As a result of COVID-19, many of us are spending more and more time at home than we regularly do. But extra time at home doesn’t mean you have to abandon your health and fitness. Many of us can’t afford expensive workout gear and live in small living quarters. This is why yoga can be a great solution. To practice yoga, all you need is a yoga mat, which can be easily rolled up and tucked away until your next session. If you’re looking for a new way to shake up your at-home workouts and physically challenge yourself try yoga. Yoga is such a power full exercise and the power of yoga can be assessed by the positive energy and result seen in those who do it.
What is Yoga?
Yoga originates from the Sanskrit word yog meaning union. It is a spiritual and physical practice that aims to create harmony in the body and mind. A series of physical postures, breathing techniques, and sometimes meditation make up yoga. These practices that form yoga promote physical and emotional well-being. Yogis are yoga practitioners. While yoga has spiritual and religious origins, you do not need to be either to practice yoga. Many varieties of modern yoga practiced are for exercise, such as power yoga or vinyasa yoga.
What is Power of Yoga?
Power yoga is a Westernized adaptation of ashtanga yoga, and is commonly known as “gym yoga.” Beryl Birch, Bryan Kest, and Baron Baptiste developed power yoga with athletes in mind. It places a greater emphasis on physical postures performed in a rapid sequence. Power yoga is less focused on the meditative and spiritual practices of other styles of yoga. Instead it focuses on increasing strength and flexibility. Power yoga is body-focused. You hold poses for longer and do less of them. Its appeal, for many yogis, is that enables greater customization according to preference. People often associate Power yoga and hot yoga. Don’t sweat it! You can practice power yoga without cranking up the heat.
What is Vinyasa Yoga?
Power yoga and vinyasa yoga are similar as both involve running through a series of poses quickly. Though, in vinyasa yoga poses are more frequent and held for a shorter period. Poses link together to make up a swift continuous flow. Vinyasa yoga is breath-focused. Vinyasa yoga pairs a succession of poses with breathing exercises. The body moves through poses in conjunction with your inhales and exhales. Poses typically include a lot of Sun Salutations. Vinyasa yoga, like power yoga, does not have a strict structure, so the pace can slow down or speed up depending on preference and needs.
What are the benefits of yoga?
Power yoga and vinyasa yoga provide the same benefits as aerobic exercise due to its faster pace. Like any form of exercise, yoga can help you release tension in your body and reduce mental stress. Yoga is for everyone. Whether you’re 65 or 5 years old, anyone of any age can try yoga. For beginners looking to start yoga, you don’t need to take an expensive class at a gym or a studio. When practiced at home it can be a low-cost way of working out. The Internet is an excellent resource. It contains a wealth of information from videos to picture guides on yoga poses and routines you can try.
Practicing yoga helps improve balance and stamina and increase blood flow and circulation. It also helps build and strengthen lean muscle and increase flexibility. When paired with a healthy diet, yoga can promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Beyond the physical benefits, yoga helps increase your mental clarity and concentration. This makes it an excellent tool for stress management. So what are you waiting for? Roll out your mat and get started.