Classical yoga is a holistic system that addresses fundamental physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of human beings. It originates from ancient India. Today, there are many different types of basic yoga routines and styles available to choose from. Regardless of the style you choose, however, there are many profound benefits that can be derived from the regular disciplined practice of yoga.
Features
A basic yoga routine generally consists of chanting Sanskrit mantras (sounds, words or phrases that are considered able to create spiritual transformation), doing a sun salutation sequence to warm up and practicing asanas (poses). Relaxation and meditation are also often part of a basic yoga routine. A basic yoga routine could also include neck and eye exercises and leg lifting warm-up exercises.
Types
The types of breathing exercises one would typically encounter in a basic yoga routine include deep abdominal breathing, breath of fire (taking short, rapid exhalations with passive inhalations) and alternate nostril breathing. The types of asana involved in a basic yoga routine often include warrior poses, triangle and tree poses. Shoulder stand, plough pose, seated and standing forward bends and seated twisting poses are also usually included in a basic yoga routine.
Time Frame
The length of time needed to complete a basic yoga routine varies amongst different yoga practitioners, classes and styles of yoga. A basic yoga routine can be completed in as little as 15 minutes or as long as 2 hours.
Benefits
The benefits of a regular basic yoga routine are manifold. They include greater peace of mind, mental clarity, emotional and physical strength, flexibility, intellectual capacity, memory and more positive moods. Yoga practice can also help improve your digestion, give you more energy, provides you a deeper quality of sleep, higher endurance and higher immunity to disease. Yoga can also enhance your ability to concentrate, learn efficiently and feel an enhanced sense of overall well being.
Considerations
Those interested in learning how to do a basic yoga routine on their own should first consider taking a yoga class in their local community. Though it is possible to learn yoga through reading books on it that contain pictorial guides and through watching yoga DVDs, these are not the same as having the direct, personal guidance of a teacher. Learning yoga from a trained instructor can help prevent you from injury and ensure you receive the maximum benefits from your basic yoga routine practice.
Member Comments