Benefits of Hatha Yoga
... Hatha yoga has many benefits, beginning with inner peace and enlightenment, and then ranging from calming an uneasy mind to obtaining or maintaining physical fitness. When hatha yoga was brought to the west by Indian monk Swami Vivekananda in 1893, significantly less emphasis went towards the practice’s original main purpose of inner peace. However, the idea of reaching enlightenment is still an important aspect and potential benefit of hatha yoga. ... Controlled breathing is the most important component to remember when practicing hatha yoga. According to Hinduism and the practice of yoga, we can never be completely satisfied in life until we find the source of happiness beyond pleasure and pain, which is a happiness within. ... It is common knowledge that exercise in general can assist in coping with stress, but yoga especially is ideal for this goal. ... Yoga classes at James Madison University’s recreation center are geared towards students who need a stress release (Long) . ... In America hatha yoga is most frequently seen as an aid in improving physical appearance and health.