Yoga is not just stretching! We must understand what we can gain out of such a wonderful practice. Both mentally and physically, yoga has proven to be very benefical to the human mind and body.

 

The following health benefits can all be discovered within the body:

 

Stress Reduction- The concentration required during yoga practice tends to focus your attention on the matter at hand, therefore, nothing else matters at that moment.

 

Decreased Anxiety- The controlled breathing used in yoga can help reduce anxiety by slowing down the nervous system.

 

Cardiovascular endurance- A combination of lower heart rate and improved oxygenation to the body

 

Build Strength- Using the weight of your own body for overall strength.

 

Proper Alignment- Yoga teaches the person to hold and control the body.

 

Decreased Depression- Regular yoga practice reduces negative thoughts and creates positive thoughts.

 

Lower Blood Pressure- A consistent yoga practice decreases blood pressure through better circulation and oxygenation of the body.

 

Calmness- Concentrating so intently on what your body is doing has the effect of bringing calmness.

 

Better Sleep- Both the mind and body are affected by consistent yoga practice, therefore, many find their sleep is much better.

 

Decreased Back Pain- Yoga reduces spinal compression and helps overall body alignment to reduce back pain.

 

Self-acceptance- Focusing inward and realizing through your yoga practice that perfection is not the goal.

 

Improved Respiratory System- Yoga decreases the respiratory rate through a combination of controlled breathing exercises and better fitness.

 

Increased Energy- Regular Yoga practice provides consistent energy.

 

Better Balance- Learning balance and control over your body, with a consistent practice, you will find your overall balance will improve.

 

Increased Metabolism- Consistent yoga practice helps find the balance between maintaining a healthy weight and controlling hunger.

 

Lower chance of Heart Disease- Yoga reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, keeps weight off, and improves cardiovascular health.

 

Increased Mood- Overall well-being improves! The combination of creating a strong mind-body connection, creating a healthy body, and focusing inward can all lead to improvement in your mood.

 

Body Awareness- Doing yoga will give you an increased awareness of your own body. Your level of comfort in your own body will expand, which can lead to improved posture and greater self-confidence.

 

Oragans- Yoga practice massages internal organs.

 

Core strength- With a strong body core, you recieve better posture and overall body strength. A strong core helps heal and reduce injuries.

 

Decreased Pain- Pain tolerance, such as chronic back pain, are lessened or eliminated through yoga.

 

And SO MUCH MORE!