Yoga

  Physical activities are activities which involve the use of energy and effort. Physical activities ensure that one is fit, healthy and "active". In India, there are several physical activities which people perform. One popular physical activity which is slowly and steadily becoming a part of everyone's daily lives is "YOGA". Since yoga originated in India, it is already prevalent in several parts of India and is being embraced by the rest of India and the rest of the world too! Yoga is basically a mixture of physical, mental and spiritual practices all combined into one form to ensure the well being of a person. Yoga helps provide physical and mental benefits including: increased flexibility, increased muscle strength, weight reduction, improvement in cardio and circulatory activity, maintaining a balanced metabolism, relieves the mind of stress and increases body awareness. The best part about yoga is that it can be performed by persons belonging to any age group and it is beneficial to almost everyone who practices it! Also, to perform yoga one does need any equipment or any proper gear! One can simply practice yoga at home, in a garden or anywhere possible. It is truly a physical activity which is associated with freedom of choice, as it can be done anywhere and in any manner and during any time of the day. Hence, it is a flexible kind of activity.

There are 8 primary types of yoga, which are as follows:- 

1) Vinyasa Yoga 

                                 (yoga which pertains to all activities with respect to "breath" )

2) Ashtanga Yoga 

 (involves synchronization of breath with movement as one moves through a series of postures) 

3) Iyengar Yoga 

( alignment in the asanas using breath control through pranayama and the use of props like mats, blocks, etc)  

4) Bikram Yoga 

(It consists of the twenty-six yoga postures and two breathing exercises) 

5) Jivamukti Yoga 

( a type of yoga which is a mixture of chanting and asanas) 

6) Power Yoga 

 ( is a more active approach to the traditional Hatha yoga pose) 

7) Sivananda Yoga..

 ( yoga system based on the five yogic principals: proper breathing, relaxation, diet, exercise, and positive thinking) 

8) Yin Yoga 

 ( Yin yoga is a meditative practice that allows your body to become comfortable in a pose without using any strength)

Yoga also involves a number of Asanas which include: Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Adho Mukho Svanasana, Trikonasana, Kursiasana, Bhujangasana, Sukhasna, etc. Asanas form the backbone of yoga and each of the Asanas have their own benefits, leading to a healthy and fit mind, body. 

If yoga is performed daily it can actually lead to several benefits and an active life style, which is the requirement in today's generation. Hence, this is one physical activity which needs a lot attention and should be performed by one and all.