YOGA: A Journey to Harmony of Mind and
Body
Welcome to the world of Yoga. The practice of Yoga dates back centuries and is known
for its many benefits. Join us on this journey of self-discovery and harmony of the mind,
body and soul.
LEARNING TARGETS:
•define active recreation (yoga) activity;
•familiarize the basic poses of Yoga; and
•practice the basics of Yoga.
History of Yoga
1 Origins 2 Philosophy 3 Modern Day
Yoga originated in ancient India Yoga is built on the Today, Yoga is practiced all
over 5000 years ago and has philosophy of finding around the world and has
evolved into a diverse practice peace from within and become a popular way to
with different traditions. achieving a state of maintain physical and
enlightenment. mental health.
Different Types of Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga Hatha Yoga Iyengar Yoga
A physically challenging form of A gentle form of Yoga that Focuses on achieving precise
Yoga with a set sequence of focuses on holding postures and alignment in each posture by
postures that focuses on breath breath control to enhance using props for support and
control and movement. relaxation and reduce stress. holding postures for longer
durations.
Hot Yoga
A series of postures performed in
a heated room to promote
flexibility, detoxification, and
endurance.
Ashtanga Yoga
- is the yoga of ashta (eight) anga (limbs), and is the practice of:
a. Yama
b. Niyama
c. Asana
d. Pranayama
e. Pratyahara
f. Dharana
g. Dhyana
h. Smadhi
This style is a dynamic vinyasa flow that connects the movements of the body with the breath.
This style has six series with each having certain number of poses to be practiced, in a sequence.
The students progress from one series to another based on their own practice, pace, body,
ability, etc., mastering each pose in each series.
Benefits of Practicing Yoga
Stress Reduction Flexibility
Yoga helps reduce stress and anxiety by Improved flexibility is a natural side effect of the
promoting relaxation and mindfulness through its postures practiced in Yoga, which can lead to
breathing and meditation techniques. better balance and a decrease in the risk of injury.
Mental Clarity Strength & Tone
Yoga can help you develop a sense of mental The postures in Yoga can help increase strength
calmness and clarity by focusing on the present and muscle tone, leading to increased endurance
moment through its various techniques. and better overall health and fitness.
Yoga as a Form of Exercise
Yoga is not just about flexibility, it's a complete mind-body
workout. It is a powerful form of exercise that can provide a
range of benefits, from improving posture and boosting
strength, to enhancing mental clarity and reducing stress.
Breathing Techniques in Yoga
1 Ujjayi Pranayama
Helps increase concentration, focus,
Anulom Vilom Pranayama and calmness through rhythmic
2 breathing and a restricted breath flow.
Alternating nostril breathing,
helps reduce anxiety and stress,
and improves the oxygen supply 3 Kapalbhati Pranayama
to the body.
Increases lung capacity, helps
oxygenate the body, and promotes
mental clarity through quick and
forceful exhales done in a seated
position.
Meditation in Yoga
1 Mindfulness 2 Transcendental
Meditation 3 Loving-
Meditation Kindness
Meditation
A form of meditation
A technique to A deep form of
train the mind to meditation used to focused on
focus on the transcend beyond the developing feelings
present moment, normal thinking of love, kindness and
making your process by focusing compassion towards
thoughts and on a sound or mantra. oneself and others.
feelings more
manageable.
How to Get Started with Yoga
Find a Good Start with the Basics Stay Consistent
Instructor
Practice regularly, even if it's
A well-qualified and experienced Begin with basic postures and just for a few minutes a day.
teacher is essential for beginners work up to more challenging Consistency is the key to making
to safely learn the postures and ones. Listen to your body and progress in your Yogic journey.
techniques. don't push yourself too hard.
