Monday 19 June 2017

I Searched Tirelessly for Best Yoga Pants for Men and Found These 5

Men tend to be heavier and sweat a lot more making it very important as to what they wear during yoga. Yoga pants for men need to be strong enough to stand up to the most challenging yoga routine while being comfortable enough to keep you cool and focused on your workout.

They need to be able to wick away sweat easily and should offer the perfect fit. Being a little fashionable is always a plus point. Today we will look at what we consider are the 5 best yoga pants. We will comprehensively review each on of them taking into account the opinion of people who have bought it and used it along with our view on their features. So without further ado, let us dive right in.

1183 Reviews

2 Tone Thai Fisherman Pants Yoga Trousers Free Size Cotton Gray and Charcoal, Free Size

2 TONE Thai Fisherman Pants Yoga Trousers FREE SIZE Plus Size Cotton Gray and Charcoal

1.) 2 TONE Thai Fisherman Pants Yoga Trousers Mr.Bangkok:

The Thai style of yoga pants has been all the rage and with good reason. They are extremely comfy while looking good and offer enough flexibility to carry out even the most outstanding poses of yoga. It is made from extremely durable materials and that makes it able to take the wear and tear of the everyday workout.

It can seem to be a little short for taller people and if you want something that is of ankle length then this is not for you, but if you are looking for something that looks good and unique while offering you plenty of freedom, then this is perfect for you. It is able to absorb moisture pretty well and the price is very reasonable to along with decent color choices.

Price: $8.94
Comfort: 4.5/5
Flexibility: 4/5
Style quotient: 5/5
Color Options: Two-tone, multi-colored
Durability: 3.5/5

Sale

551 Reviews

Men Yoga Shorts, Black - Size XL

Supremely comfortable, stretching with your every move yet stylist fit

2.) Yoga[Addict]™ Men Yoga Shorts:

If you lean towards the classical shorts for your workouts then this is a great option for you. It is highly flexible allowing you to do any of the yoga poses without putting these shorts in any undue stress. The shorts come with pockets as well allowing you to carry a few things. The fabrics used is a blend of high-quality cotton and spandex making it highly breathable enhancing their comfort levels and ability to absorb moisture.

This is especially helpful for men who tend to sweat a lot. It is slightly on the expensive side but makes up for it in its quality. The 10 color options available give you enough choice and there is something for people with different color preferences. Overall a good options if you are looking for the best yoga shorts money can buy you.

Price: $33.97 to $38.97
Comfort: 5/5
Flexibility: 3.5/5
Style quotient: 3.5/5
Color Options: Available in 10 colors
Durability: 4.5/5

2078 Reviews

DRSKIN Compression Cool Dry Sports Tights Pants Baselayer Running Leggings Yoga Rashguard Men Women (M, DB01)

92% Polyester, 8% Spandex - Smooth and Ultra-Soft Fabric that provides extreme comfort with very little weight without restriction

3.) DRSKIN Compression Cool Dry Sports Tights Pants:

Another form of workout clothes that is very hot right now are the compression type clothes. By offering a tight fit they keep your blood circulating nicely while providing your muscles some support. This is one of the best compression pants available in the market right now. It is designed to be worn both indoors and outdoors and is made of highly breathable materials.

This is also the trendiest workout option on this list with everyone of its 20 color variants being an eye-catching one. The price is pretty reasonable and so is the vast size options at your disposal. The only chink in its armor is the propensity to lose its shape and fit with use. Then again as long as it stays in shape it is a great accessory to your yoga sessions and you can go for long sessions as well with the non-abrasive fabrics in this pant being very friendly to your skin.

