh, and more spiritually motivated representatives such as Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo breathed new life into the idea of yoga. What Turnvater Jahn and the first modern bodybuilder have to do with yoga Religious scholar Mark Singleton, who lives in Santa Fe and teaches at St. John's College there, doesn't just make provocative claims. He supports his theses with historical sources, interviews contemporary witnesses, and considers findings from modern yoga research. Interestingly, in this context, the fitness wave in India at the end of the 19th century, influenced by bodybuilding pioneer Eugen Sandow, also had a political significance comparable to the German gymnastics movement of Ludwig Jahn, the "father of gymnastics." Indian men wanted to strengthen their bodies to break free from the colonial rulers. At the same time, however, they partly adopted training methods from the British army. By blending them with a context influenced by Hindu, Tantric, philosophical, and New Age thought, they gave physical culture its own direction and a completely new aspect of health. The legend of "body, mind, and soul" dates back to this time, making it only about 100 years old. In traditional yoga philosophy, mind and soul are one; there is no distinction. Singleton's conclusions Yoga is an exciting transnational phenomenon. Philosophical traditions and centuries of accumulated knowledge related to energy flows and states of consciousness have evolved into a new method through global cultural encounters and scientific advances. Modern yoga styles have emerged from cultural change and continue to evolve. This is precisely what makes yoga, this method that is neither sport nor religion nor medicine, yet encompasses a little of all of these, so unique. Image © StudioM1

Looking for a change? Interested in a sport that perfectly suits your needs and your body? Yoga can help. Thanks to the different styles, it's possible to tailor it to your individual needs. In this article, you'll learn about the best styles you can integrate into your daily life. Get excited and get your mat ready. Why is yoga so popular? Thanks to its versatility, yoga can be beneficial in all sorts of situations. Whether you're looking for a calming sequence or a pure challenge, the choice is vast. Yoga can help you with the following problems: stress Mobilization of your body improve sleep behavior Balance between mind, body, soul increase physical well-being become more flexible The effects, of course, always depend on the particular yoga practice; each style affects the body differently. Which yoga styles are the most popular? In the following section, we would like to introduce you to the best types of yoga so that you can choose the right one for you. 1. Yin Yoga If you've already explored yoga a bit, you're probably familiar with Yin Yoga, one of the most popular types of yoga. This yoga practice is especially suitable for beginners. This style is not characterized by forceful movements, but rather by holding effective asanas. Stretching the body is a key focus, loosening the fascia and releasing deep-seated blockages. The individual exercises last approximately three to ten minutes, and the entire session takes about an hour. This ensures you experience the best results for your body. 2. Hatha Yoga This practice is the oldest, so you can expect it to consist of many traditional elements. The teachings are over a thousand years old and include exercises suitable for every yogi. It focuses on the combination of breathing and strengthening asanas for the body. 3. Ashtanga Yoga Yoga vector set. Figures yoga poses. Ashtanga yoga Do you want to practice a truly sweaty style of yoga? Then Ashtanga is definitely perfect for you. Inspired by the Hatha style, Ashtanga consists of six consistent sequences. The pace is fast, and the exercises flow smoothly. This will definitely get you sweating. Anyone who says yoga isn't strenuous has never tried these sequences. 4. Bikram Yoga This style of yoga is a modified form of Hatha Yoga. Birkam Yoga is also called hot yoga. This means that you practice your yoga flows not at normal temperatures, but at a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. The humidity is usually very high, so you'll really work up a sweat. The advantage is that this really challenges the body and strengthens it at the same time. The tendons, ligaments, and muscles can be well supplied with blood thanks to the heat and high humidity. If you want to lose weight, then this asana practice is perfect for you. A balancing and calming meditation on the cushion can perfectly round off this practice. 5. Kundalini Yoga Hands in kundalini mudra by Indian man isolated at white background. Gesture of awakening kundalini energy. Free space for your text Do you want to increase your life energy and thereby strengthen your entire body? Then Kundalini Yoga, with all its benefits, could be beneficial for you. On the mat, the focus is on physical and meditative elements. Kundalini integrates chanting, meditation, breathing techniques, and special asanas. Together, they awaken your life energy and balance your chakras. 