What is Yoga?
Yoga means "union". And must be understood as the union between body and mind.
Traditionally, Yoga has 8 different branches, where just one branch covers the physical yoga that we in the West are best known for. The physical form of yoga is described as Asanas. But also below there are different styles of yoga. Yoga can be anything from gentle to hard both mentally and physically. This entry describes some of the most widespread and well-known forms of physical yoga.
Who practices yoga? And why?
There is no doubt that yoga has many physical and mental benefits and studies (from 2014) show that as much as 9% of the Danish population practices yoga. Especially if you are new to yoga, it can be difficult to create an overview of which type of yoga best suits your needs and wishes. Some practice yoga solely for the physical benefits but others solely for the mental ones. However, it is difficult not to experience advantages in both.
Which form of yoga is right for me?
There is no one form of yoga that is better than another. It's a personal preference. If you are new to yoga, you may encounter quite a few new terms and movements. Yoga is about listening to your body and your mind, so remember that you can always get out of the pose if you experience pain or discomfort. Just find an arbitrary position you find comfortable or your yoga instructor can help you find an alternative. Don't have any expectations when you start - with time it will all become more familiar and you will be able to relax.
Even if you practice the same style of yoga, the teaching can vary quite a bit from teacher to teacher, as everyone has their own personal style.
Yoga is for everyone. There are many different shapes, so try yourself out and find the style that suits you best. Find a good yoga teacher with an approved training, such as 200RYT or 500RYT, so you are sure that they can teach a class and guide you through them without injury.
The most well-known and popular yoga styles
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is the traditional form of yoga that combines several elements and primarily deals with connecting body and mind. Typically, there will be both strengthening and stretching elements and you hold the positions for several inhales and exhales before switching to the next position.
Most other styles of yoga spring from this.
Hatha yoga is suitable for both beginners and experienced yogis. It is a good form of yoga to start with, as it is often guided at a calm pace and there is an opportunity to take breaks along the way. However, it should not be understood that Hatha is not challenging - because it is (also)!
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa yoga is often described as a more dynamic form of yoga, where you move in a flow from position to position. Most often there is just one inhalation or exhalation between each position. There is a focus on building strength and you can feel your muscles. As a beginner, it can be challenging to start with Vinyasa even if you are used to hard physical activity. In the flow, the teacher often gives short cues or uses yoga terms for the positions and does not guide the entire foundation and necessary adjustments. For example, downward facing dog can be said without guiding and explaining how to get into the position.
Yin Yoga
Yin is described as the feminine energy in yoga and is characterized by being a calm form of yoga, you don't move much, but most often work lying down, sitting or from all 4. Each position is held for several minutes at a time. This is, among other things, to not only stretch the muscles but to reach deeper and open up the connective tissue. Yin yoga also enriches the yoga practitioner opportunity to create a connection to the breath and be in a meditation-like stage while moving from position to position. Although this is a very calm form of yoga, it can be experienced as very intense and, especially at the beginning, it might actually hurt to be in the deep stretches for a long time at a time. It can also be mentally challenging to hold
the positions for a longer period of time and simply be present in body and mind.
My yoga classes
I mainly teach and practice Hatha myself as I love the balance and combination of strength, gentleness and mindfulness. Some days, however, my mood is more towards Vinyasa or Yin, which I also teach. Do you want to try yoga or my teaching? Then you can practice yoga wherever and whenever you want through our online yoga library.
What is beneficial about yoga?
(the following is both scientifically proven and the experiences I myself have had with my own students)
- Improve flexibility and give you a greater ROM (range of motion)
- Strengthens all muscles throughout the body
- Improves balance
- Improve your concentration
- Keeps the joints healthy
- Reduces mental challenges
- Least chronic pain
- Lower blood sugar, less risk of stroke, improved digestion
- Better sleep
- And much much more. There will be a separate post that will only deal with what yoga is good for!
Who can practice yoga?
Yoga is for everyone. There are many different shapes, so try yourself out and find the style that suits you best. Find a good yoga teacher with approved training so that you are sure that person can lead an hour and guide you through them without any injuries occurring.
You are always welcome to yoga with me, my mother or father - yes, we are a real yoga family!
We are all different and have both physical and mental things we struggle with. My yoga teaching is therefore based on respecting yourself. Your body and your mind and learn to listen when it whispers to you, not when
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