Price: $8.89 to $35.32
Comfort: 5/5
Flexibility: 5/5
Style quotient: 5/5
Color Options: Available in 20 colors
Durability: 2.5/5

274 Reviews

2 Tone Thai Fisherman Pants Yoga Trousers Free Size, Dark Green/ Green

Thai Cotton Drill Fisherman Yoga Pants FREE SIZE

4.) 2 Tone Thai Fisherman Pants Yoga Trousers Free Size:

Another offering in the thai style of workout pants, this is a slightly costlier option and is of a better quality and in our opinion looks better as well. This style of pants means that there is a wider belt at your waist preventing it from digging into your flesh. By its very nature, it is very comfortable and looks very trendy. The fabric is of very decent quality offering plenty of comfort and durability. It is in our opinion the best value for money pants that we have reviewed today and if you are looking for the perfect balance between looks, comfort,

The fabric is of very decent quality offering plenty of comfort and durability. It is in our opinion the best value for money pants that we have reviewed today and if you are looking for the perfect balance between looks, comfort, price, and flexibility then nothing can beat this pants. The best allrounder we have here today. Only negative that we can think of is that it is available in only a single color options.

Price: $12.50
Comfort: 5/5
Flexibility: 4.5/5
Style quotient: 2.5/5
Color Options: Single color in dual tone
Durability: 4/5

219 Reviews

4-rth Men's Transition Cuffed Yoga Pant (XS, Solid Charcoal)

100% Made in USA! & always FREE shipping!!

5.) 4-rth Men’s Transition Cuffed Yoga Pant:

If you are looking for a very stylish option without going over the top while performing well when it comes to comfort and longevity then this is it. Coming in a mind-boggling array of 27 color options, it looks good in a classy sort of way. The fabrics used are of good quality and maintain their shape even when washed very regularly.

It is the most expensive option here but if you want to make an investment for the long term then you cannot go wrong with this yoga pant. When you buy them they will seem a little large but that is to allow some flexibility for shrinkage that will happen with time. The material is very soft and highly absorbent and feels very good against the skin especially when you heat up and start sweating. If you are looking for the absolute best then this is it.

Price: $55.00 to $59.00
Comfort: 5/5
Flexibility: 4/5
Style quotient: 5/5
Color Options: Available in 27 color options
Durability: 4.5/5

These are the best yoga pants available now at different prices and color options. Give you yoga sessions that extra bit of zing with one of these and stay fit and healthy while looking good doing it.

The post I Searched Tirelessly for Best Yoga Pants for Men and Found These 5 appeared first on Yoga blog.

source http://ricianne.com/best-yoga-pants-for-men-reviews/

Friday 2 June 2017

The Best Yoga Videos for Men Women and Beginners Ages 18-70

Yoga is a great way to stay fit but starting right will ensure that you won’t hurt yourself in the process. You will also be able to extract the most out of your workouts and for that you need instructions. You could go the old way and join a yoga class but if you do not have the time or the flexibility in your schedule to do so then yoga videos are the way to go. Today we will review 5 of the best yoga videos you can get your hands on.

They are meant for different requirements and we list what is great with each one so that you can pick whichever suits you the best. Let us dive right in. We have included a relevance meter so that you can gauge how beneficial the videos will be for you. We have also included the actual workout instruction duration as opposed to the runtime so that you have a precise idea of the content you are going to get.

Sale

381 Reviews

Yoga EVO Stretch Strap with Loops Used as Exercise Strap and Resistance Bands

STRETCHING IS HEALTHY - Become more flexible than you ever thought possible, warm up properly for exercise or improve your yoga skills with new and deeper poses. Our high quality cotton blend Stretching Strap helps you stretch properly like you would if you had a partner

1.) Yoga EVO Stretching Strap with Handling Loops + Tutorials:

If you are looking for an all in one solution to your yoga needs and you would also like to do other things such as stretching and Pilates on the side then this will be a great asset for you. Unlike most tutorials, it comes with a stretching strap with multiple loops so that you can keep doing more advanced workouts by just changing the loops. The 120 minutes of tutorials included not only cover yoga poses but also other things like stretching, pilates, and different types of warm-ups in high definition.

So if you are a dancer or a sports person you will appreciate this feature a lot. If you are looking for just yoga poses then also you won’t be disappointed. It covers pretty much every yoga pose known and how to do them. The routine as to which yoga pose to do how many times has to be figured out by yourself. There is a lot of information in here, so you will have to put in some effort to filter out what you need.

