You may think that yoga is a recent exercise craze, but in fact, this practice has been around for centuries. Experts have found yoga poses carved in stone that date back as early as 3000 B.C. However, that’s just what the physical evidence supports; in fact, scholars estimate that yoga has been around since what was literally the Stone Age.

You can see, then, that yoga has been used for its benefits almost since the beginning of time. The ancients had it right, too. Yoga’s proponents don’t just rave about its exercise benefits. Instead, it’s a holistic approach to body or mind and spirit wellness that keeps everything in balance and therefore healthy — and attractive, too.

The premise is that yoga focuses on the whole body as a structure. In addition, though, the mind and spirit are also incorporated, so that the three come together. Rather than focusing on overt strength or “muscle building” as other traditional exercises do (like weightlifting), yoga focuses on balance and flexibility as well as strength. It incorporates all three. Some yoga masters, in fact, state that those who have done traditional exercise programs like weightlifting are in fact very challenged by yoga because they don’t normally focus on balance or flexibility — nor do they focus on mind and spirit, either. Therefore, yoga is a holistic practice that makes you healthy, balanced, peaceful — and strong — by concentrating on the poses and incorporating other changes into your life as well.

Yoga’s history

Yoga’s history began with the Vedic period, where rituals and ceremonies were used to break free of the mind’s limitations; this is also the core of Hinduism.

The Vedic period was followed by the Pre-Classical Yoga period, and among the things it introduced were the Upanishad scriptures, which further the Vedic teachings. This was followed by the Classical period, which introduced to the Yoga Sutra, the first attempt to standardize yoga practices.

Finally, this was followed by the Postclassical Yoga period, today’s modern yoga. This practice focuses on living in the moment, proper relaxation and exercise, good nutrition, proper breathing, positive thinking, and meditation.

Yoga as exercise

What makes yoga today so successful as an exercise practice is its focus on core muscles. Because many of the “asanas” or poses specifically focus on core muscles, it also helps improve posture, which “opens up” the body and makes it easier to breathe, stand, and simply improve “flow.”

Yoga has always focused on “perfect alignment,” in which the spine returns to its natural positioning over time, as yoga is practiced. Because of yoga’s focus, relaxation must actually be achieved at the same time as the asanas are being performed, which can actually be a challenge to those who have only done traditional exercise. Nonetheless, this “relaxation and focus” is key to yoga’s benefits, and teach students concentration; as poses continue, focus can intensify to a meditative state.

The purpose of yoga is to attain a balance of healthy mind and body. Taking it a step further, yoga can be the route to self-enlightenment. Yoga poses focus on a variety of things meditation and relaxation, a good posture, your breathing and flexibility. All of the elements within the practice of yoga can enhance ones physical and mental approach to life. When done properly, yoga can benefit your life in nearly every aspect and it is no wonder why this ancient Indian discipline is still practiced all around the world. If you are just beginning, then you will probably find the following tips for yoga and yoga poses can help to set you off on the right foot.

Your Essential Guide To Yoga

Yoga poses are assessed for their level of difficulty. As a beginner you should pay close attention to the grades on different yoga poses and never rush into doing a pose that looks difficult to perform or that are beyond your current level. Poses such as the downward dog and the child’s pose are great positions for yoga beginners.

If you feel any pains or discomfort whilst doing a pose you should stop immediately and reassess how the pose should be done. Yoga is not about pushing your boundaries and working through pain.

Throughout your yoga practice you should use a yoga specific mat. This is particularly essential for poses where you are lying down or on your knees. A woolen mat is great for any level of yoga, giving optimum comfort, stability and support.

Breathing is a major component to yoga fundamentals. You will need to have control over your breathing during all yoga poses. One never breathes the mouth, instead using the nose to take long, deep breaths and learning to use the full capacity of your lungs.

Yoga poses will move your body through a variety of postures and will stretch the muscles. One tip for any budding yogis – don’t overeat before a practice as this can upset the stomach and cause discomfort. You should also give a little time after your session before you eat something. The general rule is not to after two hours before you plan to practice and only a light meal such as a soup or salad. After, you should wait a minimum of half an hour, again making it a light meal.

If you become tired or uncomfortable whilst doing poses, don’t hesitate to give yourself a break taking a minute or two to concentrate on your breathing before proceeding with the next stance.

It is in common agreement that the best time for you o do yoga poses is in the morning, a little after you have awoken and before breakfast. This is because your mind is clearer and at its most calm, making the task of poses far easier to carry out.

Your choice of clothing will also have an impact on how well you get into different poses. Choose lightweight clothing that fits snug to the body but not too tight that it restricts movement. Cotton is a good material as it allows the body to breathe.