What is Yoga?

Yoga, an ancient art and science from India, was originally designed to strengthen and align the body as well as quiet and focus the mind for meditation. Practicing yoga strengthens and purifies the nervous system so we can perceive and interact in the world in a conscious and positive manner.

Most of the yoga practiced in the West is known as Hatha Yoga, or yoga of the physical body. Hatha yoga works with postures (known as asanas), breathing techniques (known as pranayama), and relaxation and meditation.

The Circle of Stones Yoga Studio, offers two styles of Hatha yoga: Ashtanga and Iyengar. Hatha yoga is the umbrella under which most of the sub-specialties of yoga fall. What makes the styles different from each other is their emphasis and technique.

Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic series of sequential poses linked together by a breathing technique called ujjayi breath and a flow of postures called vinyasas. It is a heat-producing, detoxifying, and flowing practice that creates strength and flexibility and increases stamina.

Iyengar yoga focuses on precise alignment, posture and attention to subtle details of the poses. The pace of the class is slower than Ashtanga yoga, and the poses are held for longer periods of time and repeated several times. Iyengar yoga frequently uses props, such as blocks, belts, blankets and bolsters, to support the body in the poses.

Benefits of Yoga

People have been practicing yoga for thousands of years because they get something out of it. As soon as you begin your own yoga practice, you will experience these benefits personally. Renewed energy, increased strength and flexibility, improved circulation, relief from chronic ailments, reduced stress, improved relaxation, better posture, inner fulfillment and emotional balance are some of the benefits practitioners of yoga experience.