In recent years, yoga has become increasingly popular as a form of exercise. It’s low-impact, helps to stretch and tone muscles, and even an exercise novice can easily fit into a beginner class. But beyond exercise, yoga actually offers many other benefits to your health.
Improved mental health. All types of exercise help to fight depression, but taking a yoga class can stimulate the production of oxytocin in your brain – the love and bonding hormone. Meditation, another component of practicing yoga, can also result in higher serotonin levels (the happiness hormone).
Ease back pain. If you suffer from chronic lower back pain, you might be interested to know that yoga practice has been associated with reduction of symptoms.
Fight arthritis. Gentle movement and heat are known to ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, making yoga an ideal form of exercise for people of all ages.
Reduce the symptoms of asthma. In one study, an 8-week yoga course helped to reduce asthmatic symptoms in adult sufferers. This could be due to pranayama, the breathing technique that is central to the practice of yoga.
Beat insomnia. A regular yoga practice can calm your mind and help you sleep better at night. We also know that healthy sleep patterns are linked to weight loss, so yoga can pack a double impact for your weight loss program.
Improve your memory. Yoga not only reduces stress, but can also help us to organize our thoughts and improve cognitive function. You might find that regularly attending a yoga class benefits not only your waistline, but your work and personal life as well!
Protection from injury. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or just tone up, the last thing you want is an injury that sidelines you for weeks or months. A regular yoga practice improves your flexibility, which can prevent injuries during other activities that you might enjoy.
We’re now offering yoga classes at our Chino office. Give us a call for more information, and see how a regular yoga practice can benefit your health!
