It is true that yoga needs a lot of patience and dedication. It is not only a practice of having your bones and muscles stretched and toned, but it is your very road to self-discovery. All those yoga poses doesn’t only release all those tensed feelings you’ve been harboring from within, but it can lead to an awakening of your true potential as a human being.

Yoga came from the Sanskrit word, meaning ” union. ” When done properly, it will not only give you that tone, flexible body you’ve always wanted, but also helping you reach enlightenment. Yoga is something you learn by doing to the point that it becomes an integral part of your life. What’s great about yoga is that it can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, sex, or race. You don’t have to over-exert while practicing yoga, where you are in total control of the way your body will adapt to changes.

Why Should You Get Into the Yoga Habit?

1. Yoga will promise you not only flexibility, but helps you build muscle strength. Many people have attested to the physical health benefits that yoga had brought into their lives. The various yoga poses and breathing techniques help your body maximize oxygen and blood flow, making your cells healthier while making your mind clearer. This is why many have reported a sense of elation after a yoga session. It just feels so reviving.

2. Yoga is your safer alternative to heavy Cardio exercises that can do damage to your back. Just respect your body’s limits and you’re good to go. Unlike other exercises where you need to speed up, you can just slow down as long as you want.. until you feel you have perfected that pose.

3. Yoga doesn’t require athletic skills on your part for you to practice it. In fact, yoga is a great stress-buster after a day’s grueling work and you can just put on that DVD on your player and do some stretches at the comforts of your own bedroom. You may also try joining yoga classes under a professional instructor if you feel like doing yoga in a group is more inspiring.

Which Yoga Style is Good for You?

Hatha Yoga – this is commonly practiced by many, which is easiest to do. It involves a combination of movements, postures, and breathing techniques for you to achieve wellness.

Raja Yoga – this involves breathing techniques and exercises, coupled with meditation. This is great for those who want to achieve spiritual wellness as well.

Bikram Yoga – more often known as hot or fire yoga. This is practiced in a room heated at 105 degrees Fahrenheit, preparing the body for deep stretching, detoxification, and tension release. Speak with your physician if you suffer high blood pressure, migraines, or heart ailments before you walk in for a session.

Jnana Yoga – considered the most difficult, practitioners consider it as a path to wisdom and enlightenment.

Bhakti Yoga – this yoga focuses on the idea of God.

Iyengar – this yoga focuses on body posture and alignment. Props like chairs, blocks, blankets, and belts are used for students to achieve progressive poses safely and effectively.

Ashtanga – more challenging than Hatha yoga, it teaches students a unique movement or breathing technique that will force your body to sweat and cleanse out all those body toxins.

Power Yoga – this is a vigorous style that is more fitness-based and is perfect for people who want to workout, as well as build flexibility and body strength.

Remember that yoga is not a religion, but a way for you to achieve your own sense of inner peace and well-being from within. Coupled with a healthy diet, lifestyle, and natural choices, yoga can definitely give you the clearest mind and a stronger body than you can ever dream of. Namaste!

A Funny ( and effective ) Video on Facial Yoga: