The true essence of Yoga practice


After teaching over 1000 fitness classes every year for many years in the past, when I finally starting teaching yoga classes, I really did not enjoy teaching some of the other classes – aerobics, spinning, body conditioning, kick-boxing- I was accustomed to teaching as much. I wondered why? Strange considering teaching an aerobics class with great music can give an immense high and it sure is fun.
Then as my yoga practice got deeper and I continued to teach, I realized what had happened. Working out in the gym -thought I have nothing against it and I continue to work out at the gym myself – did not make me feel the same way I did when I finished a yoga session.
Therefore besides having physical benefits, yoga also has physiological benefits. For example, did you know that on one hand the ‘head-stand (Sirshasana)’ makes possible for oxygen rich blood to reach the heart but also is symbolic of getting rid of fears – fears of the unknown and fear of dying/ death. Yoga postures also massage internal organs and asanas can decrease blood pressure, bring the thyroid in balance, improve digestion and get riddance of several other health issues.
Hopefully, I have motivated you to go try a yoga class if you have not had that experience yet or have neglected your practice lately.
In my next blog, I will dwell deeper into the yoga practice and explain the physical and philological benefits of some of the main asanas you will see in your yoga class- stay tuned!