meaning of yoga physical fitness

LEARING OBJECTIVES
1.1  Meaning and Importance 
1.2  Element of yoga 
1.3  Introduction to Asanas Pranayama Meditation and Yogic Kriyas 
1.4  Yoga for Concentration and Related Asanas 
1.5  Relaxation Techniques for Improving Concentration 

Nothing can be said firmly about the origin of yoga except that it originated in India. The history of yoga is indeed old. The available evidence show that history of yoga is related to the Indus Valley Civilisation. At that time people used to do yoga. Usually we depend on secondary sources to know about the history of yoga. On the basis of various sculptures and scriptures we reach the conclusion that yoga was a part of this civilisation . Yoga is also mentioned in Mahabharat , Ramayana and Upanishads.
                                                 

                                                             yoga part of India culture


1.1  MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF YOGA 
   
 Meaning of yoga 
Yoga is derived from a Sanskrit word in verb from which means to unite or to join . Yoga is its noun from and means union. It is concerned with the union of the individual soul with the Absolute or Divine soul. It is a science of development of an individuals consciousness. Yoga is the unification of Atma with Parmatma. It also means the unification of physical mental intellectual and spiritual aspects of human being. The following definitions can be beneficial to understand the meaning of yoga.
 1. Checking the impulses of mind is yoga 
 2. Yoga is attaining the pose.
 3. Yoga is spiritual Kamdhenu.
 4. The knowledge about Shiva and Shakti is yoga.
 5. Oneness of man with God is Known as yoga.
                                             

   Importance of Yoga 
Most of the people are not leading a happy and productive life. They indulge in materialism. Their life is full of problems. At last it can be alluded that everybody whether rich or poor is not happy in the present day life. It is pretty hard to tell what brings happiness poverty and wealth have both failed. Everything is in a hurry. Human being have no time to think about leisure. Everything is time bound and we are chasing time. This makes us physically tired and mentally tense. In order to get rid of physical fatigue and mental tension and stress we have devised certain means. we attend parties and take drinks for relief satisfaction and relaxation but instead of getting peace and relaxation we suffer with more tension stress and fatigue. Purchased relaxation dose not provide us with peace and satisfaction in real life. We further sink in various complex problem. we are falling prey to various diseases.
The following point clearly show the importance of yoga.
       1.  Physical Purity: There are three substances in our body. If there is a proper balance of these substances in our body we may remain healthy. Internal organs of our can be cleansed by various yogic exercises. For proper cleanliness and purity of our internal organs we should perform these yogic exercises regularly.
       2.  Cure and Prevention from Diseases: Yoga not only protects us from many diseases but also cures them. Various yogic exercises increase the immunity power of an individual. If an individual performs yogic exercises regularly he cannot fall prey to diseases. 
            Vajrasana helps control diabetes. a large number of diseases such as bronchitis, sinusitis, arthritis, gastritis, dyspepsia, asthma, high blood pressure, leprosy, hay fever, heart attack, etc., can be well as cured by various yogic exercises.
        3.  Reduces Mental Tension: It is a well known fact that most of the people remain under stress and tension. They do not get peace anywhere. Yoga can help in reducing. They fell upset and disturbed in the present day life. They think that money can bring happiness and peace to their life but it further intensifies their stress and tension.
        4.  Healthy Body: Various yogic asanas are best suited to get rid of many health problem and to stay fit. Everyone in this world wants to have a healthy body. they make our body strong reenergize it and improve flexibility.
         5.  Provides Relaxation: When we indulge in any physical or mental work after some time we feel tired. At this juncture we cannot do further work. so we need relaxation. Rest and relaxation are essential for removing fatigue.
         6.  Helps Maintain the Correct Posture of Body: Without good posture they are unable to do their work efficiently. They are not able to enjoy life. They usually put more energy in simple tasks. If we perform yogic asanas regularly, we can maintain the correct posture of our body. Through these yogic exercises, we can keep our body in high spirits.
          7.  Yoga can be Performed Easily: Every individual complains of shortage of time. To do an exercises other than yogic exercises requires enough time money whereas, yogic exercises can be performed easily. These exercises can be done in a short duration and are not expensive. In present day life everybody seems to be in a hurry.
          8.  Spiritual Development: We can have a good control on our mind by doing regular yogic exercises. If our mind is pure, we can make efforts to achieve spiritual heights. Padmasana and Siddhasana are the best asanas for spiritual development. These asanas enhance meditation power. Through yoga efforts can be made to attain spiritual development.
           9.  Increases Flexibility: It make the movements of body efficient and graceful. It is also helpful in preventing sports injury. Various yogasanas increase flexibility of body. Muscles also become flexible by performing these asanas.
Flexibility is significant for every person.
           10. Reduces Obesity: Obese people fall prey to various diseases. Yogic exercises can help in reducing obesity. For example , pranayama and specially meditative asanas reduce obesity. Research studies have shown that obesity is also caused by mental tension and stress. by reducing mental tension through meditative asanas obesity can be reduced. Obesity is a worldwide problem.