Price: $17.95
Ease of use: 4/5
Meant for: All age groups and professional dancers and sportspersons
Relevance: 3/5
Duration of tutorials: 120 minutes

532 Reviews

Gentle Yoga: 7 Beginning Yoga Practices for Mid-life (40's - 70's) including AM Energy, PM Relaxation, Improving Balance, Relief from Desk Work, Core Strength, and more.

Learn to practice over 100 yoga poses safely and effectively

2.) Gentle Yoga: 7 Beginning Yoga Practices for Mid-life (40’s – 70’s):

If you work involves hours of sitting at a desk and if your busy schedule does not allow you to allocate any extended periods of time for your workouts then this is ideal for you. It features multiple video sections meant to give you workout at work. If you have trouble sleeping then you will find the evening workout videos very helpful. Other videos included are meant to help improve your balance, core strength, and flexibility.

There is yoga poses meant for different age groups and as everything is segregated into routines meant to accomplish one particular thing, irrespective of what you are looking for you will find it in here and it will require very little effort for you to figure out which set of poses to do. Everything is clearly defined and there is even a video to help you meditate. Overall the best package for the very busy.
Price: $14.95
Ease of use: 5/5
Meant for: Very busy people of the 40 – 70 age group
Relevance: 4.5/5
Duration of tutorials: 187 minutes

Sale

1088 Reviews

Yoga For Beginners

Factory sealed DVD

3.) Yoga For Beginners:

If you are an absolute novice then this is the best deal you are going to get. Having been a top seller for many years this is a great way to start the invigorating journey into the world of yoga. It gives you the ability to customize the workouts so that you can target specific body parts every day or if you have an injury you can customize the workouts in such a way that you do not stress the injured part.

This is a great feature as it will cater to your individual need. It can be useful to people of all age groups and just as an added motivation it includes lectures from the great Dalai Lama that cover everything fro meditation to stress. It is very comprehensive as well and all at a price that is very competitive. There is something fro everyone and if you have no idea what yoga is or how to get started then close your eyes and go for this. With over a decade of 5 star reviews, its easy to say it is one of the best selling yoga videos available today.
Price: $8.67
Ease of use: 4/5
Meant for: Beginners of all age groups
Relevance: 5/5
Duration of tutorials: 240 minutes

202 Reviews

Flow Yoga: Elements of Yoga: Air & Water with Tara Lee

Yoga DVD

4.) Flow Yoga: Elements of Yoga: Air & Water with Tara Lee

If you want to get on a very specific path in yoga then this is a great way to do so. This tutorial will guide you to harness the air and water elements inside you. Constructed in such a way that you follow the modules one by one or choose any one at random. It will help you to exercise your breathing, strengthen your core, improve your balance and guide you through meditation.

This is perfect for those who have very little time and can only manage a few minutes here and there and for those who have become older and would prefer something gentler. Being very focussed its content duration is less and will not satisfy you if you are looking for something very comprehensive or advanced.
Price: $10.99
Ease of use: 5/5
Meant for: Older people and those looking for a gentle form of yoga
Relevance: 4/5
Duration of tutorials: 95 minutes

Sale

1774 Reviews

Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown [DVD]

EXERCISE

5.) Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown

If weight loss is your primary goal then this is the perfect match for you. Headed by someone who proved to the world on the grand stage that yoga can help you lose weight, this tutorial has many advanced yoga poses and techniques that will help you burn off all the excess unwanted weight. The workouts are a bit intense and should not be attempted if you are on the older side or have injuries.

It also designed in such a way that all you have to give is 30 minutes from your daily schedule and follow the instructions carefully. If you possess that kind of determination then go for it and you will see amazing results. There is no magic pose or secret formula, just that the basic yoga poses and their number of repetitions have been modified in such a way as to push your body every time you workout. Perfect for those looking for a real, healthy and sure way to lay off some pounds. One of the best weight loss yoga videos available today.
Price: $8.81
Ease of use: 2.5/5
Meant for: Young to middle aged people wanting to lose weight
Relevance: 4/5
Duration of tutorials: 66 minutes

Staying fit, becoming more nimble and agile, losing weight or piece of mind, the reasons for you to do yoga might be many and we have listed the best yoga videos to help you do just that.

