I first got into Yoga in my late teens, when I became a keen runner & then began suffering from tight hamstrings & hips. I was the one in class who couldn’t straighten my legs, touch my toes or stay focused during relaxation! But I knew my body needed it, so I stuck with it.
Since then, my passion has grown beyond my expectations & has literally changed my life for the better. As a passionate yogi, I could write a book on the benefits of the practice, however for the sake of your time (& sanity), I’ll focus on a select few.
Releases Tension in Limbs
Often in life we hold tension in our body without even realizing we are doing so. This tension puts our body under stress, causing unnecessary pains & can often worsen our mood.
Yoga teaches you to be aware of your body & you begin to notice where you hold your tensions: neck, face, shoulders, eyes, quads – anywhere. It may not be instant, but through being aware of these tensions you can learn to gradually release.
Improves Muscle Strength
Not only do strong, toned muscles look good, they also help to protect our body from aches & pains. It has also been proven to prevent arthritis, osteoporosis & back pain.
If you’re looking for a way to shape up at home, sure you could buy an inexpensive set of adjustable dumbells for your home gym, or you could invest in a yoga mat and start adding a yoga practice to your daily routine.
Increases Flexibility
So frequently I hear the phrase: “I’m not flexible enough to do yoga.” In truth, lack of flexibility is a perfect reason to do yoga. So what if you’re the only one in the class who can’t bend forwards, backwards, or any way in fact.
By practicing yoga, your flexibility will improve & your body will thank you for it. You will start to rid of aches & pains & find everyday activities gradually become easier. Tight hamstrings can cause severe back pain & problems, tight hips can put a strain on your knees, tight shoulders can cause headaches…I could go on.
Aids Weight Loss
There are many types of yoga & some aid weight loss more than others. Fitness yoga, power yoga & anti-gravity yoga are excellent ways to enhance this weight loss.
Most yoga practices do increase your heart rate & burn calories, resulting in weight loss. Just because you’re not running around, working up a sweat, don’t think you’re not aiding your weight loss goal. You’ll also lower your risk of heart attack, improve cardiovascular conditioning & increase your endurance levels. In short: it can make you look better & improve your fitness!
Other benefits of yoga include: stabilisation of blood pressure, lifting of your mood & reduced signs of anxiety & depression, lowers your blood sugar, improves stability, posture & balance, helps keep your mind healthy & focused, helps you to sleep deeper, strengthens your immune system, maintains your central nervous system, increases lung capacity, self esteem & inner strength. The list truly is endless.
Yoga is an excellent lifestyle for any individual & it’s never too late or too early to start.
