Yoga for Singles Central ::: Yoga Information, Yoga Classes, Singles Yoga Events ::: Singles Events Online Directory Australia

Well, if you think of women in seemingly impossible poses, then you may have an inkling of what Yoga is. But that's just it - an inkling. You've got a long way to go before fully understanding Yoga.

Yoga is an ancient Indian body of knowledge that dates back more than 5000 years ago. The word "Yoga" came from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means "to unite or integrate." Yoga then is about the union of a person's own consciousness and the universal consciousness.

Ancient Yogis had a belief that in order for man to be in harmony with himself and his environment, he has to integrate the body, the mind, and the spirit. For these three to be integrated, emotion, action, and intelligence must be in balance. The Yogis formulated a way to achieve and maintain this balance and it is done through exercise, breathing, and Meditation - the three main Yoga structures.

In Yoga, the body is treated with care and respect for it is the primary instrument in man's work and growth. Yoga Exercises improve circulation, stimulate the abdominal organs, and put pressure on the glandular system of the body, which can generally result to better health.

Breathing techniques were developed based on the concept that breath is the source of life. In Yoga, students gain breathing control as they slowly increase their breathing. By focusing on their breathing, they prepare their minds for the next step - Meditation.

There is a general misconception that in Meditation, your mind has to go blank. It doesn't have to be so. In Meditation, students bring the activities of the mind into focus resulting in a 'quiet' mind. By designing physical poses and Breathing Techniques that develop awareness of our body, Yoga helps us focus and relieves us from our everyday stress.

Goto Yoga for Singles Classes Page

Yoga books tell us that Yoga, as we all know, is aimed to unite the mind, the body, and the spirit. Yogis view that the mind and the body are one, and that if it is given the right yoga kit and tools and taken to the right environment, it can find harmony and heal itself. Yoga therefore is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment. This is one of the foremost reasons why people want to start Practicing Yoga - to feel fitter, be more energetic, be happier and peaceful.

Yoga is a science that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is consists of Ancient Theories, observations and principles about the mind and body connection which is now being proven by modern medicine. Substantial research has been conducted to look at the Health Benefits of Yoga - from the Yoga Postures (Asanas), Yoga Breathing (Pranayama), and Meditation.

Goto Yoga for Singles Classes Page

In the midst of our modern world characterized by daily stress, fatigue, and pollution, more and more people are seeking that elusive sense of relaxation and inward awareness. Hailing from an ancient tradition originated in India, Yoga has long since provided people with a refuge away from the everyday confusion and entropy, and has transported an increasing number of people to a peaceful oasis within. Though the practice of Yoga is closely associated to ancient texts, beliefs, and values, it also yields benefits useful for people's practical daily lives. Here are some reasons why more and more people are practicing Yoga:

• Yoga relaxes the body and the mind. Even in the midst of stressful environments, Yoga helps control breathing and clears the mind of cluttered thoughts, leaving only deep physical and mental refreshment.
• Yoga can help normalize body weight. For people who are either overweight or underweight, Yoga Exercises can help achieve the desired weight. The principles of balance and moderation in physical activity and diet under Yoga can also lead to a healthier lifestyle.
• Yoga improves your resistance to disease. The postures and movements in Yoga massage the internal organs, enhancing blood circulation and functionality, thus, lessening the risk of illness.
• Yoga increases your energy level and productivity. For as quick as 20 minutes, Yoga can replenish the mind and body with precious energy needed to respond to daily tasks and challenges.
• Yoga leads to genuine inner contentment and self-actualization. Meditation -one of the aspects of Yoga- focuses the mind, taking it away from the distractions of the highly-materialistic world and leading it to genuine happiness.
• Yoga may seem like the fabled elixir of life - a cure-all solution to man's daily problems and concerns such as illness. But actually, the benefits that Yogis or Yoga practitioners have been experiencing for thousands of years are only being gradually proven by medical science now.

