True Yoga is more than physical exercise. Yoga is not a religion. It is a practice that benefits not only physically, but cultivates an emotional and mental well being. The word “yoga” means "to yoke", and symbolizes the union of the mind and body. It teaches awareness of our internal mental and physical health through the practice of the asana (positions) and pranayama (breath). Conscious breathing not only energizes and feeds the body and brain, but also calms the body and mind. It is this constant mindfulness that makes yoga different from other repetitive exercise. The practice of yoga involves more conscious graceful control of movement through the breath and awareness of benefit, rather than “reps” so often done with momentum. Yoga is proven to relieve stress, tension, anxiety, and mild depression. It improves breath capacity, digestion, cardiovascular circulation, and some regulation of the endocrine system, including pituitary and thyroid, and increases metabolism. Yoga increases flexibility, builds lean svelte muscles, and aligns the spine.
The practice of yoga benefits the most sedentary person, by teaching them movement and breath, the foundation of calorie burning exercise, as well as the most fit athlete by teaching them deeper stretches and flexibility, and isometric as well as isotonic exercise. Yoga develops keener mental clarity and focus for the experienced athlete as well as the person just seeking a healthier lifestyle!