Yoga might be all the rage today, but it’s actually an ancient art that began thousands of years ago in India. The positions in yoga – Downward Dog, Camel Pose, High Lunge – require physical discipline, but yoga also is a mental mindset, which is why the Sanskrit word can be translated to mean “yoke” or to unite the mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is for just about everyone – for teens especially. The earlier one starts the longer the benefits can last (like a lifetime). Check out the benefits.
Benefits of Yoga
Everyone from Madonna to your best friend seems to be doing yoga. Here are a few reasons why:
- Yoga increases flexibility and physical awareness.
- Yoga incorporates stretching and strength training at the same time.
- Yoga can minimize risk to joints and muscles, decreasing chances of becoming injured. Yoga incorporates a lot of stretching, which loosens muscles in the process.
- Postural alignment can be improved through yoga.
- Yoga emphasizes steady breathing, which oxygenates blood and calms a busy mind.
- Yoga brings a sense of peace and is great for managing stress. It also improves mental focus.
Yoga Styles
If you are new to yoga, pick a style that matches your personality and physical ability. Choosing the wrong kind of yoga can be a turn-off. And, of course, as with any form of new exercise, consult a health professional before starting yoga.
- Hatha: A slow-paced, gentle type of yoga, good for an introduction to basic yoga poses.
- Vinyasa: Consists of a series of movements synchronized to breathing; more vigorous than Hatha.
- Ashtanga and Power Yoga: Fast-paced and intense, and includes a set of poses performed in the same order (sun and moon salutations); can be physically challenging because of constant movement from one pose to the next. Some forms are conducted in high temperature studios (90-100ºF). Not recommended for yoga beginners.
- Iyengar: Focuses on body alignment. Poses are held for long periods of time instead of moving quickly from one pose to the next, as in Ashtanga and Power Yoga.
Yoga Attire
Wear comfortable, breathable clothes that are easy to move around in. Form-fitting clothes are helpful, since some yoga poses can cause garments to slide up or down. Yoga is mostly done barefooted and shoes are usually left at the entrance of the studio.
What to Bring
Pranayama is the science of breath control, or breathing. Yoga practitioners like to focus on their breathing as a way of meditating.
During yoga classes, students are positioned on a yoga mat to create traction on hands and feet, preventing slippage. The mat also cushions bodies from the hard floor. Many gyms and yoga studios offer rental mats for free or a small fee, or you can purchase one for $20 or more. It’s smart also to bring water and towels, especially if you’re doing Ashtanga and Power Yoga, which can make you sweat more.
Tips for New Practitioners
- The best time for yoga is in the morning before breakfast or later in the evening. Your mind tends to be less cluttered, and you won’t be too full from eating.
- Practice yoga in a place that is clean and free from distraction.
- Avoid eating (except for a light snack if needed) for two hours before class to avoid feeling tired or bloated.
- Master easy poses before moving onto more difficult ones.
- Stop and relax when feeling fatigued.
This article was reviewed by BodiMojo expert Deborah Rohm Young, Ph.D.
