Yoga with a Twist

Yoga is becoming very popular in the United States. Though this way of life was not originated in the United States but in India, yoga is a way to free your mind and body. Yoga has come long ways and has changed throughout history. Yoga became very popular in America in 1970's but is now used more e than before. All though yoga originated in ancient India and was created to find peace and to connect with one's inner self, people in America are using this method as a hobby, exercise, and some have even made it into a way of life. What truly is Yoga? Dr. Ishwar V. Basavaraddi (2015) the author of, Yoga: Its Origin, History and Development says, "Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body." Dr. Ishwar gives the definition that yoga is not only a workout or hobby, yoga was made to offer spiritual connection between mind and body. In other words to find your inner self like believed in Indian cultures. Dr.Ishwar also talks about how yoga has long past history and prove that yoga started and was practiced in India. Yoga is not religious affiliated and can be practiced by anyone. Yoga has been around in America as well for a long period of time but currently yoga has become a hobby or workout routine for many Americans. People in America are using yoga as a hobby and practice yoga routines as if it is a dance routine. Social media shows examples of females practicing hard routines which focus more on strength and flexibility more than connection with the mind and body. Americans have given yoga a twist using it as workout routines or creating other forms of yoga such as yogalates. Jeanie Lerche Davis (2005) author of, Yogalates: A Blend of Exercise, says "Pilates focuses on building strength in the deep muscles of the abdominal region, the body's core." Yogalates is an example of how Americans have mixed strength training into yoga to help attain abdominal strength. To some people yoga is more than a workout, it is a way of life. Author, Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani (2013) of the article, Yoga: The Ideal Way of Life says "Yogic lifestyle, Yogic diet, Yogic attitudes and various Yogic practices help us strengthen ourselves and develop positive health." Some people have made yoga into their own lifestyle and believe it has positive health outcomes. Yoga being a way of life is becoming more popular by people and not only do they use it as a meditation routine, but they focus their entire life to it. It is believed that their health and inner emotions improve, and they have more self-control over their life's. Yoga has not only changed throughout time but has originated into different subgroups. There is the historical yoga that was introduced in India as a source of mindfulness and for spiritual connection. Americans not only have adapted yoga to a workout routine such as yogalates, but many young Americans use it as a trend. Then there is also people who are devoted to yoga and use it as a way of life. Yoga can be used by anyone in their own way either religious or as a workout routine although when it was brought into America it has been used more as a workout experience than a connection with one's inner self.

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