Yoga classes are on the schedule of most major sports clubs, and there are also plenty of smaller studios where you can practise. We found out from yoga teacher Liina Zapf see joogastuudio Paljajalu (Barefoot Yoga Studio) in Stebby HERE) what yoga is – more of a meditation or a good physical workout.
For the mind or the body?
Much has been said about yoga’s impact on mental wellbeing, and that it is largely a mind practice. But how does yoga affect the body, and can it help maintain and improve physical fitness and stamina?
Yoga teacher Liina Zapf says that there are many different styles and practices of yoga, and that yoga may be a spiritual practice for some, a physical practice for others, but above all (and for most practitioners) it is both a spiritual and physical practice.
Liina Zapf says that what happens in the body affects what happens in the mind and vice versa, so yoga is always a holistic practice. Of course, depending on the style of yoga, the emphasis may also be more on improving physical fitness and building muscle. For example, Vinyasa type practices, Ashtanga yoga, Power yoga – these are all physically intense vigorous practices, using a lot of rhythm and repetition. It strengthens the muscles, speeds up the heart rate and blood circulation in exactly the same way as aerobic exercise.
How does yoga affect your physical health?
* Strengthens muscles
* Affects cardiovascular function, regulates blood pressure
* Improves joint mobility
* Reduces stress, improves sleep
* Strengthens immune system
* Improves digestion
* Improves lymphatic function
* Improves mobility and balance
* Creates a better connection with and understanding of the body
Source: Liina Zapf, joogastuudio Paljajalu
What should a beginner consider?
As has been said, there are many different styles of yoga. What should a beginner keep in mind when choosing a practice and which yoga practices might be the best to introduce them to yoga?
According to Liina Zapf, the choice of practice depends primarily on the purpose of the person coming to yoga, but the golden rule is that the more relaxed and static the practice, the better for beginners.
In a moderately paced workout, the practitioner will be able to understand what needs to be done and where or how the posture should act. The instructor, in turn, is then in a better position to monitor the beginner and guide him if necessary. “A good practice for beginners is Hatha yoga, for example,” suggests Zapf.
As for the frequency of training, she notes that the more you train, the better, of course. “Rather, I recommend more frequent and shorter practices. Fifteen minutes of yoga every day will help more than two hours once a week,” she elaborates. As for improving physical fitness, it’s the same as with most workouts – yoga should be practised at least two, better three hours a week. Spiritually, however, yoga should be thought of as a lifestyle – it doesn’t have to be practised only on the mat and at a fixed time each week. It can be practised at any time and in any place, if you wish.
Find yoga lessons on Stebby HERE.
