Think that yoga is something that only 30-something, upper-middle class women practice? Think again! "The Eastern practice of yoga has become a modern-day symbol of peace, serenity and well-being in the West. More than 20 million Americans practice yoga..." said Carolyn Gregoire of the Huffington Post.
Whether you're male, female, old, young, middle aged, flexible, inflexible athletic, or never exercised a day in your life - you are capable of doing yoga, and your body will thank you for it.
If you can't afford the expensive classes, or don't have time to exercise out of the house, YouTube has plenty of workout videos to choose from.
But why yoga? There are a plethora of benefits. Here's 10 of them:
1. Lower stress levels.
You'll see these results immediately. Ain't nobody got time for stress. Stress makes you gain weight, gives you headaches, and makes even the simplest of tasks seem like climbing Mount Everest. Calm your mind and kill that stress with a little stretching.
2. Increased flexibility.
You'll see these results immediately. If you're not into exercising, you might not see the value in stretching. But you're also not into injuring yourself, right? Supple, flexible muscles don't tear easily and support your whole bone structure to prevent injury. Even if you're inflexible, start where you can and slowly push your limits.
3. Stronger bones.
You'll see these results after some years. The fact is, you can't see your bones - obviously. But studies have shown that yoga increases bone density, especially in older adults. You need those bones to stay active. And those bones need you to do yoga.
4. Relief from chronic back and neck pain.
You'll see these results after a few months. Self-explanatory. Loosen up. I should do yoga more often since I'm always complaining about my back and neck pain and lack of chiropractic insurance.
5. Healthy Weight.
You'll see these results after a few years. Yoga definitely isn't a go-to when you want to drop a few pounds. Its benefits take effect over time. Its purpose is to improve your quality of life for years to come, not help you fit into those skinny jeans (or tighten up your belt a notch or two). But I can tell you, from the one official yoga class I've taken, that it is a workout. You sweat. You burn calories. You might be sore the next day. Believe it - yoga will help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
6. Anxiety relief.
You'll see these results after a few months. For many people, yoga is a cheap (or free) therapy from all the crap that life is going to throw your way. Breathe in. Breathe out. And let the burdens fall from your shoulders.
7. Lower blood pressure.
You'll see these results after a few months. Compared to other forms of exercise, a study has found that yoga successfully lowers certain types of blood pressure. Doctor's appointments and medications are stressful and expensive. Yoga is relaxing and cheap. You can't lose with it!
8. Lower risk of heart disease.
You'll see these results after a few years. Or maybe you won't see these results specifically, because you won't be going to the hospital for major surgery. Wouldn't that be fantastic? Don't trust me - I'm no pro, listen to Harvard on this topic.
9. Improved sense of balance.
You'll see these results after a few months. Balance is a no-brainer, but the benefits of it might not be so evident. Dancers and gymnasts aren't the only people who need balance. Anyone who doesn't want to fall and break something needs balance.
10. Improved brain function.
You'll see these results immediately. Some forms of yoga improve your focus and memory. No matter who you are, college student, mother, blue-collar worker, retiree, the list goes on and on - you need your brain to operate at full capacity so you can do whatever it is you need to do effectively and efficiently.
With luck, you might even be as beautiful and inspiring as this guy. The sunset and the water help.
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