The post The Best Yoga Videos for Men Women and Beginners Ages 18-70 appeared first on Yoga blog.

source http://ricianne.com/best-yoga-videos-review/

Wednesday 31 May 2017

5 Best Yoga Mats for Men/Women not Slippery Thick Enough and Cheap

Mind, body, soul and the only piece of hardware you need is a yoga mat. While it is perhaps the simplest of all workout equipment, it is very important to keep you injury free. Today we will look at the 5 best yoga mats available so you can choose the perfect mat that will help you to practice yoga safely, and comfortably.

Sale

1298 Reviews

HemingWeigh 1/2-Inch Extra Thick High Density Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap (3 Pack Combo)

71" long 24" wide ensures comfort for people of all shapes and sizes.

1.) HemingWeigh 1/2-Inch Extra Thick High-Density Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap:

If you are one of those people who goes to a workout center or a yoga center and needs to carry your yoga mat then this lightweight yoga mat which can be neatly folded and has a strap to easily sling it over your shoulders is your best bet. It is made from durable materials which will mean that you can use it daily and it will still last pretty long. The material is soft too so you can use it on a hard floor and still be doing yoga comfortably. The only chink in its armor is that it squeaks which can be a bit disturbing especially if you are trying to meditate as well.
Price: $18.99
Ease to carry: 5/5
Anti-skid meter: 3.5/5
Color Options: Available in 5 colors
Durability: 4/5

Sale

1453 Reviews

Youphoria 24-Inch-by-72-Inch Microfiber Yoga Towel, Pink Towel/Gray Stitching

EXTENDS MAT LIFE AND REDUCES RISK OF BACTERIA - No one wants the daunting task of washing their yoga mat after each session. These machine washable yoga towels add a hygienic layer between you and your mat, reducing the risk of harmful bacteria spreading to your skin and saving you time on cleaning your mat.

2.) Youphoria Yoga Towel – (24″x72″)

The simple and clutter free style make this the best yoga mat for beginners and perfect for those who live in a place with a humid environment and those who get really sweaty hands. This yoga mat will absorb the sweat and give a dry anti-skid surface to do yoga. It can be cleaned easily as well. It is the perfect combo of a yoga mat and a yoga towel which means you save the space required for a separate towel. It is slightly less durable but would still last pretty long. The huge number of color options is an added bonus. If you do other stuff like pilates, then also this will come in handy too.
Price: $19.99
Ease to carry: 2.5/5
Anti-skid meter: 4/5
Color Options: Available in 13 colors
Durability: 3/5

2141 Reviews

YogaAccessories 1/4'' Extra Thick High Density Premium Sticky Yoga Mat for Exercise and Fitness - Black

At 74" long by 24" wide, our versatile 6mm yoga mat is two times as dense as the average yoga mat and is a full 6" longer

3.) YogaAccessories 1/4″ Extra Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat

If you like more space or are on the bigger side and find regular sized yoga mats not good enough then this is the perfect option. Thicker and larger than most options this yoga mat is the best thick yoga mat and it’s very comfortable while giving you more freedom to get into some of the advanced yoga poses. The only gripe that regular users of this mat have is that they are a bit on the slippery side. They also have a unique smell to them which some might not like. It is durable and has perhaps the biggest selection of colors available.
Price: $20.95
Ease to carry: 2/5
Anti-skid meter: 2/5
Color Options: Available in 25 colors
Durability: 4.5/5

196 Reviews

YogaAccessories 1/8'' Lightweight Classic Yoga Mat and Exercise Pad - Black

Lightweight and durable 3mm thick classic mat is the perfect mat for on-the-go yoga practitioners!

