A basic fitness plan consists of a combination of strength, or resistance training, along with heart-pumping cardiovascular workouts. The fitness industry is increasingly accepting yoga as an integral part of an all-around fitness plan, counting endurance, flexibility, and balance among the benefits regular yoga participants report experiencing.
What exactly is yoga and where did it come from?
Archeological evidence dating as far back as 3300 BC depicts humans engaged in yoga poses. The oldest evidence is found in the Indus Valley in India. This suggests that yoga was practiced as a ritual discipline and concentration. Drawings and ancient texts suggest yoga was practiced by both humans and deities.
Yoga originated in India but did not arrive in the Western world until the 20th Century. It was discovered by hippies in the 1960s as a way to spiritual enlightenment that did not involve the psychoactive drugs popular at the time. Yoga enjoyed increasing popularity in the last half of the 20th Century and continues to be popular in the early 21st Century.
Essentially, yoga is a slow, concentrated workout consisting of a series of poses and slow movements while practicing deep, cleansing breaths. It focuses on proper relaxation, breathing, thinking, and meditation, along with proper diet and exercise.
There are many different styles and approaches to yoga. Some types have existed since ancient times but new styles have emerged in the last 50 years. Many of these are simply a modern interpretation of an ancient discipline. Others styles have reinvented a particular style of yoga, updated for today's yogis.
Physical benefits of yoga include better sleep patterns and decreased blood pressure. It also promotes overall cardio and circulatory health. Yoga can improve your respiratory system and balance your metabolism. Participants report they have more energy and vitality, as well as increased flexibility. It can also relieve pain and prevent illness, not to mention help you look and feel younger.
Psychological benefits of yoga include an elevated mood and an increased ability to effectively deal with and release stress. It also encourages positive thinking and a better memory.
In Hindu the word "yoga" means "spiritual discipline." The underlying goal with any style of yoga workout is finding and embracing the inner self. Whether the primary focus is on meditation and turning your focus inward, or on synchronizing breathing with postures and body movements, yoga participants report an increased awareness of their inner self and their oneness with the universe.
Copyright Sharon Sweeny, 2011
Sharon Sweeny is a writer trying to get into better physical shape by doing a daily workout 365 days in a row. Follow her progress daily on her blog at edailyworkout.com edailyworkout.com.
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