Benefits of Hatha Yoga: Stress-relief, Strength and Self-discovery

• By
• Blair Kaplan

Image by lululemon
Hatha yoga promotes stress-relief and relaxation

Every time I do yoga I like to think of my practice as a journey of self-discovery

The Sanskrit definition of the word yoga that I like to go by is  "unity," though there are multiple definitions of the word along with many forms of yoga.

I believe that there is a type of yoga for everyone, and once you find the style you like best, you begin to benefit.

Why Practice Yoga

I practice yoga for multiple reasons including stress reduction, mental clarity and the physical benefits — it makes me stronger and more flexible.

I love all types of yoga and recently I reconnected with a style I haven’t practised in a long time: Hatha yoga.

The Benefits of Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is the traditional form of yoga postures and breathing that refresh the body physically and mentally. It is an inspiring practice that increases muscle tone and flexibility and boosts concentration while detoxifying the vital organs. It also enables deep relaxation.

At the beginning of class I always set an intention, which is like setting the destination or purpose for the class. My intentions are always different.

Last Monday, as I started a Hatha class, I set the intention to have a great week full of positivity. I joined a yoga class at Semperviva’s Sea Studio, located in Vancouver on Granville Island near the floating houses. This is one of my favourite spots to take a class because when the windows are open you can feel the ocean breeze on your face and hear faint sounds from the harbour.

Alli, our teacher, had a calm and intuitive demeanour, and her soothing voice and helpful instruction allowed my body to ease into postures and help me reach a meditative state. She guided me toward the path of my intention.

If you’re feeling stressed out or having trouble staying focused, try a yoga class. Right now you can try a Semperviva class for free by downloading an elite coupon at www.livingfreecanada.com.

Blair Kaplan is the owner and CEO of Living Free Canada, Canada's online health and wellness community which features elite coupons from companies that reflect a fun and healthy lifestyle. She began writing at an early age with a column in the Winnipeg Parent Newsmagazine and has been published in various publications around North America. She fell in love with blogging in May 2009. E-mail Blair.