Discover the Awesome Benefits of Yoga!

Why Yoga is Great Exercise

While there are many obvious benefits of yoga exercise, it is most touted for its effectiveness to firm and tone muscles without adding extra bulk.

So if you're craving a longer, leaner appearance, then yoga may just be the perfect exercise for you.

Historians say that yoga was developed in Eastern culture as a method to help achieve unity in the individual--spiritually, mentally and physically.

We in the West, however, seem to appreciate it most for its physical benefits. And there are many.


What Yoga Does

One of the benefits of yoga that I've personally experienced is a greater sense of overall wellbeing. After a yoga workout, I feel more upbeat and relaxed.

I suspect that the deep breathing component to yoga exercise called “pranayama” is a major reason for this.

During yoga practice, as we inhale and exhale deeply, our bodies relax and our capacity to take in more clean air is increased.

Yoga in fact, helps to calm our minds and enhance our mental concentration.

Experts at the Mayo Clinic say the benefits of yoga include:

  • Aiding in Muscle Relaxation
  • Promoting Joint Mobility
  • Strengthening the Back and Spine
  • Increasing Flexibility
  • Promoting Balance
  • Increasing Physical Stamina
  • Improving Circulation
  • Directing Blood and Oxygen to the Internal Organs
Who knew?

Most People Can Do Yoga

That's right! Most anyone in reasonably good health can do yoga. But it’s a good idea to find a good yoga teacher in your area to help you learn the basics.

Many local hospitals have wellness programs that offer good yoga classes, as do some local colleges and universities.

However, if you have a condition that severely impacts your mobility or are pregnant, you will definitely want to check with your physician before doing yoga.

Better to be safe than sorry.

Still have reservations? Well, no need to contemplate head and shoulder stands at the outset.

And if you're anything like me, you'll also need to rid your mind of those vivid images of yogis shaped into human pretzels. (Ouch!)

Yoga Is Safe When Practiced Correctly

When correctly performing yoga postures, you never force your body to do anything. And there are modifications for every posture.

The modified poses enable your body to become stronger and more flexible--before you attempt more advanced moves. And all the while your body will be becoming more supple, toned and elastic. How cool is that?!








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