Benefits of Yoga

We've been hearing about yoga and what it does to our health.  To all of us who have been practicing yoga diligently, we know there are positive changes to our bodies and that it makes us feel better.Yoga and the various poses called asanas benefit us by bringing harmonious balance within our system.

Let us discuss the specific health benefits when doing yoga regularly. 


Yoga and Flexibility

Stretching helps our bodies become (and more) flexible.  Yoga asanas (poses) open our bodies to greater range of motion to joints and muscles.  Specifically, the hamstrings, hips, back and shoulders can gain flexibility if yoga is done repeatedly.  Some people are worried about having to stretch because they feel that they are too old or too stiff to do yoga.  But, the truth is, we are never too old to develop flexibility.

Yoga stretches the soft tissues that include the ligaments, tendons, and the fascia sheath surrounding the muscles, of our bodies. Whatever level of yoga we are at, we can see the benefits shortly.  Yoga enthusiasts confirmed that there is improved flexibility after only 2 months.

Yoga and Strength

Ashtanga and power yoga help improve muscle tone because these are the more vigorous than the other styles.  But Iyengar or hatha yoga which has less movement and alignment in poses more precise, can still provide strength and endurance.

Yoga and Posture

Another good thing about yoga is body awareness.  We tend to become conscious when we slouch or slump, therefore we adjust our posture.  With more flexibility and strength, we benefit better posture.  Asanas develop core strength.  This is because each pose needs our deep abdominals for support. And when our core is stronger, we are likely to sit straight and stand tall.

Check some asanas at the yoga page and start following your own routine.

Namaste!