The Spiritual Sport of Yoga

Yoga is an ancient discipline that has started to become popular the world over. It is a low impact form of exercise that combines spirituality and health benefits in a very relaxing manner. From ancient origins in India to becoming a religious practise to becoming a very fashionable sport in 2010, yoga has come a very long way. It used to have connotations of a hippy lifestyle and a free spirit but it has been gaining in popularity ever since people realised that it is very beneficial for the human body. Now yoga classes are held in many gyms all over the country and the sport does not seem to be slowing down in popularity any time soon.

Yoga has a very interesting history. It is claimed to have started almost 5000 years ago in the Indus Valley. No one knows who the first yogi, a practitioner of yoga, was; but excavations of ancient cities have unearthed drawings and sculptures of figures in various yoga poses. Yoga started out as a form of religious teaching when religious preachers would use yoga poses to influence people to live healthier lives and cleanse their bodies.

Yoga was introduced to America in 1893 when a famous Indian yogi showed various yoga poses to an enthralled Chicago audience. He toured the country giving lectures about yoga until many people were taking part in the discipline. The sport really took off when a yoga studio was opened in Hollywood and it was introduced to film stars in the 40s. From there it exploded into the American market. (MORE)

Source: bettor.com