subject: The Health Benefits Of Yoga [print this page] Not very long ago in the Unites States, it seemed the only people who practiced yoga were sun worshipers and flower children. Many Americans didn't really understand the discipline and associated it with women sitting in the lotus position trying to use it to relax. And most of those people probably questioned whether it was even good for relaxation.
However, today more and more people have come to appreciate yoga for what it is: an all encompassing regiment that offers many health benefits. Men and women alike are filling classes to achieve improved mental and physical well being.
Let us take a look at some of these health benefits. First of all, yoga actually is effective as a form of relaxation. In fact, many classes focus entirely on this aspect. This approach not only aids in reducing anxiety and stress, but can also spill over into other areas. When a person is more relaxed, they will likely see a lower blood pressure and slower resting heart rate.
Of course that is part of the relaxation. But reduced blood pressure also means reduced risk of stroke and heart disease. This increased heart health has also sparked interest in studies directly linking the exercises to lowered cholesterol and boosts in the immune system.
Another benefit is flexibility. A lot of the exercises are designed to increase flexibility in one's muscles. A person with more limber muscles can build muscle more easily. Tighter muscles are like magnets for stress as well as toxins in the body. The stretching exercises help release those impurities and stress. Stretching also improves blood circulation.
What is so good about better blood circulation? It means more oxygen is delivered to the various body parts. This includes the brain. More blood and oxygen flow to the brain leads to improvements in memory and the ability to concentrate. General mood is also usually better and the risk of depression is lessened. Perhaps that is the reason why those who practice yoga claim to feel better emotionally.
One of the main areas of focus is breathing. This is heavy emphasis placed on breathing correctly and taking deep breaths so that all the air taken in is used efficiently. Proper breathing also plays a major role in the improved circulation and eases stress. And believe it or not, by controlling breathing, a person can actually get into an aerobic state without jogging or doing jumping jacks. It is in an aerobic state that they body turns to stores of fat to burn as energy. So, a little weight loss is also feasible.
One can do only have an aerobic "workout" but can also have a strength training routine. Yoga positions are all geared toward targeting certain areas of the body, such as arms, upper torso, lower body and legs. These poses build muscle strength and endurance. There are poses to target every single muscle in the body. And, if done correctly, just about every one of these poses will strengthen the abs. This is very important in alleviating back and neck pain.
And you thought yoga was just for relaxing? Think again. It is actually a well balanced complete health routine.
