Yoga and Fitness

Yoga is a Sanskrit word that simply means Addition or Union.

The term signifies union of individual and the universe. As a whole it has relation to Hindu religious practices. But the stream of Yoga that we are more concerned with here is more specifically known as Hatha-Yoga and it is aimed at Physical well being of human kind.

The stream of Yoga that deals with spirituality and spiritual aspect of human existence is called Raj-Yoga.

Asanas are various postures of human body as prescribed in Yoga Shastra. These postures or Asanas gently stretches the performers' body, increases blood circulation and helps to improve concentration.

It is primarily a form breathing exercise. Pranayama nomally consists of three different stages
1. Inhaling or Puraka
2. Holding the breath or Kumbhaka
3. Exhaling or Rechaka

Many times, the Breath holding or Kumbhaka part is omitted for beginners.

Asana and Pranayama serve different purposes. So for better result both should be done.

No it is not dangerous at all.

Most of the Asanas (Yoga postures) are very simple that anybody can do. True, there are complicated and difficult postures but benefit-wise every benefit of a complex yoga posture can be gained from a much simpler postures.

One can pretty well do simple Asanas alone with the help of some good book or manual on Yoga.

Various Asanas help you to stretch your body muscles, your circulation improves, Various asana help you to increase blood supply (during the time you are holding the posture) supply in the vicinity of various glands of your body. This improves the muscle tone, various glands of your body starts functioning in a better way, concentration and focus improves.

Pranayama helps to strengthen the cardio-vascular system.

Various specialized cleaning methods (these methods hardly discussed in popular Yoga books as they are complex and should only be done in the presence of accomplished Yoga teachers) like Baman Dhouti, Sutra Neti help to clean your body by washing various toxins out of your body.

But at the same time it should be acknowledged you will not get a champion's body just by doing Yoga exercises. Neither will it help you to build muscle bulk.

1. Preferably start your Yoga session early in the morning before breakfast. In the morning your muscles are not fully worked up so you may want to do some slight stretching before beginning.

2. Select a place where you will not be disturbed during your session. And ensure no task that requires your immediate attention is in line.

3. Wear cloths that are not tight on your body and at the same time not too loose to be impediment to taking Yoga postures.

4. When you hold Yoga posture, be careful not to hold your breath. You should inhale and exhale normally.