| Yoga originated in ancient India. In its original meaning, it | | | | Sukhasana or sit/easy position, which creates an |
| was allied with mental and physical disciplines, but in | | | | awareness of breathing and strengthens the lower |
| modern times in the west has come to be mainly | | | | back and opens the hips and groin |
| associated with its physical aspect, known by the | | | | Dog and Cat, which makes the spine more flexible. |
| Sanskrit word as Asana. Asana is a body position | | | | Tadasana or Mountain position which is a standing |
| which is associated with the restoration and | | | | position which is designed to improve balance and |
| maintenance of the wellbeing of the individual who | | | | posture. |
| practices the art. Asana is only one of a number of | | | | Trikonasana or Triangle, which is a spine stretching |
| aspects of yoga, the majority of which are associated | | | | exercise. |
| with the spiritual and mental aspects. | | | | Bhujangasana or the Cobra, which also stretches the |
| The advantage that yoga enjoys over many other | | | | spine, strengthening the back and the arms, and |
| popular physical disciplines is the fact that it does not | | | | opening the chest and heart. |
| involve the body in stressful high-impact exercise. It is | | | | Virabhadrasana or Warrior, which is an arm and leg |
| also performed in a non-competitive context so that | | | | strengthening exercise as well being an aide to |
| the individual ego doesn't get much of a chance to | | | | improving balance. |
| intrude into proceedings. | | | | Uttanasana or Forward Bend and Extension which |
| There are a number of postures or poses involved in | | | | stretches the spine and legs, and gives the neck and |
| yoga that are designed to increase the practitioner's | | | | the heart a rest and is relaxing for the body and mind. |
| strength and flexibility over time. No matter how | | | | Savasana or The Corpse, which relieves stress and is |
| inflexible you may be, there is always room for | | | | relaxing for both mind and body. |
| improvement, and your own individual progression is | | | | Sethu Bandhasa or The Bridge, which is designed to |
| the only path that you need to be pursuing. Breath | | | | improve flexibility and to make the abdominal muscles |
| control and meditation may be included in yoga | | | | and lower back stronger. |
| classes, depending on whether or not the individual | | | | Janu Shirshasana or Head to Knee, which increases |
| teacher likes to involve some of the spiritual aspects | | | | flexibility while stretching the hamstrings and the back. |
| of yoga with the physical aspects. | | | | Adho Mukha Svanasana or Downward Facing Dog, |
| There are many different styles of yoga classes | | | | which improves flexibility and strength while stretching |
| available. They are all involved with the same basic | | | | the hamstrings and spine and resting the heart. |
| postures, but each style emphasizes different aspect | | | | Ardha Sarvangasana or Half Shoulder stand which is |
| of the exercise, such as Vinyasa, which involves the | | | | good for improving the circulation of the blood, while |
| breath being in concert with the physical movements, | | | | stretching the upper back region and strengthening the |
| or Ashtanga, which is a faster style and is also | | | | abdominal muscles. It also helps to promote improved |
| referred to as "Power Yoga". Iyengar is concerned | | | | function of the thyroid gland. |
| with the alignment of the body during the exercises. | | | | So if you feel that you wish to pursue some path to |
| Another style with a strong emphasis on the breath is | | | | fitness and wellbeing, and the thought of pounding the |
| Kundalini, the purpose of which is the upper movement | | | | pavements and putting up with sweaty gyms does not |
| of energy within the body. Some of the other yoga | | | | appeal to you, then the gentle art of yoga may be just |
| styles are Sivananda, Kripalu, Anusara, and Jivamukti. | | | | what your inner doctor ordered. |
| The basic postures include: | | | | |