Yoga is a spiritual, ascetic and physical set of practices focusing on breathing, movement, posture, and meditation. Yoga, translated as ‘union’ or ‘connection,’ is an ancient Hindu teaching that is undergone for a variety of purposes including health, relaxation, rehabilitation, and exercise.
Most commonly understood as the physical practice of Hatha yoga in the Western world, yoga is performed through a series of asanas (yoga poses) and pranayama (breathing exercises) meant to prepare the body for a combined spiritual and meditative experience. Asanas include many interrelated poses that combine reclining, standing, inversion, twisting, balancing, and sitting postures for specific beneficial effects.
Yoga, an ancient practice originating in India over 5,000 years ago, is more than just physical poses; it's a comprehensive spiritual and ascetic discipline. The physical aspect, known as Hatha Yoga, involving postures or asanas, gained prominence in the later centuries. These poses were initially designed to strengthen the body and improve health, aiding meditation and spiritual practices.
Over time, yoga evolved, incorporating various styles and philosophies, each focusing on different aspects of well-being. It became a crucial part of Indian culture, symbolizing the unity of mind, body, and spirit, and later spread globally, adapting to different cultural contexts while retaining its core essence of balance and harmony.
The practice of yoga, particularly yoga poses, is likely to continue evolving, blending ancient traditions with modern innovations. Technological integration, like virtual reality yoga classes, could offer immersive experiences, allowing practitioners to feel like they're in a tranquil, remote setting from their own homes. Personalized yoga apps might use AI to tailor poses and routines to individual needs and abilities.
The growing awareness of mental health could see yoga increasingly used as a tool for mindfulness and stress relief. Additionally, the trend of combining yoga with other activities, like paddleboard yoga or yoga with pets, may gain popularity, offering novel, fun ways to engage with the practice. Yoga's role in promoting wellness and community is set to remain strong, adapting to the changing lifestyles while maintaining its core principles.
To become a yoga instructor, a teacher training that includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, instructional techniques, and yoga philosophy needs to be completed. After the completion of the program, budding instructors can apply for registration by the Yoga Alliance for the Registered Yoga Teacher (RTY) credential. Most professionals in the industry continue to earn educational credits by attending workshops and seminars.
The number of calories burned doing yoga depends on the type of yoga and the length and intensity of the class. According to the Mayo Clinic, a 160 pound person may burn around 183 calories in an hour long Hatha (basic) yoga class. However, the same person may burn 460 calories in a Bikram (also known as hot yoga) yoga class.
The frequency of yoga practice should be an individual decision depending on personal goals and preferences. The benefits of yoga can be received if practiced every day, but those same benefits can also be received from practicing once weekly or biweekly.
