Yoga, translated from Sanskrit, is contemplation. In ancient India, it was an integral part of religious beliefs and philosophical teachings. Yoga is a means of knowing oneself and becoming free from the limitations of the material world. The system of methods and exercises that make up yoga enables a person to gain control over his mind and body.
The doctrine originated about 5000 years ago. Yoga does not require its adherent to profess any particular religion, but it developed under the influence of such religions as Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism. Of the many types of yoga, two main areas can be distinguished - this is hatha yoga, which is more focused on physical development, and raja yoga - an emphasis on meditation and spiritual development.
Not everyone can seriously practice yoga. People are stopped by dietary restrictions and the inability to quickly master the technique of hyperventilation of the lungs and spiritual growth. But despite the difficulties, the number of neophytes is growing every year. One of the most common mistakes is neglect of spiritual practice, the desire to improve health and lose weight without meditation, as well as breathing exercises. This is the opinion of those who consider yoga to be just a form of exercise. The ability to control your physical and mental state comes only through hard work.
If you are looking for yoga to improve your fitness, then hatha yoga is the best choice. Her exercises provide an opportunity to reduce weight and change your figure. This is a unique technique that affects the entire body. Breathing exercises normalize blood circulation, have a beneficial effect on weak blood vessels (varicose veins, arthritis, spinal diseases and other diseases).
Vegetarianism in yoga is not a dogma. There is no direct prohibition on eating meat, but after two or three years of training, a person himself changes his diet. The same principle applies to meditation and breathing exercises. Long-term practice gives the harmonization of the soul and body, awakening the sleeping abilities of a person. It puts all internal organs in order, trains all muscles, and also restores the structure of the spine.
The goal of hatha yoga is self-control of yourself and your body. It is impossible to achieve harmony of body and soul without discipline. The first step in yoga is daily practice, so that the body gets used to a certain level of stress. The second step is breathing work. Breathing work should not be treated as something secondary or unnecessary.