Tracy Renning asked:




As the many benefits of Yoga are brought to light, it is becoming an increasingly sought after form of therapeutic exercise. Though it was once practiced only in India, it is now being introduced and embraced by millions of people all over the globe.

This unique form of exercise has been around for thousands of years, and to its credit, modern practitioners maintain the sessions will bring students to a better life. Yoga focuses on stretching one’s body, mind and spirit to its fullest potential. This is done by putting the body through a series of stretching exercises, while concentrating on breathing and concentration of thought.

It’s not a high impact exercise, which makes it possible for anyone of any age to enjoy its benefits. And, it works! Those who practice Yoga for any length of time, become lifelong advocates of the art.

Up until recently, the only way to learn Yoga was to study with an instructor at a Yoga School. While this is fine for those who live near a large city where schools are available, not everyone had access to instruction.

It’s no wonder then, that Free Online Yoga is getting so much attention. This exciting breakthrough makes Yoga available to everyone, all over the world, and now, the opportunity to learn and practice Yoga is really catching on. Here are just a few of the reasons why:

IT IS ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE

The only requirement is a computer with internet

INSTRUCTIONS ARE OFFERED FOR EVERY LEVEL

Beginners will find simples poses and stretches with easy to follow videos and illustrations

Intermediates will find poses that stretch their capabilities – taking them to a higher level of practice and deeper level of learning

Advanced students won’t be disappointed – the quality of instructors and the variety of sessions to choose from will keep even the most expert Yoga practitioner satisfied

PRIVACY

This is an ideal opportunity for people to enjoy learning Yoga in comfort of their own home without concern about keeping up with other students in a classroom

IT CAN BE DONE AT ANY TIME

No need to worry about fitting a class into a busy schedule – free online Yoga allows the student to practice at their own convenience

QUALITY

Online instructors are of the highest caliber – many are well known throughout the world, and all have been practicing and teaching Yoga for many years.

PERSONALIZED SESSIONS

Thanks to the variety of material available on each site, the individual can pick and choose a program that’s right for them

The student can choose from many different poses and create their own routine, including style, length and level

There are lots of follow-along video sessions available in various time lengths that everyone can enjoy

Remember, it’s important to learn from someone who is a qualified teacher. It is wise to be cautious when choosing your online site. You want to be sure the person who is giving you instruction is, in fact, a seasoned practitioner. And, as with all exercise programs, it is important to consider your health and age when determining what site you choose to learn Yoga.

A good Yoga site will ask you to fill out information, including your age. It is important to answer these questions fully, and practice those poses and positions that will blend with your current state of health. So, get ready to live the exciting lifestyle afford by practicing Yoga. You’ll be so glad you did.

Tracy Renning asked:




There is no way to determine exactly when Yoga was first practiced. We do know its roots are steeped in the ancient Hindu culture, where it can be traced back at least 5,000 years.

Some scholars believe Yoga was born out of Shamanism during the Stone Age. This belief is based on a number of similarities between the Neolithic settlements Mergarh (The Indus Valley Civilization now known as Pakistan and India 7000 BCE – 3200 BCE) and Modern Hinduism. But, in reality, it was probably, just the opposite. Shaman practices observed by Mergarh, was in fact influenced by the Hindu beliefs held at that time.

Shamanism’s purpose was twofold: To heal, and to serve as the mediator of religious issues. In many ways, the object of the ancient Yogis was the same in that the Hindu belief system was also inclined to uplift the connection of one’s community.

PROGRESSION OF YOGA

As the centuries passed, the practice of Yoga progressed, incorporating the regard for inner experience. A Yogi’s technique placed emphasis on the improvement of the individual, his enlightenment and recovery, along with salvation.

The first real indication of Yoga’s existence came from a set of stone seals unearthed in the Indus Valley. These were first inserted into records of history that date to about 3000 BC, and were linked to the Indus-Sarasvati (ancient India, once unrecognized as part of the enormous civilization); perhaps the largest civilization in existence in the ancient world.

