‘Yoga not just a series of gymnastic exercises’, writes Shanthala T Medappa

In ancient times, the whole purpose of yoga asanas was to keep the body fit and strong, enhancing the capacity of the body, so one could sit for long hours and meditate with as few distractions as possible. It is not a series of gymnastic exercises but part of a larger process of spiritual balancing.  Only when the body is healthy and the mind peaceful does a person have a chance to discover the inner dimensions of life. This self discovery is the essence of spiritual practice.  With regular mindful practice, of not just asanas (physical postures) but also pranayama (breathing exercises)  meditation and by including yamas and niyamas (a form of moral imperatives, commandments, rules or goals), in our daily life, you are transforming your yoga practice to a spiritual one  and  you begin to see the link between body and breath, breath and mind, mind and soul. 

Our physical body is meant to move and exercise. If our lifestyle does not provide natural motion of muscles and joints, then disease and great discomfort will ensue with time. Proper exercise should be pleasant to the practitioner, while beneficial to the body, mind and spiritual life. 

Asanas means steady pose. This is because the yoga asa na (or posture) is meant to be held for some time. However, this takes years of practice. In

itially, our concern is simply to increase body flexibility. The body is as young as it is flexible. Yoga exercises focus on the health of the spine, its strength and flexibility. 

By maintaining the spine’s flexibility and strength through exercise, circulation is increased and the nerves are ensured their supply of nutrients and oxygen. 

The asanas also affect the internal organs and the endocrine system (glands and hormones) helping them function to their optimal levels, thereby keeping 

you strong and healthy. Each movement is performed slowly with a heightened consciousness of what is happening during this time. Sweat is the only tangible by product of asana practice.  There are many intangible benefits to your regular practice.  As all your internal organs get massaged, they are not sluggish and work at their optimal level. For example, it tones the liver, spleen, kidneys and the abdominal region. The stomach, pancreas, liver and the intestines are the major components of a digestive system. Practice of asanas give them a good massage and maintains their elasticity, thereby helping them function to their optimal level. The proper functioning of all these organs is vital to a healthy digestive system. So, the nutrients from the food you consume is getting absorbed better. 

Regular practice also reduces your stress levels thereby bringing down the chances of binge eating due to stress. Therefore, not just directly but also indirectly, it helps in weight reduction and avoiding unnecessary calories.