Yoga has proven to have many health benefits including improving flexibility and core strength and reducing stress. Many local gyms and fitness centers offer yoga classes, but yoga can also be practiced at home (or another quiet place with minimal distractions such as a back yard, park, etc).
- Reduce stress. Yoga can help soothe the mind and lower stress levels by focusing the mind on the moment and the movements rather than on external distractions.
- Increase your awareness and concentration. A primary component of yoga is rhythmic, focused breathing.
- Improve balance and stability. Balancing poses require you to engage your core stabilizer muscles, which can help improve overall stability.
- Improve posture. Yoga poses strengthen and open tight areas of the body, such as the shoulders and muscles of the upper back, which is necessary for good posture.
- Gain strength and stamina. More vigorous styles of yoga, such as Vinyasa and Ashtanga, promote strength and stamina as well as flexibility and relaxation.
- Management of chronic conditions. Yoga can help reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Yoga might also help alleviate chronic conditions, such as depression, pain, anxiety and insomnia.