4.) YogaAccessories 1/8” Lightweight Classic Yoga Mat and Exercise Pad

If you want comfort but would not like the mat to be too thick to carry around then this will suit your needs the best. It still has plenty of padding but is thin enough to roll up and carry around. Made of very durable materials which mean that it can stand up to some heavy use without having you running to buy a replacement very often. It is a bit on the smaller size and if you sweat a lot then this can get pretty slippery. Available in a reasonable number of color choices, it is perfect if you want the yoga mat which is not the best but does reasonably well in all departments and is cheap too. Don’t turn your nose up to the lightweight design it’s among some of the top rated yoga mats available here.
Price: 16.99
Ease to carry: 4/5
Anti-skid meter: 3/5
Color Options: Available in 17 colors
Durability: 4/5

Sale

454 Reviews

SukhaMat Yoga Knee Pad - NEW! 15mm (5/8") Thick - The best yoga knee pad for a pain free Fitness Exercise Workout. Cushions pressure points. Complements your full-size yoga mat. (Black)

ALLEVIATES YOGA KNEE PAIN, Elbow Pain, Wrist Pain. Extra wide yoga pad to comfort both knee's, wrists, elbows, forearms and sit bone. Perfect to use for Pilates, ab rollers or any exercise routines. The SukhaMat Yoga Knee Pad is the ORIGINAL mat-width, #1 selling, highest density yoga knee pad and certified "Yogi Approved" by YogiApproved.com!

5.) SukhaMat Yoga Knee Pad

While not exactly a yoga mat in the traditional sense, its features still hold true to the purpose doing yoga. Maybe you only want to offer extra support to your knees and elbows. Being very small it can easily fit into your luggage this is best travel yoga mat. It will protect your bad knees if you have any and elbows from hurting and getting scraped while providing a cushioned support to do yoga even when you are out and about. It is a slightly pricey option especially considering the size but it does its job very well. The extra padding makes this the best non slip yoga mat among all listed here. If you feel that your current yoga mat is not giving your joints enough padding then this will improve that vastly. Highly recommended if you are able to do all the advanced yoga poses where a good but soft support is really necessary.
Price: $19.95
Ease to carry: 5/5
Anti-skid meter: 4/5
Color Options: Available in 6 colors
Durability: 4/5

Get one of these yoga mats and get set on your journey towards good health and peace of mind with adequate safety and comfort. Blissful thoughts.

The post 5 Best Yoga Mats for Men/Women not Slippery Thick Enough and Cheap appeared first on Yoga blog.

source http://ricianne.com/best-yoga-mat-reviews/

Tuesday 30 May 2017

5 Best Yoga Pants for Petite /Plus Size Women and They’re Affordable

Working out in any form requires comfortable clothing so that they can be flexible and still look good. If yoga is what you are into then you need the perfect pants so that you can do yoga without your clothes restricting you in any way or cause chaffing while still allowing you to be reasonably fashionable. It also needs to be durable enough to stretch considerably without tearing or ripping. Today we will look at 5 worthy contenders in the yoga pants category so that you can choose the one that is best for you.

5439 Reviews

90 Degree by Reflex Power Flex Yoga Pants - Black - Medium

SOLID: 87% Nylon 13% Spandex, HEATHER: 47% Nylon 46% Polyester 7% Spandex, SPACE DYE: 90% Polyester 10% Spandex

1.) 90 Degree by Reflex Women’s Power Flex Yoga Pants:

This form-fitting fabric will shape itself perfectly to the contours of your body so that there is no chaffing. Made from highly flexible yet durable materials, this yoga pant will last long despite being used every day. This yoga pant can stretch to considerable lengths which mean that you can stretch your body to its limits while doing some of the more advanced yoga poses without the pants restricting you or tearing and putting you in embarrassing situations. They are also available in plenty of color options so that you don have to sacrifice being fashionable while being practical too. The only gripe is that they are a bit see through and if that bothers you then you might wanna look elsewhere. Being that flex makes this the best yoga pants for plus size women too.
Price: $9.99 to $36.99
Comfort: 4.5/5
Flexibility: 5/5
Style quotient: 5/5
Color Options: Available in 20 colors
Durability: 4/5

Sale

3045 Reviews

Spalding Women's Bootleg Pant, Ultra Navy, Large

Flared yoga pant featuring wide waistband and small logo at hip

2.) Spalding Women’s BootLeg Yoga Pant:

