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 What most people refer to as simply "yoga" is actually Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga is a system of yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama, a yogic sage in the 15th century in India. This particular system of yoga is the most popular one, and it is from which several other Styles of Yoga originated including Power Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, and Kundalini Yoga. The word "hatha" comes from the Sanskrit terms "ha" meaning "sun" and "tha" meaning "moon". Thus, Hatha Yoga is known as the branch of Yoga that unites pairs of opposites referring to the positive (sun) and negative (moon) currents in the system.
Hatha Yoga tries to achieve balance between body and mind, as well as attempts to free the more subtle spiritual elements of the mind through physical poses and breathing techniques.
Hatha Yoga at Kitsilano Workout consists of a combination of physical and breathing exercises. These characteristics make yoga a particularly beneficial kind of exercise for people with certain health conditions, including heart disease/hypertension, asthma, and back problems.
For people with heart problems, studies have shown yoga to help people young and old. Specifically, yoga seems to promote heart health in several ways, including lowering high blood pressure and improving resistance to psychological stress.
For people with back problems, studies have shown yoga helps physically with strength, flexibility and endurance. Yoga also helps create relaxation through the breathing and meditation techniques employed, which has been shown to help people better proactively manage a chronic pain problem like back pain.
Wear loose fitting clothing. You will want to participate in the class in bare feet, but bring your running shoes for use in the gym before and after class. Kitsilano Workout provides standard stretching mats, but many participants will bring their own Yoga mats. Yoga mats are available at most fitness equipment stores in Vancouver.
Also bring a towel and a bottle of water. We provide cold filtered water for refills.
Never been to a Hatha Yoga class? Visit Kitsilano Workout for a free trial class! Enjoy!
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