Yoga, good for body and mind

It is a phenomenon that has been known in the Netherlands for years, but it has never been as big as it is now: yoga. Yet, for many people, it is still not a tangible concept: what is yoga good for? We explain here what yoga is and what it is good for. This way, you will be an expert in no time.

What is yoga?

The word yoga is Sanskrit (an ancient Indian language), and it literally means ‘to connect’. This is ultimately what yoga does; it connects the body and mind through breathing exercises and movements. Furthermore, yoga is originally one of the six philosophical schools within Hinduism, which is why it is often linked to the East and spirituality.

What are the benefits of yoga?

Yoga has numerous alleged benefits, the most important of which we briefly explain here. First of all, it is good for your body. It ensures that you become more flexible and stronger. Additionally, it is also good for your posture and breathing. Furthermore, yoga also has a calming and connecting effect. It ensures that body and mind come into contact with each other, which makes you feel mentally better. For instance, it can help you sleep better and be more energetic. The combination of physical and psychological benefits that yoga offers is what makes it so popular.

Types of yoga

Since there are numerous different types of yoga and exercises, we will highlight two here. First, Hatha yoga. This is a physical form of yoga involving (semi-)intensive body postures – also known as asanas – and breathing exercises. There is often no movement; instead, you remain still in one position, which you do alternate, of course. In addition, there is Yin yoga, which is essentially an even slower form of Hatha yoga. In Yin yoga, the poses are also static, but you hold them even longer: about three to five minutes is normal.