Most of us join a fitness studio or gym for the health benefits of regular exercise. And as women we particularly tend to think that cardio is coolio for burning calories and shedding a few pounds. And well... it is!
But let's chat a bit about the benefits of YOGA that you may or may not already know!
Maybe you're already regularly hitting yoga classes... or maybe you've been to one of our epic Yoga Uncorked events... or maybe you've seen the list of Mind/Body classes on our schedule and are still wondering what exactly are the benefits of that format? And by the way... you can find a description for ALL of our classes here if you haven't checked out our cute little website lately!
Here's an excerpt from an article on the Health Benefits of Yoga:
Yoga for Flexibility
Yoga poses work by stretching muscles. They can help you move better and feel less stiff or tired.
At any level of yoga, you'll probably start to notice benefits soon. In one study, people improved their flexibility by up to 35% after only 8 weeks of yoga.
Strike a Pose for Strength
Some styles of yoga, such as ashtanga and power yoga, are very physical. Practicing one of these styles will help you improve muscle tone.
But even less vigorous styles of yoga, such as Iyengar or hatha, can provide strength and endurance benefits.
Many of the poses, such as downward dog, upward dog, and the plank pose, build upper-body strength. The standing poses, especially if you hold them for several long breaths, build strength in your hamstrings, quadriceps, and abs. Poses that strengthen the lower back include upward dog and the chair pose.
When done right, nearly all poses build core strength in the deep abdominal muscles.
Better Posture From Yoga
When you're stronger and more flexible, your posture improves. Most standing and sitting poses develop core strength, since you need your core muscles to support and maintain each pose. With a stronger core, you're more likely to sit and stand "tall."
Yoga also helps your body awareness. That helps you notice more quickly if you're slouching or slumping, so you can adjust your posture.
Breathing Benefits
Yoga usually involves paying attention to your breath, which can help you relax. It may also call for specific breathing techniques.
But yoga typically isn't aerobic, like running or cycling, unless it's an intense type of yoga or you're doing it in a heated room.
Less Stress, More Calm
You may feel less stressed and more relaxed after doing some yoga.
Some yoga styles use meditation techniques that help calm the mind. Focusing on your breathing during yoga can do that, too.
Good for Your Heart
Yoga has long been known to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate. A slower heart rate can benefit people with high blood pressure or heart disease, and people who've had a stroke.
Yoga has also been linked to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and better immune system function.
So there you go. You should try it. In fact, a well-rounded week of fitness should include some cardio, some weight or resistance training and some yoga.
So try something new this week! Try something outside your comfort zone and see how your body responds. I bet you may just be sore... in a good way of course!
Coincidentally, we're having another epic Yoga Uncorked event on Friday night... {FEARLESS EDITION}. Good music, good friends, all the benefits of yoga, a little wine or the beverage of your choice... and a little guitar at the end.
Whether you've ever done yoga or not, it's a fun night and a great way to be introduced to the format!
I mean... what more could you possibly want in a Friday night?! You should totally join us. Save your spot for class right here!