It doesn’t matter if you sit behind a desk or the wheel of a truck – anyone can do yoga. There are many forms of yoga you can choose from, and you can even decide on the type and intensity. All you need is a yoga mat! The practice of yoga has been around for 5000 years, outlasting many diets and workout fads you may face today. According to WebMD, “It’s a total mind-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation and relaxation.”
There are so many benefits of practicing yoga. Beyond just better posture, increased flexibility, balance, and more strength, yoga help with the following:
- Increased flexibility
There are so many positions in yoga, but the key here is simply starting. When you first start out, you may try to reach your toes or attempt downward dog. As you get better at yoga, you may eventually be able to do a backbend or headstand. - More strength or overall tone
Yoga requires your body to do the work. Over time, you will get stronger and your muscles will become more toned due to holding various yoga positions. - Better sleep
Yoga helps to relax the nervous system, which helps you get a better night’s sleep. If you have or want to avoid sleep apnea, this is definitely something to consider. - Lower blood pressure and better circulation
Yoga teaches you to become more relaxed when you become stressed. Your breathing technique while holding poses that twist and pull your body can increase your heart rate which circulates oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. - Boost metabolism to help with weight loss
Yoga provides you with energy which gives your body the boost it needs while you strengthen it during various yoga poses. But you still must eat healthy whole foods while out on the road and stay away from fried foods. These will help improve your mood and help you lose weight.
The New York Times said it best: “The purpose of yoga is to cultivate discernment, awareness, self-regulation, and a higher consciousness in the individual.” The point of practicing yoga is to not only to be at one with yourself, but to de-stress and achieve a better quality of life. You can live without pain, but the key to yoga is you must keep up with it. The continual practice of yoga is how you reap the rich and satisfying rewards of yoga.
Next time you’re waiting for a load or you have a little time to spare, try some yoga! There are plenty of sources online you can look to for reference to help you get started. All you need is a little bit of patience, yourself, and a yoga mat. Keep trying. The time, effort, and energy you put into yourself will be well worth it and you will not regret it.