by Adriana Noton
Not very long ago in the Unites States, it seemed the only people who practiced yoga were sun worshipers and flower children. Many Americans didn't really understand the discipline and associated it with women sitting in the lotus position trying to use it to relax. And most of those people probably questioned whether it was even good for relaxation.
However, today more and more people have come to appreciate yoga for what it is: an all encompassing regiment that offers many health benefits. Men and women alike are filling classes to achieve improved mental and physical well being.
What are these benefits? For starters, yoga does help one relax. There are some classes that are taught and attended for the sole purpose of relaxation. Not only is relaxation important in reducing stress, it can lead to other improvements as well. The relaxing effect is shown in reduced heart rate and blood pressure.
Lower blood pressure and heart rate tend to make one more relaxed. But lower blood pressure also tends to mean less risk of heart disease and stroke. Increased heart health from yoga has lead to various studies linking the exercises to improved immune systems and lower cholesterol levels.
Another benefit is flexibility. A lot of the exercises are designed to increase flexibility in one's muscles. A person with more limber muscles can build muscle more easily. Tighter muscles are like magnets for stress as well as toxins in the body. The stretching exercises help release those impurities and stress. Stretching also improves blood circulation.
And speaking of improved blood circulation: when the blood circulates better, more oxygen is delivered throughout the body more efficiently. This includes oxygen to the brain. More oxygen to the brain leads to better memory and concentration skills. It also has been shown to improve general mood and stave off depression. That is probably why yoga practitioners claim to have clearer heads and to be in better frames of mind more often.
A main focus is breathing. Much emphasis is placed on taking deep breaths and making full use of all the air that is taken in with each breath. This also plays a part in achieving better circulation of the blood and will also reduce stress. Furthermore, by controlling one's breathing, a person can actually achieve a state of aerobic breathing. This state is when the body turns to stored fat for fuel. Result: possible weight loss.
In addition to aerobic "workouts" there are strength building exercises too. The many positions each target different muscles and build strength and endurance. There are standing, seated and lying poses. Some are geared toward upper body while others target legs and lower body. Just about any pose, when done correctly, will strengthen the abdominal muscles. And do not forget that firmer, stronger abs is pivotal to better posture and the reduction of back and neck pain.
So you see, yoga is not just for relaxing. It is actually an entire routine that improved well being, inside and out.
In the 21st century, the battle to lose weight doesn't have to be a difficult one to overcome. By contacting your local natural weight loss experts, you can achieve your fitness goals easily!
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