The Beginner's Guide to the Age-Old Practice of Yoga

 

If you've been around town and you've seen some folks squatting on a mat, breathing in unison, and doing a couple of weird poses, it's likely that you've been inside a Coolalinga yoga studio! But, do not be intimidated (or be dumbfounded) with the various yoga poses, terminology or fancy yoga studios because the ancient art of yoga is actually for everyone. Herd's the beginner's guide to the age-old practice of yoga.

 

What's it All About?

Before joining a local Coolalinga yoga studio, here are a couple of yoga starter tips and information. Yoga is an ancient practice which was believed to have originated in India thousands of years ago, and refers to a set of specific exercises called poses, which are combined with meditation and breathing techniques.

 

If a certain yoga pose proves to be quite hard or painful for the participant, the Coolalinga yoga studio instructors could modify or do some variations to help the student. Certain props and tools can also be used to make the yoga class more fun and relaxing, and among these include mats, blankets, straps and blocks (or even chairs), if only to help the student get the most out of the poses. And though yoga does not market itself as a one-size-fits-all method, the best yoga session will depend on your objectives and individual requirements. 

 

It's an Ancient, But not Foreign Practice

Although yoga is tied to an eastern (or Indian) philosophy or practice, it does have both Indian and English terms. In fact, if you've tried planking before, then believe it or not but you've already done some form of yoga!

 

Today, one will find a Coolalinga yoga studio and trainer in any part of the planet. In fact, many professional sporting teams in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and elsewhere are even incorporating yoga into their traditional workouts, as a form of mind and body conditioning!

 

What's even more astounding is that world-famous sports icons like tennis superstar Novak Djokovic and NBA player Lebron James have been noted to practice yoga, both at home and in a team setting!

 

The Basic Yoga Breathing Techniques

According to experts, breathing exercises are part and parcel of yoga, as they help the individual stay focused and mindful, and they also help relax the nervous system (thereby calming the mind!)

 

The various yoga breathing techniques also offer an avenue for meditation. Among the basic yoga breathing methods includes abdominal breathing (which is also called belly breathing). To do this, inflate your abdomen as you inhale and then exhale, while trying to empty the abdomen of as much air as you can.

 

The second common yoga breathing technique is “Ujjayi” or “Victorious Breath”. This technique allows the individual to slow down his or her breath, and smoothen its flow. To do this, constrict the muscles in the back of the throat and breathe in and out with the mouth closed.

 

Perhaps if you do this in a Coolalinga yoga studio  you'd start to feel like you're Darth Vader breathing inside his sinister mask!