Learning about Namaste Yoga

Namaste Yoga is a popular form of yoga, often seen on exercise and fitness DVDs in different stores that offer exercise videos. Now, yoga is a word you are familiar with, but what about the ìfirst nameî of Namaste? What does that refer to?

In order to comprehend Namaste yoga, you need to understand that not all versions of yoga are the same. Now, this is not to infer that some styles of yoga are better than others (it would be best to let individual students make the decision on what is better for them based on their on personal experience), rather it is simply meant as a means of pointing out the fact that there are different styles and systems of yoga and each has their own special plan and methodology.

Since there are so many different schools of yoga, the term “Namaste” allows students to recognize one form of Namaste Yoga over another.

What Namaste Means

Namaste is a term from the Indian language that refers to the term ìI bow to you.î Since the start of Namaste yoga begins with the student putting their hands together in a steeple position and bowing at the same time, the saying of Namaste is a good description. This is usually performed at the beginning and end of a class and the words ìNamasteî is stated while doing this. For western students, saying this word at the beginning and end of the class is a good tie to the origins and spiritual roots of the artform.

In terms of a particular school of Namaste Yoga, most of the exercise videos on the subject seem to be a collection of basic yoga exercises. Since many of these basic exercises do not need an instructor’s help, they will just show the indivudal how they can learn to study yoga on their own. Now, that does not mean one does not need an instructor to learn yoga, but for those who do not have access to such an instructor any number of Namaste yoga DVDs can aid in providing the impetus for learning the art.

Yoga is an excellent form of exercise and those looking to take part in it for physical benefit are making a wise choice. However, as the term Namaste infers, there are a number of historical and cultural aspects to the art that should be learned as well.