Yoga has changed mine and so many others’ lives. The practice of yoga is so vast and incorporates so many different forms of movement from a slow flow to a fast heated power flow and it can be done at home or in a studio.
Yoga is more than just a physical practice, however. While you will most likely only feel physical benefits after your first practice the mental, emotional and, in some cases, spiritual benefits will come with time and consistency.
Yes, yoga is strengthening and stretching the body and it is a great “workout” but if you allow yourself to fully embody the practice you will get so much more out of it and that’s what you’re here to find out today.
Getting Started
Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to have every piece of Alo clothing ever made, nor do you have to be able to touch your toes. There are so many incredible beginner practices including Yin and any kind of slow flow. Shameless plug, I am a yoga teacher and film free practices on my YouTube.
It can definitely be intimidating going to a studio for the first time not knowing what to expect and not knowing anyone there. When I went to the studio that I actually teach at now 5 years ago I sat in the parking lot debating whether I should actually go in or not for around 20 minutes. Been there, done that and can tell you that 99% of the people in there will never notice you, they’re much too consumed with watching themselves.
Start off with a slow flow and see how it suits you. If it is much too boring and you feel you’re more advanced (and you’re going to a studio) ask the person at the front desk who the least threatening teacher is. Kidding, but seriously, see if they offer a hatha class which is vinyasa but tends to be slower than vinyasa. If it is accessible to you, I would recommend starting in a hot studio because it is much easier to work into your tight muscles and get looser in a hot room than it is in a non-heated room.
If a studio isn’t for you or you don’t feel ready find a slow flow on YouTube, there are hundreds of thousands of free practices. If a slow flow is too flow find some teachers who cue really well, Yoga with Adriene is amazing or you can subscribe to me!
Benefits of Yoga
A daily yoga practice can offer so many benefits for both the mind and the body. A few of those benefits include:
- Improved Flexibility: Yoga involves a variety of poses that stretch various muscle groups. Over time, these stretches can increase your range of motion and reduce stiffness in the body. Improved flexibility is associated with decreased risk of injury and can enhance your performance in other physical activities.
- Enhanced Strength: Although it might seem predominantly focused on flexibility, many yoga poses require you to support the weight of your own body in new ways, including balancing on one leg or supporting yourself with your arms. This can build muscular strength, particularly in the core, arms, and legs.
- Stress Reduction: Yoga emphasizes breathing and mindfulness, which can help calm the mind and reduce stress. Practices like pranayama (breath control) and meditation are integral parts of yoga and are known for their mental health benefits, including lowering levels of stress hormones in the body.
- Improved Posture: Regular yoga practice strengthens and opens up the muscles around the spine, leading to better posture. This can reduce back pain, enhance body alignment, and decrease the likelihood of muscle and joint problems. Good posture also contributes to better breathing and digestion.
- Boosted Immune System: By reducing stress and stimulating the lymphatic system (which helps the body rid itself of toxins), yoga can bolster your immune response. Certain poses and breathing techniques are believed to improve the functioning of the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections.
All in all yoga is an incredible practice to work into a daily routine even if you’re not doing arm balances straight off the bat. Yoga is so accessible now to so many and can truly change your life if you allow it to. Give it a try even if it’s just a quick 10 minute practice or 10 minute breathwork. You might just find that you feel amazing afterwards and turn it into a daily habit.