If you like the Bootleg look then this is the best option you have in the market. It is only available in 3 color options but makes up for it in comfort. Made mostly out of cotton, this yoga pant is great if you sweat a lot. It is also good for you if you have sensitive skin. You do have to keep in mind that the yoga pant being made primarily out of cotton, will shrink after a wash and you should consider that while choosing the size. Another great thing about these pants is that they are gentle on the waist without leaving marks or compressing your abdomens. They good enough to be worn as casual wear as well.
Price: $17.99 to $19.99
Comfort: 5/5
Flexibility: 4/5
Style quotient: 4/5
Color Options: Available in 3 colors
Durability: 3.5/5

3002 Reviews

90 Degree By Reflex Yoga Capris - Yoga Capris for Women - Hidden Pocket, 22inch, Black, XS

Made for yoga and fitness enthusiasts, the 22" Power Flex Yoga Capris by 90 Degree by Reflex are the ideal workout capris for women who live an active lifestyle--from yoga to cross training and everything in between. Featuring a classic legging fit with a wide waistband and high quality, four-way stretch fabric, these yoga capris won't ride up or slip down. Make these workout capris your go-to choice in women's activewear.

3.) 90 Degree By Reflex 22″ Yoga Capris – Yoga Leggings – Yoga Capris for Women:

If you want a comfortable pair of yoga pants in ththat isn’t see-through and you want plenty of color options to choose from, then this is the perfect pair of pants for you. It is an all-rounder and can be worn around the house or if you want to go shopping in the mall. These are made from highly flexible materials and as such can take quite a lot of abuse. They can cause a bit of chafing and might cause rashes if your skin is sensitive to synthetic fabric. They will last reasonably long and are on the cheaper side as well making them great value for money. Its versatility and high quality makes this best yoga pants for petites of every size.
Price: $9.99 to $19.99
Comfort: 4/5
Flexibility: 5/5
Style quotient: 5/5
Color Options: Available in 29 colors
Durability: 4.5/5

Sale

608 Reviews

Baleaf Women's Yoga Capri Legging Inner Pocket Non See-through Dark Blue Size M

Non see-through, moisture-wicking, breathable and stretchy fabric provides complete coverage

4.) Baleaf Women’s Yoga Capri Legging Inner Pocket Non See-through Fabric:

If you want a cute pair of yoga pants that won’t cost a fortune but looks good and feels good, then this is worth a look. It is not on the durable side and with frequent washes, it will become a bit see-through and shrink a little. It will provide gentle compression which will ensure good blood flow. They are great for yoga and other types of workouts but if you opt to wear to them elsewhere then they might let you down as they can be clearly recognized as workout pants. They are very comfy as well and if you are the casual yoga enthusiast then look no further.
Price: $14.99
Comfort: 5/5
Flexibility: 4.5/5
Style quotient: 3/5
Color Options: Available in 7 colors
Durability: 3/5

717 Reviews

Champion Women's Jersey Banded Knee Pant, Black, Large

Lightweight cotton jersey fabric keeps you comfortable

5.) Champion Women’s Jersey Banded Knee Pant

If you do not like your clothes sticking to you but would still like to look fashionable and not want your workout clothes to flap around then these are a great option for you. They have elastic band both at the waist and the knees so they will fit you snugly while still being free flowing. Women who have big thighs can fit it comfortably too. They aren’t available in many color options but give you a different look than most workout clothes. Coming to functionality they are flexible, durable, and do not shrink much after washing. They can be worn in public and are very comfortable as well.
Price: $12.28 to $24.00
Comfort: 4.5/5
Flexibility: 4/5
Style quotient: 5/5
Color Options: Available in 4 colors
Durability: 4/5

These are the best yoga pants out there and getting one of these will ensure that you can do yoga comfortably, safely and in style. Look cool while staying healthy.

The post 5 Best Yoga Pants for Petite /Plus Size Women and They’re Affordable appeared first on Yoga blog.

source http://ricianne.com/best-yoga-pants-reviews/

Saturday 27 May 2017

The History of Yoga and How It Shaped the World

The History of Yoga

Health and Fitness is a multi-billion dollar industry today and one of the biggest components of this industry is yoga and that is not very surprising. It does not require any equipment and can be done almost anywhere. Today we will look at the history of this amazing form of exercise that not only helps you physically but mentally and spiritually as well.

