Yoga practice has been around for thousands of years, but it is more popular now than ever. We look at the reasons why…
Not only does yoga provide a full-body workout, but it also allows the mind to relax and meditate. Yoga is a popular choice for stress management as it releases energy and mood boosting hormones.
There are styles to suit all kinds of aims and fitness levels, from gentle and relaxing to fast-paced and intense. Whether you are looking to burn calories or simply retreat from your hectic life, yoga can be a positive life choice with countless benefits.
Let’s get back to basics. What is yoga?
Simply put, yoga is a range of exercises, known as poses, which are combined with specific breathing techniques and meditation practises. Although you might have heard of the mental clarity and spiritual awakenings that some experience, regular practice can also simply benefit your body and your physical health.
There is a yoga pose for working every area of the body. You can burn calories and tone muscles effectively from yoga, especially when pushing your body to reach positions that feel somewhat difficult and challenging. However, even when you are not necessarily pushing yourself too hard, you will still be improving your body strength and endurance. It is also low-impact and will not add too much stress to your joints.
Yoga can have a tremendous effect on both your physical and mental health.
Yoga helps you to really get in tune with your body and listen to what it is telling you it needs. The relaxation and stretching techniques can be great for lessening chronic pain such as back pain, arthritis, headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Improved flexibility is one of the more obvious effects of yoga. As you practice more and more, you will find your body easing into the poses more effortlessly as time goes on. Yoga can also help athletes improve by building the quality of the muscle. Although many gym exercises also improve muscle strength, yoga balances this with flexibility which prevents injuries and pains.
The stress relief that yoga brings could even be life changing…
Yoga can be great for getting to sleep and improving your sleep quality. Studies have shown that when people with insomnia practice yoga on a daily basis, they fall asleep faster and for longer. Yoga has also been shown to benefit those with mental health problems. Through improving stress-related central nervous system imbalances and triggering a relaxation response within the body, yoga can benefit those with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, ADHD and more.
People with high blood pressure, diabetes or heart problems can benefit from its strength building and re-energising effects. There are many different types of yoga practices, each with varying difficulty levels. This makes it an ideal exercise for beginners and means you can constantly challenge yourself.
If you’re looking for Yoga near me, Yoga classes at MIC Health and Fitness provide a relaxing and inclusive environment that is great for all levels of fitness and experience. Check out our class timetable and contact us to book.