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Yoga

Yoga Overview

Yoga is defined as a systematic practice of physical exercise, breath control, relaxation, diet control, and positive thinking and meditation aimed at developing harmony in the body, mind, and environment. The practice entails low-impact physical activity, postures (called asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), relaxation, and meditation. Most people are familiar with the physical poses or yoga positions but don’t know that yoga involves so much more.

In the health fields, yoga techniques are being applied in health promotion programs, substance abuse treatment programs, and as complementary treatment for diseases such as anxiety disorders, depression, coronary heart disease, cancers, and HIV/AIDS. Yoga is a low-cost self-help approach to well being.

The origin is a Sanskrit word Yog meaning union. Yoga is a union of the organ systems in the body with the consciousness in the mind. Philosophically, yoga produces a union of body, mind, and energy (or soul or spirit) to bring about a state of equanimity (calmness). Progressing to an even more advanced state, blending science and philosophy, one experiences a union of body, mind, internal energy, and the all-pervading cosmic energy, resulting in better physical health, mental control, and, ultimately, self-realization.



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Yoga

Walking for Fitness »

Getting Started

  • Start exercising: Many exercise programs say you should talk to your doctor before starting. Certain people with certain medical conditions may want to check with their doctor before becoming physically active, but most people can start out putting one foot in front of the other and without problems. Even those recovering from heart attacks are encouraged to walk treadmills in cardiac rehabilitation programs.
  • Comfortable shoes: Only one thing is worth investing in when it comes to walking, and that's a comfortable pair of walking shoes. Even athletic shoes that are more than 6 months old may not have enough cushioning to support you. You may choose either athletic shoes for sidewalks and roads or light hiking shoes (rugged walking shoes) if you venture out on trails.

    • Select shoes especially designed for walking, and they will be labeled as such. Running shoes are a second choice. Cross training shoes are a third best ...

Read the Walking for Fitness article »



Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Therapeutic Exercise »

DeLateur defined therapeutic exercise as the prescription of bodily movement to correct an impairment, improve musculoskeletal function, or maintain a state of well-being.

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