The practice of yoga allows not only allows ourselves, but our students to take time out from their busy chaotic lifestyles to recover and revitalize both body and mind. Not only does the practice engage the body by challenging muscles and flexibility; asana and pranayama increase one’s blood flow and oxygen intake. This activity also challenges the mind by focusing and increasing awareness of one’s self. Hatha yoga is a unique form of holistic exercise in that its revitalizing benefits to both body and mind can immediately be gained by anyone regardless of physical ability or level of experience.
Yoga’s restorative benefits and injury prevention have long been studied and documented. It’s meditative effects on stress and calming of the mind have been praised by both wellness advocates and doctors alike. Students who first begin practicing often feel like it is nothing more than a series of uncomfortable stretching movements and controlled breathing exercises. However, after continued practice they begin to realize that yoga is more than just challenging the body, it is more about controlling the mind. Through practice, one develops the intuition to stop and listen to one’s self and his or her surroundings. As students continue their journey, the learn to work patiently and gradually challenge themselves, when they are ready for the next hurdle.
Built in Challenges
By challenging both mind and body, Hatha yoga training is able to provide restorative and revitalizing properties of other physical forms of activity without the high impact and stress of other physical activities, or the anxiety that comes with just starting out. Often, there are times when new students find solace in the collective energy of a room full of other new comers to the practice of yoga, and are more likely to continue with their practice knowing that each of us has a personal yogic path.
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