Why Is Yoga Good For You?

As one of the rising practices in health and fitness, yoga has been cementing its place in the fitness regimens of individuals around the world. So much so that in 2014, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution proclaiming June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. This came after India’s proposal to commemorate this day with the aim of raising awareness on the benefits of yoga. And you might be wondering -- what ​are the benefits of yoga? We’ve rounded up some highlights for you to consider.

Improved breathing. ​Practicing yoga involves learning the proper breathing techniques that enhance the effect and benefit of each motion and pose. It’s more than taking deep breaths. Inhaling deeply as you prepare to move from a standing position to exhaling as you bend over to stretch your spine is one continuous flow inherent in yoga practice. It’s a relaxing habit, so you can incorporate the breathing exercises throughout your day whenever you need to take a breather.

Discipline. ​It takes discipline to go to a scheduled class or even practice yoga on your own in the comfort of your home. To ensure that you improve your flexibility (and be able to move on to more difficult poses), you must be consistent in practicing.

Flexibility. ​One of the most popular benefits of the practice, your flexibility will improve with each deep stretch that are incorporated in the yoga poses. Your muscles become more supple with each session.

Meditation. ​Busy days create busy minds, and busy minds need to rest. Yoga can help you meditate and free your mind by focusing on getting the correct pose and breathing. The savasanah (lying flat on your back) at the end of the session is a great way to just keep in tune with your body and free your mind of any stress you currently have.

Cleansing. ​Your pores open up as you sweat out the toxins in your body. This is especially true when you do hot yoga, where you do more complex routines and poses in a heated room.

There are more yoga studios opening up around the Metro, and you can surely find one convenient for you. You can do it at the start of your day before going to work or at the end of the day to relax and get a good night’s sleep right after. Regardless, with consistent practice, you can definitely gain the maximum benefits of yoga that we listed above.