On TV are a large number of commercials telling us about the latest fitness products to help us with weight loss, better abs or tone our muscles, it is rare that we hear about yoga, an exercise that has all those benefits and more.
Many think this is just a method to maintain flexibility, something bodybuilding wouldn’t do- the benefits of yoga are wide and go beyond just physical and physiological.
Flexibility is recognized as the single biggest benefit of yoga. The positions the yoga practitioner can place himself in can leave many people shocked, if you’ve ever seen a yoga class or website. Yoga can help increase the range of motion in your hamstrings, back shoulder and hips.
The poses that you do in yoga, which may be held in long periods of time, can help build muscle tone and strength. While learning the poses you will also improve your balance.
Types of pain can be managed with the increased flexibility and strength. Imagine how good it would feel when you stretch after a long drive. Yoga can also help with back pains, shoulder pain and even carpal tunnel pain aside from it’s relaxing benefits.
During yoga you also focus extensively on breathing. Among the benefits to your body, learning how to breathe slower and deeper as you move through a pose. You may feel some light-headedness as you sharpen your breathing technique as your blood carries a better supply of oxygen, so better be ready. It will pass and is likely to occur only during your first few attempts. Controlled breathing can also help you in other ways as it can be used for pain management and stress reduction.
Aside from the benefits you normally get from exercise, you also get benefits from yoga which comes from concentration and calmness. Yoga requires that you concentrate on breathing and positioning of your body, which helps calm your thoughts and gives you another tool for stress reduction. When doing yoga in the evening your mind and body relaxes for sleep.
Enrolling in a class, buying a video or watching a show is just as easy as beginning to practice yoga. A carpeted area or a yoga mat and loose or flexible clothes are also needed. Whether in a class or alone, pay attention to your body. Use a modification of a pose if you feel pain while attempting it or you can try again once you’ve gained the strength and flexibility for it. Poses will become easier and you’ll find that toga can be a fulfilling way to spend “you” time if you continue to do it.
Visit the online guide to St. Louis and enjoy Yoga St Louis.