Yoga, which is Sanskrit for "union," has been practiced for centuries in India, and is now a mainstream form of exercise in the West. Many people find that yoga is useful not only for strengthening and toning the body, but also for relaxation. Each yoga asana, or posture, has specific benefits for the mind and body.
Physical Benefits
Yoga is renowned for improving flexibility, and keeping your body limber. Performing a series of yoga poses uses muscles throughout the body, and is good for toning. Many of the poses are weight-bearing, thus helping to build strength and improving bone density, states the YogaWiz website.
Preparation for Sports
Runners, cyclists, dancers and body builders will find yoga an excellent method for relieving stiffness and maintaining flexibility. Yoga also helps correct physical imbalances that can develop in athletes who primarily use one side of the body, such as golfers or racket sports players.
Stress Relief
Yoga evolved as a spiritual practice, and many people find it useful as a method of meditation and stress relief. Yoga requires that you harness your mind, body and breath, with the result that you become both focused and relaxed.
Managing Health Problems
Research has shown that yoga can be beneficial for a number of illnesses, according to the "U.S. News & World Report" website. Although yoga does not replace other forms of therapy, it can be a useful complement to medication in the treatment of depression. A 2004 Yale University School of Medicine study revealed that practicing yoga helped reduce people's pulses, blood pressures and risks of heart disease. Some people also find yoga helpful as a treatment insomnia, pain, fatigue and anxiety, states MayoClinic.com.
Versatility
Yoga is highly adaptable, and can be performed by both the very young and very old. As long as certain poses are modified, yoga is a safe and gentle exercise for pregnant women.
Picking the Best Style
There are many different styles of yoga, each with its own focus, so look for a class that matches your particular needs. Laughter yoga combines the breathing and stretching of yoga with the therapeutic benefits of laughing, and is often offered to cancer patients and seniors. Iyengar yoga makes liberal use of props such as straps, blocks and incline boards, which can be particularly helpful in accommodating physical limitations caused by stiffness, illness or injury. If you are already physically fit, you may want to try ashtanga yoga, in which you move vigorously from one pose to the next with little rest in between.
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