If you think yoga is just for the ultra flexible who can wind themselves into various poses, you might be pleasantly surprised. It really can be for everyone.
Having been practiced for more than 5,000 years around the world, currently more than 20 million Americans hit the yoga mat on a regular basis. Although it can look intimidating to watch others balance on their hands or strike graceful poses, it’s all about how much you can master – no matter what your age or fitness status.
Yoga focuses on developing a healthy lifestyle through internal awareness. Yoga’s deep breathing and meditation allow you to escape from the turmoil of your daily life and find a serene place within. It also helps you improve your strength, flexibility and balance.
With more than 20 types of yoga, there’s one ideal for you, no matter what your activity level. If you’re new to yoga, you might want to start out with Hatha yoga to learn the basic postures. Power yoga emphasizes using your own body’s resistance to increase strength. Bikram – also known as hot yoga – allows you to sweat out more toxins, as the room temperature is set to a balmy 100 degrees.
No matter which style you choose, the various postures – from warrior to downward facing dog – strengthen the body from inside out. Concentrating on the center of the body – referred to as your core – each pose reinforces muscles around the spine to improve posture.
Practicing yoga not only builds inner and outer strength, it can also improve your appearance. Holding each pose causes the muscles to lengthen, giving you a longer, leaner look. It can also help you lose weight.
Besides improving your outward beauty, it’s good for what’s inside, as well. Some of the immediate health benefits of yoga include improved brain power, lower stress levels and increased flexibility.
After practicing yoga for a few months, it can positively affect your blood pressure, improve your lung capacity, relieve chronic pain and help lower blood sugar levels. Building stronger bones and lowering your risk of heart disease are benefits you might expect after a few years.
So, if you’re tired of your regular workout routine and looking to build body strength, relieve stress and improve your general health, yoga might just be what you’ve been stretching for. Namaste.
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