5 major benefits of doing yoga

Yoga is one of the few types of exercise that can be done by almost anybody, regardless of their age or level of fitness. Here are some of the key benefits you can expect as a result of practicing yoga.

1. Reduced stress. Yoga combines deep breathing, mindfulness and physical movement to create a meditative experience that makes you feel calmer.

2. Increased flexibility. Increasing your flexibility will loosen your joints and muscles. This will lead to better posture as well as fewer aches and pains.

3. Enhanced overall health. Yoga strengthens your muscles and helps you maintain a healthy body weight. It can also lower your blood pressure, decrease your cholesterol and increase your bone density.

4. Relief from pain. If you suffer from ongoing head, back or neck pain, yoga could help relieve or mitigate the discomfort.

5. Improved diet. People who regularly practice yoga tend to develop more awareness of how different foods make their body feel. Consequently, they gravitate towards healthier choices that make them feel great.

Wondering if yoga is right for you? Sign up for a class today and find out.

Types of yoga
Here are some of the most common types of yoga practiced in studios and homes across the country.

• Hatha yoga is a classic practice that combines deep breathing with various asanas or physical postures. It’s a great choice for beginners.
• Ashtanga yoga is a physically challenging practice that involves rapidly advancing through the same set sequence of poses every time.
• Vinyasa yoga is similar to ashtanga but doesn’t follow the same sequence every time. Props and modifications may be included.
• Hot yoga is practiced in a room heated to a temperature of up to 105 °F. The heat is believed to help practitioners move deeper into the poses. However, it’s not recommended for people with low fitness levels.
• Yin yoga is a slow-paced practice that focuses on holding floor poses for several minutes at a time.
• Prenatal yoga is a practice for pregnant women developed to increase pelvic floor strength and prepare the body for labor and delivery.
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