In recent decades yoga has gained tremendous popularity throughout
the western hemisphere, both as a form of physical exercise and as a way to
relax. More and more seniors are taking yoga classes at community centers, moms
are going to their yoga studio during their lunch breaks, and even children are
taking classes that are specially designed for their developing bodies.
Yoga has many health benefits including increased
flexibility, decreased pain, and decreased stress to name a few! New students
often enter the studio hoping to lose weight, manage stress, or help recover
from an existing injury.
There are many recognized styles of yoga but the type of
yoga most Americans practice is called hatha yoga. This is a basic form and
many other styles are built on the foundations taught in this school of yoga.
Another style of yoga popular in the United States is power yoga which is
available in many gyms and fitness centers across the country. People looking
to lose weight and increase the function of their cardiovascular system often
gravitate toward this intense style of yoga, which is sometimes practiced in a
heated room. The focus on breath work allows the student to focus inward,
becoming more mindful of their bodies. It is through this moving meditation
that the student will begin noticing changes in their physical appearance and
more importantly in other aspects of their life – mental, emotional, and
spiritual.
Like any workout, it is important to pay attention to your
own body. If a certain pose causes you pain or discomfort, make sure you ask
your instructor to check your alignment and help you make the appropriate
adjustments to the pose. If it still is difficult, a good instructor will be
able to provide you with an option for another, easier pose. Although some
schools of yoga do focus on alignment, no matter what style you practice it is
important to have your spine and nervous system checked by a chiropractor on a
regular basis. Certain forms of yoga will increase your endurance, and all will
increase your strength. However, endurance and strength are only valuable if
you have a stable spine and structure – this is one area where your
chiropractor can help you! It is important to maintain your endurance,
strength, and structure in order to live your own ideal 100 Year Lifestyle.
Since there are so many styles of yoga available in places
like recreational centers, senior living communities, gyms, schools, and
private yoga studios, yoga can be an affordable and accessible form of exercise.
It is an activity that can be practiced by you and multiple generations of your
family throughout your life. Together with chiropractic care, yoga will help
you live a longer, healthier, and happier life!
No comments:
Post a Comment