Yoga BLOG

Is yoga healthy? "No sports," said Churchill. And we all know the saying "sport is murder." Is yoga a sport, and should, if in doubt, be avoided? Or is it a philosophy of life and should at least be tried? Every wellness magazine talks about healthy yoga. And that's true, as long as the exercises are practiced correctly. Yoga grounds us and offers numerous benefits. All you need is a good mat , comfortable clothing, and some space around you. Professional guidance Anyone starting yoga should approach it similarly to other sports: start slowly, consult a doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, and, as a beginner, it's best to practice with an instructor to avoid any poor posture. A good instructor not only pays attention to your flexibility and which group you're suited to; they'll also consider your pre-existing medical conditions and limitations – it would be nice if they asked about them directly; if not, you should explicitly point them out. False ambition helps no one, least of all yourself. A trainer is especially important to ensure you perform the exercises correctly, even those whose original sequence you can't perform but have modified for yourself. Your joints should function in such a way that you don't cause damage even after several years of practice; of course, this also means no direct damage from vigorous movements or from not warming up sufficiently. Suitable classes are available in private studios, fitness centers, and, for example, through adult education centers. Pack your yoga bag and simply give it a try. It's best to pay attention to the instructor's qualifications, even if it's just a trial class. If you want to try out such classes at a vacation spot, for example, and don't find the right instructor, listen carefully to your body during the exercises: it will always tell you your limits. Sudden stabbing pains are warning signals, but stretching pains, up to a certain intensity, are perfectly fine. Don't try to prove yourself to the others, either here or in other yoga classes. Health through proper exercise If you practice correctly, yoga is absolutely healthy. It's both a sport and a way of life, to answer our initial question. How much emphasis you want to place on each aspect is up to you: practice only asanas (body postures) or incorporate meditation , breathing exercises , and mudras (finger exercises). There are many options for your individual yoga practice. There are no age or health restrictions. Yoga is offered for children , seniors , or people with disabilities ; and you don't have to practice on the floor; you can sit on a chair , for example. Finally, we'll list the health benefits of yoga in more detail. There's a wealth of medical research on this; however, for your body, mind, and spirit, the only thing that matters is that you feel good. Some benefits will be felt immediately, while others will take longer. Therefore, you'll likely notice a change over time. Our list is by no means exhaustive: Relaxation: occurs almost immediately after the first few minutes of practice More serenity, thus faster stress reduction and better stress management in the future more balanced blood pressure, healthier arteries and veins, thus relieving the heart and coronary vessels frequent improvement in chronic diseases and pain Activation of synovial fluid, thereby alleviating inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism, arthrosis and gout Stretching shortened muscles, thus improving posture overall greater mobility, thus more agility and stability or surefootedness Stimulation of the entire metabolism, glands and organs greater brain performance better lung function and permanently deeper breathing good inner attitudes in the long run: calm confidence leads to successful coping with life. Image © wavebreakmediamicro / 123rf.com