Absolutely everything. From improving flexibility, increasing energy flow and balancing out our stress levels, we explore why yoga is good for the mind, body and soul.

When was the last time you touched your toes? A bit of a stretch? I ask this because the term ‘yoga’ is often

aligned with two key words – ‘flexibility’ and ‘relaxation’, which although true, it’s not all about being ‘at one’ with yourself. I say this because I find that most people often associate it with total relaxation or make the assumption that it would be really easy, but let me explain that yoga is a whole lot more than that (and this is when it goes deep and hippy…). Effectively, yoga can be defined as the physical practice of developing control of breath, body and mind and is actually a generic term used to describe hundreds of different styles of yoga practice.

Therefore, it doesn’t mean the same thing to one person as it does another. In exercise, it’s a bit like cardio – one person likes to run, another to cycle. Yoga can be described in a similar context, as it can be relaxing for one person, strenuous for another through their chosen and preferred style of yoga, and can therefore appeal to all ages and capabilities. It’s also on trend with a big celebrity following – Jennifer Aniston, Adam Levine, even Audrey Hepburn was a big fan.

By Lynsey Riach

It’s a lifestyle practice that can be enjoyed for all of our life. The term ‘yoga’ actually means ‘union’. So what are we uniting? It can be said our bodies with our minds, or uniting with all of existence (this is the spiritual aspect). Many yogis feel practice makes them whole, that it liberates and frees us from the burden that society often puts upon us to look a certain way, feel a certain way or act a certain way. When we are whole there is liberation, we achieve harmony inside and out, this is the absolute goal of yoga. And if you practice for some time you will start to feel a change in your mood, your energy and your relationship with your own body, you will connect with it more, understand it more.

When you practice you leave everything at the door, this is your time to be just you. Historically, yoga has been around for a very, very long time and was originally practiced only by the privileged and elite. It was also a male-only practice until an American expat became the first influential female yoga teacher, taking her knowledge to the Western world where

she taught movie stars and a host of teachers who went on to influence the practice in later years. So as yoga gained popularity and spread across the globe…it diversified and evolved into many different styles and that’s why the word ‘yoga’ can be sometimes hard to understand just exactly what it is.

Hot or not? Today there are so many styles to choose from –think 45-degree Celsius Hot Yoga, Meditative, Yin Yoga, Power Yoga and not to forget those modern quirky ones – Aerial Yoga, Paddleboard Yoga, Face Yoga anyone..? But the best way to discover what will work out for you is to establish what you want. Perhaps you want to feel more relaxed or rejuvenated, stronger or

Yoga instructor Lynsey Riach will help you unleash your inner peace

Yoga: What Is It Good For?

Sports

84

QH May 2014- FINAL.indd 84 4/26/14 12:06 PM

Lynsey Riach is a qualified yoga instructor living and working in Doha with Mind & Body Yoga.

stress free? Work up a sweat or work on your zen? No matter what you need, there’s a yoga out there for you.

And it’s really not just about being flexible… Yoga is one of the most effective, healthy ways to exercise your mind and body from the inside with many benefits:

• 35% increased flexibility after 8 weeks of regular practice • Which helps with your posture • Also helps with lower backaches and pains • Practicing all those poses sharpens mental focus and concentration • that relates to our mood improving • Libido increases as does metabolism • We can aid digestion with detoxifying twist poses • And increase strength and stamina by up to 12% after each class from holding poses! • Can also help with infertility and menstrual relief • As well as…stress relief from focusing on breathing, to give us peace of mind

And in case you wondered, the reason us yogis are known to be oh-so laid-back is because we believe our mats are our mirrors. How we face yoga is how we face our lives (we’re committed to practice, we challenge ourselves, we reward ourselves) in a headstand you can see and face the world from a new (upside-down) dimension. Overall we feel connected to ourselves and have more clarity on the world around us. So if yoga sounds like it could be your thing (and why not), then check out www.yogajournal.com as they offer not just yoga challenges but also lots of fantastic videos, coaching, and tips to boost your health, strengthen and tone, reduce stress and I’m certain you’ll catch the yoga bug. Namaste, my soul salutes your soul! n

Strength, flexibility, mental health, digestion and your immune system -- practicing regular yoga can help improve them all

Sports

85

QH May 2014- FINAL.indd 85 4/26/14 12:06 PM