Why You Should Stop Resisting and Try Yoga
By Genevieve Cunningham
If you’re not a yogi already, it might be time to finally give the practice a chance. Many people (like me!) have been hesitant to jump on the yoga bandwagon.
Yoga is for those people. Yoga is for hippies. Yoga is for college students and housewives.
If you’ve ever had thoughts like these, listen up! The truth is that yoga is an amazing discipline that can bring a wealth of benefits to your life. Check out these awesome benefits of picking up the practice, and then check out your local gym for a class to join today.
Gain Back Flexibility
Most people lose a great deal of flexibility with age. It’s a natural part of the aging process. But, you don’t have to lose all of your flexibility. With some proactivity, you can maintain your range of motion as you get older, and as a result, improve your quality of life. A great way to do this? Yep, yoga. It stretches the muscles and ligaments, improves joint mobility, and leaves you feeling loose and limber.
It’s Tough
It might sound like a strange reason to begin anything, but adding something challenging into your life is good for you! Yoga is challenging to both your body and mind. It’s hard on the muscles, demands strength you didn’t realize you had, and burns massive calories in the process. It’s also incredibly tough on the mind, which is usually why people give up on the ancient practice. It requires massive amounts of patience, serious self-discipline, and asks you to quiet your mind for a set period of time. If you can learn to do it, you’ll be way ahead of the game in both mental and physical abilities.
It Enhances Perception and Awareness
Yoga forces you to be right here, right now. If you’re trying to practice, but you’re thinking about stress at work, you won’t be able to follow along. Yoga is a great way to refocus your mind and gain new perspective on life. It makes you slow down and be aware of what is happening right this minute. Those who practice regularly report a calmness and greater feeling of peace every day once the practice takes hold in your life.
Yoga is such an awesome workout. If you can, look past the appearance and fluff surrounding it and get down to the real substance that is yoga. Your body, mind, and your future self will thank you for the effort. Check out your local gym or studio and Namaste your way to a better you.