Benefits of Yoga

The benefits are yoga are varied. Yoga has been found to be helpful for increasing flexibility, improving mobility, and increasing lubrication of the joints and joint tissues. Often as we age, we experience arthritic type symptoms or inflammation of the joints, because of a lack of joint lubrication and/or deterioration of the joint tissue. Yoga can be helpful for improving joint function, as well as reducing pain from movement. Another way yoga is beneficial for the joints is by increasing muscular strength, to allow the muscles around the joints to take the weight, instead of putting pressure on the joints. As an added bonus, stronger muscles and improved flexibility allow the body to have better posture.

Yoga has also been found beneficial for the heart. Yoga studies show that yoga can help to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and lower blood sugar; all of which may prevent heart disease and stroke. Yoga has also been found helpful for chronic medical conditions, including: asthma, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, depression, and so many more.

Yoga can be both active and relaxing; yoga can get the body exercising (build muscle, loose fat, improve aerobic respiration), and stimulate a relaxation response (deep breathing, improve glandular functioning) during a single class. This can reduce stress levels, increase feelings of calm, improve memory, increase self-confidence, and even improve relationships (inside and outside the yoga class). Yoga is even being studied for its effects to slow the ageing process.

Many people use Yoga for different reasons. Some athletes use yoga to help them stay focused during their competitions; studies show the athletes who do yoga have better performances. Women may take yoga during pregnancy to help with the delivery of their child(ren); yoga can help a women stay relaxed and focused during the birthing process. Some people use yoga because it helps them feel younger, pain-free, and more energized & motivated to accomplish their tasks. Yoga has been practiced by billions of people for over 5000 years simply because life feels better with yoga.