Where do we start – the endless benefits of yoga! First and foremost, Yoga is safe and effective; it is low impact, carried out with awareness and is built up on an individual basis. There is no element of competition and you work to be the best YOU can be.
The yoga poses (asanas) we work through are holistic, covering the whole body and mind as a single harmonious entity. Therefore, in addition to the health benefits listed below, you should experience an overall feel good factor. Click on the headlines below for more detail on some of the many benefits to be enjoyed through a regular, sincere Yoga practice:
Sense of clarity:
Yoga gives you space and inner awareness which leads to a clear and organised mind
Reduce blood pressure
A consistent Yoga practice decreases blood pressure through better circulation and oxygenation of the body
Improve blood circulation
Yoga & Pilates improves blood circulation by transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout your body, providing healthier organs, skin, and brain
Optimise respiration
Like the circulatory system, 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 better fitness
Cardiovascular endurance
A combination of lower heart rate and improved oxygenation to the body results in higher cardiovascular endurance
Disease prevention
Yoga practice massages internal organs, thus improving the ability of the body to prevent disease. You’ll become better attuned to your body and its signals to you, allowing for a quicker response to head off disease
Stress management/reduction
Yoga has frequently been correlated with a having a positive impact on stress levels through self awareness and self practice
Improve digestion
Gastrointestinal and digestion functions have been shown to improve in both men and women who practice Yoga
Strengthen immunity
Yoga has frequently been correlated with a stronger immune system
Balance metabolism
Having a balanced metabolism results in maintaining a healthy weight and controlling hunger. Consistent Yoga practice helps find the balance and creates a more efficient metabolism
Delay the aging process
Yoga stimulates the detoxification process within the body. Detoxification has been shown to delay aging, among many other health benefits
Improve your posture
The very nature of Yoga teaches you how to hold and control your body in a more healthful position. Through consistent practice, your posture will improve so that you look more confident and healthy
Increase strength and flexibility
One of the premises of Yoga is that you are using the weight of your own body for overall strength. Through lengthening and strengthening exercises you can enjoy increased stability and flexibility
Feel energised
Regular Yoga practice provides consistent energy. In fact when you perform Yoga correctly, you’ll feel energised after each session rather than tired
Manage your weight
The benefits of a better metabolism along with the exercise of Yoga works to keep your weight in check. In addition, the stretching and lengthening of muscles helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Improved sleep patterns
Because of the many benefits to both body and mind that a Yoga routine can provide, many find that their sleep is much better
Balance and centredness
An integral part of the Yoga practice is balance and control over your body. With a consistent practice, you will find that your overall balance will improve
Integration within your body
Yoga is derived from Sanskrit and means “to join together and direct one’s attention”. This is exactly what happens to your body after you start practicing Yoga. You’ll start to find that your body works together much better, resulting in an overall feel good factor
Increase self-confidence
Practising Yoga will give you an increased awareness of your own body. Over time, this will increase your level of comfort in your own body leading to greater self-confidence
Strong core strength / Reduction of injuries
With a strong body core, you enjoy better posture and overall body strength. A strong core helps heal and reduce injuries. This is why many athletes practice Yoga as cross training