Top 10 Reasons to Practice Yoga

Yoga is an excellent activity to include in your wellness regimen. From improving flexibility, to building functional strength, or even reducing stress, just to name a few, yoga has so many health benefits. It requires very few tools (a yoga mat and blocks), and it can be done practically anywhere. There are several styles of yoga and by incorporating modifications it’s a modality available to everybody in some form. As with any type of exercise, consistency is key- but even one or two sessions a week can yield noticeable results. Here are the top 10 reasons to add this 5,000-year-old practice into your wellness routine.

1.    Reduce stress and anxiety- Yoga is a highly effective means for reducing stress and anxiety as itlowers cortisol levels and assists in bringing the body into the parasympathetic nervous system.

2.    Increase flexibility and mobility- Yoga improves flexibility by combining muscle contractions with active and passive stretches. This shortens and then lengthens muscles, loosens connective tissue (fascia) and increases range of motion around the joints.

3.    Reduce/relieve chronic pain- Yoga can be an effective, evidence-based complementary treatment for managing chronic pain, particularly for back and neck pain, and also pain due to arthritis.

4.    Improve heart health- Due to its low-impact, gentle and effective nature, yoga is a great form of exercise to improve and maintain heart health. Yoga lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, and assists the body in managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. 

5.    Increase strength- Yoga is quite effective at increasing muscular endurance and strength, particularly in the core, shoulders, and legs. Through sustained poses and slow, controlled movements, it uses the body’s own weight to create resistance, effectively strengthening the body by building lean muscle.

6.    Increase bone density- While weight bearing exercise is the best for building strong, dense bones, a consistent yoga practice can increase bone density and prevent bone loss, particularly in the hips and spine.

7.    Improve balance and fall prevention- Yoga significantly improves balance by strengthening core muscles, ankles, and legs while enhancing proprioception (body awareness). Consistent practice also improves coordination and reduces the risk of falls, making it especially effective for seniors.

8.    Improve joint health- Yoga is excellent for joint health. It is a low-impact activity that strengthens surrounding muscles, improves range of motion around joints, and reduces joint pain and stiffness. It is particularly beneficial for managing arthritis by encouraging the flow of synovial fluid, which lubricates joints. Certain styles of yoga specifically promote stronger joints with increased range of motion.

9.    Enhance mental health and cognitive function- Yoga improves cognitive function by enhancing brain structure, increasing neuroplasticity, and reducing stress. Studies indicate that yoga boosts focus, memory, executive functions, and processing speed.

10. Healthy weight management- Yoga helps maintain a healthy weight by reducing stress-induced weight gain, building muscle mass, and promoting mindful eating. Although it is not a high intensity cardiovascular form of exercise, it does build muscle and burn calories. The reduction in cortisol levels leads to lower belly fat accumulation.

These are just some of the amazing benefits yoga; whether you are a seasoned yogi, or just getting started, we are happy to be part of your journey.

Namaste,

Robbie Fichtel