Aqua Yoga: Great asanas in the water – for more well-being

Yoga is wonderful – not only on a yoga mat at home, but also outside. Anyone who wants to combine the warmth of water with the beneficial asanas from Buddhist teachings should gather some information. Aqua yoga is a growing trend and is finding plenty of followers, especially in the fitness scene. Holistic, efficient, and sustainable – this article will tell you about the benefits of practicing yoga in the comforting water. Prepare to be amazed.

What is water yoga?

Yoga asanas are usually practiced on a regular mat in your living room or studio. You probably know it like this too? To add even more fun, people started wondering what effects Yin Yoga or other yoga postures have in the water. This gave rise to water yoga. It's also known professionally as Yoga Afloat . Here, you practice the traditional poses and combine them with the beautiful feeling of the water. You no longer need a mat—instead, all you need is your swimsuit or swim trunks and get started.

The concept is still relatively new, so there are few training courses available yet. However, yoga courses are offered at select yoga centers.

Relaxation and mobility on the water: What do you need to know?

First and foremost, it's important that you find a course that provides you with all the necessary information. Aqua fitness shouldn't be started casually as a beginner.

• This variation can be particularly helpful for yoga beginners, as relaxation often sets in more quickly. We know this phenomenon from babies or from hot baths. Warm water ensures that the body, mind, and soul can relax.
• Advanced yogis can improve their fitness by following appropriate sequences. These are well-coordinated and performed at a brisk pace.
• The temperature should be between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius to ensure comfortable practice of the asanas and breathing exercises. Warm water is particularly beneficial for the muscles.
• The depth of the pool must be approximately 1.30 - 1.50 meters - this allows the aqua exercises to be performed perfectly.

Who is Aqua Yoga ideal for?

Are you wondering whether you should also integrate the element of water into your yogic practices?

Experts emphasize that water yoga is suitable for everyone, regardless of whether you have previous experience with the exercises. And you don't have to be an athlete to get started today. Those who are overweight are welcome to try yoga in the water. Pregnant women can also perform certain exercises without any problems – but a doctor should always be consulted beforehand.

This group of people may only practice water yoga under certain conditions:

• If you're someone who suffers from cardiovascular disease, it's better to find a different style of yoga.
• High blood pressure can also make it unhealthy for you.
• Anyone who suffers from inflammation of the veins should avoid water yoga.

Everyone else can try out the new trend and be inspired by it. Can't swim? No problem – if the pool isn't that deep, even those who can't swim or are very inexperienced can try aqua yoga. The prerequisite is that you're not afraid.

What are the benefits of yoga in water?

Today, many people strive for absolute health. Yogis, in particular, follow a holistic approach: they clearly understand that body, mind, and soul must be in harmony. Accordingly, they seek rituals that can establish this balance—yoga, of course, is one of them.

If you choose to practice yoga exercises in water, you will benefit from the following advantages.

a) Relaxation

One of the most significant advantages is the rapid onset of relaxation when you choose this type of exercise. The warmth of the water and the floating sensation help regulate your body, and the carousel of thoughts can calm down.

To recover even more deeply, it is helpful to end the session with a pleasant meditation session on the new cushion .

b) Strength building

Depending on the exercises you perform in the water, you will naturally also strengthen your body. Muscles will be built. The water pressure may require more strength, which accelerates your progress.

c) Joints are protected

If you have problems with your joints, water yoga can be the perfect alternative to yoga on land or other sports. The weightlessness of water protects your joints while strengthening them. It also relieves pressure on your musculoskeletal system.

d) The risk of injury is lower

If your body is sensitive or you often injure yourself while exercising, water yoga can be a great alternative. Overweight people in particular benefit from it.

e) Cardiovascular system is strengthened

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, aqua yoga has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

f) Great activity for children and adults

Parents who are interested in yoga can take their children to the class together. Even the little ones benefit from these movement sequences. Those who have gained a good overview of the key information during a class can practice the exercises in their own backyard pool in the future. It's important that the water temperature and depth are appropriate. This way, you and your kids can spend wonderful, active afternoons in the sunshine.

g) Lose weight

Are you one of those people who would like to lose excess weight? Then yoga in water is ideal for this. Make sure the sequences are dynamic to ensure your body is sufficiently challenged.

h) To prepare for birth

If you're pregnant and still want to stay fit, water yoga can be a sensible solution. It's gentle on your joints and prepares you for the moment of labor with special sequences.

How does water yoga work?

Yoga in water and yoga on land do not differ much in the sequence:

• The body is warmed up (swinging or stretching exercises)
• The exercises are performed one after the other – either in a horizontal or vertical position.
• The breathing exercises or meditation at the end are important, but deep breathing is also emphasized during the sequences.

Are you familiar with aqua yoga? If so, what do you think are its best benefits?