Above all others, one fitness craze that has been sweeping across the United States and beyond- has been yoga. Wherever you are, in any given town or city, you will most likely be able to find a yoga studio near you. That and a Starbucks. But yoga studios as well- mostly ranging from hot yoga, Bikram yoga, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Yin, etc.
The question is then- why has it become so popular? Where did it come from? And are there any benefits to practicing it?
Yoga's origins lie in India- more specificallythe Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India over 5,000 years ago. Developed out of some of the oldest sacred texts, mystic seers called Brahmins and Rishis began to compile and refine the movements that would later become modern yoga. The purpose for their practices was to teach others the sacrifice of the ego through self-knowledge, action (karm yoga) and wisdom (jnana yoga). The initial practice of yoga was essentially to be enlightenment, not to attain it.
As their message began to spread, other practicioners began to refine the movements even more- creating systems and flows in order to cleanse the body and break the bond the mind has on daily life. And over a period of years, what they created essentially has become our modern system of yoga with a few present day tweaks here and there.
So, besides as a way to quiet the mind and understand your innner being (because, you know, even THAT might not be enough to convince people to give yoga a try) are there any other tangible benefits?
Yes!
Yoga has many wonderful benefits.
Just to name a few:
- Increased flexibility.
- Increased muscle strength and tone.
- Improved respiration, energy and vitality.
- Maintaining a balanced metabolism.
- Weight reduction.
- Cardio and circulatory health.
- Improved athletic performance.
- Protection from injury.
And this is where the Flowmotion mat comes in. They are specifically designed with a yoga practice in mind. With a full, comfortable foam pad, and the ability to make quick adjustments with bungees and fabric handles, the mat helps both beginner and practiced yogis expand into the healthy being they long to see in themselves.
But imagine this as well if you will. Sure, yoga can give you all of the aforementioned benefits, but what happens when you add in an unstable surface on the water? Well, to put it simply- imagine those benefits but two-fold and twice as fast. That is what working on your balance while discovering your flow will provide. It forces the body to adapt quicker, creates stronger balance poses, and provides the practitioner with all new obstacles- each and every time they step onto the mat.
And while practicing the ancient art of yoga on land will certainly make you feel an overwhelming sense of well-being, doing it on the water will provide a sense of true accomplishment and growth.
This is the future of exercise. This is the future of yoga. And we will be here to collaborate with you as you take your health and overall wellbeing from the future and bring into the present.
