Yoga: Benefits, Types, & Tips

Yoga has been a form of exercise worldwide since ancient India. It incorporates physical, mental, and spiritual properties into its practice. These methods have created a lifestyle and become it's own culture. Although many individuals have reservations about trying it. I'm use to hearing, "Well I'm not that flexible", or "It's too slow for me". There are various types of yoga out there. As well as tools and tips to get started. Unlike other forms of exercise their are deeper connections to mind and body. It is one of the best forms of exercise for all types of individuals. This is a small breakdown of the benefits, types, and tips of yoga.

Yoga contains many benefits from its practice. It helps build strength and creates a foundation of harmony. The relaxation techniques help with many issues such as chronic pain, headaches, arthritis, and can improve mental health. The meditative breathing helps with clearing the mind and getting back to your body.

Other benefits include:

• increased flexibility
• cardio and circulatory health
• weight loss
• energy and vitality
• improve sleep
• muscle strength
• reduce inflammation
• reduce stress and anxiety
• improve overall well being

There are also many different types of yoga. The best thing to do when trying yoga is to do a few different techniques. The postures and pace vary for each type. I personally practice 5 different types and still try new ones. These are some of my favorites.

5 types for beginners:

• Anusara- this type is great for beginners as it works on the "principle of alignment". Uses many basic postures at a slow flow.
• Hatha- teaches physical postures at a gentle pace. 
• Yin- this technique uses deep stretching postures held for longer periods of time.
• Restorative- a relaxing practice to soothe your nerves and uses many props. Also holds deep stretches for long periods of time. Known as a yogi's "nap time".
• Vinyasa- also known as flow yoga. This technique transfers fluently from pose to pose.

One of the things I wish I got when starting yoga is a few tips. I remember starting out in a mixed level class going "wow this is fast!". Although they taught modified versions the instructor had to move quickly with the rest of the advanced students. It kind of discouraged me from going back right away because I struggled to do the postures. This happens to many who try to start out at a level that is too intense. Best advice start with a gentle practice. Even if your goal is to stand on your head or lose weight. These goals takes time.

Tips for yoga practice:

• Start small even one class a week and go from there.
• Do modified versions of poses if you can't fully get into a pose.
• Try at home first! There are great instructors on YouTube you can try for free. The 3 I recommend would be: Yoga with Adriene, BrettLarkinYoga, and SarahBethYoga.
• Get a few props besides the mat such as a block for balance, straps for building flexibility, and a towel to keep your mat dry. You can purchase great starter kits on Amazon.
• Bring a friend, especially if they have been to a class before!
• Have fun with it! Don't try to hard to "get better" at it. 
• Some days you will not be as flexible so be kind yourself and let it be.
• Just breathe. If you are not breathing through your postures it will be more difficult and you won't enjoy the practice.

Yoga is a relaxing and empowering experience so take this time for yourself. Hopefully this has encouraged some of you to try this practice. It benefits not only the body but the mind.