It’s wonderful to work out, lose weight and tone up, but yoga is so much more than a great workout.
Yoga means union. It is a state of being in the present, focusing on the here and now. It’s a path to self discovery, fine-tuned awareness, and unification of the mind, body and soul. Yes, it is a series of postures that makes you sweat and burn calories, but more than that, it is a way to escape the restrictions of the mind and the limitations we put on ourselves.
Many people think yoga is part of a religion- particularly Hinduism. It is not a part of any religion. It is more a science through which we can restore the balance of our emotional well being and of course, our fitness. Through regular practice, you’ll begin to notice subtle transformations in how you feel.
Yoga is not competitive or goal-oriented. Even when you’re in a class full of people, it remains a personal practice. It is a time for you to go inward, staying with your breath, and move through the flow of postures, going only as far as feels good for you.
Some Physiological Benefits of a Regular Yoga Practice
Improved Balance (How to balance better in yoga, a yoga sequence for balance)
Improved Sleep Quality (3 yoga poses for better sleep)
Decrease in Pain (How to deal with physical pain)
Hand-Eye Coordination Improves (Why athletes should do yoga)
Range of Motion Increases (Yoga for the chest and shoulders)
Flexibility Increases (How to improve flexibility)
Gastrointestinal Function Normalizes (Yoga pose for digestion)
Blood Pressure Decreases (Gentle yoga sequence)
Some Psychological Benefits of a Regular Yoga Practice
Anxiety and Depression Decrease (Yoga for anxiety)
Memory Improves
Attention Improves
Mood Improves
Social Adjustment Increases
Development of Self Awareness
Hostility Decreases
Self-Acceptance Increases (Yoga for self-discipline)