Not just for the trendy and bendy, yoga can be used by almost anyone, at any skill or fitness level. The trick is in understanding the benefits of practicing yoga and then finding classes that suit each participant. In the Western world, the most commonly found yoga practices focus on breathing techniques and physical poses to improve relaxation, flexibility and strength.
One common misconception is that students have to be flexible before they begin yoga. In reality no matter how old or out of shape the student is when she begins, practicing yoga gradually increases flexibility through lengthening and stretching the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the body and increasing the range of motion in joints. The result is a sense of fluidity and relaxation throughout the body.
Deep breathing is another important aspect of practicing yoga. Instead of the fight or flight breathing that most Westerners assume is normal due to stress, deep breathing boosts the relaxation response. This style of deep breathing not only delivers much needed oxygen to the system, but also calms the mind and reduces stress.
Reducing stress, in turn, can have a physical impact on the body. According to WebMD’s article The Benefits of Yoga, “Lowering levels of hormone neurotransmitters – dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine – creates a feeling of calm.” Reduced levels of stress can mean a lower heart rate, lower blood pressure and even possibly reduce triglyceride levels and boost the immune system.
How to Choose a Yoga Style
All yoga, regardless of level of difficulty, is based on a series of poses that the student holds while focusing on breathing. The intensity of the pose and the length of time it is held varies by style and class. There are a myriad of options to choose from and it can seem overwhelming, but finding a style that suits the student is fairly easy.
For the beginner, or those with a chronic illness such as arthritis, the best classes are those based in Iyengar yoga. This style of yoga focuses on flexibility and breathing by teaching the specifics of each pose. Using blocks or bolsters to help with achieving the correct pose, even those who are injured or out of shape can quickly see results. Classes can also be called Kripalu yoga, gentle Viniyoga yoga, or just listed as “beginner yoga.”
Those who want more of a challenge should look to Ashtanga yoga. This yoga style uses an increasing difficult series of six poses and a specialized breathing technique to create a vigorous routine to release muscles and joints, focus the mind and reduce toxins in the body.
Power Yoga, built from the foundation of Ashtanga yoga, includes working on upper body strength as well as flexibility. Because this style, often found in health clubs, focuses more on speed and strength than on how to learn each pose, it is best for those with an understanding of yoga basics.
Bikram yoga, often called Hot Yoga, is performed in a room heated above 100 degrees. Using a series of 26 poses, this yoga is designed to release toxins from the body and cleanse the system. Those with pre-existing medical condition should consult their health professional before attending a class in Bikram yoga.
Whether done in a class in a gym, or at home with a DVD, yoga is becoming an accepted treatment for a variety of issues. From stress relief to increasing strength and flexibility, from weight loss to lowering heart attack risks, yoga can benefit just about anyone. And as a low impact exercise, based in stretching and breathing, just about anyone can do it.
Kelly Sharp - Kelly Sharp holds a Master's degree in Education and a Bachelor's degree in Communication, and has been involved in training in a variety ...
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