WHAT IS YOGA?
In the West the term 'yoga' is often interpreted by many to be just a form of exercise that promotes flexibility. For others it conjures images of people in baggy clothes chanting and burning incense.
Yoga is actually an umbrella term for aspects of an ancient Eastern science, invented and perfected over thousands of years, for the attainment of physical, mental and spiritual health and vitality.
Two of these aspects, the physical practices of postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama), tend to be the most popular.
The physical practice was designed to facilitate the Sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) to sit in postures such as the Lotus for long periods of meditation. One of the side-effects of this regime is that it is the single most holistic and effective exercise regime ever invented - and it can be practised by anyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
Yoga trains the body, mind & spirit to become strong and flexible, release stress and create inner peace, while developing a deep connection with one's spirit, intuition and personal power. All of these are essential for living a healthy balanced life and for the athlete to play a healthy, balanced strong game.
Some popular misconceptions:
“Yoga’s for girls….”
Men who practise yoga include: Nicholas Cage, Ryan Giggs, Charlie Sheen, Pete Sampras, Sting, Jeff Bridges, Greg Rusedski, Carl Lewis, the New Zealand All Blacks…..
See more on the yoga for sports page.
“I’m not flexible enough for yoga…..”
If you are naturally bendy, it’s no
guarantee your practice will reward you in the same way as someone who is as stiff as a plank. Flexibility is only ONE of the benefits of yoga.
“People who do yoga wear sandals and beards…”
Those who invented this extraordinary centuries-old practice may indeed have had an inclination towards open-toed footwear and lacked shaving facilites, but today it's practised by those of all ages and from all walks of life.
Yoga is for men, women, teens to dotage,
sedentary or active, overweight or slim, inflexible or flexible, domino players or athletes, those with or without serious health issues, non-able or able-bodied—basically everyone.
As well as ‘fit’ people such as dancers, footballers, climbers, runners, jockeys and cyclists, I teach less fit students from 16 to 78, people barely able to touch their knees (never mind their toes!), those with arthritis, anxiety, balance problems, cancer, diabetes, depression, heart conditions, MS, weight problems…..the list goes on.
As we get older, many of us stiffen up, get aches and pains in our joints and spine, caused by injury, bad posture, too little or too much exercise, etc. We’re susceptible to illness because of our
environment, stress or diet. The speed and pressure of modern life can cause anxiety and lead us to mistakenly attempt to ‘relax’ by finding solace in comfort food and alcohol. Regular practise of yoga can help to combat our craving for and reliance on these things.
A full yoga class tones, stretches and strengthens the whole body, opens every joint, massages every organ, increases lung capacity, stimulates the nervous system, regulates the endocrine/digestive/lymphatic systems….again, the list goes on. See yoga benefits for more details.
"Yoga is invigoration in relaxation. Freedom in routine. Confidence through self control. Energy within and energy without." Ymber Delecto
"Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured."
B.K.S. Iyengar
"Yoga is the practice of quieting the mind." Patanjali - Yoga Sutras
Site Design © Robert Goldsbrough 2011-12
Sting - Ardha Matsyendrasana
Madonna - Eka Pada Sirsasana
Yoga is for everyone - as well as the lithe, healthy and famous!!
Ardha Salamba Sirsana - Half Headstand
Ustrasana - Camel Pose
