Yoga is an ancient practice that has been around for centuries. Motherhood Community writes that it stems from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ which means to unite or to join together. This is fitting as the principles of yoga rely on a holistic approach to wellness. There are six main periods of this practice starting from the Pre-Vedic era all the way to the Modern age.
One of the many reasons yoga has stood the test of time is that it has many proven benefits that not only aid in physical health but in mental and cognitive as well. Through simple exercises, avid enthusiasts live a balanced life and take care of their overall well-being. Here are just a few of the benefits yoga can give you:
It aids in weight management
The first reason why yoga is so great is that it can help with weight management. Our past article titled ‘How to Lose Weight with These 5 Yoga Poses’ highlights how different stances like the sun salutation, warrior, boat, plank, and bow not only help stretch your body but improve strength as well. You will need to engage different muscles to execute each pose correctly which can serve as a great way to tone your body and break a sweat. Many people may also find that yoga is less intensive than other workouts but can be just as effective. The average 1-hour yoga session can burn around 183 calories, while a 90-minute Bikram Yoga session can burn up to 460 for men and 330 for women.
It increases flexibility and balance
As mentioned above, yoga focuses mostly on different stretching exercises which help promote flexibility and balance. Health website SymptomFind highlights that stretching becomes more important as we get older because our joints lose mobility and our muscles become slack. Yoga is a low impact exercise that can be done by all ages. Practicing yoga at least three times a week can make a big difference in battling the physical symptoms of aging. This will keep your body flexible and help you constantly find your center of balance, which can prevent you from having accidents and injuries in the future.
It promotes relaxation
For mental benefits, yoga is known to help in promoting relaxation. The India Times states that these exercises can aid in addressing stress and anxiety as it makes enthusiasts focus on their breathing, calming their heart rate, and finding their center. Simple forms like the child’s pose, corpse pose, and the cat-cow pose can make a world of a difference when it comes to alleviating one’s nerves. You can use this time to reflect and meditate on the events of your day and come out of each session feeling relaxed and refreshed.
It heightens focus
On the side of cognitive function, yoga has also been shown to aid in focus. Beyond the awe-inspiring poses, yoga actually relies on concentration and inner focus to command your body to hold the formations and ward off distracting thoughts. Constant participation in yoga helps sharpen your mind’s focus which you can then apply to different situations and aspects of your life, whether it’s at work or home. It helps you become more resilient and more equipped to face everyday challenges.
With its wide range of benefits, it’s no wonder that many people try their hand at yoga. Not only does it help you manage and maintain your weight, but it can also keep your body young, aid you in alleviating stress, and sharpen your focus. Since it is beginner-friendly, anyone can certainly make use of the perks that yoga can give.
