The Gentle Power of Yoga

Yoga practitioners have been praising the mental and physical benefits of yoga for centuries. You don’t have to be a serious yogi to enjoy some of those benefits yourself. By performing a few poses each day, you will see all sorts of benefits.

If you have a passion for yoga and practice often, you have most likely noticed some of the benefits. Maybe you are able to focus more, you can sleep better, you aren’t getting sick as much or you are relaxed. For those who don’t have a lot of experience with yoga, it can be hard to articulate the benefits.

Yoga has been around for thousands of years, so you can bet that there are various branches of yoga for used for different applications. There are over 100 different varieties of yoga. Some are more intense and other are gentle and relaxing. Below are some examples of different schools of yoga:

Iyengar – this type of yoga uses objects as props. Wood blocks, straps, chairs and other objects can be used alongside poses to bring the body to proper alignment.

Hatha – this one of the most popular forms of yoga. Hatha yoga uses a combination of breathing techniques and basic movements.

Vinyasa – a series of poses used with special breathing techniques.

Power Yoga – a high intensity form of yoga that builds strength and flexibility.

Ashtanga – a series of poses used with special breathing techniques.

Bikram – this is also known as hot yoga. Bikram is a sequence of poses done in a room with a high temperature. This one makes you sweat!

The intensity level of any yoga workout will depend on which method(s) and poses you choose. Hatha and Iyengar are gentle and low impact. Bikram and power yoga are more intense and workout your cardiovascular system.

Areas of the Body Yoga Targets

Yoga can be a full body workout. There are thousands of poses and endless variations on each one. Which areas of the body does yoga work?

The Core – there is a yoga pose that is focused on every core muscle. Do you want to tone your midsection and lose that spare tire? Try side planks. To really work your abdominal muscles you can try a boat pose, which requires you to do a crunch while balancing your legs in the air so your body resembles the shape of a boat.

Arms – yoga works your muscles by lifting your own bodyweight. Some poses can isolate specific muscle groups while others distribute your weight evenly throughout the body.

Legs – yoga works wonders for your legs, including the Quds, hip, ankle and thigh muscles.

Glutes – many of the most common yoga poses will sculpt your glutes.

Back – many yoga poses are focused on bringing alignment back to your neck and spine. Yoga is a popular way to relieve back pain and build strength. 

Physical Benefits

Yoga is all about the mind and body connection. There are many physical benefits. The relaxing techniques and poses are well known for relieving back pain, arthritis, lower blood pressure and help you sleep among other things. Other physical benefits from yoga are:

·       Increased strength and flexibility

·       Better blood circulations

·       Weight loss

·       Cardio health

·       Improve posture

·       Align your spine and neck

·       Protection from injuries

Psychological Benefits

Besides the physical benefits, there are many psychological advantages. Yoga can help you manage stress and improve your mood. Regular practice can promote mental clarity, increase focus, increase body awareness, sharpen concentration and improve memory.

Yoga is very beginner friendly. There are so many different kinds of yoga for people of all sizes, skill level and fitness level. Whether you are a professional athlete or a young child it doesn’t matter. You can modify any yoga pose to fit your purpose. The idea is to push your own limits, not attain perfection.

Consult with a medical professional before you decide to take up any new physical activity like yoga. Total Home Health Inc. can help you get in contact with a local expert to answer all your questions. Get in touch with us today to get started.