Yoga- Is it for me?

Have you recently thought about trying something new? Maybe some yoga. Yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Yoga is an ancient system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices. It involves physical poses, concentration/meditation, and deep breathing exercises. Yoga focuses on bringing harmony to the mind and body for healthy living.

Some may think that yoga is just stretching. However they are two completely different exercises. The art of yoga requires you to perform a series of different postures. These postures are completed at different levels of difficulty. On the other hand, stretching incorporates moving your muscles through a full range of motion. Yoga and stretching do share some common goals. This big goal difference is that yoga has goals that relate to a peaceful mind state. Yoga promotes self care.

There is an array of different types of yoga. Make sure you do your research in order to choose the right style of yoga for yourself.

Why yoga? You may ask. Well let's get into the benefits of yoga. Some individuals may think that the only benefits to yoga is increased strength, balance, and flexibility. However there are a great deal of other benefits when it comes down to practicing yoga. Let's take a look at them.

Physical Benefits Include:

• Increased Flexibility

• Increased Muscle Strength

• Increased Muscle Tone

• Improves Respiration

• Increases Energy

• Improves Vitality

• Aids in Maintaining a Balanced Metabolism

• Can Aid Weight Reduction

• Improves Cardio Health

• Improves Circulatory Health

• Reduces Chronic Pain

• Improves Blood Pressure

• Improves Athletic Performance

• Increases Protection From Injury

• Decreases Insomnia

• Relieves Carpal Tunnel

Mental Benefits Include:

• Improves stress

• Increase calmness

• Increase Mental Clarity

• Sharpens Concentration

• Centers Attention

• Increases Self Awareness

• Increases Body Awareness

• Increases Body Positivity

• Cultivates Feelings of Empowerment

• Relaxes the Mind

• Aids in Developing Coping Skills

• Increases Positivity

• Increases Meditation

• Improves Mood

• Boots Confidence

• Cultivates Discernment

Spiritual Benefits Include:

• Cultivates Awareness

• Relinquish Control

• Mental Focus

• Mental Clarity

• Calm Mind

• Aligns Your Mind Body and Spirit

• Transcends Physical Senses

• Opens Your Third Eye

• Strengthens Your Spiritual Connections (God, Deity, etc)

• Provides Sense of Unity

• Maintains Inner and Outer Harmony

Anyone can practice yoga. There is no such thing as I can’t do it. Yoga can practice yoga at different levels. Remember we all have to start somewhere. So don’t be afraid to grab your mat and get to it. Also remember these are the reported benefits. The benefits may vary from person to person.

**Yoga should not be performed if you are in a state of exhaustion, have an illness, in a hurry, or in acute stress conditions.**

"Yoga is not to be performed; it is to be lived. Yoga doesn’t care about what you have been; it cares about the person you are becoming." ~Aadil Palkhivala