6. Vinyasa Yoga Calm your mind and strengthen your body with yoga – Vinyasa Yoga is ideal for this. It combines various postures, creating a smooth transition. To achieve a holistic sense of achievement, a comfortable meditation posture is usually adopted at the end. Many practitioners add a short shavasana to the end. The special thing about Vinyasa Yoga is that it can always have a different theme; the practice is challenging, yet also calming and meditative. 7. Anusara Yoga This style of yoga has something special about it – it serves to stimulate energy flow and improve well-being. It's a modern style of yoga with elements from Hatha Yoga and Iyengar Yoga. It also incorporates modern elements of biomechanics. Similar to other sequences, it also combines pranayama, meditation, and various asanas. With the right guide, you can learn the best yoga exercises. 8. Power Yoga One of the most popular types of yoga is so-called Power Yoga. If you can't get enough of Vinyasa Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga, you should try Power Yoga. The creativity of the individual sequences plays a significant role, as do the fixed progressions we know from Ashtanga Yoga. The yoga units help you strengthen your body while simultaneously developing your balance. This form of yoga is helpful for you if you value fitness and holistic well-being of body, mind, and soul. 9. Iyengar Yoga Do you want to focus on the physical aspect? Then Iyengar Yoga is ideal for you. Breathing or meditation aren't the primary focus. Instead, various physical sequences are practiced with the help of a strap, blocks, or other props. The focus is on the yogi's physical health. 10. Jivamukti Yoga Is holistic practice important to you? Then try Jivamukti Yoga. This style goes far beyond the yoga mat, meaning you focus on yourself for more than just a few minutes on the mat. Meditation, chanting, and engaging with the sacred scriptures are essential in this style. Furthermore, the entire path is focused on seeing everything with compassion and freedom. This style isn't suitable for everyone. However, if you feel ready to grow spiritually, improve your yoga practice, and continually evolve, you can access this through Jivamukti Yoga. What is the right style for you? There's no direct answer to this question. If you're not yet familiar with it, you could attend a yoga retreat. There, you'll learn about various styles. In addition to the other styles, Aerial Yoga and Acro Yoga are also very popular. Here, the focus is on body tension, and the exercises are performed, for example, on a sling suspended from the ceiling. Otherwise, always listen to your gut and your body. It will always tell you whether it prefers a challenging, sweaty workout or one that helps you unwind. Ideally, the various yoga exercises are regularly combined so you benefit from everything. What types of yoga do you like and practice regularly?

Hatha Yoga: the gentle path to a new body awareness - ©iStock.com/Jacob Ammentorp Lund Hatha Yoga is arguably the best-known form of this ancient bodywork. When absolute beginners approach yoga, they usually first encounter this style of yoga. It involves many asanas, such as the famous sun salutation , that are also well-known to non-yogis. Therefore, when people begin practicing yoga, it's usually a form of Hatha Yoga. It offers the perfect blend of varied physical exercises, pranayama, and meditation, helping you strengthen your body and find inner peace. What is Hatha Yoga? With Hatha Yoga, you get the full yoga program. You'll learn many different asanas, the physical exercises , and breathing exercises (pranayama) are also part of every class. Most yoga sessions end with a more or less lengthy (deep) relaxation. Beginners, in particular, find Hatha Yoga very useful and enjoy this physical introduction. The yoga exercises are relatively easy to learn, ensuring a quick sense of achievement. The three pillars of Hatha Yoga: • Body • Breath • Meditation The perfect mix: Asanas, Pranayama and Meditation The flow of a Hatha Yoga class is usually structured according to the following principle: After warming up the entire body, various yoga exercises follow. Unlike Ashtanga Yoga , where the same sequences of exercises are always practiced, the exercises do not follow a set order. The Sun Salutation is often used as a warm-up. Well-known asanas such as the cobra pose , downward dog , and warrior pose follow. Breathing exercises (pranayama) and concluding meditation are also important components. Here, you usually lie relaxed on the yoga mat in shavasana and feel in your body the effects of the yoga exercises. Your mind is completely relaxed, and you feel refreshed. Effect of an ancient, healing power During these exercises—there are several dozen written down at least 650 years ago, but their development most likely