Yoga is an ancient practice that combines breathing and stretching with various postures to establish a balance in the body between strength and flexibility. Those who practice yoga typically do so to attain one of its many benefits.
Increased Flexibility
1. Each of the thousands of poses that make up the practice of yoga were designed to target different muscle groups and regions of the body. Each pose is typically held for several seconds, which increases flexibility and range of motion within the body. Athletes who regularly practice yoga are more limber and have a lower incidence of injury.
Improved Body Function
2. Beyond strengthening and stretching limbs and muscles, yoga improves organ function. Yoga positions are not customary in daily life, so the new positions massage and detoxify organs. Additionally, blood flow to all points of the body is maximized. Yoga positions also exercise and lubricate body ligaments and tendons.
Weight Control
3. Yoga builds muscle, which helps promote an active metabolism and maintain a healthy weight. Because yoga strengthens core muscles, including the abdomen and obliques, it helps ward off fat build-up in the middle region of the body.
Psychological Benefits
4. Many people do yoga solely for its psychological benefits. Yoga places a strong focus on breathing and is known to establish a connection between the body and mind. As a result, yoga can improve mental awareness, as well as alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Prenatal Yoga
5. Pregnant women practice prenatal yoga for the physical and spiritual benefits. Prenatal yoga has many of the same attributes as regular yoga, however, positions are carefully selected so they are safe for mom and baby. Prenatal yoga can help an expectant mother maintain strength and flexibility while avoiding back pain, joint swelling and digestion problems.
Hot Yoga
6. Another form of yoga is hot yoga, or “Bikram yoga.” This practice involves 26 poses done in a room that is 105° F. Why would someone participate in such an activity? Bikram yoga is known to have many benefits, and high up on the list is its detoxifying qualities. When moving around at such temperatures, the body sweats out much of the built-up toxins within the body.