I know what you might be thinking, really yoga? Isn't that just for hippies or really flexible people? No, not so! Everyone can do yoga and I think everyone should try it out at least once because it is indeed, very awesome. So here's a list of 10 reasons why I think yoga is awesome.

1. Yoga helps you become flexible.

If you look at people who can get into a really complicated twist, and think oh, I'll never be able to do that.. Think again friend! Everything takes practice, and you have to start somewhere, whether or not you were born with inert flexibility, you can definitely start now and before you know it you will be in that complicated twist. Plus you'll learn how to do more!

2. Yoga is actually a workout!

Hello, side plank, plank, side plank with one leg...I take Intermediate Yoga at Humboldt State and I took my first class at Chico State, jumping straight into intermediate then as well, and it was really tough! I was definitely sweating by the end of the first day, and still do every time I end class!

3. Yoga can improve your balance.

There are so many different poses to do when you practice yoga, and a lot of them are on one foot, or one knee, or on your head... so when you practice often you will see an improvement on your overall balance which I think is very cool.

4. Yoga is more than just stretching.

What I mean by this is there is a lot of teachings behind yoga, it's not just a physical practice but a mental one as well. By practicing yoga you are able to focus in on yourself, on your body, and your breath. You learn a new appreciation for your body and the constant energy you have. It's hard to put into words.

5. Yoga makes me feel good.

I only do yoga 2-3 times a week but I know many people who do it everyday. For me personally just from practicing 2 or 3 times, my body feels light and stretchy but also strong at the same time. At this current point in my life I'm pretty active, with biking to school and taking self defense, so after doing yoga I can tell that there's a difference in my muscles from my morning bike ride to school to my afternoon bike ride home. My muscles feel elastic, like they can stretch and move very fluidly.

6. Yoga gives you time to yourself.

Just like anything you love doing, yoga gives you time to relax and hey it's good for you too, so why not. Lots of yoga poses are based off the ground so it's simple to take it easy!

7. Yoga helps you live longer.

Okay, I don't know if this is actually proven, but lots of the people who I see doing yoga, whether it be my teachers or people I follow on Instagram, look really good for their age! (if they happen to be older) My teacher at Chico State was maybe 40, but could do the splits, put her leg behind her head, plus was strong as hell. I can't even do the splits, yet. But it does make sense that if you are active when you are older you will grow to be stronger, than if you weren't active.

8. Yoga is priceless.

Literally and figuratively. You don't need any special equipment, heck sometimes you don't even need a mat. The time that you put in for yourself, literally costs nothing and only makes your body better. As in the words of my friend Katie Nicolas, "It connects me to myself and reminds me to be present, it's the most selfishly wonderful way to spoil myself."

9. You can do yoga anywhere.

This one is pretty self-explanatory.

10. Yoga is just really fun!

Yoga is just one of those things that you can have fun with, like dancing, or hula hooping, you can move the way your body wants to or needs to that day. (Unless you're in a class setting, then you should mostly follow along.) But if you're doing yoga at home or just for fun, maybe start off with a few sun salutations but other than that just move with your body and breath!

Thanks for taking the time to read, and remember, always stay aware.

If you want a good book to read about yoga, I really suggest Yoga Beyond Belief: Insights to Awaken and Deepen Your Practice by, Ganga White.

P.S. Shout out to my awesome friend Katie Nicolas who is featured in a lot of the pictures shown here!