5 Benefits of a Regular Yoga Practice

The Benefits of a Regular Yoga Practice

There are many ways a regular yoga practice can benefit you.  Even if you are a runner, a mom, businessman, or are a senior citizen, there is something to be gained from time spent on the mat. Here are a few things that one can get from practicing yoga in a class:

1.) Flexibility Sure, we all have seen those pictures of yogis twisted and contorted into pretzel positions. However, these are extreme examples of flexibility in the human body. Most of us can hope to enhance our flexibility through some yoga even if in general we feel as though our muscles and joints fall into the category of “stiff.” Regular activity such as walking and running can shorten muscles such as our hamstrings. Stretching combined with the breathing exercises that are common in a yoga class can work to counteract this shortening. While not a miracle cure for overall muscle tightness, those regularly practicing yoga can find gradual improvement in their flexibility. Additionally, a body with more flexible muscles and joints is one that tends to get less injured in event of a stumble or fall.

2.) Breath One of the biggest components of a yoga class is attention to breath.  Classes often start in a seated or reclined position with the students noticing their inhales and exhales. Occasionally an additional breathing exercise is included that involves controlling the rate, speed and balance of breath. Increasing the depth of the breath on either inhale or exhale end can affect the energy level of the student. Additionally, attention to the breath allows the student to focus on what is going on in their body rather than the many things that can cause stress outside of it. The soothing or energizing effects of breath control are bonuses to the physicality of the asanas (poses). 

3.) Community: Practicing at a gym or a yoga studio is a wonderful way to connect with like-minded people. There is sense of community that comes from practicing yoga together. In local classes it is possible to practice next to advanced and brand new, beginning yoga students. Yoga classes are places to share a love of holistic living and health.

4.) Body Awareness: Most yoga teachers have their students spend at least a few breaths paying attention to what is happening in their body. This awareness can be of energy (lethargy/vigor), pain, ease and even of imbalance. Noticing that a joint feels stiff, that the heart is beating slowly or that one hip is higher than the other are just a few examples of body awareness. Going “inside” to examine what is happening is an almost meditative way to step away from the demands and stresses of daily life.

5.) Stress Release: Movement and breathing are terrific combatants to stress.  Asanas whether held for long periods of time or organized in a faster moving flow, can create a moving meditation for the practitioner. Yogis can utilize breathing techniques for releasing stress while practicing. Focusing on longer exhales, more restorative poses, seated meditation and/or extended Savsasana (the final pose of  a practice) are all ways yogis help to reduce stress.

If you have considered starting a regular yoga practice, it is never to late to begin.  Look into your local gyms and studios to find a beginner or gentle class and get with the flow.  You will start to feel the benefits with your first breath.