Great Friday, peeps!! Here’s to a more Fit You:
I have to admit something. I’ve been in training to become a yoga teacher! Yes, its very exciting. And sometimes exhausting. But the journey is so worth it. I’m learning to appreciate things a whole lot more.
I’m learning more about myself and my body. So, the journey is as exhilarating as it is humbling. I want to share some of the benefits of yoga (there’s an exhaustive list, depending on style), and a quick “Good Morning Flow” to get your day started.
Some benefits of yoga include:
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Improves Flexibility
We all know this. Most people choose to start a yoga regimen, because they think it will make them more flexible. Our muscles and connecting tissues adapt to the stress we place on them. More stretching and lengthening will eventually create more flexibility. In yoga, the act of sustaining and moving through certain postures, helps stretch our muscles. Thus, consistency with a yoga practice can improve flexibility.
***Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different. The extent of flexibility achieved depends on your body. -
Improves Muscle Strength and Tone
Sustaining the different poses will help increase muscle strength and tone, due to the activation of the required muscles. Each pose has specific muscles that activate. Therefore, the muscles strengthened vary by each posture.
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Decreases Stress
Just like any physical activity, yoga helps reduce stress. However, yoga is different because it can incorporate meditation, breathing exercises and mindfulness, which magnify stress reduction.
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Improves Focus, Consciousness
Often, any type of physical activity helps improve our focus. Ever gone a for a walk or run, and suddenly you work better? You’re more focused? Yes. Yoga helps!
Bottom Line. There are many, many benefits of developing and cultivating your own yoga practice. Improved energy, decreased stress, and improved self acceptance are some of things yoga has helped me with.
Are there any Yogis out there? Tell me how yoga has helped you?
My “Good Morning” Flow
- Start in Child’s Pose: 3 Breaths
- Cat/Cow Poses 5x with Breathing
- Downward dog to High Plank, Shift 3x
- 3 Legged Dog
- Crescent Lung
- Step to Top of the Mat
- Reach arms up, place hands on mat (High Plank)
- Transition to Downward Dog, Repeat on other Side
- Downward Dog
- Mountain Pose
- Arms Reach up to Sky, then come down to prayer at heart’s center
You’re free to start your day!
Tip: If interested, and your doctor has cleared you to start an exercise regimen, there are plenty of beginner yoga videos on YouTube. When you’re ready, I recommend trying a beginners Yoga class at a studio. Always let the instructor know it is your first time. She or he can give you other options for different poses.
Namaste.
