There are lots of motives for doing yoga. Clarity of mind, a feeling of oneness, relaxing with your personal time, and transforming your body to name a few. Most may think of yoga as just doing stretches, but it is so much more than that! If you’re a bit overweight and looking to get rid of those extra pounds, yoga might be your best one-way ticket to a healthy mind and body. Here are 5 reasons why you should do yoga:
1. If you have a tough time getting yourself motivated enough to do strenuous exercise, you may want to consider going to a yoga class. Once you go to a class, you’re committed and those around you will help motivate you. Yoga classes are normally about an hour to and hour and a half long. The reason classes are so effective is because when you work out on your own, you can stop at any time, but in a class you see people of all levels, and those who have been at it for a while stand out…they are tone and flexible. This will inspire you to push yourself.
2. Yoga has the benefit of working both your muscles and giving you a cardio workout at the same time. Compare this to running in place on a treadmill, then lifting heavy weights, and the benefit of yoga is obvious. You get it all in one exercise. On top of that, when you’re tone and have built up some muscle from doing yoga, you will burn calories while you sleep!
3. Another great benefit of yoga is that it actually elongates your muscles, which in turn will make you look tone and healthy. Once you practice yoga weekly, you’ll start to feel a difference in your posture. People have even reported feeling taller after doing some of the spinal stretches.
4. Yoga also has the benefit of seeing quicker results with fewer workouts. If you practice 2 -3 times a week for one month, I guarantee that you will see and feel great like you never have before. Be sure to always listen to your body and dont push yourself too hard, but it’s important to feel the burn in order to reap the rewards.
5. Finally, you need to watch what you eat. If you go home after yoga and eat half a pizza, you’re not doing your mind or your body much good. Giving up your favorite unhealthy foods can be a tough challenge, but yoga can help you with this. Part of the package is uniting both the mind and the body. By setting your intensions before, during, and after your workout, your body will actually crave foods that are good for it.
Not sure where to start? Firstly you’ll need a thick yoga mat and yoga mat bag. There may be free classes in your area as some studios offer them periodically. Also check out your local YMCA or YWCA.
