WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE UP YOGA!

by Jennifer | 16 Jul 2018

Yoga, an ancient practice and meditation, has become increasingly popular in today's busy society.

For many people, yoga provides a retreat from their chaotic and busy lives. Yoga provides many other mental and physical benefits. Some of these extend to the kitchen table. And for those who haven't started, you should! Here's why.

1. TYPES OF YOGA

There are many types of yoga. Hatha (a combination of many styles) is one of the most popular styles. It is a more physical type of yoga rather than a still, meditative form. Hatha yoga focuses on pranayamas (breathing exercises). These are followed by a series of asanas (yoga postures), which end with savasana (a resting period).

Basically, the goal during yoga practice is to challenge yourself physically, but not to feel overwhelmed. At this "edge," the focus is on your breath while your mind is accepting and calm.

2. BETTER BODY IMAGE

Yoga helps in developing inner awareness. It focuses your attention on your body's abilities at the present moment. It helps develop breath and strength of mind and body. Yoga does not focus on mere physical appearance.

Yoga studios typically don't have mirrors. This is so people can focus their awareness inward rather than how a pose — or the people around them — looks. Surveys have found that those who practiced yoga were more aware of their bodies than people who didn't practice yoga. They were also more satisfied with and less critical of their bodies.

3. ENCHANCING FITNESS

Yoga is known for its ability to soothe tension and anxiety in the mind and body. Moreover, it can also have an impact on a person's exercise capacity.

Researchers studied a small group of sedentary individuals who had not practiced yoga before. After eight weeks of practicing yoga at least twice a week for a total of 3 hours, participants had greater muscle strength and endurance, flexibility and cardio-respiratory fitness.

4. A BOOST TO WEIGHT LOSS AND MANTAINENCE

People who practice yoga and are mindful eaters are more in tune with their bodies. They may be more sensitive to hunger cues and feelings of fullness.

Overall, those who practiced yoga had lower body mass indexes (BMIs) compared with those who did not practice yoga. Researchers attributed this to mindfulness. Mindful eating can lead to a more positive relationship with food and eating.

Before you start a new exercise program, be sure to check with your doctor.

Researchers are also studying if yoga can help people with depression and arthritis, and improve survival from cancer.

Yoga may help bring calm and mindfulness to your busy life.

Namaste.