by Mary Stephens

Created on: November 10, 2009   Last Updated: October 18, 2010

The benefits of yoga

Yoga is an exercise practice that involves mind and body. It is a system of physical exercises combined with breathing techniques and meditation. It has been known for literally thousands of years and it never lost its popularity or importance. The main reason for that is that yoga is proven to improve our physical, mental, and emotional health. There are many benefits of yoga. Here are a few of them:

1. Improved breathing. Most people breath shallowly, which is not sufficient to provide oxygen to the entire body. As an immediate result, they are constantly tired. Yoga breathing techniques teaches a person to breathe slowly and deeply. That helps you to relax, as well.

2. Improved posture. Yoga poses and stretches strengthen your core muscles and help to realign your spine. That results in a better posture.

3. Increased physical strength. Many yoga poses include some resistance exercise, which helps to build your muscle mass and strength. During every yoga session your whole body works hard and your muscles gain strength.

4. Improved circulation and strengthening of the heart muscle. Exercise combined with deep breathing makes your heart pump blood harder and optimizes the circulation in the body.

5. Improved balance. Many yoga poses require to maintain balance while holding the pose for a certain length of time. This will help you to gain better balance in every day life.

6. Improved flexibility. Just like with gaining balance, you will become more flexible, as well. Regular practice of yoga will increases your flexibility.

7. Increased physical health. Yoga not only strengthens muscles, but also the organs and all of the body systems, like digestive system, immune system, respiratory system, etc. As a result your body is able to fight any disease better than before.

8. Increased mental health. Deep breathing that helps to oxidize the body and especially the brain results in clearer mind and increased intelligence. As a result your memory will increase as well as your reaction time and even learning ability.

9. Improved emotional balance. It is proven that yoga calms the body and mind allowing for more relaxation. Yoga practice requires a person to focus and concentrate which helps to bring peace and appreciation of life.

10. Weight loss and easier weight management. Increased muscle mass equals reduction of fatty tissue. Also, yoga makes the digestive system more efficient, which speeds up metabolism.

Yoga is a great form of exercise for you mind and body. Besides improving your overall health, it also allows you to take time for yourself. What is better than taking care of yourself in a healthy way.

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