The Yoga Phenomenon: Is It Really as Good as They Say

It seems as if every second person you speak to tells you they've started doing yoga. This physical and mental practice has taken the world by storm over the past decade, with studios set up across every major city in the USA. But the real question that's on everyone's minds is whether yoga is really as good as everyone says. Well, we're here to give you your answer in this article. Stay tuned as we deep dive into the yoga phenomenon.

What Is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient practice that focuses on the body and mind by carrying out physical poses while controlling your breath. Rooted in the Sanskrit word "yuj," meaning "union," the purpose of yoga is to become more mentally aware of your body and its physical abilities. In religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, yoga is much more than an exercise class you do with your friends on the weekends; it's an actual way of life, and some see it as a path to inner peace. While it may seem like it's the cool thing to do these days, yoga actually dates back to more than 5000 years ago in northern India. It has been mentioned in historical teachings known as 'Rig Veda,' which were written in Sanskrit.

So, Why Exactly Has Yoga Become So Popular?

It's hard to pinpoint why everyone is taking up yoga, but some would point to its benefits. A large number of people see it as a way to de-stress and totally switch off, be present, and live in the moment, which can be tricky to do in today's society when everything seems fast-paced. Not only that, but it also provides the following perks:

• Better flexibility: Continuous yoga practice over time can lead to improved flexibility, even with less strenuous exercises. When you take part in a yoga class, you'll learn countless asanas (another word for yoga postures) that will help you build up muscle and gradually increase your flexibility.

• Improved sleep: It's widely known that yoga improves your sleep. However, it's not the yoga practice itself that directly influences sleep patterns; rather, it’s the way yoga calms the mind, which in turn positively impacts your sleep.

• Boosts your immunity: Yoga focuses on rebuilding your body's cells, which improves your immune system.

• Enhances your overall well-being: Because yoga helps you practice self-awareness and acceptance, it allows you to manage your emotions more effectively, which supports your well-being.

• Builds up strength: Like with any form of exercise that requires you to work your muscles, yoga enables you to build up strength.

The Main Types of Yoga

There's yoga, and then there's the types of yoga. If you're considering starting out doing yoga, you'll need to learn about the different styles so you can choose the right option based on your ability. Here are some of the main types:

• Vinyasa yoga: Each movement is connected to the other, and every move transitions to the next rather than doing everything individually.

• Kundalini yoga: A combination of movements, chants, breathing exercises, and meditations.

• Hatha: Often chosen as a starting point for beginners, Hatha blends breathing techniques and static poses in a less strenuous manner than some of the other options.

• Restorative yoga: This practice places an emphasis on holding your poses for an extended period with the use of equipment for support.

• Bikram yoga: One of the most unique types of yoga, Bikram has a strict schedule of 26 poses that takes place in a hot room of usually around 105 °F (41 °C).

What Are Some Typical Yoga Exercises for Beginners?

While every type of yoga has its own type of exercises that the participants will need to follow, there are some basic movements you can do by yourself to get started. These are some of them:

• Mountain pose: Standing straight, facing outwards with your pelvis and shoulders aligned and your arms hanging down straight by your side.

• Sukhasana: You sit down on the ground with your legs crossed, and your hands should be placed on top of your knees with your palms facing upwards. For this one, your spine needs to be straight, and then you need to breathe in as guided by your instructor.

• Downward-facing dog: Arguably the most well-known pose of all in the Western world, the downward-facing dog may sound funny, but it's a tough one to hold. You need to get your body into a V-shape position with your palms facing down with your head, and then you need to try to stretch your heels down onto the ground.

• Child's pose: Push your chest down towards the floor out in front of your knees with your arms facing outwards as far as possible while you push your butt back.

• Vrksasana: Also known as the tree pose, vrksasana is carried out by standing upward with your hands together and pointing upwards to the sky. You'll then have to stand on one leg with the other curled up and pushed into the side of your thigh on the leg that you're standing on.

The Real Question: Is Yoga All It’s Cracked Up to Be?

After breaking down yoga as a practice, you're probably wondering if it's all it's cracked up to be or if it's some snake oil stuff. It may seem a little too good to be true, but some real scientific evidence found by Harvard suggests that yoga provides some significant benefits. For example, they carried out a study among a few people who live a sedentary lifestyle; these people were tested after doing two yoga sessions a week over an eight-week period, and it found that they ended up with improved flexibility levels, increased muscle power, and better cardio-respiratory fitness. That's pretty good evidence if you ask us! The facts speak for themselves; while the whole yoga sphere may seem a little like another trendy wellness obsession that doesn't provide many benefits, it actually does! If you're thinking of starting yoga but want to get the most out of the experience, it's best to do your classes with a certified instructor, so you learn the proper techniques and don't get injured.