Yoga is actually an ancient practice that connects the mind, body, and spirit through body poses, controlled breathing, and meditation. A set of specific exercises, called Asanas (poses), combined with specific breathing techniques and meditation principles are the building blocks of yoga. If a pose causes pain or proves too difficult, it can be made easy by variation and quite changing it with the help of props like blocks, blankets, and straps, even chairs can be used to help you get the most benefit from the poses. Yoga is not one-size-fits-all: The best yoga workout for you will depend on your individual needs and goals.
The benefits of a regular yoga practice are wide-ranging. In general, a complete yoga workout can help keep your back and joints healthy, improve your overall posture, stretch and strengthen muscles and improve your balance. According to Dr.Timothy McCall (Auther of “Yoga as Medicine“), Yoga’s focus on the breath can calm you and help you learn to be more mindful of your body and that can help you to move with greater ease. In recent years, more and more research is demonstrating the wide-ranging health benefits of yoga.
The practice of yoga has many health benefits associated with it, Just as many health benefits occur within the body, there are many benefits that can actually be experienced without the body. From better sleep to more energy and strength, this list provides several benefits found on the outside of the body.
1. Aging.
Yoga stimulates the detoxification process within the body. Detoxification has been shown to delay aging, among many other health benefits.
2. Posture.
The very nature of yoga teaches the practitioner how to hold and control one’s body in a more healthful position. Through consistent practice, your posture will improve so that you look more confident and healthy.
3. Strength and Energy
One of the premises of yoga is that you are using the weight of your own body for overall strength. Regular yoga practice provides consistent energy. In fact, most yogis state that when you perform your yoga correctly, you will feel energized after your yoga session rather than tired.
4. Weight.
The benefits of a better metabolism along with the exercise of yoga work to keep your weight in check. Additionally, the stretching of muscles longwise helps to reduce the amount of cellulite that can build around muscles.
5. Sleep.
Because of the many benefits to both body and mind that a yoga routine can provide, many find that their sleep is much better.
6. Balance.
An integral part of the yoga practice is balance and control over your body. With consistent practice, you will find that your overall balance will improve outside the yoga practice.
7. Integrated function of the body.
Yoga is derived from Sanskrit and means “to join together and direct one’s attention.” This is exactly what happens to your body after you start practicing yoga. Yogis find that their body works together much better, resulting in more graceful and efficient body movements.
8. Body Awareness:
Doing yoga will give you an increased awareness of your own body. You are often called upon to make small, subtle movements to improve your alignment. Over time, this will increase your level of comfort in your own body. This can lead to improved posture and greater self-confidence.
9. Core strength.
With a strong body core, you receive better posture and overall body strength. A strong core helps heal and reduce injuries. This is why a lot of athletes do yoga as cross-training (boxers, MMA fighters, etc).
10. Sexuality.
Yoga can improve your sexuality through better control, more relaxation, and more self-confidence.