The very purpose of yoga is to still the mind so you can think clearly and be present to what's going on around you. That's a very useful skill as a diver - whether you need to make life-altering decisions at depth or if you're just wanting to enjoy your surroundings without being distracted by the usual chatter swimming around our minds.
You might have been surprised by that answer as to why yoga is beneficial for divers. Many people consider yoga as a physical exercise and for stretching, and that if you're not flexible already then yoga is not for you. That couldn't be further from the truth. The yoga postures (known as asana) were designed to open the body and release tensions before sitting for long periods in meditation. These poses also help to relax and reduce stress. Yoga breathing exercises are designed to clear the mind and balance the energies of the body, again in preparation for sitting. Postures are not the be all and end all of yoga. If you sit in silence and observe nature around you, just listening to your breath (which is diving in a nutshell) then you're practising yoga. In my mind, diving is an active meditation.
The other misconception about yoga is that you'd be required to chant in a class. There are some yoga classes where chanting is performed at the start and finish of a session, but it's never forced on you to join in. Personally I find the sound of chanting affects my mood in a positive way - whether that's to relax or invigorate. Often the translation of the chant can hold a wise and motivational message so its worth asking your teacher what it means!
So whilst yoga can have the long term effect of improving flexibility, this is not it's primary purpose. On a physical level, yoga can build strength quickly as we hold our body weight in challenging positions for a minute or more. This type of exercise creates lean, toned muscle rather than bulging biceps. Think strong lower back and thighs for carrying scuba gear; flexible shoulders for reaching hoses or swimming with arms overhead as a hydrodynamic freediver.
Adding to this physical strength however is the mental strength that is created when we gradually learn to accept ourselves as we are and meet the world with a calm, open mind and strong, flexible body.
If you'd like to try yoga in the comfort of your own home then try my online yoga programme - four weeks of bite-size yoga sessions, breathing exercises, nutritional advice and guided relaxations. See how others have benefitted by reading their testimonials. Read more about yoga, fitness and nutrition here.
Happy New Year!
Adding to this physical strength however is the mental strength that is created when we gradually learn to accept ourselves as we are and meet the world with a calm, open mind and strong, flexible body.
If you'd like to try yoga in the comfort of your own home then try my online yoga programme - four weeks of bite-size yoga sessions, breathing exercises, nutritional advice and guided relaxations. See how others have benefitted by reading their testimonials. Read more about yoga, fitness and nutrition here.
Happy New Year!
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