dates back several centuries—the stress, worries, and problems disappear. (Hatha) yoga is generally known for its regenerative effects. Those who delve deeper into (Hatha) yoga will quickly discover other topics such as a healthy (vegetarian) diet and a mindful, respectful approach to all living beings. From all this, we learn how closely our thoughts, feelings, actions, and being are connected! So let's start with very small steps. For example, with calmly inhaling and exhaling: simply observing the breath, not influencing it. And we'll soon find our first relaxation, completely without meditation. Holistic effect of Hatha Yoga Those who practice Hatha Yoga regularly quickly begin to enjoy its holistic, positive effects. It affects body, mind, and spirit equally. The positive effects are abundantly clear. Tendons and ligaments become more flexible, the organs and inner fire are stimulated; the ensuing relaxation brings about letting go and thus a return to peace and serenity. "Ha" is the sun, the hot power; "Tha" is the moon, the coolness. But "Hatha" also means effort. Positive effects of Hatha Yoga: • Tensions are released • more serenity in everyday life • the mind comes to rest • Improve body flexibility • Stress is reduced • has a calming effect on the cardiovascular system • Strengthening the body • Immune system is strengthened • Metabolism can be boosted • the body is filled with more energy Who is Hatha Yoga suitable for? The popular Hatha Yoga is ideal for everyone from absolute beginners to advanced yogis. The asanas are held for extended periods, strengthening the body as a whole. Hatha Yoga can be practiced by anyone ofall ages . There are countless asanas and individual variations that can be offered to you if you have physical ailments. If standing yoga is no longer possible, for example, you can also practice it sitting down. Your yoga instructor will ensure correct execution, provide support at all times, and know exactly which asana is right for you. So don't be afraid if you're a complete beginner. Under the guidance of a professional and with the support of the other friendly yogis in your class, you'll quickly find your way into the beneficial yoga exercises. More serenity through Hatha Yoga Yoga is a holistic concept that can be practiced intensively even by Westerners. However, hardly anyone has time to remain in a meditative posture for several hours a day. Do you have limited time in your daily life ? Even 15 minutes of Hatha yoga a day will help you harmonize your body, mind, and soul. It's best to practice right after waking up, and afterward, you'll start the day refreshed. If you make time for intensive yoga training several times a week, you'll quickly feel the positive effects. Whether you can only devote half an hour a week to yoga or find time for yoga sessions every day, (Hatha) yoga will enrich your life! Mindfulness and concentration But one thing is also clear: This is about more than just gymnastics. Yoga is about mindfulness and concentration. The exercises are performed individually, with everyone practicing according to their ability. This is one of the key differences from normal exercise programs: Yoga is not a competitive sport, although it does demand a certain amount of effort. Young and old can start at any time. If you can't lie down, choose seated exercises; if your legs can't reach high enough, this smaller movement is just right. The mostly slow, yet strenuous movements and the meditative nature of the exercises add up to a greater whole. While the body is moving or remains in a position, the mind also calms down. All you need is a suitable yoga mat In fact, the asanas are wonderfully versatile to practice daily. You can practice with other yogis in a studio or at home if you're familiar with the poses and your body. You don't need much more than comfortable yoga clothes and, of course, a good yoga mat . Perhaps you'll also want to bring a towel . Over time, you'll surely acquire a special meditation cushion or some yoga accessories one day. At yogabox.de, you'll find everything you need and get answers to many questions. Hatha Yoga is very popular It's no wonder, then, that Hatha Yoga, as a milder form of yoga, is suitable and welcome for most people. The popularity of the diverse courses taught by recognized, trained professionals remains unbroken. Even late in the evening, many people enjoy attending their classes. Here, they find a friendly group of like-minded people and practice exercises, pranayama, and meditation together. However, it can only be a good thing for us and all yoga enthusiasts if Hatha Yoga is "hip." Anyone who sticks with it will soon discover that there's much more to the yoga concept than just a passing fad. Yoga is ancient and has been proven millions of times. And every practitioner will soon feel this. Do you practice Hatha Yoga regularly? Which benefits of yoga do you enjoy most? Feel free to leave us a comment; our yogabox.de community looks forward to hearing from you!