Benefits of Yoga

(Brief History Lesson)

Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yui” meaning yoke or bind and is also interpreted to mean “union” or a method of discipline. Yoga is essentially a collection of mental, physical and spiritual practices also referred to as disciplines. Over 2,000 years ago, an ancient Indian sage, Patanjali, organized the collection of statements called “Yoga Sutra”. The Sutra serves as the guidebook for most of the yoga practiced today. While you may have heard of some of the several different varieties of yoga available – hot, prenatal, restorative, Kundalini, Vinyasa, power yoga… all come from the “Eight Limbs of Yoga“.

Yamas (restraint)
Niymamas (observances)
Asana (postures)
Pranayana (breathing)
Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses)
Dharana (concentration)
Dhyani (meditation)
Samadhi (absorption)

Through the eight limbs of yoga, we refine our behavior in the outer world and focus inwardly until you reach “Samadhi” which means liberation and enlightenment.

I have always found yoga to be personally beneficial. My journey with yoga began over twenty years ago when I was still a teenager and has since remained the cornerstone of my workout routine. The most appealing aspect of yoga to me is it’s an all-inclusive workout for the mind~body~spirit. Since you are only lifting your own body weight – versus heavy weights at the gym – I find that yoga keeps me long and lean without all the wear and tear to my joints and muscles that usually accompany more aggressive forms of workout like CrossFit or boot camps. Yoga calms my mind, relieves my anxious nature and instills a sense of focus and wellbeing.

Enhanced focus and mental clarity
Aids in digestion
Increased arm strength
Increased lung capacity
Increased metabolism
Increases libido
35% increase in flexibility after only 8 weeks
Decreases chance of heart disease
Establishes enhanced peace of mind
Slower breath rate
Reduces stress
Better posture
Decreased lactic acid in the joints and decreased joint pain
Benefits the body and mind equally to promote calm
Increased blood circulation
Enhanced fat loss
Improved sense of balance
Enhanced muscle strength and tone
Aligns skin, muscles and bones
Opens channels of the body (namely the spine) allowing energy to flow freely.

Literally anyone can do yoga regardless of age, weight or physical condition. Another added benefit is that since the only essential equipment is your body and a mat, you can do yoga virtually anywhere! In your office, the beach, mountain or your bedroom floor, with yoga, the benefits are endless and the only limits are the ones in your own mind.