greenfree2002

A lot of disciples begin their yoga practice trying to adhere to classical scriptures such as Hatha Yoga Pradipika or to the texts by modern spiritual Guru, who in their writings paraphrase the instructions of the ancient treaties. However there is a huge difference between the circumstances in which the Yoga tradition was elaborated and the conditions of the modern Western life. Without taking this difference into consideration disciples may find themselves stuck in their practice without any positive results.

The most obvious factors of such a discrepancy include the style of life, eating habits and environmental changes. The daily life of an Indian yogi was full of physical work requiring significant muscle strength. Yoga practice in turn helped to stretch tendons and strengthen ligaments providing a necessary addition to overall physical activity. In our days, however, most people move much less and eat much more than did their ancestors hundreds years ago. In order to do yoga exercises properly and safely disciples should have developed muscles; therefore it is important to do both cardio and strength exercises in addition to yoga practice. I would recommend doing it every day; after all, our ancestors worked heavily at least six day a week without dividing their routine to training days and days of the rest.

The same Yoga asana may be done using different muscle group; some ways are more efficient and safe than others. Thus, when doing Paschimottanasana, or Seated Forward Bend, it is much safer to hold the bend with the core muscles than by pulling the upper body with hands. In the latter case there is a chance to overstretch the low back; in the former case it is completely impossible.

Similarly, in Shirshasana, or Yoga Headstand, a disciple can hold the weight of their body on the neck or to shift a part of the weight to the elbows. The second way requires strong arms and shoulders, but it is much safer, especially for the slightly overweight people.

One more example: in Utkatasana, or Chair Pose, strong thigh muscles help to avoid overstrain of the knee joints.

I suppose, these examples are enough to illustrate the main idea of this article: complementing the practice of yoga asanas with strength exercises is highly recommended, especially for the beginners.
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