So, you want to get in shape, (which you’ve been telling yourself for the past 3 years) but every time you step foot in a gym, you feel like everyone is judging you while you’re standing awkwardly in the mirror curling 5-pound dumbbells. Working out doesn’t have to be embarrassing anymore. Ever tried yoga? Here are 10 reasons why you should:
1. Stress Relief
When you step in a studio, you wind down, relax, and let go of everything from your day to focus on the intention of your practice.
2. Strength training
People sometimes misjudge yoga for being “easy.” Many yoga poses focus on thigh, abdominal, and arm strength. There are different types of yoga, Baptiste yoga being one of them. Baptiste is powerful and energetic.
3. Pain relief
Yoga can be used to help relieve chronic pain, and arthritis. Downward facing dog is one of the most beneficial poses since it stretches so many different parts of the body. Your body would go into an inverted “V” with palms and feet planted on the floor.
4. Increased flexibility
With increased flexibility, you’ll be less likely to injure yourself during physical activity. The stretches done during a yoga practice are great for relieving tension in muscles.
5. Weight management/weight loss
Although you won’t burn as many calories doing yoga, as opposed to a HIIT workout, yoga can help shed some pounds and definitely keep them off.
6. Attention to breath
It’s important to breathe, duh. But in the yoga practice, there’s a special emphasis on breath. Actions are matched with inhaling and exhaling to block out distractions and focus on the present.
7. Self-confidence
Most of the time, you probably don’t have too much time to focus on yourself. Yoga is a practice that draws you to your inner self. During your practice, you have the ability to reflect and get in touch with your body and feel your importance and self-worth.
8. Mood elevator
In your practice, you get to do whatever you want. The instructor is there to guide you, but you’re free to do what you’re comfortable with. Having this time to yourself can help put you in a better mood.
9. Make a healthier lifestyle
Having an active life may inspire you start eating healthier, too. The workout and healthy meals will give you a balanced lifestyle.
10. Relaxation
If you haven’t experienced Savasana yet, you need to. At the end of your session, you lay flat on your back, palms up, and eyes closed to receive the benefits of your practice. This is arguably the best yoga pose ever.