Yoga is a perfect way to improve your flexibility and strength. Yoga is not only for people who are flexible enough to touch their feet with straight legs or who prefer meditation, this ancient technique derived from sages is for everyone. Some types of yoga are about relaxation. In others , you move more. Most types focus on learning poses called asanas. They also usually focus on deep breathing.
Yoga improves Flexibility
Yoga poses work by flexing your 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. Some studies claim that Practicing yoga for 8 weeks has improved their flexibility by 35%. Engaging in regular flexibility training like yoga can help in increased joint mobility , decreased back pain and also lower a risk of injury.
Stronger Muscles and core strength.
Some styles of yoga popularly called mysore style ashtanga designed by legendary Sri.K. Pattabi Jois are dynamic and practicing this style makes an individual develop their muscle tone and helps in fatloss. But even less vigorous styles of yoga , such as Iyengar or hatha , can provide strength and stamina.
Many of the poses such as Adhomukhi svanasana (downward dog ) , urdhvamukhi svanasana (upward dog) , and Dandasana (plank ) or arm balancing poses 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 urdhvamukhi svanasana (upward dog) and the utkatasana (chair pose) . When done right , nearly all poses build core strength in the deep abdominal muscles.
Good Body Posture.
Yoga helps your body awareness which helps you notice more quickly if you are slouching or slumping, so you can correct your posture. When you are stronger and more flexible , your posture improves. Most standing and sitting pose develop core strength , Since you engage your core muscles to support and retain each pose.
With a stronger core , you’re more likely to look fit and confident as you look your best.
Breathing benefits:
Yoga usually involves paying attention to your breath , which can help you relax . It may also call for specific breathing techniques like in mysore style ashtanga the ujjayi technique is used throughout the series. Yoga typically isn’t aerobic, like running and cycling , unless it’s an intense type of yoga or you are doing in a heated room ( As practiced in Bikram Style of Yoga ).
Fewer stress , More calm.
When it comes to anxiety and stress , yoga can really be delightful . Yoga when practiced with meditation improves focus and slow down the breathing rate. Some simple stretches helps to remove stiffness from body. Anxiety likes to sit within your hip crease , so when you stretch them out , you release that unwanted stress.
Good for your Heart.
Yoga has been known to lower blood pressure and slow heart rate . A slower heart rate can benefit people with high blood pressure or heart disease, and people who had a stroke.
Yoga has also been known to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels ( Type of fat found in your blood ) , and better immune system function.