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Yoga Not For You? Think Again

By: Lenox Smith For beginners, doing yoga may seem an impossible task. It might seem scary for people who have not tried doing this exercise. They might have seen men and women wearing almost nothing and are able to twist their bodies to positions that seem almost impossible.

Yoga is among the oldest practice for self-development. Its approach is gentle, helping even the stiffest bodies to yield and become flexible in a gentle way. The key to yoga is the non-competitive way of practice. Progress comes with regular practice. It does not come from sudden exercises that force the body into intense positions even if it is not ready yet. More like a work out system, people who do this exercise have made yoga a part of their daily life.

The effects are noticeable too. Stronger muscles, greater flexibility and an inner calm cannot help but be projected outwards. Family and friends may not be able to pinpoint the difference but they will gradually notice that there is something different.

The postures are called asanas and the breath is called pranayama, together they help the practitioner to relax the mind and body at will, have increased vitality, flexibility and feeling calm in a crisis. In todays manic society, feeling calm and inwardly confident can help the student to survive lifes stresses and strains.

Yoga brings clarity of mind and confidence to the serious student who practices with focus and intent every day. The best time to practice is in the morning, although for many, the body seems stiff and achy in the early hours, so the yoga session can be adapted so that it suits the individuals body and agenda.

Everyone, may it be young or old, can practice yoga. There are no limits on who can and who cannot. The most important aspect required is the desire and intent to learn. Disability or age may slow down the movement but progress can still be achieved even if the movement is minimized.

Ideally, it is beneficial for beginners to go to a class and therefore, experience expert guidance so that they know they have the correct alignment within each posture. The teacher will also explain the benefits of each posture and will show the posture in its early and more developed stages.

There are postures to avoid for specific conditions such as pregnancy for example so it is important to ensure that the teacher is aware of any conditions or illnesses and this then ensures the safety of the student.

Yoga can be done anywhere and that is the beauty of it. When you are at home, at the office, the beach, at class or the garden outside your house, you can perform yoga. Lastly, merely take pleasure while practicing yoga, no matter which discipline you try and where you want to practice. Enjoy the feeling of exercising your body and flexibility and improve your health.