According to the NHS, Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing.*
The practice originated in India is regarded as giving birth to the practice some 5,000 years ago and it has since evolved in various countries in a variety of styles and formats. At Tring Sports Centre we speciaise in ‘Hatha’, a generic term to describe many of the most common forms of yoga practiced in the UK today.
The emphasis is on slow body movements into different poses that challenge your core strength and flexibility. At the same time students focus on relaxation and mindfulness. Controlled breathing and good posture are also to the fore. Hatha has literally hundreds of poses, with interesting names such as Downward-Facing Dog and Standing Forward Bend. You’ll find out about these and more from our two great teachers, Kim and Tracey.
Benefits of Yoga
So what are the benefits? Well they are multiple, but here are the key ones:
- Lessening of pain
- Lowering of blood pressure
- Reduction of insomnia
- increased flexibility
- Better posture
- Increased muscle strength and tone
- Improved respiration, energy and vitality
- Maintenance of a balanced metabolism
- Weight reduction
- Cardio and circulatory health
- Improved athletic performance
- Protection from injury
Yoga is a form of exercise that can be enjoyed at any time, from childhood to your advanced years.
So…perhaps this is the year when you should ask Santa for a yoga mat (he can stretch to that surely…)?
Check the timetable for details of when the classes run and book in online or at reception.
*https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/guide-to-yoga/. Accessed Dec 2021.