Yoga is becoming increasingly popular with different types of classes springing up all over the country. Yoga teacher Kathryn Moynihan explains the benefits of taking up this ancient form of exercise
India’s culture is one of the oldest in the world and in its ancient origins, yoga dates backs to the seventh millennium BC. It is one of the few spiritual traditions that has maintained an unbroken development through history. So what is yoga? Yoga translated means ‘yoke’ or ‘to join’ or ‘unity’ – it is the harmony and the joining of the body, mind, emotions and spiritual within all of us. It works on all aspects of the person: the physical, vitality, emotional, mental, and spiritual. But little is known about yoga. Most of us relate yoga to the yoga class (Hatha yoga) that takes you through some postures, breathing exercises and perhaps some meditation. In fact, most people in the west think yoga is either a class with lots of exercises for increasing flexibility, or that you simply sit in a cross legged position chanting ‘Om’ to yourself. Thankfully there is more to yoga than that.
More than just physical benefits
Yoga is much more than the physical – itis a philosophy for bringing harmony and peace back into your life but also connecting back into your true self. Yoga increases awareness in ourselves, in our bodies and also how we interact with the world. And maybe this is why most people get drawn to yoga. They just feel so good afterwards. They can’t put their finger on it, but something is working on a deeper level and they feel like something has lifted within themselves. I have heard students saying “I forced myself to come here tonight” and then afterwards, you can see the look of satisfaction and contentment on their face at the end of the class. Often the reason we come to a yoga class is because we want to feel good, increase energy, relieve pain and address physical issues in the body. But these issues are simply a manifestation of the dysfunctional habits in our mind. The mind is a subject that yogis have studies for centuries, and we cannot ignore that direct link between mind and body. By becoming more aware of your body and mind, you will have a greater understanding of your health and wellbeing.
Types of yoga
Luckily, with the growing number of yoga schools, styles and traditions, one can choose from which ever suits you! It’s important to ask a few questions first before you go to a yoga class, just to have some idea of what is entailed.
There are many branches of yoga and Hatha yoga is one which most people are familiar with. Hatha is a very general term that can encompass many of the physical types of yoga. If a class is described as Hatha style, it is probably going to be slow-paced and gentle and provide a good introduction to the basic yoga poses.
Iyengar yoga is a style of yoga that focuses on anatomical alignment with the use of props, straps and blankets. It focuses on the different needs of every student and can be slow-moving but very detailed in information. Great for someone looking to assess and heal an injury in the body or learn more about alignment in the body.
Ashtanga yoga is one of the most vigorous styles of yoga. This is a fast moving class, which works through a sequence of set postures using the breath (pranayama). Another offset of this style of yoga is ‘Power Yoga’ or ‘Vinyasa Flow’ yoga – this is a strong, dynamic yoga practise. It doesn’t stick with the one set of postures of the Ashtanga sequence but varies. Pranayama (breathing) is taught alongside the postures and sometimes after the asanas (postures). Kundalini yoga has the most spiritual’ feel to it and usually encompasses physical postures, chanting, strong breathing techniques, and meditation. There are other yoga styles such as Bikram (hot yoga), Anasura yoga, restorative yoga and many others, which all suit different needs of the individual.
Under the system of yoga, one not only should be practising asanas (physical postures) but also practising the eight limbs of yoga. See the list below.
1 Yamas – practicing kindness, truthfulness, abundance, continence and self-reliance allowing us to co-exist harmoniously with others.
2 Niyamas – practicing purity, contentment, self-discipline and generally how we interact with ourselves. The niyamas are about strengthening our relationships with ourselves.
3 Postures (asana)
4 Control of breathing (pranayama)
5Turning the attention within (pratyahara)
6 Concentration (dharana)
7 Meditation (prolonged periods of perfect concentration and contemplation)
8 Spiritually awakened/Enlightenment (Samadhi)
What do I need for yoga?
> You can save your money on shoes for yoga, since many people do yoga barefoot.
> Yoga, unlike many forms of exercise, requires a relatively minor investment. In fact, you probably have the yoga clothing sitting in your wardrobe. You’ll want to be able to move easily as you flow from one posture to the next, so avoid anything too tight or form fitting.
> Always use a sticky mat or a rug while you do the different postures to be sure your feet don’t slip.
> www.yogashop.ie offers a select and affordable range of yoga equipment to get you started, or support you, on your yoga journey.
Yoga benefits
> Increases flexibility.
> Strengthens muscles and Improve balance.
> Improves immune system
> Improves posture.
> Improves lung function and breathing.
> Improves joint health and nourishes intervertebral disks.
> Increases blood and lymph circulation.
> Improves bodily functions.
> Promotes weight loss.
> Relaxes the nervous system.
> Lowers blood sugars.
> Regulates blood pressure.
> Releases emotional negative habitual thinking in our lives.
> Releases emotional and mental trauma from the body, and encourages responsibility in your own health and well-being.
More info
www.yogaaware.net
Cork Movement Centre: Yoga studio, South Main Street, Cork
Avenue Fitness Centre Studio: Avenue Fitness Centre Gym, Midleton
Mardyke: Mardyke Leisure Centre Gym, Mardyke Walk
Western Road, Cork
Locker Room: Washington Street, Cork city centre
Email yogaaware@gmail.com for class schedule details.
