Yoga has been part of Eastern traditions for thousands of years. The Western world only learned about it in the late 1900s but it has steadily grown in popularity. There are now millions of practitioners across countless studios devoted to this discipline. Most of these are focused on the physical aspect although some incorporate the mental, spiritual, and even the nutritional side of yoga in their teachings. Indeed, studies have been conducted to investigate the physical benefits of yoga with many of them yielding positive results. Consider this practice if you are interested in the following:
Enhanced Flexibility
One look at advanced yoga poses is enough to make a lot of people question whether they could survive even one yoga class. The reality is that these poses can be modified to fit the learner’s level, allowing people to develop their strength and flexibility in a gradual manner. Instructors will demonstrate proper form and different variations to suit the students. Improving flexibility can take years but noticeable changes may be seen in a few months with consistency.
Decreased Cortisol Secretion
Cortisol is widely known as the stress hormone. Our bodies secrete this when we are feeling emotional distress including anxiety and depression. Indeed, all of our emotions can be explained through chemical and electrical activities in the brain. Since there is a physical component of stress, we can also use physical solutions. Physical benefits of yoga is a powerful anti-stress activity that has been shown to reduce the production of cortisol. This results in diminished markers for fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
Reduce Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the body’s immune response so it is not always bad. However, chronic inflammation can lead to some diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. There are a lot of other contributors to these diseases but it’s good to reduce risk by limiting some of the factors. Routine yoga practice over the course of a few months can lower inflammatory markers from exercise, which means faster recovery. It also minimized these markers in survivors of breast cancer.
Better Heart Health
The heart is a vital organ that pumps blood across the body. If it fails, then we simply fade away. Maintaining good heart health is crucial. Yoga can help people in controlling blood pressure which in turn lowers the risk of stroke and heart attacks. The practice could be part of a holistic lifestyle change that includes stress reduction and nutritional changes.
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