| Although Hatha Yoga is much more than exercise, we | | | | said, no one usually questions the benefits of strength, |
| can make factual comparisons, to other forms of | | | | balance, and flexibility from Yogic exercise, especially if |
| physical exercise, to understand how this ancient | | | | they witness a room full of women over 50, who can |
| practice manages to have such an enthusiastic | | | | balance their body weight on two hands in bakasana |
| following. On the physical level, the practice of Hatha | | | | (also known as crane or crow pose). |
| Yoga can help a student develop strength, balance, | | | | The postures (asanas) are designed to massage |
| flexibility, and cardio vascular endurance. In comparison | | | | internal organs, preserve skeletal health, and tone the |
| to other forms of exercise, Hatha Yoga encompasses | | | | muscles. Massaging internal organs is of primary |
| all of their physical benefits and more. | | | | importance to our survival. We can send toxins on |
| Some people would question the cardio vascular | | | | their way by keeping the body in motion, and we do |
| aspect, but they have not practiced Surya Namaskars | | | | not need high impact movement to perform this task. |
| (Sun Salutations). This is a sequence of postures, | | | | Prevention of disease, and early detection of disease, |
| which by itself, enhances strength, balance, flexibility, | | | | are benefits of an internal awareness, which comes |
| and cardio vascular endurance. Usually, Surya | | | | with Yoga practice. |
| Namaskars contain twelve postures, but there are | | | | On the skeletal level, we want to keep our joints intact |
| exceptions, and there are many different sequences. | | | | for as long as possible. The ligaments and tendons are |
| Some forms of Power, Vinyasa, and Flow Yoga, | | | | precious, so we work to keep them in good working |
| connect movement in a similar fashion. Anyone who | | | | condition, as well. On top of this, spinal alignment, during |
| has practiced these forms of Yoga can attest to the | | | | posture practice, helps with mobility, when we become |
| aerobic value. Yet, some studies will question this, | | | | seniors. |
| because Hatha Yoga is not a high impact exercise. All | | | | How many other exercise systems work so |
| forms of Yogic exercise respect, and safely work, to | | | | completely? This does not take away the value of |
| preserve the joints. | | | | cross training. By all means, walk, swim, and play your |
| Yet, exercise of moderate intensity, performed over | | | | favorite games; but in comparison, Yoga, on the |
| time, is classified as aerobic. To go a bit further, any | | | | physical level, is the "Great Healer" of all forms of |
| exercise activity, which requires oxygen to metabolize | | | | exercise. |
| glucose, in exchange for energy, is aerobic. With that | | | | |