Yoga is a form of meditation that aims to bring harmony between spirit, mind, and body. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit language and means “to put together” or “to join”. It also implies that humans are connected to nature. Come and experience a luxury getaway with North Coast Holiday Homes and experience Ballito Beach Yoga for yourself.
Contents: In this article, you will find:
What is Ballito Beach Yoga
As the name implies, beach yoga is practised in the relaxing setting of the beach, combining the soothing influence of ocean waves and energizing asana practice.
The ocean has multiple benefits for your health and well-being, making it no surprise that doctors have prescribed seaside vacations to their patients for centuries. The stress-reducing properties of yoga have been well documented, but recent research confirms that spending time near water decreases stress.
In addition to the sound of crashing waves, the smell of the beach, the feel of the sand, and the sight of the endless water and sky all contribute to the relaxing effect of beach yoga.
While yoga mats are welcome in Beach Yoga, beach towels are equally appropriate, and some yogis prefer the softness of the sand when practising. Ballito beaches are some of the cleanest beaches on the East Coast and is perfect for doing Beach Yoga or various other beach activities.
Why should you do Beach Yoga?
Yoga searches for the balance of energy or chakras in our bodies, which must be balanced for our bodies to be holistically healthy. There are five elements in nature: water, fire, wind, earth, and space.
Water - is linked to our body fluids, especially blood. It prevents diseases not only related to blood and circulation but also related to joints and bones.
Fire - brings confidence and bravery; it is the energy of metabolism, movement, and creativity.
Wind - influences your ability to act from a place of compassion, love, and jealousy which occurs when you are out of balance.
Earth - calm, peace and quietness. It heals the bones, and tissues and prevents infections.
Space - Improves your communication skills to get better relationships and socialization.
Beach Yoga is the most natural form of Yoga. You will find every element of nature right there on the beach! Feel the wind in your hair, water lapping at your feet, the fire from the sun and the soft, warm beach sand between your toes, while enjoying the open space surrounding you.
Beach Yoga Benefits.
Improve your well-being while boosting your energy and getting a peaceful workout for your tired muscles. Yoga is well known for its incredible health benefits. The benefits of yoga on the beach are even greater when you combine sea air and sunshine with being outdoors. This summer, work out on the warm sand instead of in the air-conditioned gym.
Here are the top 8 reasons to practice yoga on the beach.
1. Outdoor Exercise:
Getting outside and exercising, in nature, can reduce stress, tension, anger, and depression as well as boost happiness, satisfaction, and energy levels. While physical activity generally promotes creativity, outdoor exercise can improve the mind significantly. The benefits of exercising outdoors last longer because fresh air means your body receives a healthy supply of oxygen. Yoga on the beach fosters creativity and deep body relaxation, it is also proven to relax the nervous system. The benefits of even a few minutes of outdoor exercise daily can greatly improve our well-being. Now imagine what 30 or 60 or 90 minutes of beach yoga will do for you.
2. Sea Air:
Deep breathing in fresh, clean sea air clears your lungs and boosts your energy. The salty Sea air is filled with beneficial negative ions, which are oxygen atoms with negatively-charged electrons. Negative ions are abundant in nature, especially around water, aid in oxygen absorption, and metabolism, and raise serotonin levels. (The hormone responsible for feeling happy). Similarly, the sights and sounds of the calming ocean induce a state of calm focus and gentle awareness when doing beach yoga. As a bonus, sea salt has antibacterial properties as well. Whether you do beach yoga or simply enjoy the beach lifestyle, the ocean air will also allow you to recover faster from any infections you may have picked up recently.
3. Let the Sand be Your Cushion:
Although it may add a bit of a challenge to your workout, at first, you will also reap the benefits of having a soft cushion of sand beneath you for added support. As you work on improving your balance in soft sand, you won't experience as much discomfort as you would on a hard, wooden floor. Sand is more shock-absorbent and gentler on your joints and knees than hard surfaces. You may find that doing beach yoga will make it easier to work on improving your overall balance because your hips and backside will be supported. If you lose your balance, you won't have to worry about falling on a hard, studio floor.
Furthermore, laying down on the beach will make you feel warmer than on the studio floor. As a crucial aspect of keeping your energy flowing smoothly is to keep it warm and relaxed, lying on the beach will also offer you this benefit.
4. Sunshine and Vitamin D:
Even on a cloudy day or under some shade, practising yoga outdoors will provide you with the essential vitamin D your body needs. A healthy body needs vitamin D to regulate calcium and phosphate levels. You need regular doses of it to maintain a happier, more energetic, and healthier disposition.
Vitamin D deficiency, on the other hand, makes you more prone to developing autoimmune diseases. You must spend some time in the sun regularly to ensure your skin can absorb it. Vitamin D helps keep bones and muscles healthy, which is beneficial for yoga. Vitamin D can also improve the quality of your sleep.
