Alternative fitness programs are more popular and are becoming more a regular part of a balanced health and wellness regiment these days. One of the longest running and most popular of these alternative programs is the practice of Yoga. The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, meaning to yoke or bind, and is often interpreted as “union” or a method of discipline.
People have often confused the practices of Yoga with a form of religion, but it is not. It is a philosophy that began in India an estimated 5,000 years ago and is the physical practice of stretching the body in different ways, focusing one’s attention and becoming one with the universe. It uses body, breath, and senses in an effort to reconnect you with the universe and help to move your emotions and thoughts into stillness.
Another popular myth is that you need to be very flexible to start practicing Yoga, but that’s a bit like thinking that you need to be an expert golfer before you can take golf lessons! People can come to Yoga classes just as they are, and many will find that their body will become more flexible, right along with their mind.
No special gear is needed for Yoga either. Just a pair of sweat pants, leggings, or shorts, and a t-shirt that’s not too baggy. No special footgear is required for class either, because you will most likely be barefoot for your classes. As your practice develops, you might want to buy your own Yoga mat, but most studios will have mats and other Yoga gear available for you to use if you need them.
Once you begin the practice of Yoga, the new agility that you will find you have will be balanced with a new strength, coordination, and enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall wellbeing. All you really need to start today is your body, your mind, and a bit of curiosity!
Laurel Walther has a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics and an M.S. in Integrated Marketing, Communications and has worked for over a decade in several areas of healthcare and health education throughout Northern Illinois.
