Yoga is an ancient practice used to refocus on oneself. The postures performed relieve your body and soothe your mind, thus providing well-being. Seniors, adults, young people and children can do yoga provided they have adequate mats and equipment. What are the benefits of yoga? How does this practice work to improve your health in the long term?

Why start yoga?

Yoga is a discipline that encourages your body to perform several exercises based on different techniques. The mind is also called upon in the exploration of certain aspects of life. Yoga is used for therapeutic purposes. Its practice helps to relieve stress. At the same time, you learn to better manage complex situations that prevent you from living serenely on a daily basis.

Yoga is characterized by performing certain postures accompanied by some breathing exercises. The main objective is to bring both physical and mental well-being. Yoga is an ancient art of living that has proven itself all over the world. It is practiced with a floor mat and yoga equipment.

Different types of yoga can provide you with well-being. Dynamic yoga, for example, encourages practitioners to perform a series of postures accompanied by a particular breathing rhythm known as "vinyasa" and "ashtanga". In addition to making the body more flexible, this practice improves the cardiovascular system. A yoga session lasts approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.

Health Benefits of Yoga

Yoga first allows you to reconnect with your body. Moving gracefully and coordinating movements gives you the opportunity to listen to your body while guiding it. Yoga also gives you the opportunity to let go. You no longer think about your daily routine, the movements combined with breathing facilitate the evacuation of stress. Your body becomes more flexible and more toned over the course of yoga sessions.

Yoga softens and strengthens certain parts of your body, especially those that are tense, knotted or blocked. This can be the spine, hips or knees. Doing yoga also strengthens your back and makes your hips more flexible. All your joints are mobilized and strengthened as well as your muscles. The postures performed and the concentration that reigns during the yoga session optimize your balance. You become more zen and confident. Repeated sessions allow you to refine your figure.

What equipment should I use to practice yoga?

Yoga is practiced with specific clothing and equipment. Comfortable, close-fitting outfits make it easier to perform the postures. Generally, you put on yoga pants and a top. The yoga mat is essential, it has nothing to do with a gym mat, because it is designed specifically for this practice. It is the central pillar of yoga equipment.

If you want advice on choosing it, I encourage you to read the dedicated article.

Besides that, there is a whole little yoga equipment that will help you in your practice. In English, we talk about "props". They are there to help you be more flexible, to stretch and especially to maintain good alignment and not to force your spine when you practice your asanas. There are straps , yoga bricks andyoga bolsters which are also useful for performing seated postures.

August 18, 2021 — Patricia Nagelmackers