“YOGA IS NOT ABOUT TOUCHING YOUR TOES, IT’S WHAT YOU LEARN ON THE WAY DOWN” - JIGAR GOR
Feel like you have to be flexible to be good at yoga?
Worried you have to stand on your head to attend a yoga class?
Think you have to look a certain way before you try yoga?
Why yoga?
Yoga is a practice, for everyone and everybody, regardless of age, shape, or whether you can touch your toes! Unfortunately, the world of social media has created an image of what a ‘perfect yogi’ looks like, in matching gym sets, drinking coconut water, whilst posing on a beach in Bali! And whilst yoga can be practised anywhere, the very essence of yoga is about connecting with yourself and has nothing to do with how you look! It’s all about how it feels, and that is unique to everyBODY.
An ancient practice that originated in South Asia, the very definition of yoga is to unite the mind and body.
This is done through a series of physical poses (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation. There are so many health benefits to yoga, and it’s something anyone can do with no equipment —even a few minutes a day to help get your body moving and your mind centred.
From a physical perspective, many studies have shown that yoga can be great for:
- Improving posture
- Increasing flexibility and mobility
- Boosting metabolism
- Increasing blood flow and improving circulation
- Building muscle strength
- Improving lung function
Maybe you’ve been put off going to a class because you can’t touch your toes, or you’re worried you won’t know what you’re doing, or you feel out of shape. Let’s settle one thing first, you already have a yoga body, and how you look is not the point of yoga.
“START WHERE YOU ARE. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. DO WHAT YOU CAN.” - ARTHUR ASHE
More than just physical
There’s been a lot of research conducted over the years to show the positive effects of yoga on our physical, mental, and emotional health. More than just improving our strength, flexibility and balance, it can help reduce stress, ease anxiety, improve sleep, and even boost our immunity.
With the stresses and strains of everyday life, we all need to carve out some time to take care of our wellbeing, and yoga is a great way to do this.
There are so many different types of yoga, and the first step is to find a class or online practise that feels like a good fit. That might mean trying a few before you settle on a style you like. Just remember, yoga is about more than physical exercise; it’s about breathwork and meditation, so you’re still doing yoga if you’re focusing on your breathing or taking some time to meditate. Plus, a great yoga teacher will adapt and modify poses to ensure you are practising safely and within your body's capabilities.
Want to give it a try but not sure where to start? Here are just a few styles for you to try…
Hot yoga - Taught in a room set to around 30 degrees and up, it’s designed to get you sweating.
Hatha yoga - Slow and steady, and with a classic approach, it’s ideal for beginners.
Yin yoga - A slower-paced style where each pose is held for long periods.
Restorative yoga - Is perfect for deep relaxation; it’s slow and passive, focusing on rest and relaxation.
Vinyasa yoga - Using coordinated breath and movement to flow from one pose to another.
Power yoga - A type of vinyasa yoga that is fast-paced and ideal for strength building.
Kundalini yoga - Strong and energetic, it also incorporates chanting.
Yoga Nidra - Also known as yogic sleep, it’s guided meditation to help you slow down.
Chair yoga - Perfect for those with limited mobility or recovering from an injury.
So, invest in yourself and take time to develop a regular yoga practice that fits you and your body. Whether that’s rolling your mat out each morning and meditating and doing some gentle stretches, getting a sweat on in hot yoga, or signing up for some restorative yoga, find what feels right for you and enjoy all the benefits it brings.
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