Heath Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is a great way to work on your flexibility and strength. Just about everyone can do it! And it certainly isn't just for people who can touch their toes or want to meditate. (I'm testament to the toe-touching bit!) And for folks who think yoga is easy peasy and is no form of exercise, try it and reap the benefits for yourself!

1. Yoga for Flexibility
Yoga poses work by stretching your muscles. Folks with stiff muscles and are always feeling tired, yoga poses can definitely help you feel and move better! Even those with frozen shoulders etc... Personally, I visit my chiropractor once a month. Ever since I started practising yoga 3-5 times a week, my spinal adjustments are less "noisy" and I definitely feel less stiff!
 
2. Yoga for Strength
While some yoga poses may seem too simple, when done right, nearly all yoga poses build core strength, improve muscle tone and provide strength and endurance benefits. Poses such as downward dog, upward dog, and the plank pose, build upper-body strength. Standing poses, especially if you hold them for several long breaths, build strength in your hamstrings, quadriceps, and abs while the upward dog and chair pose strengthen the lower back.
 
3. Better Posture From Yoga
Most standing and sitting poses develop core strength and a stronger core will help you sit and stand "taller"! Hence, yoga poses will definitely benefit your posture. Yoga also creates greater self-awareness and this helps each of us be more aware of our own posture and behavior. We'll catch ourselves slouching and will correct our posture more often.
 
4. Better Breathing from Yoga
Yoga usually involves paying attention to your breath, which can help you relax. It may also call for specific breathing techniques.
 
5. Less Stress, More Calm
Yoga requires focus and in focusing on getting each of your poses right, you can feel less stressed and more relaxed. Needless to say, meditation helps calm the mind while allowing us to focus on our breathing.
 
6. Yoga for your Heart
Yoga has long been known to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate. A slower heart rate can benefit people with high blood pressure or heart disease, and people who've had a stroke. Yoga has also been linked to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and better immune system function.