Try Yoga
It's no use spending every
waking moment with your head in a book. It's important to keep your body healthy
while you work your mind. The celebrities all love yoga, so why shouldn't we?
Monica Burton from the British Wheel of Yoga answered some of our questions.
Bitesize: What is Yoga?
Monica Burton: Yoga is an ancient
discipline concerned with developing a holistic healthy and harmonious
lifestyle. It is a combination of physical and mental exercises which promote
flexibility, reduce stress and increase stamina and strength. Yoga isn't about
standing on your head or sitting in a fancy cross-legged position.
The most widely practised form of Yoga in the West is Hatha Yoga. All
classes should offer students a balanced programme to stretch and flex the body.
Some classes may be low impact whilst others can be very demanding.
BS: How can does it actually help?
MB: Asanas or
Yogic postures work on every part of the body. They are stretching and toning
muscles, joints, the spine and the entire skeleton. Asanas also work on your
internal organs, glands and nerves. Due to the release of physical and mental
tension they set free vast resources of energy.
Pranayama or breathing exercises revitalise the body and help to
control the mind which in turn can make you feel calm and refreshed. In the
practice we concentrate on the body, the breath and the mind. When the body/mind
is relaxed we are more receptive we think more clearly. The practice of positive
thinking gives increased clarity, mental power and concentration.
BS: Is it better to do something like yoga, as opposed to going to the
gym or jogging?
MB: Depends on what you want really. The postures are
designed to work the spine on all four planes, all the major muscle groups are
worked in harmony with the breath. The focus is on release into the movements
rather than using force or struggle. Yoga is non-competitive, non-aggressive.
BS: Can you learn it from books or videos?
MB: It is better
to attend a class run by a qualified teacher. The first thing to do is to find a
class with a qualified teacher to a recognised nationally accredited standard.
For a list of nationally accredited teachers contact The British Wheel of Yoga's
office. Classes last from 90minutes - two hours.
BS: How often should someone practice?
MB: Daily according
to your needs and lifestyle. Regular practice is recommended even if it is just
ten minutes relaxation.
BS: What are the other benefits of doing these things, apart from
relieving stress?
MB: You will gain relaxation, flexibility, strength
and stamina. Yoga works well for asthmatics and reduces blood pressure,
excellent for lower back problems and various common ailments.
BS: There's a lot of focus on the "breathing". What is that all
about?
MB: The breath is the link between our mental and physical
state. Notice how the breath changes whenever you get anxious (as in panic
attacks) compared to when you are happy. If the breath is calm the body and mind
will follow suit.
BS: What equipment/clothing do I need?
MB: Nothing more
than a non-slip mat and loose comfortable clothing, like leggings and a t-shirt.
Yoga is practised bare-footed.
BS: Cheers, Monica!
Other resources
Check out these sites for more information on yoga in Scotland:
Yoga Bhoga
About Yoga - Yoga Scotland
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