A Guide to Yoga

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise which focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost your wellbeing, both physically and mentally. It is believed for this practice to have originated in India about 5,000 years ago and nowadays it has been adapted to a variety of styles. Research shows that yoga is a very beneficial form of exercise. It a safe and effective way to increase physical activity and improve strength, flexibility and balance. Findings also indicate a positive impact on people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pain, and even depression and stress. And the great thing about yoga is that anyone can do it, no matter the age, fitness level, weight or flexibility.

Increased flexibility

Improved flexibility is the first and most obvious effect of yoga. By developing practicing different poses and improving posture, your body will gain more flexibility. This will help you execute difficult postures with more ease. Furthermore, as you increase your build flexibility with yoga, you also build strength and improve your balance leading a great range of health benefits.

Physical Benefits

Improved strength, flexibility and posture not only acts as a preventative measure to conditions such as arthritis and back pain, it also aids fall prevention in elderly people. The positive health effects of yoga also extended to cartilage and joints. Each time you practice yoga, you take your joints through a greater range of motion. Without proper sustenance, neglected areas of cartilage can eventually wear out, exposing the underlying bone like worn-out brake pads. However, by increasing the full range of motion within your joints, the joint cartilage is able to receive fresh nutrients, as the existing fluid gets squeezed out and replaced with the new supply.

Through its variety of poses, yoga also helps protect your spine, promotes better bone health, increases blood flow, drains lymphs and boosts immunity. Studies have also found that yoga practice lowers the resting heart rate, increases endurance, and can improve your maximum uptake of oxygen during exercise—all reflections of improved aerobic conditioning.

Yoga also lowers your cortisol levels. High cortisol levels are associated with various conditions, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and even cravings, but also depression.

Mental Benefits

Practicing yoga can also help you relieve depression and stress, helping you feel happier due to the effect of increased serotonin levels. This means better sleep and the ability to concentrate for longer. It’s amazing how many positive effects this activity can have on any individual, no matter the fitness level. Although often underestimated, yoga is an immensely helpful form of exercise and can suit any individual active or not.

At Synergy, you can practice yoga in several classes various types of yoga including hatha , dynamic,  power and vinyasa flow yoga classes. Why not give it a go and experience these positive effects for yourself?

Try a class today