Benefits of a regular yoga practice

The benefits of yoga practice are numerous; Yoga practiced once or twice each week can build strength, keep you flexible and help to reduce stress.

We all practice yoga for different reasons: to keep us fit and strong, calm a busy mind, or just to build friendships in a society which is more and more disconnected. Whatever your reasons for joining a class or practicing at home, a regular yoga practice will be beneficial.

Beginners to yoga may be familiar with the Asanas – a Sanskrit word, translated as postures. Yoga encompasses much more – pranayama (mindful breathing), meditation, philosophy, ethics, the list goes on… below are a couple of lists, they are by no means a complete list of benefits you may gain from practicing regularly, but a starting point to give some ideas. We are all unique and will benefit differently.

• Reduces stress 

• Relieves anxiety 

• Improves strength, flexibility and balance 

• Improves sense of wellbeing 

• Promotes better quality sleep 

• Can help improve breathing 

• May help with pain reduction 

• Can ease arthritis symptoms 

• Benefits heart health

Yoga includes breathing practices known as pranayama. These can be effective for reducing stress , improving lung function and encouraging relaxation. Changing our breathing patterns while practicing yoga or just sitting relaxing can bring major benefits to how we deal with stress.

• Gives you more energy 

• Promotes better self care 

• Supports good posture

• Cultivates self-awareness

• Improves interoception (awareness of internal state of body)

and proprioception(knowing where your body is in space) 

• Helps you become more mindful 

• Supports your immune system 

• Improves focus and concentration 

• Connects you with community!