"Yoga - The Way To Vitality, Health and Energy"

Muscle relaxing yoga has been practiced for thousands of years originating in India.  Physically it promotes flexibility, energy, stability and relaxation.  Mentally it promotes balance, concentration and tranquility.  No matter how old you are, this ancient practice will improve your quality of life as it holds the keys to youth and longevity. 

Growing older is a fact of life one cannot escape.  In youth, good health and physical strength is taken for granted and seems inexhaustible.  Once you reach middle age you become aware of the depletion of this natural vitality. The results of wear and tear begin to show and be felt.  The aging process cannot be halted but you can keep body and mind in peak condition and free from deterioration through practicing muscle relaxing yoga.  The practice of yoga is an all-in-one physical, mental and spiritual experience plus a superior form of fitness.  Establish yoga as a lifelong fitness program incorporating it into your daily life. 

Yoga the Iyengar way, Hatha , Bikram, and Ashtanga are the most popular forms of this ancient practice today.  The different styles of yoga were developed by different yoga gurus and a brief description of each will help determine which is best for you.  However, if you are a beginner, start with simple yoga postures and eventually move on to intermediate and advanced levels. 

Which Type Is For You?

Iyengar Yoga is good for beginners because props such as straps and blocks are used helping  the body into the correct positions required.  This practice focuses on correct body alignment resulting in eliminating aches, pains and improving posture.  Poses are done slowly with awareness and held for a longer amount of time to intensify the stretch in order to maximize its benefit.  This stretching and holding makes the body more flexible, firms muscles and builds physical endurance.

Hatha Yoga combines regulated breathing and body stretching to produce the utmost flexibility, health and vitality.  Breathing slowly and deeply purifies the blood resulting in a glowing complexion.  Oxygen supply increases to the brain giving mental alertness and clarity.  Moving into a pose slowly and holding for a period of time allows the body to stretch naturally to its own capacity.

Bikram or Hot Yoga is a series of 26 Hatha yoga postures and 2 breathing exercises performed in a heated room.  The body becomes more flexible in the heat eliminating risk of injury.  Sweating is promoted helping to release toxins.  Each pose works on your internal organs as well as stretching and strengthening muscles, joints and ligaments.  The 26 postures are designed to work every part of the body in correct order and each pose prepares the body for the next pose.  Bikram classes are designed for all levels from beginner to experienced students.  The same routine is used in every class. 

Ashtanga or Power Yoga involves a fast paced series of sequential poses.  The powerful movements include pushups and lunges focusing on building strength and stamina.  This yoga is physically more demanding and appeals to athletes or anyone who already has a high level of fitness. 

A yoga class teaches students to perform movements correctly and safely.  Because you need proper alignment to protect yourself from injury, a qualified yoga teacher watches if you're using  correct form and will help you adapt poses to your physical ability.  Try different classes to find out which form is most suitable for you.  You can practice at home with yoga guides and videos on your own once you learn the basics.  Yoga classes are offered in health clubs, schools, yoga centers, YMCA's, senior centers and community centers.  Classes usually last about 60-90 minutes. 

Yoga clothing specifically designed for exercise should be light and comfortable allowing your body to move smoothly. Capri style yoga pants for women and yoga tops usually made of lycra or cotton are available online and at specialized yoga stores.  An essential tool for practice is a comfortable yoga mat.  Ideally, a yoga "sticky" mat should have sufficient grip, be easy to clean or wash and lightweight for carrying.  Depending on which type of yoga practice, you might also require belts or straps, soft blocks or bolsters for support, Zafu meditation pillows and a blanket to keep you warm in the final resting pose.  Look here for yoga and meditation mats, equipment and apparel.

What Yoga Can Do For You

-  stretch, extend and flex the spine

-  exercise muscles and joints keeping your body supple and strong

-  stimulate digestion, circulation, nervous and endocrine systems

-  undo stiffness and tension

-  normalize body weight and streamline body shape

-  relieve stress and promote relaxation

-  increase immunity against disease

-  gain mental alertness and inner peace

Apart from a firm body, glowing skin and a sparkling vitality is acquired practicing yoga.  Good circulation enriches the skin and eliminates toxins.  A strong healthy spine is the key to good posture which accompanies beauty and youthfulness.

The ancient discipline of yoga is low impact and invigorating rather than exhausting.  As an alternative to more strenuous exercise, try this gentle way to stay fit and reach new levels of mental clarity and physical vitality.  Feel younger as you get older practicing muscle relaxing yoga.