Thursday, April 4, 2013

The Power of Yoga

Yoga has been around for over 5,000 years and could be considered a 'trend' in the fitness industry; however, are you aware of all of the great health benefits created through getting your Yoga on?

'Asanas' are yoga poses which usually include a breathing pattern as well as a form of meditation. Clearing/ quieting the mind to connect closer to the body and get a little bit more in tune with your being. Some yoga classes are purely designed for relaxation and some are designed to help improve range of motion and find new ways to move your body. In challenging your body, you will notice an increase in flexibility, strength, and balance. All in which will aide your body in improving your posture, and strengthening your stabilizing muscles of your core.

In my personal experience with yoga, after an hour long session of breathing, posing, stretching, and clearing my mind - I feel as if the physical stress and tension that can build in my body lifted. The next day I wake uplifted and energized throughout the day. In knowing this, I definitely keep yoga as a regular part of my weekly workout routine.

Keep in mind, if you are new to the realm of yoga to take it slow. Challenge yourself by stepping outside your comfort zone, but be mindful of what your body can and can't handle. Be safe. If you have joint/spine/neck issues, ask your medical (or fitness) professional whether they believe that yoga is a good fit for you at this time. If not, work with them to get to a point where you can add yoga to your routine.

*Namaste*