SATURDAY, DAY 6
LIFESTYLE AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
Yoga is a lifestyle practice whose main goal is to train your mind, body, and breathing. This helps you relax and manage stress and anxiety. Yoga includes physical exercise, but movement is just one component of this lifestyle philosophy.
Yoga began more than 3,000 years ago in India. The word yoga is Sanskrit and means to “yoke,” or unite, the mind, body, and spirit. Traditionally, yoga students are required to adhere to a strict regimen of behavior, diet, and meditation. However, you do not have to strictly follow yoga in order to derive some of its stress-reducing benefits.
The physical part of yoga is called hatha yoga. It focuses on poses, which are often named after animals. When practicing hatha yoga, a person goes through a series of poses while controlling his or her breathing.
Yoga is easy to learn and does not require any equipment. In addition to being relaxing, it tones your body, stretches your muscles, and strengthens your cardiovascular system. There are many different types of hatha yoga. In the United States, the fast- paced form known as Vinyasa, or power, yoga is very popular. Other types of hatha yoga include Bikram yoga, which is practiced in rooms that have been heated above 100°F, and gentle yoga, which is performed at a much slower pace.
Yoga classes are offered at many centers and feature instruction in poses, breathing, meditation, and, in some cases, chanting. There are classes for people of all abilities. You should speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
In a typical hatha yoga class, you will learn 10 to 30 poses, ranging from easy to hard. For example, the easier Corpse Pose involves lying on the floor while completely relaxed. There are also very difficult poses that take years of practice to master.