Samcamel and yoga

WHAT IS YOGA?

The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj," which means "to yoke" the spirit and physical body together. Yoga has evolved over thousands of years to embrace a wide range of styles and disciplines and it’s a popular activity for athletes, children, and seniors. Yoga can be modified to suit all levels of fitness. Yoga has been proven to lower blood pressure and increases strength and flexibility. Yoga energizes our bodies and calms our minds.

Remember, your body is your best guide. You don't have to stick to one kind of yoga, just do what your body needs!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF YOGA?

PREVENT INJURIES
Spending hours working out and training can cause overuse injuries of the knees, backs, quads and hamstrings. We love yoga for its stretching and strengthening properties.

STRENGTHEN YOUR CORE
Yoga’s focus on flexibility, finding the edge and staying balanced builds full-body strength. A strong core “holds it all together” and provides the power to push through personal limits.

CONNECT TO YOUR BREATH
Yoga teaches an inward focus of the mind (and through this, deep awareness of the present moment) by bringing awareness to our breath. When we are able to clear our minds of distraction, we can really fill our lungs and sprint.

CLARIFY YOUR VISION
Studies have shown that the power of visualization really works. Building relaxation and mental clarity by practicing yoga is a powerful tool to harness that focus and visualize success (like a double fist pump when we cross the finish line first.)

WHAT TO WEAR TO YOGA
Proper alignment of yoga postures is important for many types of yoga. Choose clothes that are not too baggy and that help you and your yoga instructor make sure you're not doing anything harmful to your body.

In more physical types of yoga and especially in hot classes, expect to sweat. Wear clothes that dry quickly, wick sweat away, and will keep you as comfortable as possible to get the most out of your yoga class. Fabrics with stretch will help you feel most comfortable as you move from pose to pose.

YOGA PROPS AND BLOCKS
Yoga blocks and straps are great tools for beginner to seasoned yogis. Some styles of yoga, such as Iyengar, require more use of yoga props (such as straps) than others to help you better align yourself in a pose or get into "hard to reach" postures. Try sitting on a yoga block with your legs crossed to help open your hips up.

Check out available YOGA BLOCKS AND STRAPS.

YOGA MATS
You're going to be spending a lot of time up close and personal with your mat. Yoga mats come in a variety of colours, sizes and thicknesses. Are you a traveling yogi? Look for thin travel mats that fold up so you can take your downward dog on the road.