What is yoga?

Yoga is many different things to many people, but for most people when they think of yoga they picture someone twisted up into a human knot! Or sitting in a dark room not moving while making a very strange sound! While that is how it is commonly portrayed in the popular media, it really is something much more and a lot more beneficial.

Yoga goes far beyond just mere exercises full of awkward routines. Yoga is the union of mind, spirit and body. Yoga generally refers to the common use of a system of exercises that
is practiced as part of this discipline.

There are many institutions of yoga all of which have their own unique practices and
beliefs. For our purposes, we have listed the five most common yoga practices as these are what you will likely find at local schools and recreation centers.

HATHA: this is the most popular variety of yoga and one that has been commonly
taught for years. So what is the goal of yoga for them? For them it is perfecting the mind by
way of perfecting the body.

With this technique many asanas or postures, breathing techniques and meditations
are used.

ASHTANGA: This yoga is another popular type they are much faster than the other
schools. What is the yoga goal for ashtanga’s?

For them yoga can be considered as a type of aerobic yoga for they instill quick and
smooth transitions between poses.

KUNDALINI: This school is focused on awakening and focusing what is known as
kundalini energy. Kundalini energy is most easily compared to life energy that lies
dormant in our bodies. It is commonly represented by a coiled snake.

MANTRA: This type of yoga is focused on calming the mind and body through the
usage of words and sounds. The well known 'om' chant is commonly heard in this
school.

TANTRA: This type of school is well known by way of its focus on sexual spirituality.
They also focus on kundalini energy, although their intent for awakening it is much
different from the Kundalini practice.

Yoga is a very diverse practice, no matter which school you choose. People young
and old can gain many benefits from regular yoga practices, and asanas can be
adjusted to fit physical limitations and other complications.

If you want a break from treadmills, weight rooms, or the pool, take a look at yoga.
Not only are you striving towards physical well being, you are striving towards
spiritual well being as well.

If you would like to learn more, sign up for our free ecourse, Functional Yoga 4 Families. Learn a little about the history and benefits of an on going personal yoga practice!