The Benefits of Yoga

If you are one of the 11 million + Americans who practice yoga, congratulations, you're on the right track. If you're not, let's chat. Yoga is an ancient practice, having been in existence for over 5,000 years. To say it's a trend is simply untrue. 

According to WebMD, most Westernized yoga classes focus on learning physical poses, called asanas. They also usually include some form of breathing technique and possibly a meditation technique as well. Some yoga classes are designed purely for relaxation, while other styles of yoga that teach you how to move your body in new and liberating ways. Choosing one of these styles offers the greatest health benefits by enabling you to develop your flexibility, strength, and balance.

The series of yoga poses called asanas work by safely stretching your muscles. This releases the lactic acid that builds up with muscle use and causes stiffness, tension, pain, and fatigue. In addition, yoga increases the range of motion in joints. Yoga stretches not only your muscles but also, all of the soft tissues of your body. 

From strength, improved internal body function and flexibility, to increased alertness, clear skin and weight loss, yoga could be all you've dreamed of. There are many types of yoga..too many to discuss in one blog post but a few include Iyengar*, bikram, vinyasa*, hot yoga* and hatha* (*'s indicated classes offered at the Wave House Athletic Club - See below for descriptions).

Here in short, kind of, is an introduction to Yoga. Most non yogis think of the practice as a 'fake' workout. Skeptics question the athletic benefits of 'breathing and stretching for an hour'. As a former non believer, I'm testament to the supreme athletic benefits of this exercise. Personally, I'm partial to hot yoga and often practice a heated vinyasa flow. In these classes, you truly focus on your breathing, removing yourself from your life and the world around you, and focus on living in the absolute present. It is a group practice in that you build on the energy generating from those around you, but first and foremost, it is a personal experience for you and only you.

It allows you to escape your everyday and get back to your inner self, releasing life's drudgery that tends to bog people down. You leave feeling clean and refreshed and like you've done something truly amazing for your body. I've noticed improved strength and tone all over my body and increased clarity in my mind. Try a yoga class of any kind with an open mind and see how you like it. Whether your goals are weight loss, mental cleanse or increasing your strenth, yoga is an athletic experience unlike any other. Namaste.

Iyengar: This yoga is characterized by great attention to detail and precise focus on body alignment. It is known for its use of props, such as cushions, blocks, straps, blankets and belts, which function as aids in performing yoga exercises. It emphasizes on the development of strength, stamina, flexibility and balance, as well as concentration and meditation. This is a great place to start for people who are not physically fit to do a flowing style practice but also appealing to more advanced yogis who want to work on their alignment.

Power Vinyasa: Power Vinyasa is a choreography of poses put together to create an intense, continuous flow of different postures. You will be challenged to hold postures with grace, and to flow from posture to posture, one breath to one movement. 

Vinyasa: The Vinyasa flow is a vigorous, flowing and dynamic Yoga practice that synchronizes the Ujjayi breath and movement, using Sun Salutations to connect postures. It is a well-balanced Yoga practice that develops strength, balance and flexibility. 

Hot Yoga: combines the flowing powerful poses of Istanga with the heat of 80 to 90 degree air temperature to allow you to sweat buckets of dingy toxic buildup freeing you to Feel Totally Alive, Refreshed, and Quick on your feet. Be prepared to sweat. Rid yourself of a lifetime of stress and experience the rejuvenation of Hot Yoga.

Hatha: Is best-known form of yoga in the West because it is often taught as a form of physical therapy. It is a slow-paced stretching class with some simple breathing exercises and meditation. This is a good place to learn basic poses, relaxation techniques, and become comfortable with yoga.