Yoga translates to unity or summation. It is defined as the state of unity attained by one’s body, mind, and soul. The origin of yoga dates back to nearly 5,000 years back, somewhere in India. It might seem that all that yoga consists of are some stretching of the body, breathing exercises, and maintaining a specific stance or posture (asana) for a particular duration of time. But one would be surprised by the fact that it serves various purposes, not only for the body but for the mind and soul as well. A significant specialty about yoga is that it doesn’t discriminate whatsoever, anybody can practice it, doesn’t matter the age, weight, or height of the person. So anybody from any part of the world, no matter how unfit they think they might be, can join a yoga class.

TYPES OF YOGA

Yoga consists of different branches, and each branch has varied movements or poses. The preference of the type of yoga differs from person to person, depending on one’s goals and fitness level. Below are some examples of the types of yoga:

• Hatha yoga is the most common and general category out of all the yoga categories that there are. It is known as “the yoga of force”. It lays emphasis on muscle strengthening and purifying the body through various asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques).

• Iyenger yoga is prominently focused on the alignment of the body. The trademark of this type is the use of different props such as belts, blocks, blankets, chairs, or bolsters, to help the practitioner or yogi hold a certain posture for a longer period of time. It got its name from B.K.S Iyengar who is a teacher of yoga in Pune, India.

• Ashtanga yoga. The main focus of this type of yoga (also called as “ashtanga vinayasa” or “power yoga”) is on endurance and strength. It’s an intensive and rapid challenge of series of different postures, which would increase in difficulty as one would move higher up the series.

• Bikram yoga is quite a unique form of yoga among all the other types, particularly because it requires a special atmosphere and a specific temperature to function. It consists of 26 yoga postures and two breathing exercises which last for 90 minutes, in a room set at 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with 40% humidity.

BENEFITS OF YOGA

Hard to believe but yoga has the power to not only affect your physical health but it also has the ability to provide a much needed peace of mind in this stressful world. It is a form of art, one can say, that helps in bringing, the physical and the mental part of a body, together. It assists in tackling various health issues of the body as well as the mind, such as:

• Enhances brain activity

• Maintains blood pressure

• Increases flexibility

• Cures chronic pain

• Helps with the stress

• Aids in tackling depression

These were just a few of the many more problems that can be solved by practicing yoga. Sure, you can practice it at home consulting the internet, but what’s advisable is that you join a yoga classes in Dubaiand train under a professional instructor at first, to make sure that you get all the postures right.