INDUS-SARASVATI

Indus-Sarasvati was famous for the exportation of many products to Africa and the Middle Eastern world. They were a very progressive people who constructed multi story buildings, temples, baths, a system of weights and measures and a grid road system and infrastructure which included a sewer system, which was the first recorded of its kind.

Along with these state of the art structures and systems, the Indus-Sarasvati civilization is responsible for the oldest known scripture in the world, which is known as The Vedas. It is a compendium of hymns that recognizes a higher power, and is the oldest record of Yoga teachings. The Vedas was considered brilliant and is recognized as the Vedic or pre-classical Yoga.

CLASSICAL YOGA

This was only the beginning of Yoga, which became defined as classical Yoga following the composition and collection of influential texts by C. E. Patanjali. (Second and third centuries C.E.)

From these seminal writings came the onset of much productive literature, and between the 7th and 17th centuries A.D., the sacred books of the Postclassical Yoga were introduced. The Tantra, written as a dialogue between the Hindu God, Shiva and his wife Shakti; and the Hatha, a comprehensive and in-depth writing on the elements of Yoga, were complied.

INTRODUCTION OF YOGA TO THE UNITED STATES

These works of literature were read and embraced by many, and over time, they were adapted and introduced to people in its present state. The United States was first introduced to the concept in the 1800s.

In recent years, Yoga has experienced a rapid evolution. This can be credited, in part, to Swami Sivananda, one of the most well known gurus to ever master Yoga, served as a doctor and opened a number of schools in Europe and America. Much of today’s Yoga is based on the Swami’s writings.

Laurie Desjardins asked:




Yoga is an excellent way to combine exercise and meditation, as you’re learning to limber up both your body and mind. It also can be beneficial to join a class, so that you can have help with learning the more challenging poses. However, just like anything else, there are just as many bad yoga instructors as there are good ones.

If you want to get the most out of your yoga instruction, then don’t just sign up for any old yoga class. Whether you’re looking for a yoga instructor or a meditation guide, here are a few signs of a good teacher, one who will help you expand your knowledge of yoga and meditation with patience and compassion.

Signs of a Good Teacher:

1) A good teacher will see and welcome their students before the class, appreciating them for who they are as unique and beautiful people. He or she will have a positive attitude toward the class in general.

2) Yoga can be challenging, so people with injuries, even minor ones, should be careful. Because of this, the teacher should ask at the beginning of every class if there are any injuries, strains, concerns or tensions at all in anyone’s body, and what that issue is. This way, the the teacher can keep that in mind as the class goes through the poses.

3) The teacher will choose poses for the class so people with injuries get help and the people without injuries get challenged.

4) A good teacher explains and demonstrates a pose, especially challenging ones, so the students understand it from beginning to end. The teacher should make sure the whole class is on the same page and everyone is aware of the dangers and mistakes.

5) The teacher knows how to explain the poses in a variety of ways so if explaining it one way doesn’t resonate with someone, they have an arsenal of perspectives on the poses.

6) Good teachers will know how to teach. They will see subtle errors and weaknesses and know how to correct them graciously. A positive teacher will assume you are putting your all into the class and gently encourage you, working with whatever energy level you may have. The teacher will use frequent positive reinforcement when he or she checks on students, and will never, ever embarrass or bully a student.

7) At the end of the class, a good teacher asks how the students are feeling. Teachers should want to make sure that the class was helpful and challenging for everybody.

They should have a wealth of meditations for Savasana (Dead Man’s Pose) at the end of class. Good meditations really enhance yoga, so good teachers should know of several to help their students get the most out of the class.

9) A good teacher always thanks their students for attending. It’s just common courtesy.

10) Most importantly, they practice what they preach. They treat their lives, their students, their emotions and attitudes with the grounding and peace brought forth in good yoga.

