Yoga has so many benefits, the list may surprise you.
Students in a recent Saturday morning yoga practice with Kristi.
by Dr. Allie Mendelson
Yoga has been practiced for at least 5,000 years and it has lots of health benefits. I’ve been doing it for almost that long (LOL) and I encourage my patients to do it for the mental and physical benefits. It’s a great way to reduce stress, build strength and flexibility, as well as improve balance, making it great for all ages.
Breath work is also a significant part of a yoga practice. Breathing is voluntary and involuntary in our everyday lives, and a yoga practice helps the participant come back to focusing on breathing — something all of us can take for granted. This focus helps to reduce stress and calms the mind.
All types of yoga utilize various breathing techniques and postures. Some are more active such as the Vinyasa classes here on Mondays and Thursdays, while other forms of yoga are more relaxing, such as the all levels class we offer on Saturdays which is great for all levels of experiences.
Even though a yoga practice is very personal and unique to the participant and it’s one of the easiest forms of exercise to do alone at home (all you need is comfortable clothing and a yoga mat), practicing with a group has so many MORE benefits!
There’s nothing like the energy in a group yoga class. The time shared among everyone in class, whether you’re all working on a new pose together or meditating as a group, gives a certain feeling that you can’t get by yourself in front of a computer screen.
Plus, you can use that group support to help fuel your own practice and push yourself to maybe try poses you were afraid to try.
Just like any healthy habit or exercise plan I’m always more consistent in my practice and training if I’m part of a group. Being part of a group is incredibly motivating, and can make it easier to show up to class if other people are expecting you there.
Just a few weeks of consistent practice can bring you further than you might think, so why not try going to a group class and seeing where it takes you?
Whatever form of yoga you choose, practicing several times per week can work wonders on your mind, body, and spirit. Personally, I take two days off each week, and on the other days I have a variety of classes I participate in.
Yoga benefits:
- Increased Energy.
- Reduced Stress.
- Increased Confidence.
- Improved Posture.
- Better Immunity.
- Increased Focus.
- Improved Breathing.