The difference between asanas/yoga and modern exercise

in #yoga7 years ago

Asana is a sanskrit word that means "steady pose". Every yoga position has a name that ends with this word. Such as the pose krakasana, consisting of krak and asana meaning crow pose.

But what makes an asana an asana and not just a workout ? Take for example this upward plank. It’s not the posture itself (or a fancy name) that makes this a yoga exercise, it is the mentality behind it. When doing yoga, you train your thoughts just as much as you train your body. And to truly make it an asana, be steady in the pose, still and strong.


Screen Shot 2017-09-14 at 13.10.33.png

Yoga also differentiates from modern physical exercise in the sense that it doesn’t encourage sudden, violent movement of the muscles. How often do you actually observe and feel what your muscles are doing? Awareness of what is going on in your body is key!

Next time you’re working out, no matter what type of workout you’re doing, try and focus solely on your body. Forget about the tv in front of you, try and not sing along to the music in the background and don’t worry about what you’re going to have for dinner tonight. What muscles are you using? Which muscles are tensing. Do you really need to activate all the muscles you’re using now in order to hold that posture?

Try to check in with yourself once in awhile, it doesn’t even have to be when you’re working out. It’s never too late to get to know your body.

Love,
Tone

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Nice yoga post! What's your advice for someone who is struggling with krakasana? I can do it with 1 leg, not with both legs.
Thanks in advance! :-)

Thank you! :)

It depends on how you go into krakasana. Are you jumping into it? Here are some guidelines:

  • Hands shoulder width apart, elbows bent
  • Place your knees on your upper arms and gently lower your weight onto them
  • Look AHEAD on your mat (and not straight down)
  • Gradually shift your weight forward, as if you are trying to rise from your toes
  • When you feel that your weight is mostly on your hands, gently lift one foot at a time.

The most important thing is to do it slowly and controlled. If you jump into it it is so much harder (and takes a lot longer) to find your balance. :)

Let me know if it helps, if not, more specifically what goes wrong.

do it slowly and controlled

Gotcha! I will give it a try! 🙏🏻

Amazing! Let me know how it goes! 😊💜

It's great to hear from you again, I was a bit worried for awhile when we didn't hear from you, but your back! =D and you got another great post, keep up the good work!

Thank you! Oh, I won't quit, I promise you that! :D Especially after all the help I've gotten!

sounds good =D don't be afraid of asking if there should be anything you are wondering about. you know where to find me ;)

Great post and well explained. Its good to have some well explained thing that are understandable :)

Very grateful to hear that. :) 🙏🏻

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