Aug
While we’re bombarded with commercials telling us about products to help us lose weight, get great abs and tone our muscles, we very seldom hear about yoga – an exercise that can do all of that and more.
Many think this is just a method to maintain flexibility, something bodybuilding wouldn’t do- the benefits of yoga are wide and go beyond just physical and physiological.
People think that the single biggest advantage of yoga is flexibility. If you’ve ever watched a yoga class, or even looked at some yoga clothing sites, you may be awed by the folding and twisting of yoga practitioners. Yoga can help increase the range of motion in your hamstrings, back shoulder and hips.
The poses that you do in yoga, which may be held in long periods of time, can help build muscle tone and strength. While learning the poses you will also improve your balance.
Increased flexibility and strength also help in prevention of some types of pain. Imagine how good it would feel when you stretch after a long drive. Yoga extends this to much of your body and can help with back pains, shoulder pain and even carpal tunnel pain, among others.
Breathing is extensively focused on during yoga. Among the benefits to your body, learning how to breathe slower and deeper as you move through a pose. Be prepared for some light-headedness while your are still learning how to breathe properly during yoga as your blood is carrying a better supply of oxygen. This will happen during your first few attempts but don’t worry, it will pass. Reducing stress and pain managements is one of the advantages of controlled breathing.
Exercising can give both mental and physical which come from endorphins, concentration and calmness is where the benefits of yoga comes from. To calm your thoughts and to reduce stress, yoga encourages you to focus on your breathing as you move in to each position. Yoga in the evening can help you prepare your mind and body for sleep due to it’s relaxing nature.
You may need help beginning yoga, but that is as easy as enrolling in a class, buying a video, or even tuning in a television program. A carpeted area or a yoga mat and loose or flexible clothes are also needed. Body awareness is important in yoga whether you are by yourself or in a group. Use a modification of a pose if you feel pain while attempting it or you can try again once you’ve gained the strength and flexibility for it. If you continue to do yoga, the poses will become easier and you might find that yoga is one of the best “you” times you can have.
About the author: Susan Sullivan writes as a hobby and maintains websites for St. Louis featuring Yoga St Louis.