Goto Yoga for Singles Classes Page

• Hatha Yoga or Yoga of Postures
  Hatha Yoga is perhaps the path of Yoga you are most familiar with since this is the most popular branch of Yoga in the West. This branch of Yoga uses physical poses or Asana, Breathing Techniques or Pranayama, and Meditation to achieve better health, as well as spirituality. There are many styles within this path - Iyengar, Integral, Astanga, Kripalu, and Jiva Mukti to name a few.
  If what you want is a peaceful mind and a healthy body to go along with it, Hatha Yoga may just be the path for you.
  
  
• Bhakti Yoga or Yoga of Devotion
  Bhakti Yoga is the path most followed in India. This is the path of the heart and devotion. Yogis who practice this branch sees the "One" or the Divine in everyone and everything. Bhakti Yoga teaches a person to have devotion to the "One" or to Brahma by developing a person's love and acceptance for all things.
  
  
• Raja Yoga or Yoga of Self-Control
  Raja means "royal". This path is considered to be the King of Yoga and this may be due to the fact that most of its practitioners are members of religious and spiritual orders. Raja Yoga is based on the teachings of the Eight Limbs of Yoga found in the Yoga sutras.
  
  
• A Raja Yogi sees the self as central, and as such, respect to oneself and for all creation are vital to this path. They achieve self-respect by first learning to be masters of themselves.
  
  
• If you wish to learn discipline, then Raja Yoga would perfectly suit that need.
  
  
• Jnana Yoga or Yoga of the Mind
  Jnana Yoga is the path of Yoga that basically deals with the mind, and as such, it focuses on man's intelligence. Jnana Yogis consider wisdom and intellect as important and they aim to unify the two to surpass limitations. Since they wish to gain knowledge, they are open to other philosophies and religion for they believe that an open and rational mind is crucial in knowing the spirit.
  
  
• Karma Yoga or Yoga of Service
  Karma Yoga is the path of service for in this path, it is believed that your present situation is based on your past actions. So by doing selfless service now, you are choosing a future that is free from negativity and selfishness. Karma Yogis change their attitude towards the good and in the process, change their souls, which leads to a change in their destiny.
  
  
• Tantra Yoga or Yoga of Rituals
  Perhaps the most misunderstood of all the paths, Tantra Yoga is about using rituals to experience what is sacred. Although sex is a part of it, sex is not the whole of it since this path aims to find what is sacred in everything we do. Tantra Yogis must possess certain qualities like purity, humility, devotion, dedication to his Guru, cosmic love, and truthfulness among other things.
  

There are still a lot of misconceptions about Yoga, for instance, Yoga being a religion. Yoga is not a religion. It is more of a set of techniques for us to find spirituality. In fact, Yoga is being practiced by a lot of people from different religions like Christians, Jewish, Buddhists, and Muslims.

Another misconception is that Yoga is an exercise, a way for us to keep fit. It is partly true, but if you think that Yoga is just that then you are greatly mistaken. Yoga develops the body since a weak one is a hindrance to spiritual growth. It does not simply focus on the physical but on the mental and spiritual aspects as well.

Goto Yoga for Singles Classes Page

You may ask, "Is Yoga for me?"

Definitely, yes! Yoga is for anyone who is willing to learn its ways and ideas. It does not actually require any special equipment or clothing. What it requires is your will to have a healthier, stress-free self.

You may first approach Yoga as a way to achieve a great body or to keep fit and that is perfectly alright. Yoga really does help in improving your health for stretching can tone your muscles and exercise your spine and your entire skeletal system.

Do not just take advantage of what Yoga can offer. Yoga encourages you to reflect on yourself and to find your inner peace. It exercises not just your body but your mind as well. With a healthy body and mind, you're on your way to a more fulfilling life.

Goto Yoga for Singles Classes Page

Yoga is a 5000-year old practice which is done by a lot of people. It continues to evolve through the years to meet the needs of every individual. Nowadays, there are different forms of Yoga. Though most styles have common roots, each has its own unique features. In this section, get familiar with the different Styles of Yoga:

• Yoga Styles - The Different Styles of Hatha Yoga
  Hatha Yoga focuses on the physical well-being of a person and believes that the body is the vehicle of the spirit. Know the different Styles of Hatha Yoga.
  
