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Yoga Basics: Your guide to the Practice of Yoga

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


One of the oldest known techniques which helps in the all round development of a person is Yoga. Yoga has been around for ages dating back as far as 500 years. Yoga practices helps in the well being of a person by making him or her mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually sound. Yoga also helps a person achieve a sense of self awareness because it helps enhance the person’s capabilities.

There are many parts to Yoga which include meditation, physical postures or asana and breathing techniques. Most people only do yoga for their physical well being and to remain healthy. Very few take up meditation to contemplate upon the truth without doing the yogic postures.

Many people mistake yoga for a series of steps which have to be followed but actually yoga helps you to evolve so that as you practice you will soon find that your inner system is cleansed and you become more aware of your inner self. This changes the perception of the person and he sees everything in new light.

Yoga postures help you to gain perfect health and strength. You can also learn to breathe correctly and learn and gain self control. Mastery over the mind can be achieved and concentration improves. To achieve focus and mind concentration total dedication is needed so that you can achieve what you set out to do.

Yoga is one of the most popular forms of therapy which many all over the world are taking up. Many people relate to Hatha yoga when they hear the word Yoga in general as it is this form of yoga which is highly popular and practiced by many all. Hatha yoga involves techniques which include physical exercises and controlled breathing techniques. Through harmonious breathing and postures one can achieve a well balanced body.

The benefits of hatha yoga are it improves your strength, vitality and gives greater flexibility. There are many other forms of yoga other than Hatha yoga like aerobic yoga workouts which are fast and demanding and still other forms which fitness conscious people follow. The gentle forms are for people who need healing.

Yoga is universal and does not cater to the needs of any faith, lifestyle and can be practiced by people of any age group. You do not have to attend a class to learn yoga or be instructed personally through a teacher. You can learn yoga through self taught books.

Choose the form of Yoga that you think would suit you and your lifestyle. There are various kinds of meditation techniques so you need to choose one that you think would be apt for you. Different variations of Yoga are being developed today.

For beginners, the use of videos and DVDs which are available are an ideal way to learn the art. There are videos and DVDs on Yoga for couples, athletes, yoga with grace and strength and yoga or beginners.

The various supplies that you would need to practice yoga include Yoga mats, yoga belts, yoga straps and blocks. The yoga mats give you perfect support while you move into various postures. The very purpose of the yoga mats is to provide adequate cushioning and protection when you are doing Yoga on hard floors. Along with yoga mats, yoga straps and blocks help in your workout. Another essential supply that is very important for yoga is buying the proper clothing which will help you to stretch freely and allow you to be more flexible.

Alien asked:


Yoga Equipments for Your Yoga Practice

Yoga equipments can be a great help for the people who want to practice yoga as they help the yoga practitioner get deeper into the yoga poses. Yoga is the way to unite the body, mind, and the spirit.

In these days, yoga practice is becoming popular and lots of people are practicing yoga postures, breathing techniques and meditation. Yoga helps the people to maintain their body in shape and makes them feel better and healthy. And it is one of the reasons of practicing yoga by most people.

There are different yoga poses and yoga postures that make your body fit and well. The best way to relax the body and mind is to practice the yoga routine. Yoga practice helps you to keep your body in shape and this might be the best exercise for you.

Whenever you are starting yoga practice, you have to know the basic yoga equipments for a yoga class. Yoga can be practiced by people of all ages and if you have an idea about the basic yoga equipments that are required for practicing yoga then it can be possible to do anywhere.

Basic Yoga Equipments – Yoga Clothing

For yoga practice, the most essential yoga equipment would be comfortable clothing. You should wear comfortable clothes that will make an ease to breathe. Your clothes should be loose enough, not to interrupt you in your yoga sessions.

It is better to wear a more formfitting top because it will make you feel comfort and you will not have the problem of sliding down your top. A regular pair of exercise shorts or pants will do fine. Not to wear anything slick as some of the yoga poses could make you slip.

Shoes

Shoes are not compulsory for yoga classes. It will be the best whenever you are going to yoga class after work, as there will be no necessity for you to carry heavy athletic shoes. It is an optional thing to use socks or soft shoes for practicing yoga because traditionally it is practiced barefoot. In most classes, the yoga instructor may allow you to practice yoga with out wearing shoes.

Yoga Mats

Another one of the yoga equipments is yoga mats. They are useful both in gyms and in yoga classes. Using a mat for yoga practice is very common but when you are just starting, you may have to wait to buy your own.

Most classes will provide mats or will rent mats. The only disadvantage is that you can get smelly between the washes as many people can use the mats.

Some of the yoga equipments are optional. It also depends upon the type of yoga you are practicing. If you are following Iyengar style of yoga, then the props are generally used in order to keep the correct pose. They assist you to keep your body in alignment and also help you obtain the most out of your exercises.

Yoga Equipments – Yoga Blankets

Yoga Blankets are often used in certain poses and are useful when practicing the sitting positions or poses. They are also useful when you are in the cool down, relaxation period at the end of your practice.

Yoga Blocks

Yoga Blocks are similar to blankets and used as supports in order to improve your position and also makes it more comfortable for your body. They are great when practicing the standing poses where your hands or fingers are supposed to touch the floor and they do not fairly make it. Yoga blocks help you get the best results out of your yoga practice.

Yoga Straps

Yoga Straps, different yoga equipment, are useful for yoga poses where your hands have to meet, and also for postures that you need to hold on to your feet.

The above things are just props and there is no need of buying these yoga equipments unless you find that there is a need of them for your yoga practice at-home. Most of the yoga classes will provide these props.

Starting yoga and practicing it can be done on a little budget, whether you go to a yoga class or you practice yoga with the help of a video at your home. Just remember, the only things that you need for a regular yoga practice would be comfortable, breathable clothes, a top that is formfitting, regular exercise shorts, and no shoes.

Apart from these, you need to empty your stomach and make your nostrils dirt free and clean your throat before you start your yoga practice. It is better to start yoga practice with an empty stomach and also drink warm water 15 minutes before you start the yoga practice.

It will be fine if you try your yoga routine with just a folded blanket instead of a mat whenever you are practicing your routine at home.

Basically you don’t require all the above things for yoga practice. All you need is the desire and the attitude towards yoga and expanding your self-awareness. However this will not entirely eliminate the need for different yoga equipments.

The yoga equipments that you make use for yoga practice will assist you in doing your postures correctly. They support your muscles from getting any injury when performing some difficult yoga poses.

Most of the yoga equipments are prepared to relax your body and mind and also helps you to concentrate on the pose or practice the pose in a proper way.