Before I attended my first yoga class at a wonderful Alexandria, VA yoga studio (Pure Prana) in 2006, I had only a vague notion of what yoga meant. I thought it was just some boring stretching on the floor. I thought it was the equivalent of the warm-up and cool-down I did before and after a "real" workout at the gym. Perfunctory, secondary, easy. Um, notsomuch.
Yoga is many things to many different people, but I will share my perspective on what it is, based on my four years of practicing and studying yoga. (But please remember, I am not a medical expert).
Yoga is a physical, mental, and possibly even spiritual practice, depending on what you make of it. Yoga combines physical movements with intentional breathing patterns and meditative thoughts to effect the results of a more balanced, strong body and a more calm, open mind. Benefits of yoga may include, depending on the person and the practice:
- Alleviation of muscle tension and pain, including chronic back pain
- Encouragement of weight reduction
- Reduction of stress
- Helps in injury recovery
- Slowed aging process
- Added flexibility and strength
- Improvement of circulation, breathing, and blood pressure
- Improvement of posture, balance, and body alignment
- Sharper concentration
- Increased muscle tone
- Increased stamina
- Relaxation of the body and mind
- Replenishment of energy
- Promotion of restful sleep
In my four+ years of practicing yoga, I have experienced most of these benefits to varying degrees. I try to practice yoga in such a way that all muscle groups get some attention, and so that my spine gets true therapy. I no longer do "gym" workouts, as I found that those were boring, repetitive, and usually only worked a few muscle groups. I also noticed that after exercising on a treadmill or elliptical and doing some weight training, my back would actually hurt more than before the workout. I still do many other activities, including frequent hiking and biking, and also kayaking and swimming in the summer. I find that these natural outdoorsy fun activities are a great complement to a hearty yoga practice.
Yoga was a transformational experience for me, and I hope it will be for you too!
