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The present times have seen the modern generation heading back to the future. After all the technological advancements and modernization have claimed a toll over the health and emotional and physical well being of the people, every one has now found solace in the ever elusive yet enchanting form of body training – yoga. Yoga as a concept was developed by the ancient Indian saints, who believed rigorous physical exercise and virility were the means of ensuring enlightenment – achieving the zero, the supreme Moksha.

The bridge between ancient and modern yoga

Yoga is a co terminus and perpetual part of the mystic and elusive Indian culture. Although now Yoga is being widely used and endorsed as the way to look good, beat the flab, improve body postures and flexibility, strengthen the core muscles and improve body functionality, the original and quintessential aim of Yoga was to facilitate the attainment of the supreme, the almighty.

Yoga, in its original form existed as Hath – Yoga (rigorous form of Yoga) and was developed by ancient and powerful legendary saints. Hath Yoga basically concentrates on body flexibility and strength. As said earlier, it is the form of rigorous physical exercise and perhaps is the ultimate way out available with those whose smooth ride down the weight loss program has now observed a blockage.

The purpose of Hath Yoga was to prepare the body to concentrate. The old saints used to meditate and glide into trance, in their unconscious minds, in order to feel the almighty, in order to feel the eternal bliss in just being and not doing anything. Thus hath yoga, which is now being used for loosing weight and gaining muscle strength, was simply just a preparation stage to go into more deeper and all embracing form of yoga – the meditation.

What Yoga basically does?

It is a general notion to associate yoga with weight loss. However, the experts and well versed people know that yoga has no direct relation with the weight loss. All that yoga does is it cleanse your body systems, ensures a smooth and unblocked flow of blood in the entire body and detoxify and cleanse the pores and systems of your body.

Hence, yes, yoga does make a person appears more beautiful and afresh. It helps in making the people look younger than their age. Also it is the ultimate remedy to fight stress, migraine, head aches and etc as yoga aims for a complete body detoxification.

Does yoga guarantees immediate results?

No, it does not! Yoga is not an exercise regime or a diet you practice for a particular time, but it is a choice – the choice of the style of living your life. Thus, yoga does not guarantees immediate results, but it does helps in the overall growth and development of the mentally and spiritually active human being. It allows you to be, to breathe and live in the moment, without feeling any rush. Thus, yoga provides you with an improved body and well being – both internally and externally.

Bodybuilding as a sport goes way back to the 12th century in India where the first training techniques and bodybuilding nutrition were invented. By the 16th century, bodybuilding has become a national pastime and by this time, people from various parts of the world have also taken up its concept. They used stone and wood to create the first dumbbell, thus spawning the vital component of bodybuilding which is weightlifting.

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I guess when it comes to Yoga, a lot of people think that it’s just one form of exercise or one flow of movements. This just isn’t the case. If I had to compare the amount of movements to any other exercise, I would pick something like Karate, Tai Kwon Do, or that of Aikido. Once you figure out the movements within a type of exercise your movements will flow accordingly and without problems. This is considered one of the best exercises to get into. Not only is it incredibly beneficial to your health but to your mind as well. Sometimes people get into this for both reasoning’s or for one or the other.

For me, it was all about the soul and mind facet. I needed a way to relax my mind and destress myself. It has done that for me - and a whole lot more. I am calmer, more understanding, I can’t concentrate better, etc. If you want to get into Asana you should be aware of all the different styles and types available to you. There are many different styles of yoga being taught and practiced today. Although all of the styles are based on the same physical postures (called poses), each has a special emphasis. Listed below are the most popular types of yoga that can help you decide which class is right for you.

Hatha -
This is a very common term that can encompass many of the physical types of this exercise. If a class is described as Hatha style, it is probably going to be slow-paced and gentle and provide a good introduction to the basic poses. This would most likely be the perfect class for older people that are just starting to get back into shape or for beginners that haven’t really done in the past. Don’t push too much too fast. This isn’t about who is the best, or the strongest or the quickest. It’s about balancing your mind, body and soul.

Vinyasa -
Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized movement, leans to be a more vigorous style based on the performance of a series of poses called Sun Salutations (also called Surya Namaskara, literally translates to “salute to the sun”), in which movement is met to the breath. A Vinyasa class will most likely start with a number of Sun Salutations to warm up the body for more intense stretching that’s done at the end of the class.

Ashtanga -
This style, also called Power Yoga which means “eight limbs” in Sanskrit, is a fast-paced, extreme style. A set series of poses is performed, always in the same order. Ashtanga practice is very physically demanding because of the constant movement from one pose to the next.

Iyengar -
Based on the teachings of Yogi B.K.S Iyengar, this specific style is concentrated around body alignment. The word “alignment” is used to describe the specific way which your body should be positioned inside each pose. Iyengar practice usually emphasizes holding poses over long periods versus moving quickly from one pose to the next.

Kundalini -
The emphasis of Kundalini is on the breath in alignment with physical movement, with the purpose of loosing energy in the lower body and granting it to move upwards. Kundalini employs rapid, repetitive movements rather than positions held for a long time, and the teacher will often lead the class in call and response chanting.

Other styles include that of Sivananda, Integral, Kripalu, Forrest, Anusara and Bikram. If you would want to learn even more about these types of styles you could very well go searching around on the Internet at a few dozen places. Or you could do the smart thing - look for an ebook that centers around yoga. Or better yet, find an ebook that centers around beginners Yoga! This could give you more examples of Yoga positions plus other things you should very well be aware of such as benefits, how to pick a teacher, different types of equipment you can use for Yoga, and so much more!

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