What is yoga?

In this post, we’re going back to basics to define what “yoga” actually is, some of the main types of yoga and provide top tips for getting started with yoga at home.

What is Yoga?

The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning “to yoke,” or “to unite”. Although there are many definitions of yoga, it is commonly referred to as achieving the union between body, mind and spirit.

Yoga's origins can be traced to northern India over 5,000 years ago. The word yoga was first mentioned in ancient sacred texts called the Rig Veda. 

Yoga has evolved significantly over the centuries, in the modern age it has 3 key components that we practice:

• “Asanas”: physical movement or poses (the most well-know part of yoga)

• “Pranayama” - breathwork, or controlling our breath

• Meditation - focusing our mind on a single point (Read my beginners guide to meditation here)

Yoga doesn’t have to be all about poses. Meditation and breathwork are just as important!

In Worker Bee Yoga classes you’ll experience all 3 of these elements, but you may find that some classes or teachers will focus on one one or two of these elements.

What are the benefits of  Yoga ?

There has been lots of research into the benefits of yoga. Studies have shown that practicing yoga for 10-12 weeks can lead to a huge increase in flexibility, as well as increase muscle strength and tone.

Various studies have also demonstrated that practicing yoga can help lower blood pressure and lower your risk of heart attacks. Example study here.

Research has also found there are many mental benefits. These include reducing stress, anxiety and depression. Practicing regularly can also enable greater mental clarity and memory retention. 

Image credit: BreatheMoveRelax.Scot

Different types of yoga

There are many different types of yoga. Some of the most well-known include Hatha, Vinyasa (often called Flow), Ashtanga and Yin. New types continue to be created, which are usually building on one of these best known types, for example power, rocket or mandala which build from Vinyasa or Ashtanga.

At Worker Bee Yoga the majority of classes are Hatha yoga. In this type of yoga, you move your body slowly and deliberately into different poses that challenge your strength and flexibility, while at the same time focusing on relaxation and mindfulness. 

Hatha yoga class: see timetable here

Vinyasa or “Flow” yoga is also very popular. You will do more dynamic movement as you move from one pose to another. This tends to be more of a cardio workout as you are moving more quickly and therefore your heart beats faster. Compared to Hatha yoga, in Vinyasa or Flow classes you do not typically hold poses for any great length of time.

When practicing Hatha yoga you will typically stay in the poses for 3 to 5 breaths which tends to challenge your strength. This can also help you stretch and lengthen your muscles which helps you build flexibility.

What is the best type of yoga for beginners?

Hatha yoga is most often recommended for beginners. This is for a few reasons. The class is slower it is easier to follow the poses. There is more time to make adjustments to help you find a pose that works for your body. Hatha yoga also tends to focus on the core foundational yoga poses (that’s not to say that they aren’t challenging!)

It is tricky to work on your technique in some Flow classes – where it is rare to hold a singular pose for any great length of time. Before attempting to jump into faster Flow classes it is advisable to try a Hatha class first so you can learn some of the foundational poses of yoga. This can help you better follow the Vinyasa teacher and avoid injury through practicing with the right technique.

Community Hatha yoga class

Tips for starting yoga 

Here’s a few tips to start practicing yoga at home.

1. Try to find a class that’s specifically aimed at beginners. These tend to be slower and focus on the key poses. Want to try a Beginners class today? Subscribe to my YouTube channel.

2. If something’s not feeling good, it’s probably not doing you any good! If you experience any discomfort in a pose, then you should slowly come out of the pose the same way you came into it and return to a resting position, for example childs pose (below).

Childs pose: a resting pose you can come to at any point during a class. There is the option to have your arms out in front or by your sides, and to pop a block or blanket under your forehead or knees for comfort.

3. Finally, a lot of people, myself included when I started yoga, focus on what you look like doing a pose. My advice is to focus on how each position feels for your body, and try not to worry about what everyone else is doing.

Conclusion

Yoga is about bringing your mind, body and spirit together using movement, breathwork and meditation. It’s for everyone – you don’t have to be a specific gender, religion or body type to practice. There are many different types of yoga available nowadays, but you might find Hatha yoga the most accessible if you are just getting started.

Inspired to start yoga? Try my FREE 5 Day Beginners Yoga Challenge.

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