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Yoga invariably conjures up an image of someone sitting in a lotus position reciting mantras. Although Yoga surely provides spiritual benefits, Yoga also has numerous physical and mental health benefits. The health benefits of Yoga cover a wide spectrum from increased body suppleness and physical health to a completely different approach on how best to cope with life’s stresses.
For over 5,000 years the physical and mental health benefits of Yoga have attracted legions of devoted followers dating from the early ascetics to our current modern day yogis. The medical profession also acknowledges the beneficial effects of Yoga exercise and is involved in documenting how Yoga benefits the body’s resistance to heart disease, stroke and other ailments. There are many different types and styles of Yoga to choose from which will provide varying Yoga health benefits. Most classes teach Yoga poses as well as breathing and meditation techniques. However, those Yoga classes which also emphasize how to properly move the body, is thought to provide the greatest health benefits by improving core strength, posture and flexibility.
Benefits of Yoga Poses (Asanas)
Practicing Yoga poses offer a wide variety of health and fitness benefits. Yoga poses are a safe, effective way of stretching your muscles to release the build-up of lactic acid which causes tired, stiff and aching muscles. Yoga poses will also benefit the joints by increasing the range of motion and flexibility. Yoga stretching also improves the soft body tissue which benefits overall health, sometimes in as little as two months whatever the initial fitness level. More vigorous and intense styles of Yoga will benefit and improve muscle tone, a better posture, upper body strength and increased endurance. Even the physically challenged can benefit from the gentle stretching of a modified Yoga routine, if, of course, such exercise is approved by their physician.
Benefits of Yoga Breathing (Pranayama)
Learning how to deepen and lengthen the breath is an essential element of stretching the muscles and has been known to benefit lung capacity as well. These breathing techniques also allow the mind to quiet itself, to foster a feeling of calm and well-being, which is a major benefit in stress management. Stress reduction techniques have the additional therapeutic benefit of creating a relaxing, anxiety-free atmosphere by lowering the levels of neurotransmitters; the biochemical responses, which in moments of stress, can trigger an adrenaline rush, high blood pressure and an increased heart rate. Another benefit of Yoga poses and breathing techniques is that you become more aware of yourself and can often detect potentially harmful changes to the body which might otherwise be ignored.
Yoga Meditation Benefits
One common benefit experienced by many yogis who practice yoga mediation, is the increased ability to concentrate and focus, plus enjoy a happier and more contented life. Yoga meditation helps soothe and refresh the spirit and brings together the mind and body in peaceful harmony. Depending on which Yoga method is followed and the individual involved, the health benefits of Yoga meditation will very often differ widely.
Yoga Medical Benefits
Much medical research has been focused on the health benefits of yoga and how Yoga affects the human body and psyche, in particular the heart. Some recognized health benefits of Yoga are a lowered heart rate, decreased blood pressure, diminished hyper-tension and a lesser risk of stroke. More recent research also indicates that Yoga may have a beneficial health effect on other chronic ailments such as asthma, arthritis and back pain. Yoga has also been known to help to lower cholesterol.
Other Yoga Benefits
In conclusion, it can be seen that Yoga has great mental and physical health benefits which can be experienced at all levels of skill and involvement. Unlike some other sports and exercise programs, Yoga doesn’t require a lot of expensive clothes or equipment. All you need to start is a Yoga mat and loose comfortable clothing. Another Yoga benefit is that you can practice Yoga almost anywhere….at home, in a park or even a hotel room…any quiet space will do! Yoga is the perfect portable exercise.
Yogiseeker is just a click away to help get you started, by helping you find the right class, the right teacher at the right price in your part of town! Ready to tryYoga? User our easy Yogiseeker search engine to find a hot yoga studio near you.
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