Movement is essential to our overall well-being. Yoga is a great approach to improving your physical and mental health through movement that is intentional.
According to the health publication Healthline, “The word yoga comes from the root word yuj, which means to yoke or to bind. The word itself has numerous meanings, from an astrological conjunction to matrimony, with the underlying theme being connection.”
Here is how yoga is an effective exercise that has many advantages for your body, mind, and soul:
Flexibility
It is mentioned by the above health hub that a key element of physical wellness is flexibility. There are numerous yoga styles available, with intensity levels ranging from high to low.
Breathing
Verywell Health claims, “Yoga focuses on controlled breathing and mindfulness. This can improve breath control, which affects your stress and tension levels.”
Joints
The above health source also states that yoga can protect your joints and ease pain from them, adding that, less strain and stress on your joints can be achieved by strengthening your muscles.
Strength
According to Verywell Fit, “Many yoga poses require you to bear your body weight in new and often challenging ways, including balancing on one leg or supporting yourself with your arms. Holding these poses throughout several breaths helps build muscular strength and endurance.”
Here are a few poses to try out according to the above fitness information source:
- Downward-facing dog: Develops upper body power in the shoulders, palms, and wrists while simultaneously stretching and strengthening the hamstrings, calves, and ankles.
- Chair Pose: Stretches the upper back while strengthening the muscles of the lower body and abdomen.
- Tree Pose: Tests your balance while strengthening and stretching your legs and core.
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