Yoga is a set of spiritual practices originating in India. In Hinduism, the predominant belief system in India, it is believed that practicing Yoga can lead a person to deeper physical, personal, and spiritual insight and, eventually, a profound understanding of the universe that allows them to come to oneness or a union with the transcendent. Hatha Yoga, which is the branch of Yoga that many Westerners associate with the word “yoga,” focuses primarily on the physical. It involves exercises using asanas (meditative postures) and pramayanas (breathing exercises) to help a person calm their minds and attune their bodies so that they can feel more one with themselves and meditate more deeply. It’s also a great way to lose weight, fight stress, get fit, and become healthier overall, which is why it’s become so popular in the West.
Getting into yoga is a considerable transition for the yoga newbie though. Even if someone is already a highly fit individual, used to physical exertion and exercise, the holistic approach that yoga uses often touches not only the body, but the mind and the soul as well. This is true, even in cases when a person is practicing yoga exclusively to get fit or lose weight.
Whatever the reason for getting into yoga though, it’s important to consult with a doctor if you have a health condition, because even though yoga may be good for overall physical and spiritual wellness, a doctor might be able to make some useful suggestions as to what kind of yoga to take. If there aren’t any yoga studios or yoga centers in the area where you live, some spas, fitness centers, community centers, and even hospitals offer beginner yoga classes. One of the good things about yoga is that even though there is a lot of gear out on the market for it, when you get down to the bare bones of the matter, yoga doesn’t require anything but an open mind and a willingness to learn.