The benefits of Yoga
"In my head I'm still in my 20's, and I have no intention of ever growing up." Tao Porchon-Lynch, 99 years young. Known to be the world’s oldest yoga teacher, Porchon-Lynch discovered yoga when she was only eight years old living in India.
Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, Vinyasa... no, this isn’t some chant in a foreign language that promises you a calmer mind, but instead are just four of the nearly two dozen types of yoga you can take. You may be surprised to learn that when someone mentions heading to a “yoga” class, they aren’t all the same. Some classes move at a slower pace while others faster; intensity will vary as will even the temperature in the room. The great part is? If you try a class that isn’t for you, don’t give up on yoga completely because perhaps there is another style that better fits your needs!
However, there is one thing in common amongst all yoga styles: they all will bring you the many benefits of acting as an elixir of vitality!
Yoga keeps us fit
Sometimes, when we hear “yoga,” we may conjure up images of people in awkward poses and/or chanting “ohm” together.
However, yoga is a series of coordinated postures that also integrates breathing. These sequences (also called "flows") help improve our body and mind.
Regular practice of yoga will:
- Stimulate our immune system
- Build stamina
- Improve muscle flexibility and strength
- Relieve joint pain
- Reduce blood pressure
- Release toxins and lactic acid
- Build stamina
Resultingly, many ailments can be prevented through regular practice of yoga.
Yoga increases our independence
As we know, one of the most common problems with advancing age is the loss of balance, which can sometimes lead to falls and injuries. Through yoga, we are continuing to practice balance and posture while building stamina throughout. Yoga exercises and strengthens both our core and legs to help keep us agile and mobile.
Yoga helps us to live better
Besides improving us physically (both inside and out), yoga also enhances our mental well-being. The postures performed during yoga are a form of meditation in motion through the intense concentration and body control required. The breathing exercises help free the mind from mental distractions while helping to calm the mind and cultivate a state of relaxation.
Moreover, yoga can be a way to build comradery amongst your peers. Whether or not you attend a class with friends, you will be sure to create a new social circle once you start frequenting the same yoga class regularly, which will surely leave you feeling happier.
Finally, for people prone to stress or insomnia, the breathing exercises during yoga are a perfect remedy to relieve and reduce them.
Sources:
http://www.taoporchon-lynch.com, https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8622/14-styles-of-yoga-explained-simply.html, https://www.doyouyoga.com/8-ways-yoga-keeps-you-fit-77363/
