Are You Doing Yoga Yet?
Today, it seems as though just about everyone is practicing yoga. While the art is nothing new (it has been practiced for more than five thousand years), more and more people of every age and skill level are taking part in this form of exercise. With all of the many benefits, and instructional methods, are you doing yoga yet?
There are a few different forms of yoga that can be practiced; however the health benefits remain the same. The number one benefit, and ironically the number one reason people avoid yoga, is flexibility. Many people think they are too inflexible, lack the proper amount of fitness, or are just simply too old to take up yoga. This is completely false. Starting a yoga program can greatly increase your flexibility level and allows for a very safe and gentle body conditioning process. This conditioning process allows the body to release a chemical called lactic acid. Lactic acid is responsible for muscle pain, stiffness, and fatigue. When the body is able to release this chemical, muscles, joints, and tendons become more lubricated, and allow for more natural movement. This creates more overall strength, flexibility, and even better posture.
Yoga can also do wonders for physical stamina. Do you find that you cannot sit or stand for long periods of time? Taking part in some of the more common yoga poses, such as “The Upward Dog”, or “The Downward Dog” help to strengthen the abdominal and upper body muscles. These muscles become gradually weaker as people age and tend to be the cause of many aches and pains. Many of the other poses help to strengthen the lower back, the hamstrings, and the quadriceps. These muscles help with balance, coordination, and general strength.
Yoga can also improve mental health. Learning various types of relaxing breathing techniques can help increase lung capacity and decrease stress levels. This allows the body to become relaxed, which helps to stop stress inducing hormones from running rampant. Proper breathing helps to increase happy hormones, such as dopamine, oxytocin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine as well. These hormones provide the body with a calm sensation, which helps improve mood, concentration, and general attitude.
If you still need more reasons to take up the practice of yoga, consider heart health. Research has proven that yoga has a direct positive effect on heart health due to the fact that it lowers blood pressure and heart rate. This in turn lowers the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. With all of these benefits, how can you resist trying yoga? You might just be pleasantly surprised by how good this ancient activity can make you look and feel!
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