Yoga is not just a discipline of breathing and relaxation. It requires flexibility as well as physical and mental strength. For many poses you need flexibility, but the physical strength is also a necessary part to complete arm balances, inversions, and jump throughs. By practicing, strength can be built, but not just in the physical sense; in the mental sense too. Yoga is a combination of your mind and your body and there are numerous benefits for both.

The Mind

Yoga is mainly known for improving relaxation and decreasing stress. It also creates clarity and calmness while increasing awareness and centering attention.

Decreases Stress

It is widely accepted that physical activity is good for relieving stress so naturally, yoga fits right in. The high concentration level that is required to successfully practice yoga can give you the break you need from daily stressors. This high concentration level is called mindfulness. Mindfulness is a specific mental state where a person focuses on the present moment. Yoga emulates this by helping you not dwell on the past or worry about the future, just being present in the moment.

Relieves Anxiety

Tagging along with reducing stress, it is believed that yoga can relieve anxiety. Yoga uses mindfulness and self-soothing techniques that are helpful for anxiety and depression. These soothing techniques decrease physiological arousals like your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing which are linked to anxiety. Yoga emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and finding a sense of peace.

Improves Overall Quality of Life

In today's technological centered world, mindfulness and connectedness are difficult to achieve. We are always trying to get as much done as we can in as little time as possible. We think about the next task we have to do before we've finished what we are currently working on. Yoga breaks this habit and challenges people to be aware of their own bodies, their breathing, and their mind. By relaxing, and taking deep breaths, you can feel an increase in your mental and physical energy. By practicing yoga consistently, you will reap the benefits.

The Body

In the same way that yoga benefits your mind, it also benefits your physical being.

Improves Heart Health

Many believe that yoga is directly linked to an improvement in heart health. Because yoga is such a physical activity, the blood pumping through your body can supply your tissues with nutrients and reduce factors of heart disease, which is an essential part of your heart health. Because yoga also reduces stress, it decreases the risk of heart disease, since stress is a major contributor.

Promote Sleep Quality

Practicing yoga can assist with getting a better quality of sleep. Relaxation techniques like massages, reading, listening to relaxing music, mediating, deep breathing, and visualization can all improve your sleep quality. Exercising during the day is also one of the best ways to improve your sleep. Because Yoga is an exercise that already incorporates mindfulness, meditation, and breathing, it's perfect for improving sleep quality.

Improves Flexibility, Balance, and Breathing

Adding yoga to your fitness routine will improve your flexibility, balance, and breathing. Yoga capitalizes on these components through specific poses that target them. Poses where you stand on one leg or inversion poses are great for core strength which will keep you upright and balanced. As you get older, you naturally begin to lose your internal balance so it's important to continue building and improving it. The slower, purposeful movements that come with yoga, pair with deep breathing for an increase in blood flow which will relax you.

Overall, yoga can provide many benefits to your daily life. Finding time to practice yoga or incorporate it into your everyday exercise routine will make a noticeable difference in your mind and body. Check out our yoga classes, along with some other great group fitness options.