We all know that getting daily exercise hosts a long list of benefits. But our personal favorite way to move, Yoga, has some extra benefits that may be hard to find on a treadmill. Allow us to explain...
FLEXIBILITY
You don't have to be flexible to do yoga, you need yoga to become flexible. Let go of the self doubt and visualize your love for yourself as you practice.
STRENGTH
Moving and flowing with your own body weight while pushing yourself to flow into positions you may find challenging at first will absolutely strengthen and tone your muscles. Building strength while guiding our bodies to bend is a huge benefit of yoga.
A SENSE OF PEACE
We don't know about you, but we don't find a lot of peace in gyms with blaring stereos, or on crowded sidewalks on a run. Inner peace is a pillar of importance to. the entire practice of yoga. It's a place where your mind can find calm and comfort even while 'working out'.
CLARITY
Like the sense of peace, yoga is a call for you to take time for yourself. When you're filling your cup with intention on a regular basis, it's easier to plan your obligations and manage the time required to do so.
DISCIPLINE LIKE NO OTHER
Dedicating yourself to regular yoga practice is a display of discipline in itself. The beauty of yoga is that its is meant to also feel like PLAY! With so many poses to flow into, the discipline of showing up is rewarded with new and exciting movements that will hold your interest. This discipline will flow into other areas of your life as where, and over time this quality will have you finding it easier to stay on track with tasks and goals away from the mat.
NEW FRIENDS
When practicing in a studio, it is highly likely you will bon with new friends. Its a great way to meet new people who have similar interests. Because yoga is so focused on personal improvement, it is likely that the quality of these new connections will be truly fulfilling.
HEALTHIER CHOICES
We find it so much easier to make continued healthy choices when our practice becomes stronger in conjunction with those choices. Yoga is like a built in accountability partner - nobody wants to blow all of their hard work on a weekend full of poor choices.
STRESS RELIEF
Like most forms of physical activity, yoga promotes the release of endorphins, the chemical that makes us feel happy.
Whether you're considering trying yoga for the first time or you're out of practice and are feeling anxious about coming back to it, there's obviously nothing to loose and so much to gain with dedicating even just 15-20 minutes a day to this restorative and strengthening sport!