Our latest Nordic Walking Watford blog is all about yoga!

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing.

Yoga’s origins can be traced to northern India over 5000 years ago. Yoga is amongst the six schools of philosophy in Hinduism and is also a major part of Buddhism and its meditation practices. Its main components are physical movements (asana) and breathing practices (pranayama).

There are a few different forms of yoga – the main one practised in the west I believe is Hatha Yoga and, although its roots are found in Hinduism, the religious side of things are not normally included in most classes here.

If practised regularly yoga can help maintain flexibility and strength. There are many aspects of yoga which include posture work (asana), breathing (pranayama), meditation, relaxation, chanting, cleansing (kriyas, and yes some are a bit extreme!) and yoga Nidra (a sort of guided meditation). Of course, not everyone practises them all but the beauty is you can take the parts you enjoy.

Also, yoga is a wonderful complement to walking. Exercise like walking, running, cycling etc works the muscles in a way that they tighten and shorten, which is why we stretch out after a walk. The asanas in yoga stretch the muscles again and bring balance to the body.

So, why don’t you give it a go with our Nordic Walking Watford virtual yoga classes – Monday evenings and Friday mornings.

Join me for a FREE TASTER SESSION and see how you get on. Enter code: WATVFREE at the checkout.

And, of course, there is plenty of yoga on the programme at our West Lexham Retreat so if you are going you can join one of the sessions there.

Book your place here: https://forms.gle/UJrkK6PqEfHFsTuN9

Namaste

JACKIE HOLDEN

YOGA TEACHER