03 Jul 10 Reasons to Consider Doing Yoga
Yoga, by definition, is about union and connection. Yoga is about the blissful state of being fully present and connected. In Sanskrit, the word ‘yoga’ is used to signify any form of connection.
In its highest sense, yoga means conscious connection of the individual self with the highest Self, where one feels connected to the rhythms and cycles of the cosmos.
Yoga is a science, a body of techniques and processes that enables an individual to create conscious connection. The aim of yoga is to feel connected to something that is nurturing, uplifting, enlightening and liberating.
There are many forms and types of yoga, from the more physical styles of hatha yoga, to the devotional styles of bhakti yoga and the meditative styles of jnana or raja yoga.
Don’t be intimidated by all the terms and styles, whether you have never done yoga before or you are into different kinds of sports or physical activities, you will find that doing yoga on a daily basis, provides a range of physical and mental benefits unavailable anyplace else.
Outdoor Yoga
Still not convinced? Here are 10 reasons to consider doing yoga:
1. Increase flexibility and reduce risk for injury. Each yoga pose targets specific muscles, thereby increasing flexibility.
2. Reduce stress. Yoga can help soothe the mind and lower stress levels by focusing the mind on the moment and the movements rather than on external distractions.
3. Better breathing. Yoga teaches one to take slower, deeper breaths, thus improving lung function, triggering the body’s relaxation response and increasing the amount of oxygen available to the body.
4. Increase awareness and concentration. A primary component of yoga is rhythmic, focused breathing.
5. Weight Management. Yoga can aid weight control efforts by reducing the cortisol levels, as well as by burning excess calories and reducing stress. Yoga also encourages healthy eating habits and provides a heightened sense of well-being and self-esteem.
6. Gain strength and stamina. More vigorous styles of yoga, such as Vinyasa and Ashtanga, promote strength and stamina, as well as flexibility and relaxation.
7. Improved Circulation: Yoga helps to improve circulation and, as a result of various poses, more efficiently moves oxygenated blood to the body’s cells.
8. Improve balance and stability. The balancing poses in yoga require one to engage his or her core stabilizer muscles, which can help improve overall stability.
9. Improve posture. Yoga poses strengthen and open tight areas of the body, such as the shoulders and muscles of the upper back – necessary for good posture.
10. Live in the NOW. Yoga helps us to focus on the present, to become more aware and to help create mind body health.
Happy Yoga-ing
----
Support the Monkey
Every product in our articles and interviews is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Products you buy on Amazon through our links feed the Monkey. Commissions from your Amazon purchases are crucial for us to continue to provide you with the content you love.
Supporting the Monkey costs you nothing – but it is dependent on using our Amazon links.
Click here to go directly to the AMAZON.COM Homepage