July 5, 2024

10 Benefits of Yoga & Why You Should Give It a Try

Though thousands of years old, yoga has become more popular during recent years. It is a form of exercise that is great for both the mind and body. In a fast-paced world, yoga provides a way to relieve stress and strengthen the body at the same time.

In this post you'll find 10 awesome benefits of yoga, plus we'll share different types of yoga and their benefits, the benefits of children's yoga, and some of our favorite resources for practicing yoga at home.

10 Benefits of Yoga

The benefits of yoga are plenty! Below we're sharing 10 benefits of yoga to help you understand what this practice can do for you.

Improves Flexibility: Regular yoga practice stretches and lengthens muscles, increasing overall flexibility.
Builds Strength: Many yoga poses require you to support your body weight in new ways, which helps build muscle strength.
Enhances Posture: Yoga helps you develop better alignment, leading to improved posture and reduced back pain.
Reduces Stress: Yoga incorporates breathing exercises and meditation, which can help lower stress levels and promote relaxation.
Boosts Mental Clarity: The focus required during yoga practice can improve concentration and mental clarity.
Increases Energy: Practicing yoga regularly can boost your energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue.
Promotes Better Sleep: Yoga can help you relax and unwind, leading to improved sleep quality.
Supports Joint Health: The gentle movements and stretches in yoga can help keep your joints healthy and reduce pain from conditions like arthritis.
Enhances Respiratory Function: Yoga teaches you to breathe more deeply and efficiently, which can improve lung function and overall respiratory health.
Encourages Mindfulness: Yoga promotes mindfulness and being present in the moment, which can improve overall mental well-being and emotional health.

Different Types of Yoga and Their Benefits

Hatha: Hatha yoga is a perfect starting point for beginners but also holds several benefits for any level of athlete. It's known to improve flexibility, build strength, reduce stress, and enhance mindfulness.

Vinyasa: Vinyasa is a slighter faster pace than hatha yoga, each movement is matched with a breath. Its benefits are similar to hatha, it is known to increase flexibility and strength, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce stress.

Ashtanga: Ashtanga is a similar pace to vinyasa, but consists of 6 specific sequences done in a certain order. It is especially good for upper body strength training but also builds flexibility, increases stamina, and improves focus and discipline.

Prenatal: women who practice yoga while pregnant may see reduced stress, improved sleep, increased strength and flexibility, and their bodies may be more prepared for childbirth.

Benefits of Children's Yoga

The benefits of children's yoga are amazing! Below are just a few of the benefits you may see among children who practice yoga:

Physical Health:
- Improves Flexibility and Strength: Yoga helps kids become more flexible and strong.
- Enhances Balance and Posture: Practicing yoga can improve balance and the way kids stand or sit.
- Promotes Healthy Habits: Encourages kids to stay active and fit, helping prevent obesity.
Mental & Emotional Health:
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Yoga teaches ways to relax, which can help kids handle stress and anxiety.
- Improves Focus and Concentration: Mindfulness and breathing exercises can help kids pay better attention.
- Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence: Learning new poses can make kids feel proud and confident.
- Promotes Calmness and Relaxation: Regular practice can make kids feel more calm and relaxed.
- Fosters a Mind-Body Connection: Yoga teaches kids to listen to their bodies and be aware of their feelings.

Our Favorite Yoga Resources

When it comes to yoga classes, they can get a little pricey, so if you are looking to save a little money these free resources are some of our favorite options:

Yoga with Adriene is a perfect resource for beginners just getting started with yoga or seasoned veterans. She has a yoga tutorial for just about every need, low back pain, pregnancy, colds, sore necks, you name it!

Cosmic Kids Yoga is a fun, fantastic resource for kids' yoga. The instructor teaches yoga positions through storytelling. It is the perfect way to get kids off the couch and move their bodies. It is also fun for mom and dad to join in!

Our Create Better Health curriculum isn't just about eating healthy, we also teach tips for living an active lifestyle. This balance and flexibility pamphlet is a great resource for simple yoga and stretching poses. Plus, it includes some information on the great benefits of stretching.