If the hustle and bustle of work, home, or just life in general leaves you feeling tense and stressed out, try relaxing with yoga. Those who have tried yoga say it leaves them feeling calm and rejuvenated. Yoga is a type of exercise that incorporates different postures with deep breathing exercises and meditation. It was developed more than 5,000 years ago in India for those who wanted to experience spiritual uplifting. Today, thousands of people still find yoga to be uplifting. However, research has shown that yoga has additional health benefits. Yoga improves muscle strength and flexibility, reduces stress, decreases body fat, improves circulation, stimulates the immune system, and boosts concentration and creativity. Plus, it helps you burn calories. A 150 pound person can burn approximately 130 calories in 30 minutes of doing yoga.
With all the good that yoga does for you, why wouldn't you want to try it? If you are interested, check out your local library for a yoga tape or your local gym for yoga classes, as you will need proper instruction from professionals to avoid injury. If you have never tried yoga before, here are some tips:
- Start slow…it is better to go slow and take breaks when needed rather than wear yourself out too quickly. If you feel tired, take a timeout and drink some water.
- Remain focused on posture…this will help increase your yoga stamina. Try blocking out all distractions and focus on the good that you are doing for your body.
- If you are taking a yoga class, always ask for extra guidance from the instructor when needed.
Remember to consult with your physician before trying any new exercise.