  
• Anusara Yoga
  Everyone who practices Anusara Yoga acknowledges that "flowing with grace" is essential in achieving physical and spiritual well-being. Know more about this Yoga Style in this section.
  
  
• Hatha Yoga
  Hatha Yoga is the most popular branch of Yoga and from which a lot of the Styles of Yoga originated including Power Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga and Kundalini Yoga.
  
  
• Kundalini Yoga
  Kundalini Yoga focuses on the centers on awakening the Kundalini, the energy (serpent power or Bhujangini) which is found at the base of our spine or the Muladhara Chakra.
  
  
• Bikram Yoga
  The Bikram's Yoga class for beginners involves 26 Postures and two Breathing exercises in a hot room. This is to systematically move fresh, oxygenated blood to the whole body, to each organ and fiber, restoring all systems to healthy working order.
  
  
• Ashtanga Yoga
  Ashtanga Yoga is for those who are interested in serious workout. It includes challenging sequence of poses with Ujjayi Breathing and vinyasas.
  
  
• Kripalu Yoga
  Kripalu Yoga is known as the Yoga of consciousness. It does not only give significance to ancient yogic teachings but it also puts emphasis on individual inner wisdom.
  
  
• Power Yoga
  Power Yoga is the Western version of the Indian Ashtanga Yoga. It is a vigorous, physically challenging, and mentally-demanding exercise that can help you connect to your inner power.
  
  
• Bharata Yoga
  Bharata Yoga stands for precision in alignment. In this Yoga Style, the founder developed a technique called Critical Alignment in which the mobility of the spine is the most significant feature.
  
  
• Nud-e Yoga
  Nud-e Yoga is the practice of Yoga without wearing any form of clothing. It enables you to feel free and to do the poses and exercises without restrictions brought about by Yoga clothes.
  
  
• Viniyoga
  This variation makes a Yoga practitioner feel peaceful and relaxed. Hence, Viniyoga has gained a reputation for being a therapeutic style of Yoga.
  
  
• Cy-Yo
  Cy-Yo is a one-hour holistic cardio workout that helps bring all the aspects of our being into focus to achieve optimal physical and spiritual results. Learn more about Cy-Yo in this section.
  
  
• Iyengar Yoga
  Iyengar Yoga focuses on correct body alignment to prevent yoga practitioners from suffering injuries or pain. Moreover, it makes use of props to aid the yoga practitioner in performing asanas.
  
  
• Chair Yoga
  This section emphasizes the importance of taking care of yourself before you can be of service to others. Know what Chair Yoga is and learn several poses for caregivers and care receivers.
  
  
• Yoga Booty Ballet
  Yoga Booty Ballet is a fun and dynamic workout for those who want to get in shape. This fat-burning, intense exercise incorporates yoga moves, ballet dance routines, and body sculpting methods.
  
  
• Aerial Yoga
  Aerial Yoga is a novel way to practice Yoga. It is done whilst suspended a few inches off the ground. Find out in this article how it works along with the benefits to those who practice it.
  
  
• Dru Yoga
  Through different posture sequences and awareness of body movements, Dru Yoga offers physical, mental, and emotional benefits. In general, this Yoga style enhances our over-all well being.
  
  
• Hot Yoga
  Sweat your way to a better health through Hot Yoga! This Yoga style entails up to two hours of doing asanas inside a heated room. Though this can be really sweaty, the benefits will surely cool you down.
  
  
• Swara Yoga
  Taking the concept of universal union on a higher level is Swara Yoga. Translating to "sound" or "musical note", Swara also refers to the flow of air through one’s nostril.
  
  
• Nud-e Aerobics Yoga
  Some dread the thought of doing Yoga Aerobics in the nud-e while other find freedom of movement in it. Find out more about this alternative practice of Yoga in this article.
  
  
• Tantric Yoga
  "Tantra" means expansion, while "Yoga" means concentration. Hence, Tantric Yoga pertains to concentrating on expanding one’s energy in order to achieve the goals of tantra.
  
  
• Tantra Yoga - Pleasure & Desire
  Tantra is primarily concerned with inner, mystical experiences, contrary to popular notions that it is the Yoga of Sex or a form of couples' therapy. In Tantra, all mundane activities are opportunities to experience the divine, especially when they are approached with consciousness and intention.
  
