Exercise is an important part of living your healthiest, most amazing life, and yoga can be one of the best ways to get your recommended 150 minutes of physical activity in each week. Learn more about this wildly popular form of exercise, the benefits you’ll experience from a regular practice and how you can get started.
Yoga
Yoga is a holistic form of exercise that involves a series of poses, meditation periods and breathing exercises. This combination of body, mind and breath both challenges and creates harmony within the body. Many different schools of yoga exist, and most are low-impact yet provide an effective workout.
Benefits
Dedicated yogis rave about the wide range of physical, mental and even spiritual benefits experienced from a regular practice. These include:
- Improved flexibility
- Increased energy
- Improved posture
- Increased strength and muscle tone
- Weight loss
- Increased mental clarity
- Better circulation
- Regulated metabolism
- Reduced anxiety
- Deeper sleep
Get Started
Yoga is a beginner-friendly activity, and studios are typically welcoming of newcomers. There are a wide range of practice styles though, so take your time trying out different yoga studios and instructors before purchasing a studio membership. Many studios offer a weekly free class, or have a trial period. If you’re not ready to brave classes yet, there are lots of free online options, like Yoga with Adriene. Of course, if you have any physical conditions that may be further aggravated by exercise, talk to your doctor before beginning a regular yoga practice.
Whether you enjoy being active or are a self-proclaimed couch potato, finding an exercise you enjoy is essential to keeping you healthy and amazing. Get more exercise tips, information and ideas.