Yoga has long been praised for its benefits for physical, mental, and emotional health. But even if it makes you feel good, is yoga a workout?
The short answer is yes. Depending on the style and intensity of your yoga session, it becomes a veritable workout, with poses, speeds, and modifications for different exercise goals.
This guide details the components of different types of yoga and how they can be used as a holistic approach to health and well-being. Keep reading to learn more about this ancient practice and how to incorporate yoga into your fitness routine.
What is yoga? Origin and practice
Yoga is an ancient physical and spiritual practice that originated in northern India thousands of years ago. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj” (to unite), and yoga is the union of mind, body, and spirit. Indian monks began spreading the teachings of yoga to Western countries in the late 19th century, and it is now practiced by millions of people around the world.
Many philosophies, schools, and areas of practice are connected by the eight limbs of yoga. What is traditionally called the Eight Sutras are:
- Yamasu – Principles and Morals
- Niyamasu – self control
- Asana – Physical posture
- pranayama – Breath control
- pratyahara – inner peace
- Dalana – concentration
- dhyana – Meditation
- samadhi – Enlightenment
Keeping these factors in mind, you can see that yoga is very important. more More than just training. The emphasis on breath control, meditation, and physical posture makes it a mental and physical practice that has great benefits for both mind and body.
physical benefits of yoga
There’s a reason yoga is popular. Not only will you learn Downward Facing Dog Pose and Happy Baby Pose (sounds like fun, right?), but you’ll also reap the physical benefits of regular practice. For people of all ages and lifestyles, yoga offers many physical benefits, including:
- flexibility – Yoga poses help improve body flexibility.
- balance – Yoga has been proven to improve balance.
- core strength – Yoga increases core strength by strengthening your core and improving your balance.
- endurance – Practicing yoga regularly can reduce fatigue while increasing your physical strength.
- pain relief – Stretching and mobility exercises can work wonders for neck, back, lower back, and shoulder problems. Research shows that yoga is particularly effective in relieving chronic pain.
- Improved cardiovascular health – Yoga reduces inflammation and blood pressure and promotes heart health.
- Chronic disease management – Yoga can help relieve symptoms and provide comfort for people with arthritis, osteopenia, lower back pain, COPD, and other chronic conditions.
- improved breathing – Yoga improves lung function and makes breathing easier. This is especially beneficial for people who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Increasing your muscles and flexibility through yoga practice can help you look stronger with other workouts as well.
Health from within: The mental benefits of yoga
As already mentioned, yoga emphasizes the union of body, mind, and spirit. This means that regular yoga practice can have many benefits for your mental and emotional health, including:,
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improved concentration and concentration
- better sleep
- Alleviation of menopausal symptoms
- Please help me quit smoking
Furthermore, by participating, group yoga class Connect with like-minded communities.
different types of yoga
There are many different types of yoga practices. Some, such as Vinyasa and Ashtanga, are more physically demanding and offer more intense training. Others, such as hatha yoga and restorative yoga, focus on meditation and breathing techniques.
Depending on your needs, you may benefit from certain practices such as:
- Maternity yoga (pregnant woman yoga)
- Yoga to relieve symptoms of menopause
- yoga for chronic pain
Otherwise, various trainings based on common types of yoga are possible. Let’s try various practices.
vinyasa
One of the most common practices, vinyasa has become an umbrella term for many different types of yoga. Some are very active, while others are adapted to slower currents. Vinyasa yoga classes typically offer a fast-paced workout with plenty of breathing techniques to help build both muscle strength and lung capacity.
Vinyasa can also be used for: hot yoga classheld in a heated room, to improve your flexibility and sweat out the stress of the day.
Ashtanga
This energetic yoga connects breath and movement by moving quickly between poses. There are three levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Ashtanga yoga involves performing poses repeatedly until you or your instructor feel ready for the next one. This is an effective workout as it requires strength and endurance.
You may also have heard the term power yoga. This is a fast-paced workout that combines Vinyasa and Ashtanga methods.
Iyengar
Iyengar yoga aims to improve balance, strength, and flexibility. It incorporates materials such as blocks, chairs, straps, and bands to help anyone, regardless of ability or flexibility, achieve correct posture in the pose. Iyengar is suitable for all ages and experience levels.
