YOGA
Yoga can be traced to the roots of Indus-Sarasvati civilization which dates back to more than 5000 years old. Patanjali was a Hindu teacher who was credited with documenting the first principles of yoga knows as Yoga Sutra
The word yoga was derived from a speculative source which is the pre-Indo-European word “Yeug” which means “union”. Classic yoga fuses techniques like asanas(physical exercises and postures), pranayama(breathing techniques) and meditation which incorporates peace of mind and spiritual enlightenment.
Importance of Yoga
Enhanced Circulation - the flow of blood through our body is enhanced by yoga which eventually helps in the transportation of important nutrients in our body.
Posture - balance plays an important role in all the postures of yoga and with regular practice, it becomes possible to attain the right stance. People start looking more confident and behave confidently.
Anxiety - with certain breathing techniques it becomes possible to control anxiety attacks and become calmer in intense situations.
Metabolism - with regular asanas practice yoga keeps a check of the body for increased metabolism as working regularly brings the body in a routine.
Sleep - yoga helps in relaxing the body as well as the mind helping to tackle problems calmly.
Postures
Tadasana (Mountain Pose) - This pose refers to a mountain where a person learns to stand with majestic steadiness just like a mountain. The word ‘Tada’ refers to the mountain. Apart from improving focus and concentration it also involves some important group of muscles.
Vrikshasana (Tree Pose) - This particular pose helps in balancing and also helps to strengthen our backs and legs. The reason the name is tree pose because the posture resembles the structure of a standing tree. To get this pose right you have to stand straight and put your right foot on your left knee with both hands joined above your head.
Adho Mukho Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) - This posture helps in stretching hamstrings, spine chest and helps to provide extra blood flow till the head.
Yoga Equipment
Pants or shorts - tight pants are suggested for yoga as they don’t cause any disturbance while stretching. If tight pants don’t suit you, jogger-style pants also go along while doing yoga and they can be used as men’s yoga pants. Shorts are a good option for boys and are also appropriate for females. Yoga pants for women are also a good substitute for yoga shorts.
Tops - Wearing a very loose top might lead to the top flying over your head while doing an asana. Material such as wicking material is good for hotter conditions.
Yoga mat - using yoga mats at places like gym or yoga centers defines your personal space for your workout. It also acts as a cushion on hard surfaces as some might find it very difficult to practice on concrete surfaces. A yoga mat cover is used to wrap and keep it inside the cover to carry it easily. Decathlon offers kids yoga mat as well.
Blocks - Blocks are usually made from foam, wood or cork. Foam blocks are much convenient to work out with. These yoga blocks are used for a cushioned surface when doing Asanas in which our hands are required to stay on the surface while lifting our legs up in the air.