Yoga is many things to many different people. For some yoga is exercise. For others yoga is meditation, visualization or relaxation. There are those for whom yoga is purely about posture and breathing or the act of helping others. For the majority of people who practice yoga however ( yogis & yoginis ) yoga is a unique personal combination of all of the above.
Yoga is therefore a compendium of physical, mental and spiritual disciplines and ideas, including some both ancient and evolving philosophies.
When combined and practiced these disciplines form a lifestyle philosophy the aim of which is to bring the physical, emotional and spiritual aspect of the lives of those who practice it into harmonious balance.
Yoga in its various forms can be practiced by anyone regardless of age, race, religion, social status, mental or physical ability.
You do not have to be flexible to practice yoga. On the contrary most people start with rather stiff bodies. Flexibility comes gradually with regular practice. The ability to stay focused and move with the breath is more important than flexibility.
It is recommended that you do not eat for two hours before coming to class. However if it is necessary for you to eat within this period a few dry biscuits or similar half an hour before class are unlikely to be a problem.
Loose comfortable clothing is recommended. Loose draw string or elasticated trousers with a comfortable sweat shirt or tee shirt are ideal.
In terms of ordinary day to day living the practice of yoga can increase ones capacity to deal with the stresses and strains of modern life, increase ones energy vigour and vitality resulting in a higher state of physical, mental and emotional health.
Most yoga classes consists of three basic elements; postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation. Therefore in a yoga class you will usually practice various combinations of these elements in a structured way. Class content is usually balanced so that each posture is followed by a short relaxation period. Breathing exercises are undertaken alone or in combination with a posture and or a relaxation period.
Postures or asanas are gentle physical exercises that usually involve some form of stretching. They are practiced to exercise the body and massage the internal organs. The objective is to release tension, improve circulation and promote greater flexibility, strength and stamina for optimum health.
