What Can Yoga Do For You?

I don't know if you are anything like me, but when I first heard about yoga years ago, I tried it once and thought, "This is too slow for me, and I didn't sweat, so I shouldn't waste my time doing it." Needless to say, I didn't give it much of a chance. Now, I have realized the benefits, can work up a sweat, and am, in fact, a yoga instructor myself.

Some of the women and men in my classes tell me that they no longer wake up with stiff joints and muscles. Some tell me that their body feels a bit like when they were younger, and some tell me that they just can't do without the relaxing benefits. Those are just some of the reasons to give yoga a shot.

I have found that you really become more aware of your body as you learn yoga. You have to listen to how your body feels with each pose. You have to learn how to take really deep cleansing breaths, which most of us are not used to. That deep breathing helps reduce stress and calm anxieties. I also feel that yoga teaches you to appreciate your body as you grow and realize all the things you are capable of.

Of course, yoga is known for building flexibility, but did you know yoga also builds strength? Try holding the lunge pose or chair pose for a minute. You will know what I mean!

As I discussed in a previous blog about detox, yoga can be very helpful with getting rid of toxins out of the body. Twisting poses are especially helpful with this, as well as bridge pose, which stimulates your digestive system. With all the toxins in our modern lives, any way that we can help our bodies detox is important!

So, grab a yoga mat or just use bare feet on a carpet, and breathe and relax away your stress while taking in all the benefits of yoga!