What is Yoga and Meditation? For many people working on an exercise program or starting one, flexibility and reducing stress are major priorities and one of the best ways to begin being flexible and to help reduce stress is Yoga and Meditation.If you are like me then you may be thinking like I did when I first heard about Yoga and wondering how you are going to bend over backwards or end up looking like a pretzel with a head attached to it.
It wasn’t until I tried a very basic routine that I discovered how great Yoga makes me feel. The stretching is a bit difficult at first but you feel so relaxed at the end of a session that you end up wanting to continue learning and remaining consistent with your workouts.
Yoga comes from the East and it is a name for a group of stretching and breathing exercises that can have a tremendous positive effect on your mind and body. You do not need any special equipment except for a mat or a place to work where you will not slip as you move along the exercises.
I highly recommend investing a small amount of money for Yoga blocks because the will help you when you have to stretch. A good Yoga kit should not cost you more than twenty dollars and it will include a mat, 2 blocks and a stretching band.
There are many ways that you can learn how to practice. If you enjoy working out in your home then you can buy a book or you can use a DVD to learn how to perform Yoga. You will be able to mimic the moves as well as understand the proper breathing techniques by listening to the instructor.
It is very helpful to watch it a few times before you begin to make sure that you are comfortable before attempting the moves because once you begin, you will take your cues from the audio instruction and not the visual since you will be looking up, down or away from the screen. (This took me a few tapes to figure out.)
Also, if you belong to a health club, many of them offer Yoga classes and this will help you learn because you will be able to see firsthand what you are supposed to be doing and if the class is small enough, the instructor may be able to correct your posture when you are not getting it right.
There are plenty of independent Yoga instructors in most areas but it can be a bit pricey at 10-20 dollars per lesson or about $100 per month for an unlimited membership.As you progress through your diet and exercise plan, I want you to seriously consider giving Yoga a try. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and will continue to be used by people for their health and harmony.
