Yoga isn't just for just hippies anymore. It has broken through the mainstream and become a fantastic lifestyle for those that choose to practice it regularly. As someone who enjoys yoga I am asked a number of questions about it. So I wrote this article with the hopes of adding some enlightenment to those seeking out this lifestyle change. Of course I can't answer every question in just one article because yoga encompasses so much more than words can describe. But if answering a few questions leads you to try it out for yourself then that makes me happy.
So what are the common questions I get asked about yoga?
Invariably the number one question I get asked is will yoga help with weight loss. The answer is a resounding yes. Clinical studies have proven that those that do yoga regularly lose more weight than those that don't. Now honestly yoga isn't the biggest factor in your weight loss, but doing yoga promotes a healthier lifestyle. It makes you want to eat better and take better care of your body. The more you become in tune with your body the less likely you are to ruin it with junk food. But yes, even the postures will help with calorie burning.
This may not be true for every single person, but for most people yoga is a great form of weight loss.
Another question I get asked is why you would choose to do yoga. My favorite answer for this, especially as I get older, is the increased flexibility that yoga provides. You know the feeling. The feeling of difficulty climbing stairs or bending over to tie your shoes. Let's face it, getting older just plain sucks. But one of the main reasons getting older sucks is because you are not as flexible and agile as you once were. This is what yoga helps. This is why yoga is often referred to as the fountain of youth. If you practice yoga you will notice throughout your day that your body responds better and without so much soreness. I find the flexibility is more important to me than any weight loss.
So flexibility is one of the most important things yoga provides.
Another answer I have for why I do yoga is for stress relief. Modern times can be very stressful. It seems like the pace of day-to-day life is accelerating. Dealing with your job, your kids, the phone calls, the crazy schedules, it all adds up to a lot of stress. The meditation involved in yoga truly allows you to focus and unwind. I find yoga to be a great balance to all the stress in my routine. And as you know it's been proven that increased amounts of stress leads to health risks such as heart attack and strokes. So anything you can do to reduce your level of stress is worth its weight in gold.
There are many more physical benefits and mental benefits to doing yoga, but I find these three to be the most important to me. When I am in a posture I find difficult, I try to remember these three point and that allows me the strength and determination to get through it. Yoga really is a life changer. I highly recommend you try it for yourself. Try taking a class or at the very least an online yoga course so that you can feel comfortable doing it in your own living room.
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