“Yoga is a systemic science, method, and form of teaching to understand your body and your mind. And not only that, but also what is beyond the body and mind. In practicing yoga you’ll learn how to live in nature with harmony. It’s a way of reconnecting with your body and mind,” Linda van der Walt, local yoga coach and owner of Li Yoga in Lynnwood explains.
After a long week at the office, handling daily stress tends to become a way of life. But what if there’s a way to deal with stress and get some exercise in? We definitely want in.
“Stress is not a condition created by nature… it’s the human mind. It’s our daily busy lifestyles, our conditioning and our expectations that are the major cause of stress but in yoga, we are reconditioning what has been conditioned through physical exercise (Asana) , pranayam (breathing exercise) and meditation (relaxing the mind). In time and through practice we release the tension and stress from our body and mind and slowly come back to your natural being,” Linda says.
As a form of exercise, yoga is a natural way to increase serotonin production. The production of serotonin, in turn, plays a role in the treatment of depression. It is also believed to play a major role in happiness and can be very effective in developing coping skills and reaching a more positive outlook on life.
“With the incorporation of meditation and breathing, yoga can help improve a person’s mental well-being. Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness and even increases body awareness,” Linda adds.
Linda continues to explain that through yoga one realises that you can’t control all things at the same time. But, you can control your own self and respond to life and situations mindfully. The breathing and meditation will help.
Interested? Here are a few things you need to know about yoga.
What are the physical benefits of yoga?
– Reduces stress
– Helps anxiety and depression
– Improves energy and sleeplessness
– Improves respiration and vitality
– Improves flexibility, strength, and posture
– Reduces body pain
– Maintaining metabolism
– Weight reduction
What are the mental benefits of yoga?
– Manage stress
– Coping skills
– Improve mental well-being
– Mental clarity and calmness
– Increases body awareness
– Relieves chronic stress patterns
– Relaxes the mind
– Centres attention
– Sharpens concentration
How many classes per week is necessary to achieve optimal results?
Three classes per week are advisable and classes normally run between 30 and 45 minutes per day. “Here the quality and quantity support each other which means the more time you put in the more efficient the results will be. But don’t stress about your body in the beginning. Allow the body and the mind to adapt to yoga at your own pace,” Linda advises.
Can anyone practice yoga?
It doesn’t matter how old you are – 7 or 70. Without any restrictions, anyone can start practicing yoga without any special skills. All you need is an open mind, can-do attitude, acceptance and adjustment.
Are there different classes for different levels?
For beginners the slow Hatha and warm-up series are great. Thereafter you can start with the more intense Ashtanga series and then move into the Vinyasa Flow for the more advanced practitioners. “It is also a personal preference, I absolutely love Hatha yoga and some people prefer to stick to one type so the body can gradually adapt to the Asanas exercises,” Linda says.
What equipment and clothing are needed to do yoga?
“We call it props and as a beginner you only need a yoga mat. Yoga belts, cushions and bricks can also be used. Bring comfy clothes and a smile to class, we supply the rest,” Linda says.
How much does a class cost?
Class costs varies. Linda offers digital yoga classes to busy moms or working woman who have limited time to exercise at R199 per month and it can be done in the comfort of their own homes. Weekly group classes are R320 per month and drop in classes are R110 per class.
What do corporate sessions entail?
“It’s very beneficial for corporates to look after their staff’s well being. By offering an onsite yoga class, you are making an investment in your organization. You are demonstrating a concern for your employees which translates to increased morale. You are providing a teambuilding opportunity; employees relate to one another outside the confines of their roles in your organization, strengthening workplace relationships and contributing to increased productivity. Not every person is ready to pay a big amount of money at casino websites and this is absolutely normal. For such people who wish to try slots with a low deposit specialists from https://casinonongamstop.com/minimum-deposit/ have put together a rating of UK minimum deposit online casinos. People can play there for $10 and get free spins. I offer 30 min weekly sessions and it can be facilitated either indoors or outdoors at the company.
What is a yoga party?
With more and more people becoming more mindful and approaching health in a more holistic manner, a yoga party is a great way to spend a birthday, bachelorette or any special occasions with friends.
Cool, hey? “At Li Yoga we offer green smoothies, a healthy breakfast table, floral crowns and a 60 minute yoga session at your party venue/home. We can provide theme coloured mats and assist as much or as little as required,” Linda says. For more information or to book a class, get in contact with Linda at [email protected].
Yoga with heart
Linda has started a community outreach project where she offers yoga classes to people who may not have ever tried yoga. She’s in the process of registering her NPO and is currently working with a group of 25 refugees in PTA CBD. “The impact that this weekly class and interaction has made on their lives are beautiful to see. My goal is to expand my community yoga to orphanages, elderly homes and female inmates.
I truly believe by assisting the body we are opening the mind and growth, so transformation and happiness can take place,” Linda explains. To get involved please contact Linda at [email protected].
Images: Crescent Studio
