Are you looking to introduce more yoga into your life? With all that is going on in the world right now, slowing down can really help to unwind the body and calm the mind.
Read on to learn five key benefits of yoga.
1. Reduces stress and anxiety
It comes as no surprise that practicing yoga can reduce stress and anxiety. The breathing techniques practiced whilst doing yoga helps to slow the breath and control the nervous system whilst encouraging the body to relax.
Controlled breathing can have many physiological effects on the body and mind:
decreases blood pressure and heart rate
reduces levels of stress hormones in the blood
improves levels of oxygenated blood within the body and internal organs
increases energy
aids feelings of calm and wellbeing
Mediation can also help to reduce anxiety and stress, especially meditations focusing on a breath practice. You can find out more here.
2. Improves awareness, concentration, energy levels and general wellbeing
Practicing yoga regularly can help to improve general awareness, concentration, your energy levels and your general wellbeing.
A typical yoga class focusing on slower controlled poses (referred often as asanas). It is within these poses that you can really focus your mind internally to acknowledge how your body is feeling. Yoga is a very personal practice, what may feel good for some, may not feel good for others and this is perfectly normal. Discovering what works for you is all part of your practice and will help to improve your concentration and awareness in your day to day life.
Exercising in general is scientifically proven to improve your general wellbeing and energy levels. Exercising releases hormones called endorphins which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers for your body. Simply moving your body for around 20 - 30 minutes can completely change your mindset. This could be a 20 minute walk in nature, or a short energetic yoga practice. If you are feeling sluggish, stressed, or generally in a low mood, move! You'll feel amazing after.
3. Improves bone and joint health
It's no secret that as we age bone density, joint health and flexibility decreases. Therefore it is so important to exercise regularly as we mature.
Yoga in particular can help to strengthen muscles within the body and as a result of this bone density improves also. Having strong bones helps to reduce the likelihood of developing osteoporosis and injuries.
Improving your flexibility will also contribute to better joint health. Many poses in yoga are designed to stretch the body and improve flexibility and mobility. Improving your flexibility and mobility will help to thicken the synovial fluid in between the joints and provide more cushioning allowing the joints to move more freely and smoothly.
4. Builds strength
Improving flexibility and mobility are often the most common benefits when practising yoga. However, many poses within a typical class significantly help to strengthen the muscles of the body. Poses such as the standing warrior poses help to strengthen the lower body whilst arm balances, such as Crow Pose, will help strengthen the triceps and shoulders.
There are many different styles of yoga including, Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin and Power yoga. You can find out more about all the different styles here.
5. Improves quality of sleep
Yoga, and in particular restorative yoga, can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. In fact a national survey highlighted that over 55% of people who practiced yoga found that it helped them get better sleep.
Yoga focuses not only on the physical movement of the body but also the breath work needed to move in and out of the poses. It is the breath work that allows the body to feel calm and relieves symptoms of anxiety and stress. Generally, we tend to breath shallowly in day to day life. Practicing yoga allows you to breathe consciously and use the total capacity of your lungs.
Combined with the breath work, there are also yoga poses that can really benefit your sleep. Why not try some of the poses before bed next time you are trying to wind down?
Try a yoga class
So there you have it. Five key benefits of yoga. There's no better time to get started with your yoga practice. If you fancy it, why not try our very own yoga inspired workout, Zone Fitness FLOWâ„¢ on Zone Fitness ON DEMAND? You can get a 30 day FREE trial and cancel anytime.
FLOW is a fitness based yoga class set to an inspiring soundtrack and specifically designed to improve your flexibility, mobility and strength. You'll finish the class with a short mediation feeling totally clam and centred.
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