Have you been thinking of trying yoga, or recommitting to a yoga practice? Here are some reasons to roll out your mat and give it a try! Yoga is an ancient practice that brings together body and mind. As it’s practiced today, yoga incorporates breath work, poses and meditation that have many benefits to your mental and physical health. Most people of all ages and fitness levels can do the most basic yoga poses and stretches. 

Relieve Stress and Anxiety

The practice of yoga eases stress and promotes calm and relaxation. This is what led me to the practice of yoga almost 20 years ago. The practice of yoga is known to lower cortisol levels-cortisol being your primary stress hormone. At the same time, yoga triggers your parasympathetic nervous system, your rest and digest response, which helps both mind and body relax. This rest and digest response also helps you sleep better, another benefit of yoga!

Improve Flexibility and Balance

This is why most people add yoga to their fitness routine – improved flexibility and balance. Yoga poses stretch your muscles and increase your range of motion. Balancing poses help with balance, but also focus and coordination. Many professional athletes are even adding yoga to their training these days to improve their performance. 

Increase Strength

It takes a lot of strength to hold your body in some yoga poses! Strong muscles protect you from conditions like back pain and arthritis. When you build strength through yoga, you balance it with flexibility, helping you to prevent injuries. Increasing strength may also help you improve your posture, and prevent posture-related issues like back and neck problems.

All kinds of other Health Benefits…

Including (and I’m probably missing some) – improved respiration and lung health (through breathwork), balanced metabolism, weight reduction, heart health, bone health, boosts immunity, helps with high blood pressure, helps you sleep better, improves digestion, eases pain, and best of all…

Yoga makes you happier!

Studies have found that a consistent yoga practice improves depression by increasing serotonin levels (the happiness hormone), GABA levels (associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety) and decreasing levels of cortisol (stress hormone). And you’ll learn how to regulate the breath through breathwork, which is key in terms of lowering stress and bringing your mind to the present moment – both of which make you feel happier.

Ready to take your first yoga class? Read here for some tips.