Upward dog? Asanas? Hatha yoga? When people think of yoga, they often think of a mystical form of meditation and near-impossible movements with strange sounding names. But the truth is, yoga is a series of simple exercises or movements practiced by millions of people throughout America, and many more worldwide.
What is the great attraction? For one, the health benefits are impressive. In addition, the chance to calm the mind and relax the senses proves invaluable in our modern frenzied-paced world.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be “flexible enough” or “limber enough” or “young enough” to enjoy the benefits of yoga. Yoga can improve your flexibility, strength and balance at any level of ability and any stage of life. Looking at some of the specific benefits of
practicing yoga may be just the incentive one needs to begin his or her yoga experience.
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Flexibility and Strength
Movements that safely stretch your muscles help release trapped stiffness and muscle pain. With slow, controlled exercises, your body can increase in range of motion and joint mobility. Yoga poses called asanas help stretch not only muscle tissue, but also ligaments, tendons and all the soft tissues in your body.
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Building up strength in muscles and tissues is also a great
benefit of yoga exercises. Poses isolate the upper-body areas, abdominal muscles, hamstrings and quadriceps. Your inner core will be strengthened to help stabilize the body and provide overall strength and control. The lower back, one of the key problem areas for many in today’s society, is also targeted and strengthened.
Posture and Breathing
Posture improves with increased flexibility, as well as strengthened inner core areas. When you have a strong core, your entire body is able to be supported better. You also gain a greater awareness of body movement and flow. In addition, yoga can improve lung capacity by deep breathing exercises in a relaxed mode.
Less Stress and Better Mood
Scientific evidence abounds as to how yoga can lower a person’s stress levels. According to the International Association of Yoga Therapists in The Health Benefits of
Yoga, yoga helps decrease the amount of hormones that respond to stress. “Lowering levels of hormone neurotransmitters -- dopamine, norepinephrine,
and epinephrine -- creates a feeling of calm. Some research points to a boost in the hormone oxytocin. This is the so-called "trust" and "bonding" hormone that's associated with feeling relaxed and connected to others.” (http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/the-health-benefits-of-yoga?page=3) And while you might not be able to scientifically prove it, people say they feel happier and have better moods when they practice yoga.
Heart Health
Yoga has been proven to lower blood pressure and reduce your heart rate. These are paramount benefits to people who are at high risk for heart disease and stroke. With improved heart health, a host of related body functions also improve, leaving the yoga student with a significantly higher level of overall mental and physical health. The side effects are that you might actually feel better, beginning with your first yoga experience!
Valerie Lindsey, a Yoga Alliance registered instructor with the St. Charles County Family YMCA, knows firsthand the benefits of yoga in her life. “I began practicing yoga more than a decade ago. Years of sitting at desk were taking their toll and I’d heard yoga might help with tension,
flexibility, and stress. Yoga has, indeed, helped me in many ways. It encourages relaxation both mentally and physically. It has helped me improve my flexibility and
has even helped me to become stronger. On the mat I have learned to seek a balance of effort and ease while
doing a posture. It’s a lesson that I continue to find valuable in all areas of my life.”
She explains that no experience is necessary and anyone can do yoga at their own pace and abilities. Yoga is non-competitive, so each student advances at his or her own pace. Classes begin with the least effortful “asanas”, or yoga postures, and then move into more effortful postures, and end with compensatory postures that are less effortful. Yoga is practiced barefoot and in dimmed rooms with quiet music for relaxation and concentration. The style of yoga taught is hatha yoga. For more information about Yoga and the St. Charles County Family YMCA classes, call
636-928-1928.