Guest Post - 5 Reasons You Should do Yoga

5 reasons you should start yoga today

Many people attend their first yoga class lusting after the long lean bodies that are used in most yoga advertisements.  But yoga is more than just physical exercise, and whilst a lean body can be a happy outcome of the practice there are MANY more benefits that can be gained from practicing yoga.  

1. Flexibility
Most of us spend the majority of our days sitting in chairs, in cars or lounging on the couch.  This causes our muscles to become tight and we end up with tension (most often in our back).  Regular yoga helps to stretch out those unused muscles and often relieves sore backs and necks.

2. StrengthSome people think yoga looks too easy, that it is just a 'stretching class'.  Compared to the grunting and puffing that goes on in the weights room many people scoff at the thought that yoga can build strength.  But the majority of yoga asanas (poses) require you to lift and hold your entire body weight for an extended period.  And there ain't nobody who can say that's easy.

3. RelaxationYoga teaches you to slow down, to focus the mind on one thing at a time and to reconnect your mind and body.  We often run around in our busy lives pushing our bodies without giving much thought to what we put into it and how we treat it.  We then wonder why we feel stressed, get sick easily and generally feel exhausted all the time; when the answer is right there in front of us!

4. PostureWhilst posture is not something we often think about it plays an important role in most aspects of our life. Posture can affect the way you feel, can change how people view you (eg. standing tall = confidence) and impact on body aches and pains.  Yoga improves core strength (all those muscles around the belly and back) which makes you stand straighter and reduces the likelihood of aching backs, shoulders and neck.

5.  LifeYoga is not just about the physical; whilst not a religion, it is a philosophy for living. Many people come to yoga for the body but they often end up learning more about themselves than they expected to.  Self-acceptance, confidence, community and a focus on overall health is often found through the practice of yoga.

Yoga is best started under the guidance of an experienced teacher.  If you'd like to know more contact your local yoga association.  

Bettina is a mama, yoga instructor, high school teacher, student, small business owner and dreamer.  She writes the blog Little Old Souls which is a mix of yoga, family life, sewing and DIY. 

You can find Bettina over at Little Old Souls  and also stop in and check out her shop.
Thank you Bettina!
Happy Tuesday!!