The benefits of rigorous exercise are well documented. But what about people who don’t exercise as much as they should? What about those short on time or simply who don’t have the time to hit the gym?
Yoga is an excellent alternative to body-building workouts. It’s also known as hatha yoga, as it was initially practiced in India by yoga practitioners who sought to maintain their physical fitness.
In brief, yoga is a form of physical exercise that centers on the union of body, mind, and spirit. It’s a form of meditation and an asanas practice, which involves various postures and breathing techniques to develop stamina and purify the body. Yoga also has several other benefits that make it an excellent physical and mental health method.
If you’re a beginner, here are five benefits of practicing yoga:
- Asanas: Yoga exercises strengthen and tone the muscles, prevent injury and increase stamina. These also help tone the spine and improve flexibility. Yoga is an effective workout for the mind, helping to control stress and maintain a healthy mental outlook.
- Happiness: Research shows that people who practice yoga are happier than those who don’t. This teaches them to live in the present moment and relax, which aids in healing the mind and body.
- Increased immune system: Yoga pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout your body, stimulating your immune system to stay alert even during long rest periods or passive activity like watching TV or reading a book. This is why it also helps combat allergies and colds!
- Emotional balance: Yoga teaches you to live in complete stillness, concentrating on deep breathing techniques that reduce stress levels through calming meditation. Practitioners say this instills a sense of calmness with more balanced emotions such as compassion for yourself and others around you.
- Stronger muscles: Many yoga poses significantly stress the muscles and joints. This is how they stay flexible and healthy throughout the practice of yoga. Breathing techniques, relaxation, and concentration are all used to build up your muscles, and improve athletic performance and overall health!
In conclusion, yoga has accurate results and is easy to incorporate into your life. Also, as your understanding of yoga increases (knowing a few basics is all that’s needed for most poses), you can start to see the benefits of the practice daily. Check out 3 Simple Steps To A Great Yoga Practice and get started today!