Intro to Yoga
Yoga’s surge in world-wide popularity is undeniable. Increasingly popular in the west since being introduced around a century ago, in recent years yoga has boomed! There are styles – and benefits – galore. Read on to find out more.
Yoga has never been so accessible.
There are more yoga students and more yoga teachers. Traditional styles are evolving, new hybrid creations – think SUP Yoga & the martial arts inspired Budakon – and snazzy studios are popping up everywhere. making it more accessible than ever before. As a result, with the variety of styles and classes available, there really is something for everyone.
Yoga is definitely trending.
“Celebrity yogis” are taking Instagram by storm with their gravity-defying contortions, inspiring millions around the world.
Meanwhile, yoga pants – once simply known as leggings – have transcended their athletic origins to become a desirable fashion choice.
And it’s for everyone!
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to be an acrobat – or even flexible! – to practice yoga. Where-ever you are right now is (always) the best place to start, and yoga has so much to offer everyone. From professional athletes to cancer survivors to CEOs, yoga helps to boost health and happiness and it enhances lives.
Styles & Benefits of Yoga
With a smörgåsbord of scrumptious styles to sample, there really is one to suit every phase of life, every mood and every lifestyle.
There are invigorating and dynamic styles such as Ashtanga and Kundalini or the gentler Yin and Restorative and even those that require no movement at all such as Yoga Nidra. Nidra is also known as “Yogic Sleep”; a deep relaxation that I would recommend to everyone living in the fast-paced, modern world!
Depending on the style you choose to practice (but, hey, why limit yourself to one… Smörgåsbord, people!) you can expect to reap some wonderful rewards.
Benefits of Yoga
Strengthen (the body and mind!)
Increase flexibility
Release tension in the body
Improve Focus
Calm the mind
Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
Manage chronic pain
Ease digestive issues
Improve cardiovascular fitness
Increase bone density
Improve health of the spine & other joints.
Personally, I can attest to nearly all of these from my own first-hand experience, but don’t take my word for it.
Modern Science Backs Yoga
Another silver lining of the current trend for yoga is that there are more and more scientific studies backing up what the ancient yogis seem to have known all along. Find out more about that in “Yoga: Modern Science is Catching Up”.
So, what are you waiting for?!
If you’re thinking about starting yoga, check out Styles of Yoga & the rest of the Intro 2 Yoga Blogs. If you’ve got any questions – or just want a bit more info – feel free to get in touch!
Happy yoga-ing!
Originally written for & published on the Things 2 Do Marbella website July 2016. Edited March 2024.
Jeannette Amy (Nette) Hopkinson (BSc Hons Sports & Life Sciences) is a compassionate, trauma-informed Yoga Teacher & educator based in Andalusia. Follow on Instagram & Facebook
