I guess that if you are reading this, you have not been "too" intimidated by pictures of people smilingly contorting themselves into seemingly impossible, and possibly painful, positions. Apparently, you also have at least a somewhat open mind about "alternative" ways to exercise, improve health, and (dare I say the word, "meditate") learn a method of relaxation and focus that seems a little...well...weird!
Let's deal with the "weird" aspects of yoga first.
I am a 66-year-old retired army sergeant and truck driver who simply does not believe in weird stuff, but who tried yoga for the first time in the 1960's and still uses many of poses and movements in my personal exercise program today. At the risk of offending those who have their own views on things like UFO's, ghosts, and mental telepathy, I am open to review evidence but have not seen anything to make me "believe" in these things as yet.
However, I do look at many things, such as the law of attraction, meditation, and yoga from a practical point of view and see how, even stripped of their mystic aspects, they can be of genuine benefit to health, happiness, and personal prosperity. Not only that, once you take away those mystic views, there is usually some hard evidence to support their value, even if Tinkerbell is not going to fly in the window, sprinkle you with fairy dust, and whisk you off to Never Never Land!
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that if YOU believe in the more mystical aspects of these things that YOU are wrong! Not at all. I am simply saying that I am the kind of guy who needs some hard evidence of water depth before I dive into the pool.
When it comes to yoga, some of the hard evidence from many sources is that it can be a great exercise program, helps get rid of stress, can improve concentration, and has a host of other health and wellness benefits. New good news about yoga keeps cropping up. In fact, I just finished writing a comment elsewhere on the fact that a recent study has shown that the regular practice of yoga reduces the risk of irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) which can, in turn, reduce the risk of a stroke. The study also indicated some other health benefits, but, they simply duplicated many things already pretty well documented, such as relief of stress, better health, improved quality of fitness in particular and life in general.
So, how hard is it to become a competent, qualified yogi (female - yogin) like the people in the pictures in the books on yoga?
Well, fact is, for most people...pretty hard.
On the other hand, ordinary people practicing yoga at a much less intense level of activity and accomplishment can still achieve extremely rewarding results. That ordinary person, with time and dedication, may eventually wind up writing their own yoga book or posing for pictures. It just takes time and effort.
One of the great things about yoga is that almost anybody can practice it in some form. Men, women, children, seniors, people who are overweight, or people with disabilities can usually put together some form of yoga practice which provides them the health and wellness benefits which the discipline can provide.
There are several types of yoga, and it is best if you ease your way into it.
You will probably want to begin with Hatha Yoga, which is essentially the practice of basic poses done slowly and gently. Don't be concerned if you cannot duplicate the pictures. Do what you can without straining, but do it regularly.
You will hear about other yoga forms, such as Vinyasa, Bikram, and Ashtanga. while they all have their benefits and adherents, my advice is to leave those for a later time once you know the basics of yoga.
You will be happy to learn that the basics of Hatha Yoga can be quite easy to learn!
While guidance from a qualified instructor is probably the best way to get started, you can learn a lot from yoga videos and books. Just heed the advice of one of my own fitness instructors from long ago, "Train, don't strain."
You can find all the information you need on actual postures (asanas) at your local library, Amazon.com, and sites specializing in yoga, such as Wai Lana Yoga, and Gaiam.
Yoga is so simple to start that you don't even need any special equipment, clothing, or even a large space for your practice. I have often done yoga in a space at the foot of my bed, and have even done it...ahem...in the nude.
Ooh! Bad picture! Old guy doing yoga naked.
Let's move on, shall we?
While there are some pieces of yoga equipment, such as blocks or straps, which you "might" want to try later, and while a yoga mat can be a handy thing to throw on the rug or a wood floor, you don't really "need" any specific equipment to get started.
The most important thing will be the person, book, or video which teaches you how to do the yoga movements and poses, and your own personal willingness to stick with the program.
Get started with yoga and stick with it for a few weeks, and you will soon begin to see the benefits which this old and effective discipline can provide.
Donovan Baldwin is a 66-year-old amateur bodybuilder, freelance writer, certified optician, and Internet marketer currently living in the Atlanta, Georgia area. A University Of West Florida alumnus (1973) with a BA in accounting, he has been a member of Mensa and has been a Program Accountant for the Florida State Department of Education, the Business Manager of a community mental health center, and a multi-county Fiscal Consultant for an educational field office. He has also been a trainer for a major international corporation, and has managed various small businesses, including his own. After retiring from the U. S. Army in 1995, with 21 years of service, he became interested in Internet marketing and developed various online businesses. He has been writing poetry, articles, and essays for over 40 years, and now frequently publishes original articles on his own websites and for use by other webmasters. You can find more information on yoga.4mg.com yoga at yoga.4mg.com yoga.4mg.com.
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