What is Yoga?
Yoga has been a method of mental and physical discipline for more than 5,000 years and continues as a popular fitness trend today. One of the many paths of yoga, developed in ancient India, Hatha Yoga, or what is commonly called "fitness yoga" in the United States, is an ideal way to build strength, and improve balance and flexibility. Focusing on mind-body connection through pranayama (breath control) and Vinyasa (sequences of breath-linked Asanas/poses), the ultimate goals are stress-reduction, relaxation, and total fitness for each client. Yoga practice varies for each individual, each day, and may range from light and soothing, to challenging and dynamic. You may expect improvements in concentration, stamina, and agility, whether you are a beginner or have been practicing yoga for many years. This makes yoga an ideal choice for seasoned athletes, for fitness first-timers, and anyone in-between.
Yoga, by definition, is a system of physical and mental exercise that brings body & mind into harmony. The original Sanskrit meaning of the term yoga, is "to join or link together/to unite." This, depending upon the yoga you choose to practice, may be a reference to uniting mind and body, linking together the poses, linking breath and movement, and being yoked together with God. Synergy yoga classes—like most American yoga classes—is a form of Hatha Yoga. There are many differing forms/schools of Hatha.
Common misconceptions about Yoga
Myth: Yoga is a religion Fact: Yoga is a method of training the mind and body, as well as a life philosophy. Its ways and means can be applied by anyone, and its teachings are not in conflict with any faith.
Myth: Yoga is a Hindu worship ritual Fact: Although the Hindu culture does embrace yoga, archeological evidence suggests that yoga actually predates Hinduism (i.e. Indus-Sarasvati Civilization). Its practices would be complimentary to any faith
Where did yoga come from?
It is believed that the Ancient Indians wanted to achieve the same flexibility, balance, endurance, & strength as the animals they observed, and that they created the asanas in an attempt to emulate them. This is why many yoga postures are named for animals.
Traditional teaching of yoga was done one-on-one from teacher to student, and only taught to those considered to be worthy and deserving students. Poses were handed down as a gift.
Hatha yoga is just one of many paths of yoga. Most western yoga classes are a form of Hatha, or "Fitness Yoga," brought to USA in the late 1880Æs by swamis (Indian yoga masters). Hatha is an umbrella for many paths that you may have heard mention of, including Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar, Sivinada & Viniyoga. The main components of Hatha yoga include: body positioning, breath control, relaxation, and meditation. It is an unparalleled fitness discipline that brings full body results.
In recent years, yoga has made a resurgence in the United States, and has been rediscovered as an ideal method for cross-training, as well as a theraputic form of exercise and relaxation.
Come join us and see why yoga has been an effective form of mind and body conditioning for over 5000 years!