What are the benefits of yoga?

Tyrol and its beautiful mountain landscapes may be in the west of Austria, but that doesn't stop us from looking to the far east for inspiration when it comes to relaxation and health. At our yoga and wellness hotel in Austria, we offer a guided yoga class up to twice a week. The strengthening and relaxation exercises are a good complement to exercise in the fresh air and are also ideal for rainy days. Of course, you can also use our gym for your own yoga practice at any time.

Are you new to yoga or would you like to know what the benefits of yoga are and whether yoga on holiday is right for you? Then perhaps this little FAQ will help you:

Does yoga change your body?
It does! The advantage of yoga is that there is a wide range of exercises and variations, so the programme can be put together tailored to the individual student. Depending on your starting point, goals, and any ailments, you can choose the right exercises for stretching, strengthening or relaxation. This trains the muscles, supports the joints, and increases general resistance and vitality. The gradual correction of posture also alleviates or prevents pain in the long term.

How does yoga affect mental health?
The term "yoga" means "union" or "integration". It refers to the union of body and soul. This means that while focussing on the body, yoga also has a positive effect on the psyche. Studies have shown that regular yoga practice has a stress-reducing effect. Proper practice lowers blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate and thus calms the nervous system. The release of the stress hormone is reduced, and this can even minimise anxiety and fears.

What should a beginner take to a yoga class?
The good news: usually not that much. First and foremost, your personal motivation, a little time, and a quiet and safe place to practise are important. You usually practise on a special mat, but if that’s not available, you can also use the carpet in your living room or the lawn in your garden. Your yoga clothing should be comfortable and stretchy - however, most yogis prefer to practise barefoot for better support. Depending on your needs, other accessories such as a yoga belt for stretching or a meditation cushion can make your practice easier.

How many times a week should you do yoga?
How many days a week you practise yoga and how long the sessions last depends entirely on how experienced you are, what goals you have set yourself and how much time you are willing or able to invest. As a general rule, several short sessions per week are more effective than one long session. A short initial meditation, the so-called Sun Salutation to warm up, one forward and one backward bend and a breathing exercise may be enough for a beginner. Advanced practitioners practise for up to two hours a day.

What are the most popular yoga poses?
At our yoga hotel in Austria, you will be carefully introduced to exercises that are suitable for you. The most well-known postures include, for example, the mountain pose (the correct, upright standing position as a starting point), the cobra (raising the back in a prone position), the tree (placing one foot on the inside of the opposite knee while standing), the corpse pose (lying on the back in order to relax at the end of the session), as well as the cross-legged sitting pose, which is taken for meditation.

What are the contraindications for yoga?
Yoga is basically suitable for anyone of average health. You don't have to be particularly fit, strong, or flexible. There is also no upper or lower age limit. However, if you suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, you might want to consult a doctor before you start practising intensively. Yoga can even help with some problems, such as poor posture. However, one thing always applies: listen to your body, set realistic goals, and hold the positions more precisely rather than for longer.

How did yoga come into existence?
Yoga has its origins in a philosophy that is thousands of years old. We do not know the exact date of its becoming, but it has been continuously developed since then. In the beginning, the focus was less on physical exercises than on meditation and breathing exercises. Rather, the physical exercises were developed to prepare for a long meditation. In addition, traditional yogis try to become more aware of themselves and their environment. This should ultimately lead to a state of inner freedom (known as Samadhi).
 
Yoga exercises and meditation are an excellent technique for integrating more relaxation and balance into your everyday life. Whether you are just starting out or have been practising for some time, yoga on holiday is a soothing break for body, mind and soul and a great opportunity to start to listen to yourself and your own needs again.
At our hotel with yoga classes in Kirchberg, Austria, you can additionally enjoy unspoilt nature, luxurious wellness and a high-quality cuisine that satisfies the young and the old. Book your stay in the natural paradise of the Brixental Valley now!