Yoga - German

Describing Yoga Poses and Movements

Yoga involves many different Asana (yoga poses). Each pose has a specific name and purpose:

• Der Baum focuses on balance, standing straight, and stability.
• Der Hund (often "herabschauender Hund") is for stretching the back and legs.
• Der Krieger is used for strength and focus.
• Der Lotussitz is for meditation and deep breathing.
• Der Liegestütz can build arm and core strength.
• Der Dreieck helps with stretching and flexibility.
• Die Rückbeuge stretches the front of the body.

During practice, you can often hear instructions like stehen, strecken, or während der Übung achten auf das Gleichgewicht. Multiple poses make up a Satz (set of exercises) that can be repeated.

Examples:

• Strecke deine Arme beim Krieger aus.
• Halte das Gleichgewicht im Baum.
• Lege dich zur Rückbeuge auf die Matte.

Breath and Movement

In yoga, connecting Atem (breath) with movement is important. You often einatmen, when you lift or open up the body and ausatmen when you lower or fold. The goal is to let the breath fließen and bring awareness to every movement.

Awareness and control over your Atem improve your Konzentration and help you spüren your energy (Energiefeld). Sometimes breath is described as stark (strong) or soft (gentle), depending on the exercise.

Examples:

• Beim Einatmen strecke die Arme nach oben, beim Ausatmen beuge dich nach vorne.
• Spüre die Verbindung zwischen Atem und Bewegung.
• Kontrolliere deinen Atem während der Asana.

Names of Yoga Equipment

Yoga practice often uses specific equipment:

• Die Matte is used on the floor for grip and comfort.
• Der Block helps in poses where you can't reach the floor.
• Der Gurt assists in stretching exercises.
• Die Decke provides warmth and support in seated or lying poses.
• All these items are called die Ausrüstung.

Examples:

• Lege die Matte auf den Boden.
• Nutze den Block für die Flexibilitätsübung.
• Der Gurt hilft beim Strecken.

The Benefits of Yoga

Yoga can bring various benefits:

• Increased Flexibilität (flexibility)
• Improved Gleichgewicht (balance) and Kraft (strength)
• Better Gesundheit (health)
• Greater Entspannung (relaxation) and reduced Stress
• Developed Achtsamkeit (mindfulness), helping you to stay in the present moment
• Improved physical and mental Balance

Examples:

• Yoga reduziert Stress.
• Diese Übung fördert die Balance.
• Achtsamkeit verbessert die Gesundheit.

Common Yoga Styles

There are many different styles and traditions:

• Hatha is a gentle, traditional form.
• Vinyasa is dynamic, connecting movement and breath.
• Iyengar uses lots of equipment (Ausrüstung) and focuses on alignment.
• Power yoga is physically intense.
• Hot yoga is done in a heated room.
• Kundalini, Chakra, and Karma yoga include spiritual aspects.
• Entspannungsübung, Meditation, and Ruhe focus on relaxation.

Examples:

• Heute praktizieren wir Hatha.
• Iyengar nutzt viele Hilfsmittel.
• Vinyasa verbindet Atem und Bewegung.

Meditation and Mindfulness Practice

Meditieren is a key part of yoga. It involves Achtsamkeit — noticing your Gefühl and thoughts without judgement. You use Atem as a focus point, set an Intention, and try to be bewusst (aware) of each moment. In mindfulness practice, you might notice the Stille, observe your thoughts and reflektieren.

Examples:

• Setze dich im Lotussitz zum Meditieren.
• Fokus auf den Atem bringt Ruhe.
• Wahrnehmen, was im Moment ist, ist Achtsamkeit.