Fortunately, there are more good teachers than bad ones in the world, as the very nature of yoga promotes compassion and the pursuit of wisdom. If you’re looking for a new class, keep these signs in mind and you’ll find a teacher and group that you’ll be able to mesh with.

Carol Wright asked:




People of all shapes and sizes are trying to get their bodies in better shape. Some people turn to diet and aerobic or anaerobic exercise to help them tone their body and drop a few pounds. This can be hard on your body. More and more people are turning to yoga to help them get their minds and body into shape. For some it can be difficult to find the time for yoga classes and that is where private yoga classes come in handy.

Private yoga is very convenient for many as it allows them to get individual attention just like having a personal trainer. Your yoga instructor will work with you one on one to be sure that your yoga plan is tailored specifically to you. Many people find that they can get much more out of a private yoga session versus trying to do yoga with a class of people. If you have trouble your certified yoga instructor will be right there to walk you through the steps so that you get each movement precise.

There is a great deal of benefits to going with your own instructor. You can have your sessions for as long or as short as you like and you can pick and choose your day and time so that it fits in your schedule. You will find that your sessions will open up so many doors for you both mentally and physically as well as spiritually.

You will be able to work at your own pace so that you are not rushed through anything before you have had a chance to get the full benefits out of each movement. If you are getting into yoga then you will want to work in some private yoga lessons to your weekly fitness routine. Your yoga guru can help you to choose the right session for you so that you can get the most out of it.

These types of classes or sessions are the best for beginners and for those who just can’t find the time to get to a local yoga class. This is also a good choice if you are looking to avoid injury to such places as your back, knees and legs. You will be able to focus more on your personal goals without distraction. This is also great for those that have injuries as your instructor can work with you to be sure that you do not over work any body part.

This will help you to strengthen such areas as your back, stomach, legs and arms as well as other areas of your body and soul. Many people have said that yoga has helped them to deal with stress, insomnia, headaches and even many women issues such as menstrual problems. People have even added in yoga into their weight loss regimens to help them obtain their ultimate goals.

Private yoga sessions are something that everyone can benefit from no matter if you are new to yoga or you have been practicing yoga exercises for years. Look into getting a private instructor so that you can fully enjoy the benefits of yoga on your own time.

T. T. Renning asked:




Strength and stretch classes help in learning the basic concepts of muscle contraction. Many people use stretching as a warm up exercise or also for cool down. But, for serious practitioners, it is a complete workout in itself. For the aid of such people, there are strength and stretch classes. These classes prove beneficial in reducing stress, improving posture, strengthening the muscles. They also help in improving the flexibility of the body thus enhancing the range of motion of all body parts. They also help in increasing the core strength body and also work towards mental balance.

Strength and stretch classes basically include pre-yoga stretches and a few yoga poses. Light weight training and complex stretching may be included later. Normally these are started with low intensity and gradually the intensity may be increased i.e. the stretch complexity, the time each stretch is held increases. A regular stretch and strength exercise not only strengthens the muscles but also helps in healing of the troubled muscles. This also has several health benefits as the entire body as well as the brain is involved in the exercise.

Some benefits of strength and stretch are as given below:

Decrease in overall stress levels and muscle spasms Strengthening of muscles Increase in flexibility of the body and the range of motion of body parts Improves balance, co-ordination of mind and body. Improves overall health of mind and body Improves circulation in the body and overall performance levels It also help in reducing the pain in joints and muscles Decrease risk of coronary heart diseases and helps fight cholesterol Increase in the basal metabolic rate

There are different levels for strength and stretch classes starting from the basic and going up to very advanced level. The basics are generally for people who are not much acquainted with exercise or yoga and who have an inflexible body. It consists only of preliminary stretches and very little strength training. The intensity of stretches is generally low in this class. Then comes the intermediate level in which the stretching becomes more intense and a variety of stretches acting on each and every body part are included. Light weight training starts at this point. And finally there is advanced level in which complicated stretches are taken up. The intensity of the weight training also increases considerably. The flexibility requirement for the exercises increases progressively in the 3 steps. After completing each stage, the body becomes more flexible and ready for the next level.

