While on the way to spot a friend of mine at the local YMCA, 강남건마 he asked why I didnt just join the gym and I explained to him that I practice Yoga and occasional calisthenics at home for my exercises and really didnt feel the need for a gym membership. His response was predictable: Yogaisnt that just stretching?
I smirked at the familiarity of the question and proceeded to explain to him the theme of this article. As I told him and for those who may not know otherwise: No, Yoga is way more than just stretching or getting into supposedly awkward looking poses and positions.
It is a combination of stretching, breathing exercises, meditation and perhaps the most overlooked limb, adherence to a proper diet.
The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as a “union” or a method of discipline. Its ultimate goal is the union of man with God or the universe in one breath. Furthermore, it aims to liberate the spirit as the mind and spirit are equally involved in its practice.
Yoga is indeed the oldest existing physical-culture system in the world. Besides being a systematic and scientifically proven path to...