GENTLE YOGA : a yoga accessible to all !
Gentle yoga is considered a true style of yoga. It is designed for people who want to do yoga in a gentler, more moderate way, focusing on the breath and release rather than on difficult postures. Gentle yoga can include simpler postures, slow, flowing movements, and periods of meditation and mindful breathing. It can be suitable for people with injuries, chronic pain or special medical conditionsand is considered an accessible way to practice yoga for beginners and seniors. There are many types of yogas and it is important to find the one that best suits your lifestyle and health goals. It is always recommended that you consult a qualified teacher for advice on which disciplines are best suited to your needs.
Why practice gentle yoga: the benefits
Here are some of the potential benefits of regular gentle yoga practice:
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Stress and anxiety reduction: Gentle yoga can help calm the mind and reduce tension by focusing on breath control and relaxation.
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Improved flexibility and balance: Gentle positions can help improve flexibility and balance in a gentle manner, without the risk of injury.
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Pain Relief : Gentle yoga can help relieve chronic pain such as back pain, neck pain, joint pain, etc.
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Strengthening muscles: Gentle postures can help strengthen muscles gently, without the risk of overexertion.
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Improvement of the breath (prana): The conscious practice of pranayama can help improve lung capacity and reduce hyper-ventilation.
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Improved sleep: Regular practice of gentle yoga can help improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety.
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Improved focus and mental clarity : Gentle yoga can help improve focus and mental clarity by concentrating on your breath and mindfulness.
Who is Gentle Yoga for?
Gentle yoga is for a wide range of people, including:
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Beginners: This is a good choice for people who are new to yoga and want a gentle introduction to the discipline.
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People with injuries or chronic pain: Gentle yoga can be adapted for people with injuries or chronic pain, allowing them to focus on the breath and release rather than on difficult positions.
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Seniors: Seniors can benefit from gentle yoga to improve their flexibility, balance and overall well-being.
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People with tension and anxiety: Gentle yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety by focusing on the breath and calming the body and mind.
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People with specific medical conditions: Some people with specific medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or asthma, may benefit from the regular practice of gentle yoga under the supervision of a qualified health care professional.
In general, gentle yoga is for anyone who wants to do yoga in a gentler, more moderate way, without focusing on difficult positions.
The right equipment to practice gentle yoga
Materials needed to practice gentle yoga include:
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Yoga mat: A comfortable yoga mat is important to avoid floor pain and to help maintain balance.
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Yoga Blocks: Yoga blocks can be used to support postures and to help master the postures more easily.
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Zafu cushions: Meditation cushions can be used for sitting comfort and to keep the back straight, with the knees lower than the pelvis.
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Yoga Blankets: Yoga blankets can be used for the final savasana or to keep warm during postures.
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Yoga belts: Yoga belts can be used to help maintain postures and extend limb range.
It is important to remember that yoga equipment is not necessary to practice gentle yoga, but it can help improve the practice and increase comfort. It is also important to choose high quality equipment to avoid injury.
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Yoga brick in EVA (Copie)
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Natural wool yoga mat
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Performance Gingko Yoga Mat
87,00€
The different styles of gentle yoga that exist
There are several styles of gentle yoga that can be practiced, including:
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Hatha Yoga : This gentle style of yoga focuses on postures, breathing and mindfulness, with an emphasis on relaxation and release. It is considered a dynamic yoga class with a moderate intensity. The teacher usually recommends 60 minutes for each session. The main goal is to work on the body, breath, mind and flexibility. During the class, one may feel tension in different movements and postures, but it helps to release it for a mental well-being.
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Yoga nidra: This gentle style of yoga focuses on deep relaxation, using pranayama, meditation and visualization to achieve an altered state of consciousness.
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Yin yoga (yoga of deep stretching): see below for more details
These gentle yoga styles can be modified to suit the needs and levels of each practitioner, to help achieve the desired benefits of the practice. It is important to choose a gentle yoga style that suits your needs and to work with a qualified teacher to determine the most appropriate gentle yoga style.
The most gentle yoga is Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra. Yoga that is a little more physical but still quite gentle is Hatha yoga. If you are looking for a gentle yoga, do not go to Vinyasa unless it is indicated by the teacher as a gentle Vinyasa class, nor to Ashtanga, never gentle in any way since it is the most demanding yoga for the body!
Let a teacher advise you according to your level, your tensions and adapt the duration of the session to the intensity of movement and your physical condition at the time.
Vinyasa Yoga is also a dynamic type of yoga that involves movement in rhythm with the breath. Classes are more intensive and can last up to 90 minutes. It can be a good choice for those looking for a physical challenge.
Ashtanga Yoga is another type of dynamic yoga that involves intense muscular involvement on the arms and body. However, it can be difficult for people with little muscle. Classes last about 90 minutes and the pace is very fast.
Focus on Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is a gentle style of yoga that focuses on deep relaxation and stimulation of the energy meridians in the body. This style of yoga is practiced using static yoga postures that are held for an extended period of time, usually 3 to 5 minutes, to allow the gravitational force to do its job of stretching and stimulating the energy meridians.
Yin Yoga aims to improve the flow of energy in the body, increase flexibility and suppleness of the joints, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality and promote a calm and balanced state of consciousness.
Yin Yoga is often considered an ideal complement to more dynamic styles of yoga, as it helps balance effort and mental relaxation to improve overall health. It is important to practice with a qualified teacher to learn the proper techniques and to adjust the postures according to your individual needs.
Want to know more about all the different styles of yoga that exist? Discover our special report here!
