Yoga has exploded in popularity over the years.  Matthew McConaughey, Madonna, Adam Levine, Gwyneth Paltrow, even Woody Harrelson extol the virtues of a yoga-filled life.

It isn’t unusual to stand in the grocery store checkout line and see Madonna revealing “Six yoga moves to improve your sex life!”  So, what’s the deal with yoga?  Can it help you or is it just another goofy celebrity fixation?

You can learn about yoga, the benefits of setting goals, the essentials of sleep, good germs and other health issues at the Montana Health and Fitness Expo with the 50+ Expo in August. It is a two-day event that focuses on living well. Local businesses will join forces to teach, inspire and guide you toward better health and fitness – regardless of age.

Meantime, here are insights into yoga you may find useful.

Yoga – How & Why

What is commonly referred to as “yoga” is actually “asana”, a term referring to the practice of physical poses and postures. Yoga encourages the balanced development of physical, mental and spiritual aspects of one’s being. Through the consistent practice of yoga comes increased physical flexibility, heightened awareness of the importance of relaxation and improved focus on breathing, which dissolves stress and anxiety and improves circulation. Many of those famous people say the mental benefits of yoga rival the physical benefits.

Reasons You May Not Practice Yoga

There are many reasons that prevent people from practicing yoga. The most common are the usual suspects: lack of time and economic concerns. Others worry that yoga is too goofy, too existential or too new age.

Breathe easy. Most yoga classes are centered on physical exercise and do not require any special frame of mind or world outlook changes. Some people doubt that yoga provides the benefits that they receive from working out at a gym because it “looks easy." Don’t be fooled, yoga is a controlled type of exercise and many people consider it more difficult than lifting weights.

It’s not uncommon for people to avoid yoga because they feel they aren’t in good enough physical condition or they aren’t flexible enough. Some would say that yoga is your best weapon to get physically fit. Many celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston claim that their age-defying bodies are born of yoga, practiced weekly.

Benefits of Practicing Yoga

Here’s a short list of benefits of regular yoga practice:

  • Improves physical strength, muscle tone and flexibility
  • Improved concentration
  • Relief of stress and anxiety
  • Improved control of blood pressure, decreased heart rate
  • Strengthened core muscles
  • Boost in antioxidants, strengthened immune system
  • Fight fatigue
  • Headache relief
  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Inner Peace

Tips for Improving Your Yoga Practice

  • Set a regular time and place.
  • Don’t practice with a full stomach (Eat two to three hours before you practice).
  • Respect the limits of your body.
  • Be patient and realistic. (It will take time for you to be able to perform more difficult poses.)
  • Remember to breathe. (We have a tendency to hold our breath when our muscle are stretching.)
  • Dress comfortably and use a yoga mat.
  • Don’t compare yourself to other people.
  • Rest between poses.

The most important aspect of any physical fitness choice is that you enjoy doing it, Yoga is a wonderful option to add into your routine. Its benefits can help almost any body type regardless of age. Yoga is great for beginners or seasoned athletes. Give yoga a try.

Editor’s Note: Adella Sutton is not a medical professional. She is an avid reader, Googler, magazine subscriber, blog-devouring, Pinterest-loving collector of information. This article is an amalgamation of information gleaned from those sources. Much of it is common sense, paying attention to what my doctor says and things I read at the gym. Pay attention to your own doctor and his or her medical advice. My hope with this article is that you will take control of your own health and well-being.

 

 

 

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