This course is designed for the beginners. It is Yoga 101 of simple steps, focused on gentle stretches, relaxation and deep breathing. Perhaps most compelling life transformations happen with simple steps, not drastic measures.
I am a fellow Yoga learner with you.
I am passionate about keeping myself fit to unleash the true potential. I have been trained under Iyengar styled yoga and Ashtanga primary series.
I have completed my certifications with International Yoga Alliance, only to realise, yoga is a life long journey and certifications don’t qualify.
I continue to put three hours of Abhyasa (practice) everyday and continue to be fascinated with the benefits and discoveries.
I created Bend and Blend Yoga to provide step by step guide for those who are unsure on getting started.
Bend is the Physical Stretch, Blend is synergising body, mind and soul.
Bend & Blend yoga is started by two enthusiasts excited about bringing the benefits of yoga to everyone leveraging internet.
Vision is to demystify yoga to steps that anyone can follow to pick up the practice of yoga.
We believe the world would be a lot better if everyone is healthier and happier. This is our attempt to put a ding in the world!
Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word 'yuj' means to bind, join. It is 5000 years old practice aimed at synergising the body, mind and soul. It was systematised by Patanjali in his work called yoga sutra, which contains 185 concise principles. However, in the modern world yoga is explained as a form of physical exercise, which is much more than that. The practice involves one to surrender physically, mentally and spiritually.
Yoga has evolved into different styles and modes of practice. Most known ones are Hatha yoga, ashtanga and Iyengar style yoga.
Hatha Yoga:
The term is derived from the Sanskrit 'ha' meaning sun and 'tha' meaning moon. It is creating balance between sun and moon or 'pingala' and 'Ida' nerves of the body. Hatha yoga focuses on perfecting asanas (postures). One will stay longer in each postures. Hatha yoga practice stresses more importance on chanting Mantras, doing pranayama (breathing control) to increase the vital energy flow throughout the body.
Ashtanga Yoga:
In the tradition of Sir K Pattabi Jois is a dynamic form of hatha yoga. It is an intense, perhaps intimidating practice. it is broken into 6 groups of asanas/postures. The first group contains 72 asanas along with vinyasa. The secondary or intermediate series is on deeper backbends and hip openers. Other four are advance series of practices.
Iyengar style:
Practiced and developed and named after B S K Iyengar. Iyengar yoga focuses on alignments and it stresses on use of props such as blankets, blocks, walls, belts, pillows, chairs and bolsters. The use of these props in each postures comes directly from Iyengar guruji.
Yoga can be performed by everyone.
Props in Yoga:
Today, it is quite common to see blankets, blocks, straps, pillows, chairs and bolsters being used in yoga studios. The use of these props is comparatively new in the history of yoga and comes directly from Iyengar style yoga. Props reduce fatigue and soothe the nerves. It’s importance lies in the way we train and discipline the mind. It brings the great sense of control over the mind and body.
It is better to perform asanas early in the Morning as the Mind is fresh from a good night's sleep.
Good food is one of the important aspect while performing asanas. Though vegetarian is preferred, whether to be a vegetarian or to be a non- vegetarian is purely personal choice. However Yogi should consume fresh food, it’s good to avoid preserved, canned and deep fried food. Also avoid food which is too salty, pungent, burning, stale and heavy. Consider your body as a temple or a sacred place, do not dump waste or unhealthy food inside the place where you reside.
Satvik food which is not too heavy on stomach and which is not too difficult to digest can be consumed by yogis.
