Not everybody is into lifting weights or running on the treadmill. However, this should not stop you from being physically fit. There are many exercise alternatives that you can try out. One of these is yoga. Aside from keeping you in shape, the benefits of yoga also extend into emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.
The Benefits of Yoga for the Body
As with any other forms of exercise, the benefits of yoga are most evident physically. Performing yoga involves various poses that require you to stretch your body, which enhances your flexibility. Improved flexibility equates to more range of motion, especially in the shoulders, back, hips and hamstrings.
In addition to flexibility, strength is also improved. Several poses in yoga require you to support your body weight in unconventional ways. For example, when performing the Tree Pose, your body weight is carried by one of your legs. On the other hand, the Downward Facing Dog Pose entails supporting your body weight with your arms. Over time, this strengthens the muscles. As a latent effect, you can expect more toned and shaped muscles. Other physical benefits of yoga include pain reduction, better posture, enhanced breathing, improved circulation, detoxification and cardiovascular conditioning.
The Benefits of Yoga for the Mind and Spirit
One of the best things about yoga is that it combines exercise with meditation. This is because one has to be extremely focused and really aware of his or her body when performing the yoga poses. Hence, one of the benefits of yoga is soothing the mind. It promotes clarity of thought as you concentrate on your breathing and achieving the proper form.
Connected to this, yoga is also a great stress reliever. During a yoga session, you drown your problems and worries. Since yoga involves full concentration on what you are doing, it also gives you a perspective to focus on the present. This new mindset helps an individual to move on from the bad things that happen in the past and just live in the moment. Having this positive outlook can greatly reduce stress. Overall, the benefits of yoga go beyond what the eye can see. It unifies the body, mind and spirit. It promotes self-awareness, which according to experts, can bring enlightenment.
If you have been wanting to live a healthy lifestyle and find balance in your life, it's time for you to reap the benefits of yoga. There are many gyms and fitness clubs that offer yoga for beginners. Yoga instructors can even come to your home and give you one-on-one sessions.
