| Physical fitness is an extremely important factor in | | | | the yogi through a series of 26 postures that stimulate |
| leading a happy and healthy life, and it can be achieved | | | | and galvanize the whole body. |
| by a number of different exercise regimes. One of the | | | | Ashtanga is another extremely popular form of yoga |
| routines that prove to be beneficial in achieving goals | | | | to achieve physical fitness, which was introduced by |
| of physical fitness is yoga. Yoga is a practice of the | | | | Guru Pattabhi Jois. It involves a combination of asanas |
| mind and body with its roots deeply implanted in the | | | | and pranayamas that utilize various body parts to |
| ancient Hindu culture. Initially yoga was practiced mainly | | | | provide a lot of cardiovascular benefits. These poses |
| for meditative purposes but it also provided strength | | | | and breathing techniques collectively let the body reach |
| and flexibility to the body while relaxing the mind as | | | | its maximum levels of physical health and well being. |
| well. With the advent of yoga in the western world, it | | | | Iyengar was founded by BKS Iyengar and is a |
| was transformed into a more physically active | | | | variation of the Ashtanga yoga. It uses the aid of |
| exercise plan and minimized focus on the meditativel | | | | props such as cushions, belts and blocks to perform |
| side. Although people practice yoga for both purposes, | | | | the different postures in order to accomplish greater |
| many opt to follow it purely on a physical fitness basis. | | | | balancing and strengthening from each session. It also |
| There are various types of yoga that are suitable for | | | | places great emphasis on achieving proper body |
| acquiring a well toned and healthy body. Most of these | | | | alignment for best results from a class. Iyengar |
| modern categories fall under the Hatha yoga, which is | | | | modules offer one on one teacher student interaction |
| commonly referred to yoga in the western countries. | | | | in order for the yogi to gain the strength that helps to |
| Hatha has many different variations and the most | | | | develop a robust and fit body. |
| popular ones for fitness purposes are: | | | | Modern day workout systems such as Aerobics, |
| - Bikram | | | | Pilates and Weight training present a tough routine for |
| - Ashtanga | | | | the body to attain physical fitness, but session leave |
| - Iyengar | | | | you drained and tired. Many people believe that they |
| Bikram yoga, which was introduced by Bikram | | | | are gaining a healthy and in shape body from these |
| Choudhury, is an excellent yoga method which is | | | | lessons, but at times they overexert the body and |
| performed in a room with temperatures up to 105 | | | | propels it into recession. In comparison, yoga when |
| degree Fahrenheit. This is a fast paced exercise | | | | practiced properly replenishes the body along with |
| program and the high temperature is very effective in | | | | creating a balance between the body, mind and soul |
| burning excess fat and providing extra flexibility to all | | | | and creating harmony among them. This leaves the |
| body joints and muscles. These sessions are very | | | | yogi with a feeling of peace and energy, while gaining |
| effective in improving your physical state as it leads | | | | immensely from the physical aspect of the workout. |