My Experience – I have practiced different types of Yoga including Bikram (hot yoga) and Anusara (Vinyasa-Style) also hot yoga where you are in a room with a temperature of 32 – 38 ° C. Vinyasa-style works best for me and though it is challenging and there are many poses that I am still unable to perform I continue to take classes because the after effects are incredible.
The spirit, mind and body work together in this process and because of all of the weightlifting, sitting at a desk and working on the computer all day I have knots, tightened muscles, stiff neck, etc. Hot Vinyasa Style Yoga really helps stretch my back, create more flexibility and relax my muscles. After each class I feel peaceful and reinvigorated. I do not practice as much as I would like to but I am grateful to have been introduced to Yoga from my friends and I am now benefiting by its healing element.
by Omar Pinto
About Yoga
The word yoga means “union” in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. We can think of the union occurring between the mind, body and spirit.
What is commonly referred to as “yoga” can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word asana, which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses. Asana is only one of the eight “limbs” of yoga, the majority of which are more concerned with mental and spiritual well being than physical activity. In the West, however, the words asana and yoga are often used interchangeably.
Yoga teachers will often refer to “your practice,” which means your individual experience with yoga as it develops over time. The amazing thing about yoga is that your practice is always evolving and changing, so it never gets boring. Although the poses themselves do not change, your relationship to them will. Anyone can start a yoga practice, even if you don’t feel like you are very flexible or very strong. These things will develop over time. Another great thing about thinking about “your practice” is that it encourages the noncompetitive spirit of yoga. One of the most difficult, but ultimately most liberating things about yoga is letting go of the ego and accepting that no one is better than anyone else. Everyone is just doing their best on any given day.
In addition to practicing the poses, yoga classes may also include instruction on breathing, call and response chanting, meditation, or an inspirational reading by the teacher. The variety and amount of this will depend on the individual teacher and the yoga tradition in which he or she has trained. Typically, a yoga class at a gym will be more focused on the purely physical benefits of yoga, while one at a yoga center may delve more into the spiritual side. Some people find that the physical practice of yoga becomes a gateway into a spiritual exploration, while others just enjoy a wonderful low-impact workout that makes them feel great. Whatever your tendency, you will be able to find a yoga class that suits your style.
