Yoga is a combination of targeted movement and relaxation that originated in India thousands of years ago. Over time, yoga has spread around the globe. No wonder: you don’t need more than a comfortable sports top, pants and a mat to experience the beneficial effects of yoga.
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Yoga effects on body and soul
The positive effects of the asanas – as the exercises are called in yoga – can be seen in various areas:
- Muscles: Yoga works on the entire body. The movements activate muscles, ligaments and fascia that you may not even know you have.
- Balance and Coordination: People who practice yoga regularly have better posture. Because with yoga you stretch all muscle groups and move your body very consciously. This relieves tension and benefits the often stressed spine.
- Immune system: Some asanas are said to have a calming effect on certain organs or to help balance hormone levels. Yoga also boosts metabolism and blood circulation. All of this strengthens your immune system – unbeatable, especially during the cold season!
- Deceleration: The concentrated breathing has a meditative effect on the brain and nervous system, which reduces stress. Many breathing exercises can be easily incorporated into everyday life, so you can consciously create moments of relaxation.
Types of Yoga: From athletic to spiritual
In order to experience the positive effects of yoga , those interested can choose from various forms. An overview of the most popular types of yoga :
- Hatha Yoga: Classic yoga variant, slow and powerful. Good for beginners.
- Kundalini: Spiritual, strong focus on breathing and energy flow. Meditation with singing. Suitable for beginners and pregnant women.
- Yin Yoga: Meditative, many exercises lying down or sitting. Relaxation in individual positions, sometimes lasting minutes. Suitable for beginners.
- Vinyasa Yoga: Movement and breathing are synchronized into a dynamic flow. Varied and physical. For sporty beginners and advanced.
- Hormone Yoga: Therapeutic. Should help to compensate for hormonal imbalances.
- Bikram Yoga: Particularly sweaty at a muscle-friendly room temperature of 38 degrees. For fitness lovers.
- Ashtanga Yoga: Advanced power yoga. Physically demanding, requires a good level of fitness.
- Acro Yoga: Combines meditation and acrobatics. For the sporty, some exercises with a partner.
No matter what style of yoga you try, it is important to have the guidance of a yoga teacher. This is the only way you can be sure to perform the asanas correctly and benefit from the positive effects.