Yoga

New Zealand Yoga

Yoga is a three-in-one practice, developing physical, mental and spiritual elements of your being. Learn about the types of NZ yoga available and how to get started with yoga classes in New Zealand.

• Yoga
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Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that has its origins in India. Today, yoga in New Zealand has been adopted by some as a part of everyday life, both as a spiritual and a physical exercise.

What will I get out of yoga?
A regular NZ yoga practice can bring about physical, emotional and mental benefits. For some, yoga allows the mind to enter a relaxed and meditative state, while also pushing the body to gain increased flexibility, strength and balance. Others practice a more Westernized form of NZ yoga, which focuses almost entirely on the physical aspects of yoga. Generally though, yoga uses a combination of physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation to purify the mind, body and spirit. The word 'yoga' itself means 'union', a definition which fits well with its ability to treat ailments of both mind and body.

Can I really get physical health benefits from yoga?
While the roots of yoga lie in religion and spirituality, the practice also has many physical benefits. Those with existing medical conditions or injuries should inform the teacher before beginning the class, to ensure they will stretch safely! Benefits include:

• Improved flexibility
• Greater strength
• Better posture
• Increased circulation
• General wellbeing

Combined with slow breathing, relaxation and meditative aspects of yoga practice, NZ yoga can be a great way to unwind and relax. For those suffering from stress, muscle tension and aches, yoga can alleviate the condition. During pregnancy, yoga can ease any discomfort and improve circulation and fluid retention.

What type of yoga will suit me?
There are many schools of yoga that have developed over time, each incorporating a variety of postures and focusing on different aspects of practice. It is important when choosing an NZ yoga class to find one that suits your level of fitness and has a focus which fits with you. In New Zealand, yoga classes usually follow one or a combination of these forms of yoga:

• Hatha Yoga: A general term that covers many of the physical types of yoga. Hatha classes can provide a good introduction to the basic yoga postures and will usually be fairly slow-paced and gentle.
• Ashtanga Yoga: A more physically demanding form of Hatha yoga, using a set series of poses and moving quickly from one pose to the next. This fast-paced style of yoga is the basis of Power Yoga classes, which often use Ashtanga postures but do not strictly adhere to all of its principles.
• Iyengar Yoga: A form of yoga that is primarily concerned with bodily alignment. Practitioners will usually emphasize the holding of poses over long periods and encourage the use of props, such as blankets, blocks and straps in order to obtain the maximum benefits from each pose.
• Bikram Yoga: Also referred to as Hot Yoga, this style of yoga is practiced in a hot room, designed to allow muscles to be loosened and for the body to sweat a great deal, thereby cleansing itself. The practice involves 26 poses.
• Kundalini Yoga: A style of yoga which uses the breath in conjunction with physical postures to free the flow of energy within the body. It also incorporates meditation, chanting and visualization. While all yoga uses breath control, breathing is an essential aspect of Kundalini and is used to engage different parts of the body.

Can I teach myself yoga?
There are many DIY yoga guides and resources around, such as books and DVD's, but often the best path for a beginner is to sign up to a class or one-on-one tuition. An experienced yoga teacher will be able to teach you the basics, while ensuring that you gain the maximum benefit from each pose and prevent injury from holding a pose incorrectly. Yoga is suitable for all people, regardless of age or physical fitness.

What yoga equipment will I need to bring?
Many classes provide equipment, but if you wish to buy your own, it's easy and affordable to do so. You will need:

• A non-slip surface – a lightweight yoga mat is ideal (these can be bought cheaply from department stores and sports shops), but you can use a towel at home
• No footwear – yoga is done barefoot
• Comfortable clothing – make sure your clothing won't restrict your movement
• Additional aids - some types of NZ yoga require props such as blocks and straps to help ensure correct posture

Yoga is a great way to find a balance in yourself, combining physical, mental and spiritual elements in one! With a range of yoga styles and classes available in New Zealand, it'll be easy to find one which will be a fit for you.

Looking for more information? Find New Zealand yoga in the NZS.com directory.

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Sports images from Flickr: Yoga, Yachts and Cricket.