ess. First, deep relaxation training focuses the body, the mind and the emotions – these skills are effective in countering many symptoms of stress. Flexibility exercises are helpful in preventing or alleviating muscular tension. The use of controlled, deep breathing while executing the postures helps to counter and shortness of irregularity of breathing associated with stress. It also helps to achieve and maintain a state of calmness and emotional stability, as the breath is closely linked to emotions and the state of mind.
Many forms of exercise aim to develop only the superficial muscles of the body and often neglect flexibility training. Yoga provides a comprehensive system of exercise that stretches, strengthens, tones, helps to align, and improves the health of the entire body. Yoga also develops a state of mental calmness and emotional stability. Thus Yoga is unique in that it focuses on the entire body and mind.
Many conventional forms of exercise serve purely asthetic purposes. According to Yoga philosophy, though, health is first an inner state. This means that the health of the nerves, glands and vital organs determines how healthy a person looks and feels.
What also sets Yoga apart from many other forms of exercise is the coordination of breath with each posture and movement. Working the breath in a conscious manner brings the mind’s attention into the present, to the task at hand. This helps to prevent injury as it ensures that the focus is on the exercise being done. It benefits the functioning of the lungs and the entire respiratory system and increases lung capacity, and it also benefits one’s ability to concentrate.
Yoga is noncompetitive which sets it apart from many other sporting and recreational activities. It allows each person to work within personal limits. Yoga is suitable for all age and levels of fitness, as it can be a very gentle form of exercise, or it can be rigorous, depending on the practitioner.
It is important to note that regular Yoga practice can be combined with and also serves to enhance any gym or cardiovascular training programs, sports, dance or any other activity.