What is Yoga?

The word yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. We can think of the union occurring between the mind, body and spirit.

Many people think that yoga is just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits.
 

5 Physical fitness components

1. Cardiorespiratory or Aerobic Endurance

2. Muscular Endurance

3. Muscular Strength

4. Flexibility

5. Body Composition
 

With the help of yoga we can achieve the muscular strength and flexibility which is very much essential for physical fitness.

Yoga And Disease 

• It increases Immunity.

• Gives Mental/emotional benefits.

• Yoga affects all the important determinants of a long life: the brain, glands, spine and internal organs.

• Yoga increases flexibility of spine.

• Yoga slows down the aging process by giving elasticity to the spine, firming up the skin.

• Removing tension from the body.

• Strengthening the abdominal muscles.

• Eliminating the possibility of a double chin.

• Improving the tone of flabby arm muscles.

• Correcting poor posture and so on.

• Helps in weight management.

• Yoga is beneficial in sleep as well.

• Ultimately Yoga helps in each and every way to be healthy.

Imporatant Yogasana: 

• Sirshasana (Head Stand)

• Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)

• Matsyasana (Simple Fish Pose)

• Halasana (Plough Pose)

• Paschimottanasana (Back Stretch)

• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

• Shalbhasana (Locust Pose)

• Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

• Chakrasana (Wheel Pose)

• Ardha Matsyendrasan (Lateral Spine Twisting)

What is Pranayama?

Pranayama is derived from 2 Sanskrit words - Prana (life force) and Ayama (control). Therefore, in its broadest description, Prananyama would mean the control of the flow of life force.

Benefits of Pranayama

• Body becomes lean, strong, healthy.

• Very much helpful in fat reduction.

• Gives lustre to face.

• Eyes sparkle like diamond.

• Voice becomes sweet and melodious.

• Semen gets firm and steady

• Improves digestion

• Very much beneficial for all lung diseases and so on.
  

Important Pranayama

• Udgeeth Pranayama (Omkar)

• Brahmari Pranayama (The Humming Bee Pranayama)

• Shitli and Shitkari Pranayam

• Ujjayi pranayama

• Kapalbhati

• Bhastrika Pranayama

• Anulom Vilom pranayama