5. Get a Full Body Workout and Improve Your Posture:
Yoga on the beach gives you a much better workout than regular yoga in the studio. It takes a lot of balance, concentration, and strength to maintain yoga poses on an unstable surface, so your entire body gets a workout. Thus, your feet, knees, legs, hips, core, and shoulders work a lot harder than they normally would. Due to the shifting sand, your body makes small adjustments to maintain your posture. As a result, you maintain an upright posture.
The first time you do beach yoga, don't be surprised if you feel its effects afterwards.
6. Natural Wave Rhythm:
Meditation is naturally induced by the sound of ocean waves. Breathing is an essential component of yoga. It calms the mind and delivers oxygen to the muscles. The rhythmic sound of ocean waves reflects our breathing patterns. Yoga on the beach especially at sunrise or sunset can promote this mindful state and bring a sense of peace.
7. Get Back into Nature:
In our fast-paced world, sometimes we forget how important it is to reconnect with nature. Working long hours at the office, keeping the house clean and tidy, taking care of your children and constantly scrolling through your phone, we all have so much on our plates that we can't always take the time to connect with nature. That is to our detriment. We were made for the outdoors.
The benefits of sunshine, fresh air, and scenic beauty can help your mind and body in many ways. By practising yoga on the beach, you connect with your tactile senses as you feel the warm sun, fresh breeze, and coarse sand between your toes. When you hear the crashing waves, the rustling of palm trees, or the chirping of the odd bird, the surrounding sensory experiences naturally put you in a meditative state. While you are doing yoga, you are also likely to replicate the rhythm of the ocean, which is also remarkably helpful for breathing. This will result in both a calmer mind and more oxygen going to your muscles. Therefore, you will be more relaxed and stoic than you were before.
8. Combine Your Exercises:
When you are on the beach, you can combine your yoga session with another exercise.
You might want to take the opportunity to jog, swim, or go for a walk on the beach before yoga.
Doing another workout before your yoga session will help you warm up and prepare your mind and body for the yoga session. Additionally, it will allow you to work on both your leg and core muscles at the same time.
You might take a shower after a yoga session to cool off. At the beach, however, you can dive right in! By doing this, you have the opportunity to soak in all the benefits of the practice you just completed.
If you have some more time after the ocean dip, you can even relax in the sand longer. You can allow the air to dry you and relax in the sand for an hour or two to contemplate and extend the experience of a peaceful yoga session.
NOTES TO TAKE AWAY
Ballito Beach Yoga offers many benefits. It is impossible to fully comprehend the experience by simply reading about it. Instead, put an end to your curiosity and take action. Leave the hustle and bustle of daily life behind and book your luxurious beach getaway at North Coast Holiday Homes for a memorable beach experience. You will find nothing more refreshing, rejuvenating and irreplaceable than doing beach yoga. No matter what time of year it is, you will find relaxation. Exercising in a place you are unfamiliar with is an excellent way of escaping your comfort zone. You will eventually grow tired of doing yoga in a studio. Try a new setting and you will see yoga in a whole new light!
Beach Yoga Near me
Nothing connects the mind, body and soul quite like yoga. And when you’re doing it on the beach at sunrise, well, it’s perfection.
Chantal Kidgell is a qualified Pole Fitness and Yoga instructor. She started a Pole studio in China, where she focused on Core, strength and Flexibility classes. Now residing in Ballito, she offers holiday makers an experience they will never forget. Beach Yoga normally happens around sunrise, to avoid being scorched by the sun. Imagine yourself sitting on a comfortable Yoga Mat or beach towel, watching the Sunrise, breathing fresh air and finding inner peace. Chantal takes you through an inner journey, to reconnect our bodies, minds and souls. Discover breathing, taking each breath and becoming consciously aware of the beauty that is within you and surrounding you. After a Yoga session with Chantal, you will feel exhilarated, happy, peaceful and ready to take in ALL that your holiday experience brings. Yoga is a great way to keep your body fit and supple but is also amazing for stress and anxiety.
Details: 0662119718
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pogaballito
How to do Beach Yoga
When practicing yoga on the beach, you might be doing yoga with a group of people or on your own. Don’t let that scare you! It is one of the most fun ways to advance your yoga practice. Below is a fantastic, 15 minute class devoted to giving you the self care you need. A beginner friendly class focused on hips, hamstrings, legs, and spine.
North Coast Holiday Homes is a leading luxury holiday let company specialising in the Dolphin Coast area, including Ballito, Simbithi and Zimbali. Their expertise is second to none, and you can rest assured that your luxury holiday on the Dolphin Coast will be a memory to last a lifetime.
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The images and photographs used in this blog post are ⓒ Copyright to Chantal Kidgell. Reproduction or use of the images is strictly prohibited without prior permission. Chantal Kidgell is a renowned Yoga instructor based in Ballito, KZN North Coast..
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