I consider myself a "yogi," and a lot of people consider yoga to be a rather easy activity. Yes, I would agree that some classes are strictly to focus on bettering your flexibility, but there are also classes that make me question if my heart is going to explode. That's the beautiful thing about yoga though, it balances the body out. It gives us just as much exercise as flexibility, leaving you feeling energized after class. According to Health and Fitness Travel, these are a few of the awesome things yoga can do for your health.
1. Improves Mood And Lowers Stress
Yoga typically focuses on certain breathing techniques, which often can quiet the constant "mind chatter", and leave you feeling more relaxed. These breathing techniques also boost oxygen levels to the brain, leaving you feeling happier.
2. Lowers The Risk Of Injury
Exercise such as running is usually a series of rapid, forceful movements, which means that effort is at a maximum and there is a higher risk of injury and increased muscle tension. Often, strenuous exercise also engages an imbalance of opposing muscle groups, whereas yoga concentrates on balancing this activity.
3. Helps You Lose Weight
One of the top reasons for weight gain is stress. With that being said, when you constantly practice yoga your stress levels are reduced, making it easier to lose weight naturally.
4. Increases Flexibility
People will often say they "can't do yoga because they're not flexible". The truth is, you don't need to be flexible at all really. You can modify any pose, and you will also be stretching ligaments and tendons, which increase the range of motion and allows you to move around more freely.
5. Benefits Breathing And Lowers Blood Pressure
If you practice yoga consistently, your lung capacity will increase as a result of the deep breathing process. If say you're involved in sports, this will help your endurance and stamina. Furthermore, mediation and calming yoga asanas slow down your heart rate which in turn lowers blood pressure and have also been linked with improving the immune system and lowering cholesterol.
If you have yet to try yoga, I highly recommend starting off with a restorative class. They will do more stretches, and prepare you for the harder classes. Pure Hot Yoga is my favorite spot in town. They offer a range of classes for all different levels, (I love the core strengthening class). If you get the chance, check it out. After all, it's really good for you!
Namaste!
