Yoga is for Everyone. Yoga is for Men. Yoga is for Women. Yoga is for Children. Yoga is for those who feel strong. Yoga is for those who are healing. Yoga is for those who feel stressed. Yoga is for those who feel well. Yoga is for those who cannot touch their toes. Yoga is for those who can touch their knees with their nose.
Yoga invites you to take a step back from your day, to breathe deeply and to move with awareness. Yoga invites you to go within to learn more about yourself…body, mind and spirit.
Yoga is for YOU.
WHAT IS YOGA?
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" meaning to yoke, join or unite. Yoga seeks to bring one's awareness to their body and to their breath and to unite the physical body with the mind and the mind with the soul.
Yoga is as much a meditative exercise as it is a physical exercise. It encourages a student to clear their mind, release their stresses and harness the power of their body.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF YOGA?
Decreased blood pressure - The practice of yoga increases the circulation of blood and oxygen through the body. A regular practice of yoga can decrease the overall blood pressure.
Slower pulse rate - Regular yoga practice strengthens the muscle of the heart, which allows it to pump blood more efficiently. A stronger heart requires fewer beats and results in a decreased pulse rate.
Increased blood circulation - Yoga improves blood circulation, transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout your body, yoga practice provides healthier organs, skin, and brain, which has even been known to yield a younger looking complexion.
Respiratory - A lower respiratory rate indicates that the lungs are working more efficiently. Yoga decreases the respiratory rate through a combination of controlled breathing exercises and improved fitness.
Cardiovascular endurance - A pulse rate and improved circulation (both benefits of yoga) results in higher cardiovascular endurance.
Organs - Yoga practice massages internal organs, increasing oxygenation of tissues and removal of toxins. This improves the ability of the body to prevent disease.
Gastrointestinal - Gastrointestinal functions have been shown to improve in both men and women who practice yoga. This can be related to the various twists and bending poses that stimulate the intestinal tract.
Immunity - Yoga practice has frequently been correlated with a stronger immune system, which helps the body to fend off disease.
Pain - Pain tolerance is much higher among those who regularly practice yoga. In addition to pain tolerance, some instances of chronic pain, such as back pain, are lessened or eliminated through yoga.
Metabolism - Having a balanced metabolism assists in maintaining a healthy weight and controlling hunger. Consistent yoga practice helps find the balance to create a more efficient metabolism.
In addition to these health benefits, yoga also provides the following physical benefits:
• Improved posture
• Increased strength
• Boost in energy
• Weight loss
• Better sleep patterns
• Improved balance
• Increase in core strength
• Body awareness
• Improved sexuality
Yoga incorporates physical poses with breathing exercises and meditation. This promotes a healthy connection between the mind, body and spirit, offering some of the following emotional benefits.
• Improvement in mood
• Stress reduction
• Decrease in anxiety
• Relief from depression
• Improved self control
• Increased focus and concentration
• Better memory skills
• Increased sense of calmness
• Self confidence