| Yoga may seem mysterious to the uninitiated, but it is | | | | potential. Therefore Hatha yoga aims to make your |
| simply a form of exercise that stimulates your mind | | | | body an ideal vehicle for good health and fill it with |
| and increases your body's level of fitness. Yoga | | | | energy. Hatha concentrates on postures (asanas) and |
| means to yoke - to unite - your mind, body and spirit | | | | breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation, |
| and was derived from the Sanskirt Indians well over | | | | (Dhyana) to energize the mind, body and spirit. |
| 5000 years ago. Although yoga is ancient, it can and | | | | Whereas Hatha yoga is generally practiced at 72 - 78 |
| does make people feel and look 20 years younger. | | | | degrees, Bikram yoga is practiced in a room that is |
| Yoga means many different things to many different | | | | between 95- 108 degrees with humidity level of 60%. |
| people. It is rooted in Indian spiritual tradition, and indeed | | | | Bikram consists of 26 poses practiced for a period of |
| the word, 'yogi' means someone who practices yoga. | | | | ninety minutes and requires you to be able to exercise |
| The word yoga itself comes from the Indian word, yug, | | | | in hot temperatures. If you choose this type of yoga, |
| "to unify." A goal of yoga is to unify your mind, body | | | | make sure to drink plenty of water. If you feel more |
| and spirit to a more relaxed state of being. When you | | | | comfortable to try yoga from your living room, there |
| practice yoga breathing, you are better able to | | | | are plenty of DVD's to choose from. Just make sure |
| connect inner peace from your mind to every piece of | | | | you choose one appropriate for your age and fitness |
| your body. There are many different styles of yoga, | | | | level. |
| each with its own focus. The two most common | | | | The benefits of yoga are enormous. Muscle |
| types practiced in the United States are Hatha yoga | | | | connective tissue has a natural tendency to shorten |
| and Bikram Yoga, also known as 'hot' yoga. Each has | | | | with aging as often evidenced in the stiffness of |
| its own distinct style of movement and thought. | | | | people as young as 25. Muscles must be regularly |
| Consequently, yoga is not a religion. People who | | | | stretched to minimize muscle shortening. No matter |
| practice yoga can be Christian, Jewish, Muslim, | | | | how strong you are, if your muscles are tight; bending |
| Agnostic, or any religion they wish. Yoga is a time | | | | and reaching become very painful. |
| proven method to enhancing mental focus and | | | | Yoga helps combat the negative effects of stiffness, |
| physical balance to help you function at full capacity. | | | | pain, and stress through relaxation both mentally and |
| So What type of yoga is right for you? Hatha yoga, | | | | physically. With its gentle stretch, strengthening and |
| meaning sun (ha) and moon (tha) has become very | | | | mental conditioning it is an excellent form of exercise |
| popular in the West it is the most physical type of | | | | especially for the growing population over the age of |
| yoga. Yogi's who practice Hatha recognize that a | | | | 40. |
| weak and tired body is a barrier to your life's fullest | | | | |