Progress

I have started doing some yoga sessions at home to videos I have found on the internet. They were each about 20 to 40 minutes long. I have done some that don't even seem like yoga and more like arobics. After doing a workout session like this I didn't feel any better but just more tired. Im not sure if I was doing anything wrong with my breathing but Ill have to look into that and maybe try it again another time. After doing a calmer session I felt way better and could actually feel the physical and mental benefits yoga claims to have. I loved the constant stretching feeling and how after you feel taller and less stressed.

What to Bring to Class

There is not much equipment that is required of you to bring to your yoga class, because of this it makes yoga fun and affordable for everyone. There are some things however that you will need for your class, they are: a yoga mat, water bottle and also a towel. Yoga mats depending on where you get it and the kind will range in price from 20-60 dollars on average. I have researched some mats and the majority of the people say that the $20 ones work just fine. The reason that you will need a mat is because modern yoga studies all will have hardwood floor. The towel is for wiping your feet if they get slippery and also you can roll it up for support under your neck in certain positions. Depending on the studio they may provide clean towels for everyone. Hope this helps everyone out.

Types of Yoga

I have been studying different forms of yoga that are practiced around the world. I have learnt that there are 8 major different types of yoga.

1) Anusara
Anusara yoga is a relatively new to the yoga world. It is based on the belief that we are all filled with an intrinsic goodness. Anusara seeks to use the physical practice of yoga to help the inner goodness of people shine through. 

2) Ashtanga 
Ashtanga is based on ancient yoga teachings but was popularized in the 1970s. Its a rigorous style of yoga that follows a specific sequence of postures, its very similar to vinyasa yoga. In Ashtanga yoga each style links every movement to breath. This form of yoga is very physically demanding.

3) Bikram
Bikram is held in artificially heated room where you will sweat like crazy and you will work your way through a series of 26 poses.

4) Hatha
Hatha is a generic term that refers to any type of yoga that teaches physical postures. Nearly every yoga class taught in North America is hatha yoga. Hatha yoga is a gentle introduction the most basic postures you will encounter. Hatha is not very physically demanding but it will leave you feeling overall better.

5) Hot Yoga
Hot Yoga is basically the same as Bikram except for that the poses are done in a different sequence.

6) Lyengar
Lyengar yoga is a very meticulous style of yoga. To help each person find the exact alignment and pose, Lyengar yoga uses a lot of props. For example they'll use blocks and blankets, straps, chains, and a rope wall to help make sure your position is perfect.

7) Restorative
Restorative yoga is very relaxing. Its uses blanker and blocks to hold your body into positions without your body actually having to do any work. Restorative yoga is said to be more rejuvenating than a nap.

8) Vinyasa
Vinyasa is another word for flow. Vinyasa classes are known for their fluid motion practices. The class instructor will often play music and pree choreograph the class to make sure is has this "flow".

What is Yoga?

The Beginning

My bible class is doing passion projects again this year. I have decided to do mine on yoga and overall mental health. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yog which means "union". The practice of yoga is meant to be a union of the body and mind. It is not just holding silly poses like what most people think it is. My goal is to try and do yoga every second day spending about a hour each session. I will mostly be doing it along to videos I have and interesting ones I might find on YouTube. I would like to participate in a few classes at near by gyms too and also try the art of hot yoga. To learn more about mental health I will contact a councilor and get more information on what mental health really is so I can understand yoga more.