The Whole Body Benefits of Yoga
Being overweight can have a huge impact on how we feel on the inside, but also how we feel towards others. When we look good on the outside, we feel better on the inside.
So how can you get to a healthy weight, without enduring a rigorous exercise regime?
Although some love to go on long hikes or mid-to-long distances runs, there is a style of exercise that has more benefits than just losing weight.
Yoga is a great option for those looking to have a more active lifestyle, but may have joint or previous injuries not allowing them to handle vigorous exercise. And the great thing about yoga? It has had many beneficial components other than just losing weight!
What is yoga?
Yoga is a physical activity that uses various poses that help increase strength, flexibility and blood flow.
How does yoga increase strength and flexibility?
The great part about yoga, other than its non-vigorous approach, is the idea of holding a pose or position for a period of time. This allows for the muscle to slowly stretch (creating flexibility) but also building up the strength in that muscle at the same time.
Each pose gives a certain part of the body a workout. So there are poses that are geared towards strengthening the back, stomach and legs, while also creating a platform to gain flexibility.
What if you suffer from high blood pressure?
Yoga is a great option to help lower your blood pressure.
Many times, stress can be a main factor in high blood pressure; but with yoga, it allows for you to practice various breathing exercises, that help lower not only your stress level, but also slow down your heart rate.
What else can yoga help improve?
Other than your flexibility and strength, participating in weekly yoga sessions can also greatly improve your posture.
Many people suffer from poor posture because they lack the back muscles to support themselves. Yoga allows for one to slowly build strength in both the back and the core (stomach and chest), and an improved posture is the result.
Those who suffer from joint pain can also find relief by using yoga as a supplemental course of treatment. Yoga enables the joints, muscles and ligaments to stretch out, release lactic acid and gain strength: all of which can be the main cause of joint pain.
What about boosting your metabolism?
Exercise is the best option when looking to boost your metabolism.
Yoga enables the body to gain muscle, flexibility and strength. Muscle actively burns calories
