Yoga For Beginners in Nigeria

Yoga For Beginners in Nigeria

This post on yoga for beginners in Nigeria is designed to help you start yoga on the right footing. In other words, you will venture into another world of exercise in the right direction, which will result in great results.

In this article, we are going to discuss the following as it relates to yoga for beginners:

  • What is yoga
  • Benefits of yoga
  • Is yoga for everyone?
  • Types of yoga
  • Types of yoga pose
  • Where to start yoga

Let’s dig deep into each point mentioned above.

What is Yoga?

According to the oxford dictionary, “yoga is a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures that are widely practiced for health and relaxation”

There are various definitions of yoga out there, but I chose to go with this because it contains all the reasons people go in for yoga.

I will like us to dissect the above definition a bit. Let’s start with the word “discipline”. This means yoga is not for the chicken mind. It has a complete set of rules you must follow before achieving any result.

Also, the definition reveals that there is a spiritual part of yoga, which involves meditation. Lastly, the physical aspect of it, which involve body moves and poster for a healthy living.

The word yoga itself means to engage,  to get involved, or to participate. This still buttresses the fact that as beginner, you must be ready to work it out.

With this brief insight into yoga, it is obvious that yoga is a practice worth considering by everyone out there.

Benefits of Yoga

The benefits of yoga should not be overemphasized. The health benefits of yoga are immense that you can use it for the treatment of various sicknesses such as yoga for high blood pressure, yoga for menopause, yoga for bipolar disorder, yoga for back pain, and many more.

Another very important reason you should start yoga today is its ability to increase your level of concentration. To enjoy the benefits of yoga to the full, you need a high level of concentration, which is good for the development of mental and spiritual health.

Other benefits of yoga are that it increases the happiness level,  thereby reducing depression. It also works as a preventive measure to some deadly diseases such as diabetes, heart disease because it boosts the immune system.

There is much you can achieve by practicing yoga the right way.

Is Yoga For Everyone?

There is no restriction to anyone considering starting yoga. There is no barrier to starting or practicing yoga. This means that religion, age, occupation, region, or deformity does not hinder anyone from practicing yoga.

Having said that, there are some measures people with deformity or injuries must take to get it right. If you have injuries or deformed in some areas, you need to consult an expert for the right yoga for you.

Again, even if you have no injury and feel some sharp pains during yoga practice, then it is a sign you are not doing it right. This is because yoga for beginners is expected to be mild moves that will not hot any part of the body.

Types of Yoga

As a beginner, it is wise you know the types of yoga and their functions so that you will know the right direction from the onset. The 13 types of yoga are:

  • Iyengar
  • Viniyoga
  • Jivanmukti
  • Hatha
  • Vinyasa
  • Ashtanga
  • Bikram
  • Kundalini
  • Yin yoga
  • Restorative
  • Power yoga
  • Sivananda yoga
  • Prenatal yoga

Let’s consider each type of yoga and its uses.

1. Iyengar Yoga

This is a static type of yoga because it includes the use of benches, chairs, and walls. Also,  It is a very less intense form of yoga when compared with others. It focuses on detailed alignment and holding on positions for a longer period.

This type of yoga is ideal for the aged since it is less intensive, and people with physical limitations. Also, it open to all irrespective of the level of your skill.

2. Viniyoga

Vinayoga is the building or training of inner power. It entails undergoing serious training on meditation and holding of breath for a long time. It is good for people that need to increase body relaxation, awareness, and better posture.

3. Jivanmukti

If you want to tap into the life energy force that reduces stress and eliminate negative thinking then you need to go for the jivanmukti yoga sequence.

The sequences are carefully arranged to stimulate or unlock the life energy force. Once released you will get your consciousness elevated and you will feel great

4. Hatha

Hatha is the combination of various types of yoga in one. It requires time to practice Hatha because it composes of pose training, breathing exercises, and meditation training. For sure, this is known as yoga for beginners because you have to touch every part of yoga with this training.

It is known as the best training in learning how to balance opposing forces. In other words, you will learn how to align your sub-consciousness with your consciousness using Hatha

5. Vinyasa Yoga

Another name of Vinyasa yoga is “flow yoga. As the name implies, it entails synchronizing your breath and body movement. Getting this yoga right requires a high level of concentration and participation.

This is one of the essential yoga for beginners that has helped a lot of Nigerians start on the right step

6. Ashtanga

Going for ashtanga yoga entails learning 6 series of poses in class. It is a very physical and freestyle type of yoga with much spiritual component.

During the class, every learner move at his/her pace of breath, and personal edge, growth point. During the extensive training, no one is expected to drink water, and no music to motivate participants. It is all about being spiritual while working on the physical body.

7. Bikram

Bikram is referred to as hot yoga because it is only done in an environment with high temperature. It is believed that you will sweat out the toxins in your system when doing Bikram.

It consists of 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises that must be done in a complete orderly form. Bikram is designed to last for 90 minutes, and you must strictly adhere to the set of rules that goes with it.

The great thing about this yoga for beginners is that raise the level of concentration on the participant. And it builds confidence because the teacher does not in any way support you in posing.

8. Yin Yoga

Poses are held for 3-5 minutes, mainly in a lying down or seated position. The longer stretches aim to release tension and restore range of motion to muscles and connective tissue. It’s helpful for people who have tight muscles, stress, or chronic pain.

Types of Yoga Pose

There are thousands of established yoga poses that have worked in various capacities. Since this article is on yoga for beginners in Nigeria, you need to be aware of some basic yoga poses. Click here to check out some yoga poses that have helped a lot of people lose weight

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