Understanding the Basics of Yoga  You’ll find yoga mats in homes, studios and gyms, and instructors everywhere. But what is yoga exactly? It’s a spiritual practice that aims to bring mind, body and spirit together. It combines movement, breathing techniques and meditation. It’s also a great form of exercise that builds strength without additional weights. The movements in yoga are designed to challenge flexibility, balance and coordination. They help to improve the functioning of each muscle, joint and gland of the body.

Yoga 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Basics of this Ancient Practice

Yoga also helps to build awareness and self-esteem. Studies suggest that people who regularly practice yoga experience greater feelings of compassion and interconnection, which help to reduce destructive emotions like anger. They are better able to step back from the drama of their own lives and to remain calm when facing unsettling events.

Those who practice yoga learn to accept their moment-to-moment experiences and to recognize their own limitations. They can be more patient and tolerant with unpleasant symptoms and side effects of illness, such as pain and fatigue.

There are many types of yoga, but the most common is hatha yoga. It combines pranayamas (breath-controlled exercises) with asanas (yoga postures). Some of the other types include Iyengar yoga, which emphasizes the use of props to help students achieve correct alignment during poses. And there’s Kundalini yoga, which blends movement with pranayama, chanting and meditation to boost energy.