  
• Raja Yoga
  Raja Yoga, literally means Royal or Kingly Yoga, is the system of yoga by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. Find out about it and a lot more about it in this article.
  
  
• Agni Yoga
  Agni Yoga is mainly practiced in India wherein it is based on Vedic Knowledge. Agni means "fire". It is also the name of the Vedic diety "Fire God".
  
  
• Anahata Yoga
  Anahata Yoga aims to "deeply connect, expand and awaken" the students' hearts through the practice of breathing exercises (Pranayama), Yoga Postures (Asanas), and Meditation.
  
  
• Jnana Yoga
  Jnana Yoga is the form of Yoga that aims to achieve perfect knowledge, that is, the knowledge to perceive the absolute reality beyond the mere appearances of the world.
  
  
• Yoga Nidra
  Yoga Nidra helps ease physical and mental tension induced by the pressures of everyday life, as well as in releasing emotional burdens, long standing fears, and destructive habits.
  
  
• Laughter Yoga
  Laugh your problems and stress away with the help of Laughter Yoga. This article discusses this movement's beginnings as well as how it is done.
  
  
• Integral Yoga
  See beyond the surface of things and don't be fooled by appearances. This is what Integral Yoga to those who follow this movement began by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.
  
  
• Ananda Yoga
  Ananda Yoga is designed to prepare the mind and the body for deep Meditation. It provides spiritual upliftment and physical revitalization for everyone, regardless of age.
  
  
• Nada Yoga
  Nada Yoga, also known as the Yoga of sound, is one of the most unique forms of Yoga. Nada Yoga recognizes that there are two types of sounds - external and internal.
  
  
• Bhakti Yoga
  Bhakti Yoga is essentially devotional Yoga. It is one of the oldest types of Yoga, and its roots can be traced back to the sacred Hindu text called the Vedas. The word "bhakti" itself is derived from the word "bhak", which means "to be attached to God."
  
  
• Karma Yoga
  Karma Yoga is the concept wherein one must do an action selflessly for the Supreme Being. Know what Karma Yoga is all about and have a different outlook towards work.
  
  
• Dharana Yoga
  Dharana Yoga is the sixth limb of Ashtanga Yoga. This is the stage where a person achieves perfect concentration. Know what perfect concentration exactly is and learn the benefits of achieving this stage.
  
  
• Dhyana Yoga
  Dhyana Yoga is one of the eight limbs of Yoga. As the seventh limb, it concentrates upon a point of focus with the intention of knowing the truth about it.
  
  
• Niyama Yoga
  Niyama Yoga involves following a set of observances called Niyamas. This article deals with the roots of the Niyama as well as a list of the rules that a person who practices Yoga must follow.
  
  
• Heart Yoga
  Heart Yoga, which is formally called Yoga of the Heart, works the mind, heart, and emotions, corollary stimulating the physical, mental, and spiritual levels.
  
  
• Gitananda Yoga
  This style is a methodical and gradual approach. Starting off in a sitting position, warming-up exercises are done, then breathing techniques and Yoga Postures, and ends with a relaxation and concentration exercise.
  
  
• Sahaja Yoga
  This is derived from a living experience, the origin of which resides within us. Through Sahaja Yoga, an inner transformation takes place by which one becomes moral, united, integrated, and balanced.
  
  
• Kriya Yoga
  This stems from Yoga as described in the Bhagavad Gita but it is primarily from Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. Kriya Yoga concentrates on the relationship between breath and mind.
  
  
• Mantra Yoga
  Yoga presents several ways by which a person can be better focused when doing this practice. One of those ways is Mantra Yoga. Know what Mantra Yoga is and learn how it can help in improving one's concentration.
  
  
• Siddha Yoga
  Siddha Yoga is a movement that was founded by Swami Muktananda, a Hindu guru in India some time in the 1970s. Learn some of the teachings and practices of Siddha Yoga in this section.
  
  
• Yantra Yoga
  Yantra Yoga is a holistic and meditative technique. It includes the use of body, speech, and mind. Learn what Yantra Yoga is all about in this section.
  
