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Yoga Lady 360
Although the modern idea of yoga has been trending for years now, many still shy away from trying the popular exercise. Some are intimidated by the idea of turning the body into a human pretzel, but there is no need for such fear. Yoga can be practiced by almost anyone, and even modified to suit a number of conditions and disabilities. With September as National Yoga Month, there has never been a better time to give it a try. Here are our top 5 reasons to check out yoga this month.
1. It will make you happier. Although yoga is not a guaranteed cure for any ailment, studies have linked it with lower levels of stress. Some participants have even seen alleviated depression symptoms. Because yoga focuses on controlled breathing and meditation, it “draws your focus away from your busy, chaotic day and toward calm,” according to the Mayo Clinic. Meditation also releases natural mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin.
2. It will make you stronger and more flexible. As with any activity, practice makes perfect. Yoga poses require both flexibility and core strength when done correctly, and each time you practice a pose, you are improving your own skill in these areas. As you work to achieve perfect form, you will gradually get stronger and more flexible.
3. It can help you lose weight. Incorporating yoga classes – especially intense ones, like Bikram yoga – to your fitness schedule is an easy way to burn extra calories and build muscle. Furthermore, yoga helps relieve stress – a major factor in weight gain.
4. It helps keep you healthy. Meditating during yoga sessions calms the mind, allowing the body to relax. This helps reduce blood pressure, anxiety, chronic pain, and cholesterol levels, according to a study by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Yoga poses and breathing techniques also stimulate circulation, which helps lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
5. It will improve your focus. In the modern world of over-the-top technology and non-stop news updates, our focus is split in a thousand directions. Controlled breathing techniques used in yoga classes teach participants to focus on one thing at a time and leave outside stress behind. These skills transcend the yoga studio and help improve focus in everyday life.