6+ Benefits of Yoga

Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years, and is something more than 11 million Americans use for its health benefits.

Improved Strength

The strength training you’ll find in Yoga will vary depending on the style, as certain styles such as Power Yoga and Ashtanga are more targeted toward muscle building, while others like Hatha and Lyengar are more targeted toward precise poses rather than movement. To build upper body strength, focus on poses such as the Downward Dog, Upward Dog, and Plank will help build upper body strength. Standing postes will help strengthen your hamstrings and abdominal muscles.

Improved Flexibility

Yoga stretches the muscles and soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, etc.) in your body. As you first get started, you will release lactic acid into your body, causing muscle pain and fatigue. You can drink plenty of water to flush the acid out of your system and reduce your soreness. It helps to improve the range of motion in your joints, and may even provide extra natural lubrication in your joints so you start to feel your body moving with ease.

You should start to see an improvement in flexibility within a short period of time, with studies indicating participants saw improvements in just eight weeks.

Improved Posture

As you increase your strength and flexibility, you will have better posture. The majority of Yoga poses require you to use the deep core muscles to hold them, which can make it easier for you maintain proper posture. You’ll also become more aware of your body so you when you’re slouching you’ll be able to make adjustments.

Better Breathing

Lung capacity usually improves with regular Yoga practice because of the deep and mindful breathing exercises you must follow. Yoga, however, will not provide aerobic benefit, unless you’re practicing intensely in a heated room.

Reduced Stress

Certain styles of Yoga use meditation techniques to teach you how to calm your mind. When you can calm your mind, you start to turn off the chatter that causes your stress. Other styles of Yoga teach you to calm your mind with deep breathing techniques that allow you to center yourself and focus. When you’re less stressed, you’ll find it easier to sleep at night, and you’ll release less cortisol into your body, making your weight loss easier.

Heart Healthy

Studies show Yoga helps to reduce heart rate and blood pressure levels, which will reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. Some research also indicates Yoga has an anti-oxidant effect on the body, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, while also boosting the immune system.

Other Medical Conditions

Clinical trials conducted outside the United States are showing Yoga has promise with conditions such as asthma, multiple sclerosis, and insomnia.

Do you use Yoga in your health and fitness routine? If so, what’s your experience been like? Share some of your favorite poses with our readers.