Fit and Cool

Yoga Provides More Than Flexibility

While we’re bombarded with commercials telling us about products to help us lose weight, get great abs and tone our muscles, we very seldom hear about yoga – an exercise that can do all of that and more.

Seen as many just as a way to maintain flexibility – something your everyday muscle building won’t do – yoga’s benefits extend far beyond that to a wide range of physical and psychological benefits.

People think that the single biggest advantage of yoga is flexibility. If you’ve ever seen a yoga class or checked out a yoga clothing site, you will be amazed by all the twisting and folding that a yoga practitioner can do. Yoga can help increase the range of motion in your hamstrings, back shoulder and hips.

The yoga poses, some of which may be held for prolonged periods, also help you build strength and muscle tone. Your balance will also improve while learning the poses.

By increasing flexibility and strength, some types of pain may be prevented. After a long drive, imagine how good it would feel when you go for a stretch. Back pains, shoulder pain and even carpal tunnel pain are some of the pains relieved by yoga, these are just some of the benefits yoga extends to your body.

Breathing is a very essential focus of yoga. Among the benefits to your body, learning how to breathe slower and deeper as you move through a pose. Your better breathing technique may initially cause some light-headedness during yoga as your blood carries a better supply of oxygen, so be prepared. It will pass and is likely to occur only during your first few attempts. Reducing stress and pain managements is one of the advantages of controlled breathing.

Aside from the benefits you normally get from exercise, you also get benefits from yoga which comes from concentration and calmness. Concentration on breathing and body positioning is very important in yoga, this is also a good tool for stress reduction and to calm your thoughts. You may find that yoga in the evening helps relax your mind and body for sleep.

You may need help beginning yoga, but that is as easy as enrolling in a class, buying a video, or even tuning in a television program. Getting yourself a yoga mat or if you have a carpeted area and some loose fitting clothes are also advisable. Whether in a class or alone, pay attention to your body. If a pose hurts, then use a modification or do not attempt it until you get stronger or more flexible. If you continue a yoga practice, you’ll find the poses become easier and you may well look forward to yoga as one of the best “you” times of the day.

About the author: Sheryl Sandidge writes as a hobby and maintains websites for Saint Louis featuring Spa St Louis.

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