Participating in yoga classes means taking part in an ancient practice rooted in mindfulness. If you want more information about the history of this activity before making a final decision about a fitness program, consult the following guide. It provides an introduction that might inspire you to start practicing. 

A Brief History of Yoga

Pre-Vedic, Vedic, & Preclassical Periods

The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “Yuj,” which refers to uniting the physical self with the higher self. The practice’s origins were originally linked to the founding of Buddhism around 500 B.C.; however, archeological excavations in Harappa and Mohenjodaro, Pakistan, suggest the pre-Vedic yoga period started some 5,000 years ago by the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in India.

During the Vedic period, which lasted from 3000 B.C. to 800 B.C., yoga focused on the ritualistic transcendence of the mind to reach a higher level of consciousness. Vedic priests and mystic seers—known as Brahmans and Rishis, respectively—created numerous texts detailing yoga rituals and mantras throughout the preclassical period that lasted from 800 B.C. to 250 B.C. The most famous scripture is the Bhagavad-Gîtâ that was written around 500 B.C.

Classical to Post-Classical Periods

Raja Yoga came into being during the classical period between 184 B.C. and 148 B.C. An Indian sage called Patanjali created 95 sutras making up raja yoga, which features eight classical limbs; these are known as Dharana (concentration), Niyama (personal conduct), Yama (abstinences), Pranayama (breathing regulation), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (transcendence). 

The eighth limb is Asana, or physical posture, which is used in modern practice; however, physicality was considered supplemental to Dhyana and Samadhi. The post-classical period from 800 A.D. to 1700 A.D. emphasized this limb and breath control in order to cleanse the body and mind, achieving higher consciousness. This practice was known as hatha yoga, and the physical aspects were designed to help the body and nervous system “be still,” subsequently creating a tranquil mindset. 

Modern Period

Hatha yoga is the modern version of the practice that is widely used throughout the Western world. The contemporary period began in 1893 with Swami Vivekananda’s lectures at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, IL. Many schools followed this teaching, such as the Divine Life Society, which was founded in 1936 along the Ganges River in northern India. Hatha-based yoga classes are now available throughout the world to help individuals deepen their mind-body connection while strengthening muscles, lubricating joints, and working the hearts.

If you want to start practicing yoga, register for classes at LifeSport Athletic Club — Lincolnshire in Illinois. This fitness center has been part of the community for 40 years. They offer yoga classes, as well as many other programs for children and adults, including tennis instruction and strength training. Call (847) 913-2000 with questions, or request a yoga class guest pass online. Get the latest fitness center updates on Facebook.