How Yoga Can Improve Your Life

Yoga is a sport of the body and mind. It extends to ancient historical origins in the Indian philosophy. There are many styles of yoga that combine breathing techniques, relaxation, meditation, and physical movements together. Today, yoga has become very popular – it is a form of physical exercise that relies on specific physical positions, with the aim of improving control of the mind and body, and relaxation.
Types of yoga
There are more than 100 different forms of yoga. Some of which include fast and intense movements, and others include rest and relaxation movements.
Yin Yoga
This type of yoga is meditative and regenerative. It is carried out for a period ranging from 3-7 minutes maximum. It is done in a sitting position, or lying on your abdomen or back while breathing slowly. It’s done to try to calm the body and mind. The aim is to allow the connective tissue in the body to relax.
Ashtanga Yoga
This form is called strength yoga, because it focuses on strong movements, such as push-ups that require strength and endurance. It is suitable for people seeking to rehabilitate their back injuries, and sports people, such as runners and cyclists, who want to increase flexibility and balance.
Bikram Yoga
This form is also called hot yoga. Because it is done in a very warm room, it is the best way to increase flexibility. The heat helps to extend the tissues of the body.
Hatha Yoga
This includes a series of postures, which allow the internal energy to flow freely. It also gives a feeling of activity and refreshment, but its implementation requires a balance between strength and flexibility.
Benefits of yoga
Improved Flexibility
One of the most obvious benefits of yoga is flexibility. The first time you do yoga you might not be able to touch your toes or do a back bend. However, if you stick to doing it, you will eventually see changes. You will also start noticing that back aches and pains will start to disappear – it is not a coincidence but because of the yoga.
Stronger muscles
Strong muscles don’t only look good – they can also protect you from back pain and arthritis. So, yes you can actually build strength through yoga and balance it with flexibility.
Posture perfection
Your head is heavy, when you balance it on an erect spine, it takes less work for your neck to support it. Having bad posture can give you neck, back, joint and other muscle pains. Doing yoga will help improve your posture.
Better bone health
Weight bearing exercises strengthen your bones. Most yoga postures need you to lift your own weight – some help strengthen your arm bones.
Increase blood flow
The relaxation exercises you do in yoga help your blood circulation – most especially your hands and feet. Yoga is able to get more oxygen to your cells. It can also lead to decreases in heart attacks and strokes.
Makes you happier
Are you feeling sad? Studies found that consistent yoga is able to improve your mood and to reduce depression. Yoga increases your happiness levels and your immune system.
Helps you focus
Yoga helps you focus on the present. Practicing yoga regularly will improve your memory, IQ scores, reaction time and coordination. People who meditate are able solve problems faster and better – they’re less distracted by their thoughts.
Increase in self esteem
Many of us suffer from low self-esteem. If you handle this in the wrong way, you will over eat, over work or take drugs. If you do yoga regularly you will access a different side of yourself you didn’t know. You will feel empathy, gratitude and forgiveness.
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