You wouldn’t believe how often I am asked about why I do yoga, why other people should do it, and what the benefits are. The truth is the reasons I practice yoga are personal, just as they should be for anyone. Of course, there are many physical benefits to yoga, but for me it’s about so much more than that. There are many intangible benefits in yoga beyond just getting in great shape!
Here are five great reasons you should practice yoga
1. Yoga has many tremendous physical and mental benefits
Different types of yoga formats such as Vinyasa, Hot Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and other forms of Power Yoga will absolutely change your body. You will lose weight, gain strength, and have great muscle tone. What you might not expect is that as your body grows stronger so will your mind. You will develop a great sense of self-awareness, patience, and focus. Who doesn’t like feeling and looking good?
2. Yoga relieves pain
When practiced under the guidance of trained instructors, yoga can be used as an alternative form of pain management. Numerous studies have shown the effects that yoga can have on back pain, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, pregnancy, and so much more. Yoga is also shown to improve things like your digestive system and your joints. Yoga can also increase blood flow throughout your entire circulatory system, which makes it great for your heart.
3. Yoga reduces stress and anxiety
One of the biggest lessons in yoga is learning how to BREATHE! You will learn how to breathe in everyday situations, which will help reduce stress and anxiety. Breathing gives you the power to control your emotions in many situations, giving you the mental clarity you need to get through difficult situations.
4. Yoga connects you to your spirit
Yoga isn’t a religious practice, but it’s certainly a spiritual one. Yoga allows you to prioritize your soul over physical or materialistic things. So much of yoga practice is more than just the asanas (postures). Practicing yoga gives you a sense of calmness. The Namastes, the calls to relaxation, reflection, and meditation will leave you feeling balanced and centered.
5. Yoga gives you 60 minutes of time just for you
Ask yourself how much time a day you dedicate to disconnecting and allowing yourself to just be? Yes, your job, your family, and your friends are all important… but so is your well-being. For 60 minutes you can step on a mat and breathe deeply into your body and let everything go. Give your mind and body the attention they deserve so you can be the best version of yourself.
I encourage you to give yoga a try if you haven’t already!
Our friendly staff and instructors will help walk you through the process step-by-step if you’ve never been to a yoga class before. Yoga is easy to start, fun to learn, and before you know it you’ll be hooked!