Yoga is an ancient practice that has been around for over 5,000 years, originating in Northern India. Now there are many types of yoga, at least nine, that we know of. Hatha yoga focuses on posture and breathing techniques, Vinyasa is an approach to yoga in which you move from one pose directly into the next, which is a faster cardiovascular workout.
Ashtanga is a very dynamic and athletic form of hatha yoga, made up of six series or levels with a fixed order of postures. Hot yoga offers a wide variety of benefits for your mind and body. It can help you burn calories, build bone density, boost your cardiovascular fitness, and improve your flexibility. Many people know of Yin yoga, which targets your deep connective tissues, like your fascia, ligaments, joints, and bones.
9 health benefits of Yoga
- Increased flexibility
- Increased muscle strength and tone
- Improved respiration, energy, and vitality
- Cardio and circulatory health
- Improved athletic performance
- Protection from injury
- Stress management
- Chronic pain relief
- Improved sleep patterns
“I wish I’d taken it up when I was a teenager I would have fewer sports injuries. I recommend all young sportsmen do Yoga’, Dr Neil Richards. Soccer and rugby players do it before running onto the field. They all do yoga poses. For older people, Yoga helps with balance, so they are less likely to fall.
Anyone can do Yoga, from children to old people. It can be done online or in a class, in different environments such as outside, at the gym, from home, or in the office.
Yoga poses in the office by Dr Neil Richards.
Written by Dr Neil Richards, Family Physician at Intercare Blaauwberg.
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