Yoga Flava

Here's a new term and physical movement that I just learned of, at first I found the word to be funny. ASANAS - yep, I pronounced it as (ass a nine). lol.

Yoga first originated in India. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali describes asana as the third of the eight limbs of classical, or Raja Yoga. Asanas are the physical movements of yoga practice and, in combination with pranayama or breathing techniques constitute the style of yoga referred to as Hatha Yoga.

In the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali describes asana as a "firm, comfortable posture", referring specifically to the seated posture, most basic of all the asanas. He further suggests that meditation is the path to samādhi; transpersonal self-realization

The eight limbs are, in order, the yamas (restrictions), niyamas (observances), asanas (postures), pranayama (breath work), pratyahara (sense withdrawal or non-attachment), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (realization of the true Self or Atman, and unity with Brahman (The Hindu Concept of God)

The physical aspect of yoga, the asanas, has been much popularized in the West, and devoted celebrity practitioners like Madonna and Sting have contributed to the increased visibility of the practice.

Physically, the practice of asanas is considered to:

improve flexibility
improve strength
improve balance
reduce stress and anxiety
reduce symptoms of lower back pain
be beneficial for asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
increase energy and decrease fatigue
shorten labor and improve birth outcomes
improve physical health and quality of life measures in the elderly
improve diabetes management
reduce sleep disturbances
reduce hypertension

I ordered the above dvd of Yoga Flava and as soon as I can get my dvd player hooked up, I'm well on my way. This all seems to be a bit challenging but I'll get there. Hopefully, I can learn the terms, definitions and body postures to understand the practices. It's sad that I live in an area that doesn't offer too many yoga classes.

Oh, by the way; I finally got my YOGA BOOTY PANTS!!!