Yoga for fitness has gained immense popularity over the past few years. Yoga is gaining popularity in America as well, as more people look for ways to get in shape and shed those excess pounds. It is also becoming very popular among middle aged and older people. Many individuals are finding yoga to be an enjoyable and effective way to manage stress and lower blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes levels. There is no denying that yoga is an excellent way to remain physically fit and healthy.
What exactly is YOGA for fitness? Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning “to unite”. This practice consists of many forms of physical exercises, and is a great way to strengthen muscles, to control weight, to develop self-awareness, and to relax. Most people believe yoga helps you lose weight? The answer is yes, there are many yoga studios around the world that provide fitness yoga classes specifically for weight loss. The main focus of these classes is breathing awareness, meditation and strength building.
The first type of exercise you will likely focus on, is “Pranayama”. This type of yoga is known for it’s deep breathing awareness. These types of yoga poses require you to be on your toes, elbows, and hips, with your arms hanging down. Control your breath so that you are concentrating on the rhythm of your breath, while you do the yoga poses. You may want to consider purchasing a yoga mat for this exercise as it will make the workout more comfortable for you.
Next on our list of exercises, we have “Vinyasa”. Vinyasa is often described as flow yoga. In this style of YOGA for fitness, you will move from one pose to another, breathing deeply and moving smoothly. The goal is to bring your body, mind, and spirit into one together, so that you are able to achieve a sense of balance, health, and power. As you work your way through the various vinyasa exercises, you will develop your own style, as well as strengthen your core muscles and heart rate.
The last form we will discuss is called “power yoga”. Power yoga is designed for those who need to develop incredible strength, endurance, and muscle tone. It also helps you melt off fat, and gain lean muscle mass. In this form of YOGA for fitness, you will alternate between various strength exercises and cardio exercises, while working your entire body.
Many of these poses can be done in a health club or at home. Others should be performed only in a heated room. The most important thing is that you are not overdoing it. You need to rest in between your practice sessions to let your body fully recuperate from each session. In the end, you will realize that you are able to enjoy the many benefits that vinyasa has to offer. If you have back pain, you should consider practicing yoga, especially if you have had back pain before.
