What is the Yoga?
Yoga is one of the six orthodox schools of Indian Atsika philosophy whose goal is the liberation (moksha) of the cycle of rebirth (samsara) engendered by individual karma. This discipline aimed, through meditation, moral asceticism and physical exercises, to achieve the unification of the human being in its physical, psychic and spiritual aspects.
The term yoga is commonly used today to refer to hatha-yoga.
Hatha means “exercise” and mainly concerns spiritual awakening through correct postures (āsana), breathing discipline (prāṇāyāma) and meditation.
Benefits of Yoga
The benefits of yoga provide both instant gratification and lasting transformation. In the fitness world, both are extremely important. Too much time with too few results can be incredibly discouraging, and monotonous routines week after week can lead to stagnation. Yoga can change your physical and mental capacity quickly, while preparing the mind and body for long-term health.
Mental Benefits
- Relaxation
- Stress Reduction
- Better Sleep
- Body Awareness
- Improve self-confidence
Physical Benefits
- Increased Stamina
- Better Suppleness
- Strengthen
- Improved Balance
- Body Alignment (reduces joint pain)
Who can practice?
Yoga is for everyone ! Studios and local gyms offer classes that are open to all generations and fitness levels. It’s exciting to enter a room full of young teens, athletes, middle-aged moms, older gentlemen, and even fitness buffs and body builders. Like for Pilates, everyone can feel accepted and included and, unlike other sports or classes that focus on niche clients, yoga tends to offer open arms. Whether you are 82, 56 or even 15, it can help you.
Where ?
- Home
- Yoga Studio or Class
- Gym (membership needed)
- Personal trainer
- Outdoors location (as the beach, park, event…)
How to prepare your first class
In order to get started, you need to first find a place to practice. You have a few decisions to make first. Do you want to practice in Private or Public and what is your budget. Both of these questions will determine where you should practice.
There are a few basic things you will need for yoga and depending on where you practice, you may not need all of these things. This will seem foreign to you at first, but after awhile, you will start to gain a preference for certain mats, clothing and gear just like you do for other daily activities.
A yoga session usually goes this way :
- Pre-yoga Stretching
- Breathing Exercises to get the body relaxed and focused
- Warm-up Positions
- Workout yoga positions
- Relaxation Cool-down period
For the most part, each class will be structured this way, but may vary depending on the type/style of yoga you have chosen. Keep in mind that your first few sessions may cause your body to become sore or stiff. This is normal and will subside if you continue your classes. If you feel your flexibility is not where it should be, you may consider stretching at home to loosen up before class.
Types of Yoga
- Hatha yoga: This is the physical and mental branch designed to prime the body and mind.
- Raja yoga: This branch involves meditation and strict adherence to a series of disciplinary steps known as the “eight limbs”.
- Karma yoga: This is a path of service that aims to create a future free from negativity and selfishness.
- Bhakti yoga: This aims to establish the path of devotion, a positive way to channel emotions and cultivate acceptance and tolerance.
- Jnana yoga: This branch is about wisdom, the path of the scholar, and developing the intellect through study.
- Tantra : This is the pathway of ritual, ceremony, or consummation of a relationship.
- Hot Yoga: One of the mose famous Yoga style.
More information
For Studio, Yoga classes prices depend on the kind of instructor you chose. It also depends on the quality of teaching and the number of members.
Almost all gyms got Yoga and Pilates classes included in their membership.
You can also subscribe to a
For a first session, it’s complicated to know what you really need to buy. This is the regular list of what you need :
Pants or Shorts: You can’t go wrong with a few pairs of solid-color yoga pants.If tight pants aren’t your thing, look for jogger-style pants or the popular harem-style pants that have elastic around the ankles. Shorts are a popular option for guys, and they’re also appropriate for women, especially if you plan to try hot session.
Tops: It’s important to wear tops that are fairly form-fitting so your shirt doesn’t fly over your head during forward bends.
Towel : Towels are important to have because you will get sweaty and perspire while doing your session.
Yoga Props : are fantastic for beginners and are highly recommended. Props can help a beginning student who is not flexible enough yet or to ensure that you have proper body alignment.
Socks: To be clear, socks are not a requirement to attend a class. In fact, it’s preferable to do yoga barefoot.
Mats : Picking a mat can be very simple, you just have to narrow down your choices. If you are not over 6 feet, then a standard 68″ mat will work find.
Blocks & Bricks : designed for doing extensions when you can’t reach the floor. Blocks are particularly useful for standing poses in which your hands are supposed to be on the floor.
Straps : Also called belts, are particularly useful for poses where you need to hold onto your feet but cannot reach them.
Yoga Balls : They come in 3 sizes depending on your height. The balls can help with stability, balance and strength.
Wheels : Yoga wheels are a relatively new prop starting to gain a foothold in the studio. When set upright, you can lie back on the wheel or place a foot or hand on top of the wheel to deepen your stretches and enhance flexibility, slowly rolling the wheel farther as you relax into each stretch.
You can find easily all those things at Decathlon.
