Praised and practiced by various A-list celebrities such as Gisele Bündchen, Jennifer Aniston and even Adam Levine, Yoga is a form of mental and physical exercise that originated in ancient India that is practiced to unite the body and mind together in harmony. Today, it is regarded as a remarkably beneficial form of exercise that can help you relax. With major emphasis on breathing, exercise and meditation, Yoga is more than just a form of exercise to aid in weight-loss. Combined with meditation, it could help you construct a clear, energised mind and a strong, healthier body.
Yoga is also an inexpensive form of exercise that does not require any sportswear except for comfortable pieces of clothing you already have! You can practice Yoga in the comfort of your own home with the help of a DVD, or join a group of friends for Yoga once a week!
If that isn’t enough to convince you to give Yoga a try, here’s a list of the 5 major benefits of Yoga!
1. Yoga Strengthens Your Body
Yoga positions do not only require the ability to stretch your limbs, but to also work on the strength of your body. Poses like the Yogi Tree requires you to balance your body on one foot, while the Downward-Facing Dog requires you to support yourself with the strength of your arms. With practice, you will notice that your body grows stronger and leaner.
2. Yoga Tones Your Muscles
Cardio exercise may be the best way to burn fat, but most fitness experts will advise you to incorporate strength-training exercises like Yoga or Pilates to tone your muscles. If you’ve completed a 30-minute cardio work-out, take a 10-minute break and continue with a 30-minute Yoga session to help sculpt your muscles!
3. Yoga Makes You Aware of Your Body
During a Yoga session, there will various positions that might seem be very challenging for someone with very little experience. But as Yoga is an exercise that requires slow and careful steps, take little steps that can help you conquer the poses. In that process, you will learn a thing or two about your body like the alignment of your spine or part of your lower back to turn.
4. Yoga Helps With Your Posture
If you’ve completed a Yoga session before, you’ll realize how amazing your back feels, despite the sore muscles after a challenging session! But if you suffer from constant shoulder and back pains, Yoga would be beneficial! One Yoga session has the ability to increase the flexibility and strength of your spine and with regular Yoga sessions, you’ll see an improvement in your posture.
5. Yoga Can Help Reduce Stress
As the main intention of Yoga aims to create a harmonious balance between your mind and body, a Yoga session can help clear your mind of the things that are currently troubling you. A session of Yoga also begins and ends with a short session of meditation as means of relaxation to clear your mind and leave your mind fresh!
Are you a Yoga-addict? Did you have any life-changing experiences with Yoga? Do share your stories with us!
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