Yoga originated in India but the exact time of its inception is not known but it definitely goes all the way back to the earliest form of written history available in India. It might have been first practiced by the people of the Indus Valley civilization all the way back in 2000 BCE but this cannot be confirmed as we only have pictorial representations of what is thought to be poses of yoga. The earliest written proof we have of an early form of yoga is in the four Vedas which are amongst the oldest literary works in India. Though the name yoga has not been used, a form of meditation and control over one’s mind and body, known as ‘Tapasia’ has been described in these literary works which describe the precursor to yoga as we know it today. This spans the time between 1500 and 500 BCE.

Then came the age of the Bhagavad Gita and it is here that we see the first documented use of the word ‘yoga’ with the same meaning as it is used today. In these texts, humanity is described as having many stages of existence and yoga is the means through which a higher state of existence can be achieved. With later works of literature, the practice of yoga became more defined and some literary works such as the ‘Yoga Vashista’ concentrates entirely on the different forms of yoga.

So far, all mention of yoga had been confined to India but that changed with Alexander’s invasion of the country in the 4th century BCE. Historians from outside India got their first glimpse of yoga and the practitioners of yoga were described as ‘Yogis and Yogins’ who practiced different postures while standing, sitting or lying down and who maintained a disconnected demeanor to the outside world. This was followed by the advent of Buddhism and Jainism and Yoga became an integral part of religion and as Buddhism and Jainism spread throughout the world, so did yoga. The rest of the world still saw yoga as a religious practice and this continued all the way to the 1800s.

In 1851, N.C.Paul published his works on yoga and it was through his book ‘Treatise on Yoga Philosophy’ that interest in yoga was first generated in the western world. Yoga came to even more notice when Swami Vivekananda visited Europe and the USA in the 1890s and preached its many benefits. From there on, many westerners adopted yoga as a part of their lifestyle and has since become the highly popular form of fitness we know of today. While it is still an active part of the religion for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, people outside of these religions recognize the huge benefits of yoga and accept is as a form of fitness and healthcare.

While it has a fascinating history, modern times have allowed it grow even further. Yoga today has expanded into many forms suited for different requirements and we will now have a look at each one of the popular forms of yoga in existence today.

1.) Hatha Yoga:

This is the form of yoga that includes the different postures also known as Asanas. A list of the popular ones is listed below along with the body part they benefit.

Beginner level Asanas:

– Mountain (Tadasana): Improves balance and posture
– Chair (Utkatasana): Legs, shoulders, and back
– Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Shoulders and thighs
– Triangle (Trikonasana): Improves flexibility
– Tree (Vrksasana): Feet
– Bridge (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana): Neck and chest
– Corpse (Savasana): Calms the mind
– Warrior (Virabhadrasana): Balance and core strength

Intermediate level Asanas:

– Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana): Hips and Abs
– Half Moon (Ardha Chandrasana): Abs, laterals, hips and thighs
– Side Stretch (Parsvottanasana): Abs and laterals
– Bow (Dhanurasana): Shoulders, chest, and abs
– Camel (Ustrasana): Full body stretching

Advanced level Asanas:

– Assisted Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana): arms and core
– Crow (Bakasana): wrists, arms, and hip
– Wheel (Urdhva Dhanurasana): Abs, shoulders, and calves
– Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana): back and inner thighs
– Boat (Navasana): Abs and Hips

2.) Sura yoga:

This form of yoga involves vocal chanting of mantras and are used to calm the mind and improve concentration. The sound is meant to keep away any distractions. Typically any single syllable word can be used for chanting.

3.) Karma yoga:

This applies to work and basically implies that one should have a complete and utter devotion to work and should get completely immersed in their work. Practicing this form of yoga improves productivity and efficiency. To achieve this some form of meditation must be done before beginning work so that the mind is calm and the body is relaxed and one can work without getting distracted.

The history of yoga is soo deep and we could not possibly cover all of it here. It has been an enthralling journey so far and hopefully, This brief summary of the history of yoga timeline have given wisdom and enjoyment as much it has for me. Stay healthy and have fun. For more info on the history of yoga learn more here

The post The History of Yoga and How It Shaped the World appeared first on Yoga blog.

source http://ricianne.com/history-of-yoga/