While yoga has been around for centuries, it seems to be experiencing a resurgence in popularity—and for good reason!Some dismiss it as not having any real health benefits but that idea couldn’t be further from the truth. Yoga can play an important role in the health of various components of your overall well-being. Let’s dig a little deeper into the physical and psychological advantages of incorporating yoga into your fitness routine.
Let’s start with the physical benefits.
Flexibility
Regular yoga practice increases your range of motion in muscles and joints. You’ll have more flexibility in your hamstrings, back, shoulders, and hips. Keeping your joints and muscles supple can also help to prevent injury and soreness.
Aerobic activity
Yoga links breathing and movement which produces an aerobic effect. This has benefits for your heart, as well.
Strength
Many poses that you’ll do require you to support your own weight in ways that you’ve never done before, for example, standing on one leg or using your arms to balance.
Breathing
The special breathing that yoga utilizes can increase lung capacity and help you learn to breathe more deeply. Stretching your shoulder and chest area also provides more room for the lungs to expand. Improved breathing has the added benefit of making you feel more energetic which can encourage you to engage in other physical activities as well.
Circulation
The different postures that are utilized can help your blood to circulate better. The better your blood is flowing, the healthier your heart will be.Yoga helps your blood to move to and from each and every part of the body.
Metabolism
The flow of moving from one pose to the next can give your metabolism a boost.
Pain management
Neck pain, back pain, and chronic pain can be lessened by making yoga a regular part of your fitness routine. The psychological benefits of yoga are numerous. Take a look.
Mental calmness
The physical movements you’re putting your body through require intense concentration, which can help to calm your mind.
Stress reduction
It’s a well-known fact that physical activity reduces stress. The controlled breathing of yoga reduces anxiety and it provides a break from the stressors that may be plaguing you.
Memory and concentration
This is the result of better blood circulation to the brain which results in improved concentration and a better ability to concentrate.
Body awareness
A greater awareness of your own body can help you to feel more comfortable in your own skin and to be more confident. A greater level of confidence can also improve your posture!
Making yoga a part of your life
If incorporating yoga into your life is new, it can be difficult to know how to get started.
Joining a beginner’s class may be the best way to get yourself acquainted with the practice.
Look for a class led by a teacher who has:
- The students will respond to the teacher’s lead. If she’s energetic and enjoying herself, chances are, you will too.
- They should be physically flexible, but also able to sway from their routine if their class isn’t tracking with them.
- A controlled voice. You want to be able to relax in a yoga class. Choose a teacher who uses a calming tone of voice.
- A good pace. A great teacher will be able to read her class and see if she is moving at the proper pace for your group.
- Especially when you’re the new person, a teacher with a friendly, open personality will get the best response.
- Your teacher should be focused on helping you and his other students move further in your abilities.
- It’s always best to work with a certified yoga teacher. Look for someone who has been certified by the Yoga Alliance.
As you begin to incorporate yoga into your life, you’ll start to notice the physical and psychological benefits. It’ll be worth your effort!
