| yoga is more commonly known as simply 'yoga'. It's a | | | | easy for them to do, as they are already flexible. |
| system of exercise originating from India. There are | | | | Yoga can help them retain that flexibility. It can also |
| many branches of hatha yoga - you may have heard | | | | help to develop their self-discipline. Practicing asanas is |
| of Iyengar yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Kriya yoga, Vini | | | | good for developing coordination and can help to |
| yoga and Bikram yoga. They all involve postures or | | | | improve concentration - which many children and |
| 'asanas'. Some asanas are gentle stretching exercises | | | | teens find difficult. |
| which can improve flexibility, and others help to | | | | Yoga is the ideal exercise during pregnancy. Asanas |
| develop and improve strength and balance. | | | | can improve backache and help to lift depression. |
| Hatha yoga was born in traditional Hindu spiritual | | | | Many women who practice yoga have said that it |
| practice, so it's no surprise that it may also involve | | | | helped to make their labor easier and shorter. Be |
| meditation and chanting, as well as philosophical and | | | | careful to only do asanas that have been approved |
| religious considerations. For those who purely wish to | | | | for pregnant women. The meditation side of yoga is |
| use it as a form of physical exercise, there are many | | | | also calming and centering during pregnancy. |
| completely secular versions available! | | | | Older people use yoga to improve and/or maintain |
| Why Is Hatha Yoga Such A Good Form Of Exercise | | | | flexibility, correct poor posture, strengthen the spine, |
| The first benefit is that it's a fitness routine that can | | | | and ease back pain. It can also improve digestion and |
| be used by people of all ages and levels of fitness. It | | | | elimination, facilitate circulation, improve breathing |
| can get you into shape and keep you that way if | | | | disorders, and lift mood. |
| used regularly. Yoga differs from other forms of | | | | Yoga Can Help You To Cope |
| exercise in that it involves motions that don't cause | | | | Many of the problems suffered in modern life may |
| strain on the body. When performed correctly, the | | | | be eased by following a regular yoga routine. |
| asanas have no negative effects on the body or | | | | Asanas can release the tense muscles caused by |
| mind. | | | | hours of sitting at a desk. Breathing deeply can |
| It isn't an aerobic exercise but it uses almost every | | | | improve vitality by increasing the amount of oxygen |
| muscle. It can help to develop and improve balance, | | | | that reaches the brain. Meditation can enhance the |
| coordination and a feeling of being centered. The | | | | power of concentration and calm the mind. Yoga |
| limbs are used like free weights and the body's | | | | teaches full relaxation and encourages good sleep. It |
| center of gravity is moved to create resistance. | | | | also helps digestion and improves circulation. |
| Over time, the limbs become stronger and the focus | | | | Used regularly, it can improve physical and mental |
| then shifts to endurance as the asanas are held for | | | | health and is also known to enhance creativity. Give it |
| increasing periods of time. | | | | a try! |
| The aim is quality of movement rather than quantity. | | | | Find out what classes are available in your area - a |
| Regular practice of hatha yoga can bring peace and | | | | properly qualified instructor can ensure that you are |
| happiness to the mind and improved health and | | | | doing the asanas correctly and safely. If you'd rather |
| relaxation to the body. | | | | try it at home, get a DVD (again, with a qualified |
| How Hatha Yoga Can Help At Any Age | | | | instructor). There are lots to choose from! |
| Yoga is great fun for children and teenagers and it's | | | | |