What is Yoga?
There are many different ideas around what yoga is. For some it may be a practice simply to move the body, for others a meditative practice, or even a way to strengthen and lengthen muscles simultaneously. In a simple answer, yoga is a practice that combines the physical, mental, and spiritual bodies.
A general yoga class can run from 45 minutes to 90 minutes. In a class, the instructor will run participants through a variety of yoga poses (known as asanas), sometimes holding them for a breath, or even a couple of minutes, depending on the class type.
There are many different types of yoga, including Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, and Bikram, the most commonly heard of in society today being Hatha and Vinyasa, or variations of the two.
The definitions of the types of yoga may differ slightly as you ask various people or try out yoga studios. However, on a basic level, most of the descriptions are similar:
HATHA YOGA – this yoga type is one that utilises the combination of the breath and the asanas to increase strength and flexibility. The postures are often held for a couple of breaths, focusing on the alignment and strength the body is using.
YIN YOGA – a much slower type of yoga, yin focuses on the connective tissue of the body. The poses are held for a longer period of time, ranging from 2-10 minutes. This class may not be as physically straining on the body, however, will stimulate the mind in a form of meditation.
VINYASA YOGA – sometimes known as ‘flow’ yoga, this class is more dynamic compared to hatha. With a focus on strength, asanas are moved through at a faster pace, set up to smoothly flow through transitions in time with the breath. As the movement is quicker, poses are often only held for a breath or two.
BIKRAM YOGA – is a form of hot yoga that sculpts and shapes the body. A more modern practice, Bikram yoga is taken in a room set to approximately 40 degrees Celsius, following 26 postures and 2 breathing patterns. It can be an intense session and is probably not recommended for beginners to yoga.
One that has not done yoga in the past might be confused by the terms ‘yoga postures’ or ‘asanas’. It is easiest to think of them as poses that can be moved through. Some examples include Downward Facing Dog, Childs Pose, Warrior I, Warrior II, and many more.
In the past few decades, yoga has become known for its outcomes of flexibility, however, it is often passed over for general health and wellbeing.
Not only does yoga focus on the physical body, but also on the mental and spiritual bodies also. There is a strong component of meditation that is grained within the practice, in addition to the use of breathwork (known as pranayama). In traditional yoga, meditation and pranayama are at the forefront of the practice. It is through this ancient tradition that the mind and body work together to create a sense of fulfilment and peace.
As one studies yoga, there are philosophies also engrained into the teachings, which further guide yogis how to act towards others, themselves, and through day-to-day life.
The most important thing to note is that yoga is for everyone. No matter your age, gender, flexibility level, there are always options for you to take the class at your own pace. Whether you are there for a workout or a bit of meditation, you should feel comfortable in the space, and take from it what you need.
Namaste
*For a more in-depth explanation into the yoga philosophy, follow this link to an article by Yoga Basics https://www.yogabasics.com/learn/yoga-101-an-introduction/what-is-yoga/
References
Yoga Australia. (n.d.). What is yoga? https://www.yogaaustralia.org.au/what-is-yoga/
Yoga Basics. (n.d.). What is yoga? https://www.yogabasics.com/learn/yoga-101-an-introduction/what-is-yoga/
The Yoga Institute. (n.d.). A brief history of yoga. https://theyogainstitute.org/a-brief-history-of-yoga/