Bikram (hot yoga)
Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga, is performed in a room heated to approximately 105 degrees. It’s very hot, so it’s a difficult workout for people who aren’t used to sweating a lot. Remember to dress light, drink plenty of water, and take breaks.
grouper
Ideal for beginners, hatha is a great introduction to yoga. It combines basic elements such as asana, pranayama, and meditation, and involves less physical activity than other types of yoga. This smooth flow can be sped up at any time for a more demanding workout.
kundalini
Kundalini is a spiritual practice that combines traditional yoga methods such as asana, pranayama, and meditation with elements of chanting and song to release energy. Like groupers, they can adapt to different energy levels.
yoga poses for training
Now you know that some types of yoga are better for exercise than others. Breathing and meditation are foundational strengths throughout your yoga practice, while strength training, flexibility, and endurance require specific yoga routines.
Here are some yoga poses that will give you a powerful workout, whether you do yoga at home or at a local class.
- squat – Yes, this classic gym move is also a yoga pose. Steady squats strengthen your legs, core, and back.
- board – For a serious strength workout, try the high-low plank, also known as Chaturanga Dandasana. Sit in position with your hands flat, arms straight, shoulders straight, and feet on opposite ends of the mat. Pull your elbows in to lower your body, hold for as long as possible, and push back up again.
- dolphin pose – This arm workout is similar to downward dog, but your forearms are on the mat instead of your hands. Place your forearms and hands flat on either side of your head, push your hips up, and step your feet back.
- boat pose – Build balance and core strength with Boat Pose. Sit and lean back, balancing on your tailbone. Extend your legs upward in a V-shape and extend your arms parallel to the mat. Keep pressing until you feel a burn.
- Lunge – Another already well-known pose, the lunge, helps yoga with flexibility and leg strength. Lunges can be done forward and backward or side to side. Place all parts of your feet on the mat (do not lift your heels or toes), knees above your ankles, and keep your back straight. Take your training to the next level by strengthening your core.
Anyone can do a yoga workout. There are practice methods that can be adapted to all ages, experiences, and abilities.
Enhance your yoga routine for a better workout
Want to add some extra fire to your yoga workout? Keep your breathing techniques in mind and try these tips and tricks.
- hold a pose longer – Challenging yourself to hold difficult positions will help improve your strength and balance. Instead of setting a time limit for each pose, try holding the pose for as long as possible.
- add repeat – Creating circuits of different poses can help you improve your endurance, set goals, and establish longer workouts.
- Let’s train our core – During your workout, focus on strengthening your core muscles while keeping your back straight.
- raise one’s limbs – Make the pose more difficult by lifting your hands or legs off the mat. Make sure to modify both sides of your body evenly during your workout.
No matter where you start, incorporating yoga into your regular workout routine can provide countless physical and mental benefits.
Start your yoga journey with Chuze Fitness
Chuze is an all-inclusive gym that offers low-cost, accessible fitness. The fully equipped facilities are full of wonderful things. Amenities– Red light therapy, cryolounge, HIIT studio, pickleball court, sauna, pool, lawn area, and more.
Please sign up for group fitness classes Practice yoga with professional instructors and other friendly companions. Combine Vinyasa flow with exercises that build muscle, strengthen your core, improve cardiovascular health, and test your endurance. With restorative breathing techniques and stretches, you’ll leave your yoga routine feeling like a whole new person. What’s even better is that these affordable yoga classes are included in some membership plans.
Chuze currently operates in California, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Florida, and Georgia. Once you’ve found a location near you, explore three locations. gym membership Plans are available starting at $15.99 per month. Sign up now or try 7 days free gym trial.
source:
Today’s medical news. How is yoga effective? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/286745.
health line. Practicing the 8 limbs of yoga will help you understand the true meaning of yoga. https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness/the-8-limbs-of-yoga.
John Hopkins Medicine. 9 benefits of yoga. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-benefits-of-yoga.
health line. A complete guide to different types of yoga. https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/types-of-yoga.
US News & World Report. 7 yoga poses perfect for strength training. https://health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/yoga-poses-for-strength-training?onepage/
Reviewed by:
Ani is the Vice President of Fitness at Chuze Fitness, where she oversees the group fitness and team training departments. She has over 25 years of experience in club management, personal training, group exercise, and instructor training. Ani lives in San Diego, California with her husband and son and loves hot yoga, snowboarding, and all things wellness.