Yoga covers both strength as well as stretch and hence yoga plays a crucial role. All yogic poses are basically stretch exercises. Yogic poses play a crucial part in these classes. So, for all those of you who are looking for a workout that would boost your immunity, increase the flexibility of your body, and help in stress management, strength and stretch classes are a good option.

Sun Vivi asked:




Yoga is a gentle exercise that can help align the body, ease the mind, and restore a sense of balance and wholeness to your life. Best of all, unlike other forms of exercise like weight-lifting, yoga equipment is relatively simple and inexpensive.

You don’t need special shoes as most people perform yoga barefoot. For clothing, a pair of shorts and a slightly fitted shirt will take care of the apparel you need. One essential piece of yoga equipment you’ll need is a yoga sticky mat. A yoga sticky mat gives your hands and feet some traction and allows you to assume the different postures without fear of slipping and sliding.

As you work out, the mat will probably get soiled with sweat. You can clean most mats with a mixture of water and vinegar. Vinegar is a great low-cost natural cleaning ingredient that kills mold and bacteria. Another piece of yoga equipment is the yoga ball which is used to give you extra support as you assume certain postures such as the backbend. They can also be used as chairs-used in this way, they enhance balance.

Depending on which postures you will be practicing, you may also want to consider getting yoga blankets, blocks, and straps for further support for your head, neck, arms, and back. A book or DVD is helpful for beginners. Even if you’re taking a yoga glass, it’ll be nice to have a reference at home for various postures.

Yoga provides many benefits for very little financial investment. With a relatively minor expenditure, you can quickly be on your way to a healthier you.

Paul Jerard asked:




Although Hatha Yoga is much more than exercise, we can make factual comparisons, to other forms of physical exercise, to understand how this ancient practice manages to have such an enthusiastic following. On the physical level, the practice of Hatha Yoga can help a student develop strength, balance, flexibility, and cardio vascular endurance. In comparison to other forms of exercise, Hatha Yoga encompasses all of their physical benefits and more.

Some people would question the cardio vascular aspect, but they have not practiced Surya Namaskars (Sun Salutations). This is a sequence of postures, which by itself, enhances strength, balance, flexibility, and cardio vascular endurance. Usually, Surya Namaskars contain twelve postures, but there are exceptions, and there are many different sequences.

Some forms of Power, Vinyasa, and Flow Yoga, connect movement in a similar fashion. Anyone who has practiced these forms of Yoga can attest to the aerobic value. Yet, some studies will question this, because Hatha Yoga is not a high impact exercise. All forms of Yogic exercise respect, and safely work, to preserve the joints.

Yet, exercise of moderate intensity, performed over time, is classified as aerobic. To go a bit further, any exercise activity, which requires oxygen to metabolize glucose, in exchange for energy, is aerobic. With that said, no one usually questions the benefits of strength, balance, and flexibility from Yogic exercise, especially if they witness a room full of women over 50, who can balance their body weight on two hands in bakasana (also known as crane or crow pose).

The postures (asanas) are designed to massage internal organs, preserve skeletal health, and tone the muscles. Massaging internal organs is of primary importance to our survival. We can send toxins on their way by keeping the body in motion, and we do not need high impact movement to perform this task. Prevention of disease, and early detection of disease, are benefits of an internal awareness, which comes with Yoga practice.

On the skeletal level, we want to keep our joints intact for as long as possible. The ligaments and tendons are precious, so we work to keep them in good working condition, as well. On top of this, spinal alignment, during posture practice, helps with mobility, when we become seniors.

How many other exercise systems work so completely? This does not take away the value of cross training. By all means, walk, swim, and play your favorite games; but in comparison, Yoga, on the physical level, is the “Great Healer” of all forms of exercise.