  
• Buddhi Yoga
  The eighth stage is represented by Buddhi Yoga, as seen in the Bhagavad Gita. Buddhi Yoga is the highest stage of Yoga. It is a system of methods used in the development of human consciousness.
  
  
• Yin Yoga
  Yin Yoga includes postures to strengthen the body, enabling you to sit for long periods during Meditation. It combines the use of passive and active Asanas, Pranayama, and Meditation.
  
  
• Laya Yoga
  Laya Yoga focuses on listening to nada, or internal sounds, which can be heard even with closed ears. This form of Yoga makes it possible to go through difficulties and overcome negatives, thus it is called the Yoga of absorption.
  
  
• Loknath Yoga
  Loknath Yoga is a traditional system of Yoga, which is developed by the greatest living Yogi in India Shri Shri Thakur Janakinath Brahmachari, following the footprint of Shri Shri Baba Loknath Brahmachari.
  
  
• Zen Yoga for Couples (The Zen of Two)
  Zen Yoga for Couples helps two people learn how to work together, to share the harmony found within and is a wonderful way to assist each other with stretching.
  
  
• Purna Yoga
  Purna Yoga teaches the mind, body, and emotions how to be at home with the spirit. It integrates the different aspects of Yoga into a set of exercises, transformation, and healing.

The style that you do is a matter of preference or need. Just keep in mind that no matter what Yoga Style you want to pursue, make sure that you know its features and you have what it takes to practice that style.

Goto Yoga for Singles Classes Page

The practice of Yoga Exercises means practicing both your body and your mind. It takes willpower and perseverance to accomplish each Yoga Pose and to practice it daily. But the prize for your perseverance is really worth all the hard work. The practice of Yoga Exercises or Yoga Asanas with your yoga blocks can improve your health, increase your resistance, and develop your mental awareness. Doing the Yoga Poses requires you to have your own yoga kit and to study each pose and execute it slowly as you control your body and your mind. Read on and follow our free Yoga Posture animations to discover more about the different Poses in the following sections:

• Warm-Up Poses
  In general, warming up depends on the Yoga Style that you practice. This section covers some Warm-Up exercises that you can do prior to a Yoga class or session.
  
  
• Standing Poses
  Learn how to practice the different Standing Poses - Triangle Pose, Hands to Feet, Standing Side Stretch Pose, Stand Spread Leg Forward Fold, Warrior Pose, Tree Pose, and Sun Salutation.
  
  
• Seated Poses
  There are poses which can be done while sitting on yoga mats. In this section, know how to do the various Seated Poses such as Spread Leg Forward Fold, Hero Pose, Seated Forward Bend, and Child Pose.
  
  
• Twist Yoga Poses
  Aside from strengthening the back, the Half-Spinal Twist and Sage Twist are Yoga Poses which tone and massage the abdominal area and improve digestion.
  
  
• Supine Poses
  This section covers several Yoga Poses which are done in supine (lying face up) position - Leg Reclining Lunge, Locust Pose, Leg Pulls, Leg Raises, and Wind Relieving Pose.
  
  
• Inverted Postures and Balance Poses
  Shoulderstand, Headstand, and Plough can help increase circulation, stimulate the brain, enhance glandular system functioning, and relieve pressure on the abdominal organs.
  
  
• Backbends
  Backbends are Yoga Poses which promote flexibility in the spine and strengthen the arms, legs, and abdomen. In this section, know how to practice Backbends.
  
  
• Finishing Poses
  The Corpse Pose or Savasana and the Final Corpse are Yoga Poses which are usually practiced as final relaxation at the end of a Yoga Session.

Warning: We encourage everybody to try and practice the Yoga Poses by yourselves at home or in the office. However, if you are feeling uncomfortable or are not able to complete a posture, do not push yourself. Yoga Exercise is not a competition, so just relax and try again. Moreover, do not try Yoga Postures which are beyond your capabilities. It will be helpful to actually sign up for some Yoga Classes where a professional teacher will guide you through each Yoga Pose and make sure you are doing the exercise correctly.

Goto Yoga for Singles Classes Page