Many people start their yoga journey with the physical practice of yoga (asana) which is only one of the eight limbs of yoga. It’s a good place to start our journey, as it will help to strengthen the body and help develop an awareness of the breath.
By becoming more active and developing a regular yoga practice, you will be provided with numerous health benefits as well as helping the systems within our bodies.
A regular yoga practice can improve muscular fitness, that not only makes our muscles stronger but also the tendons and ligaments which increases the strength of our body’s joints. Stronger muscles (for example the pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles of the spine) can help maintain a good posture, along with being more mindful of our body (like sitting tall rather than slouching).
A really important benefit will be an improvement in lung function by slowing down and deepening the breath. This will also activate the parasympathetic nervous system which will help our body and mind to relax. This improvement in the breathing pattern can help to reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, that may help reduce stress levels. Helping our mind to relax may help the mind to become more focused. Combining better breathing with meditation may help us to free the mind of internal chatter, this will help to relax our mind and body, which may help reduce anxiety levels.
Practising our asanas on a regular basis not only provides a gain in muscular strength but also increases the mobility and flexibility of our joints that may help with increasing the range of motion at our joints and will improve our functional ability (for example; walking better, performing everyday tasks).
Combining the increases in strength, better coordination, with being more mindful and focused may help to improve our balance. Improving our balance with an increase in our functional ability may also help to reduce falls as we age.
Being more active will help improve our body’s circulation system, that supplies the tissues in our body with oxygen, nutrients, hormones, remove waste products, and stimulates the flow of lymph fluid.
If you would like to incorporate yoga into your routine you are welcome to join us at a Be Happy Yoga Class.
