Many people are skeptical and wonder what are the benefits of yoga

Many people have quite a few terrible misperceptions about yoga and wonder what are the benefits of yoga.  Some believe that the practice takes hours a day, while others see it as a completely foolish waste of time. Some people even think that yoga is only for the rich and famous! Others have heard that it is demanding and difficult, so they give up before ever even giving yoga a try.

The fact is, yoga is not a mystical or exotic thing – even though in today’s consumer-driven, fast-paced world, it may seem to be just that since it allows practitioners a more introspective view into themselves. The word “Yoga” means “Unite” in the Indian language, and while it does unite the physical and metaphysical aspects of its students, it is not some kind of crazy cult practice!

What are the benefits of yoga?

Besides the benefits that come from achieving a higher sense of consciousness on a regular basis, which include greater intellectual power, and a resilient take on life, there are some other fantastic benefits. Despite the fact that yoga can indeed be physically challenging, it’s well worth a try. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most common benefits:

• The benefits of yoga are partially realized via its physical aspects. The poses, or asanas, are designed to stretch, relax, and strengthen the body. They’re designed to promote good health and help those who practice it to feel their very best.

• The second set of benefits are achieved via the unification of the conscious and subconscious mind, which is achieved by the mantras which are often repeated as poses are being held. You can make your own mantras, such as “I am feeling healthy and all is well in my world!” or, you can follow along with the ancient mantras that are part of the tradition of yoga.

This second set of benefits is often a stumbling block for the people who really do need yoga the most.  If you are feeling at odds with yourself, or if you feel stuck in your life; if you simply wish you could be happier, or if you want an easy way to relax, then it is important to understand that yoga can help you, and that it is not some kind of black magic or sorcery.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a religious person, or someone who does not really believe in a higher power. Yoga helps your mind and body function as one, to help you achieve greater happiness!

No matter who you are – older or younger, wealthy or not, male or female – the practice of yoga has something to offer you.

The asanas, or poses, which are part of all yoga, are designed to help improve circulation and flexibility. They might look or feel funny to you at first, and while it is true that many people even pass gas as they work on their asanas, this shouldn’t stop you. Modern life is hard on our bodies, and yoga helps.

First, it helps us by ridding us of toxins. Once you’ve got the first few asanas down, such as child’s pose or sun salute, then you’ll start to feel better.

After that, you will probably start to understand that the ritual cleansing often associated with yoga has a purpose – you will begin too understand what are the benefits of yoga and that purpose is to clear away toxins from every part of your body.

While western culture often looks at sexual organs and other body parts as being dirty and embarrassing, those who practice a lifestyle that features yoga understand that these parts all have their functions, and must be cared for as carefully as we care for the parts people see – our hair, and our teeth, for example.

And, once the basics are taken care of, and you begin to delve deeper into the ancient philosophical concepts the discipline ascribes to, your misconceptions will begin to melt away and you will start to see the benefits of yoga.

Each of us faces a particular set of challenges in our lives, and the fact is, we need a way to face those challenges and overcome them.

By unifying your physical body, your mind and your intellect, you can begin a steady climb toward the apex of your life – and soon enough, you will achieve superior mental, physical, and spiritual health – no matter who you are!

Ashtanga Yoga Poses-Understanding the Basics