How important is yoga for fitness and toning of muscles

Yoga as a system of physical rejuvenation exercise had originated from India and has been in existence from times immemorial. The word ‘yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning to bind the yoke. It is the true union of our human will with the will of God. If an aspirant dedicatedly practices Yoga exercises, his tubular channels will be wholly cleansed and he will achieve physical fitness as well as mental poise.
We are living in a fast-paced world and continued stress and strain are causing several ailments such as diabetes, blood pressure, hyperacidity, ulcer, migraine and hypertension. Yoga has the most powerful remedies for man's physical as well as mental ailments. Yoga makes the organs of the body active and has remarkable effect on internal functioning of the entire human system.
Make it a point to do some warm-up exercises before starting your yoga postures (asanas). Wear the right kind of clothes for performing the yoga exercises– loose fitting cotton garments are considered ideal. The practice of yoga has innumerable techniques, breathing maneuvers and asanas.
Regulated breathing (inhalation and exhalation) is crucial to yoga. Your trainer will initiate you into the scientific method of breathing. If you are breathing rhythmically you will find doing yoga exercises easier as you can maintain a position for longer duration and you can stretch to your extreme limits. Yoga consists of a series of physical postures complemented by breathing exercises and healthy eating.
Yoga provides numerous traditional and proven techniques for holistic health based on the teachings of the sages of yore. It is good to know that, research studies on physical and mental health, and other authoritative health sources are today stoutly supporting Yoga beliefs. The advantages of yoga include flexible muscles, supple joints, relaxed mind and efficient functioning of vital organs and muscle toning.
Please remember that yoga is not a competitive sport where you will have to excel or outdo your peers. Stop yoga exercises if you develop pain or any physical discomfort. Consult your trainer and avoid postures or movements you feel uneasy. Yoga includes a variety of techniques and you need to choose those that are useful to you and most suited for your individual physical and mental needs.
For instance, there are specific techniques of yoga for a housewife, a child, an athlete, a teacher, a student, or a factory worker. This is because the ways of life of every individual is quite different from every other. Although yoga can be practiced by all age groups, some techniques are more suited and desirable for specific age groups. You can not derive the benefits of yoga if you do not practice the correct technique y or practice it irregularly. In fact doing yoga exercises on your own or under an ill-qualified trainer can even lead to physical injuries and other health complications.
Yoga exercises do not require costly equipment, materials, or open spaces. The only requirement is a thick carpet spread on the floor and covered with a clean sheet of cloth. Drink plenty of water during and after a yoga session. Remember that yoga may make you sweat but for that reason, do not misconstrue it as a substitute for aerobic exercise. Yoga is certainly not a good aerobic exercise and plays an insignificant role at burning calories. But practicing yoga will unfailingly help you develop physical fitness and toning of muscles.