Yoga significantly improves the body's physical and mental condition. It helps alleviate many ailments, allows us to better understand our bodies, and helps us calm down and relax. It is widely assumed that yoga is the domain of women only, yet many famous yogis are men. It is a practice that offers a number of benefits for both genders. Perhaps it's worth starting to train together?
Strength training
In India, where yoga was born, it was a practice reserved exclusively for men who dedicated their lives to spiritual development. Yogis used asanas as a supplementary practice, subordinate to other practices such as pranayama – breath practice, or dharana – the practice of mental concentration. Physical exercises served to keep the body healthy and in good condition. It was only at the beginning of the 20th century in India that asanas began to gain importance, becoming a distinct form of physical culture as we know it today. The work of Swami Kuvalayananda and Sri Yogendra, as well as T. Krishnamacharya, who was known in the West, brought about an understanding of asanas as a form of physical culture and therapy. In their methods, the yogis combined Hatha yoga and Western gymnastics with naturopathy (a practice of alternative medicine promoting natural healing methods), or – as in the case of T. Krishnamacharya – with strength exercises. Their methods largely influenced the appearance of modern yoga, in which physical and mental health are brought to the fore. Although in Europe it is mainly women who are interested in the practice, more and more men are appreciating the benefits that regular yoga practice brings each year.
A way to supplement training
Yoga focuses on the harmonious development of the whole body, which is why it can be an excellent supplement to gym workouts. Weight training often leads to a reduced range of motion in the joints, which is why stretching, often overlooked by men, is so important. Practicing asanas helps to make the body more flexible and increase its suppleness. Solid support that guarantees relaxation, such as a yoga block, will prove useful. It allows you to deepen your practice and modify asanas so that you can perform them easily. Regular sessions also contribute to relaxing problematic areas, which include stiff shoulders or tight hips. A wooden yoga block with rounded edges allows you to build confidence in your body, which motivates further exercise.
It is also worth using some elements of yoga as a warm-up before training. Many poses use isometric tension, which perfectly prepares the muscles for further work with weights. Moreover, they greatly strengthen body awareness and improve the quality of movements performed.
Yoga as medicine
Due to a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, young people are increasingly complaining of lower back pain associated with many hours of desk work. Regular yoga practice effectively eliminates ailments such as sciatica, lumbar hernia, or discopathy. The exercises also improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension, thereby helping to prevent prostate enlargement and related complications. A fast-paced lifestyle, stress, and an improper diet often lead to heart-related problems, and because yoga calms the mind, reduces nervous tension, and restores calm breathing – it effectively prevents heart attacks and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels. All you need is a suitable yoga mat and comfortable clothing to take care of your health.
Asanas – which ones to choose?
A simple yet extremely effective pose that forms the basis of all others is Mountain Pose – Tadasana, which develops and restores the flexibility of the feet, as well as strengthening the calves, thighs, and torso. Tree Pose – Vrksasana improves balance and concentration, and also stretches the inner thigh muscles and the groin. Something that will help calm the mind while stretching all the muscles along the spine is the deep forward bend, or Uttanasana. Warrior I – Virabhadrasana I is a pose that stretches and strengthens the ankles, calves, and thighs, as well as the chest, giving space for the lungs. Adho Mukha Svanasana, or Downward-Facing Dog, will also bring many benefits, as it eliminates back pain, aids digestion, and regenerates the nervous system. See for yourself what yoga practice brings – just a few minutes a day is enough to feel a change.
