GW Lifestyle
10REASONS TO START YOGA
Samantha Rhodes
The end of the year can be stressful , some years more than others . The holidays are rushing by , family is visiting , shopping needs to be done , dinners need to be made and all somehow while trying to juggle home and work life . With everything that needs to be done , how is it possible to find some peace and relaxation ? One of my favorite ways to decompress and clear my mind is Yoga . Yoga is a total mind-body experience , with both physical and mental benefits . Not to mention the fact that there are endless options , making it one of the most versatile ways to work out and destress .
Whether you want to sweat out the toxins in Bikram ( hot ) yoga class , move a little faster in a Vinyasa ( power ) class or maybe a relaxing more meditative Yin class there are benefits for everyone , even the most unfamiliar beginners .
Here are 10 reasons why you should visit a local yoga class this holiday season ....
24 | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017
1
. Yoga is the ultimate stress reliever .
Feeling a little high-strung ? Research shows the practice can reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure . Yoga may even reduce symptoms of more serious mental health issues like anxiety .
2
. It ’ s a good workout .
Yoga may not scream “ heart pumping cardio ,” but trust us , it ’ s one of the best ways to get some exercise . Vinyasa classes tend to be more fast paced for those not looking for slow movements . Research shows yoga is a healthy way to lose weight , particularly for middle-age individuals . Take that , elliptical .
3
. It ’ s an excellent way to strength train . Yoga engages so many muscle groups , from your core to your arms . It ’ s a great way to swap your weights every once and a while for something different .
4
. It can make your mind sharper .
Exercise is a natural way to sharpen your memory . Yoga , in particular , may also help boost brain function and improve reaction time post-workout , Runner ’ s World reported . When you clear your mind of stressful thoughts its amazing what ideas you can strum up !