If you 've considered trying yoga, then get on your mat and be fearless. Unlike common misconceptions that yoga is nothing more than a simple stretch, a closer look at how yoga can improve long term health, reduce stress, depression, and chronic pain proves that yoga is a beneficial workout. You might be surprised with the many benefits it has to offer. Yoga is for ____people. Common misconceptions is that yoga is for young, thin, and flexible people. On the contrary, many people are instructed by yoga practitioners of various ages. A study conducted by Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance concluded that the majority of yoga practitioners were between the ages of 18-44. Seniors are also joining the practice. A study of healthy men and women aged
…show more content…
Yoga is a repetitive practice of meditation, movement and engaging your breath with your thought. Therefore, it’s moving meditation which engages focus to reduce anxiety and stress. Since stress increases the response of our sympathetic nervous system, it makes it harder for our bodies to alleviate the cause. Garrett Sarley, president and CEO of the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Lenox, Mass., explains that "The muscles tense, the heart beats faster, breathing patterns change, and if the cause of stress isn 't discontinued, the body secretes more hormones that increase blood sugar levels, raising blood pressure. Yoga is one of the few stress-relief tools that has a positive effect on all the body systems involved."
The results appear promising for those that suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure, too. While most exercise programs can help lower resting heart rate, cholesterol and blood pressure (all risk factors for heart disease), the integration of meditation with yoga helps to stabilize the lining of blood vessels that are irritated in times of stress. Since yoga can reduce stress, it may have an effect on reducing heart disease which improves long term …show more content…
According to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, yoga helps to improve mood and productivity. GABA (gamma amino-butyric acid), a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, anxiety, and stress, is often low in people who suffer from depression. GABA levels were increased by the end of a 12 week study in participants who suffered from depression. Final thoughts. Many opponents to yoga think that yoga is a fad workout popularized by celebrities. It’s been around for thousands of years and didn’t become known to western society until the 1980’s and only within the past 10 years has become a trending workout. Some may say that it’s exclusive to a certain lifestyle, when really, yoga accepts anyone with open arms and is encouraged by many healthcare professionals. Just like a workout video you can watch in the comfort of your own home, you can do the same with yoga. Individual instruction is also available for those that feel they need a little more guidance.
While there are many options available such as medications, self-care books, various workout regimens, and support groups to relieve numerous health and lifestyle problems, yoga appears to be a multi-beneficial practice for a variety of people with little
Yoga is a repetitive practice of meditation, movement and engaging your breath with your thought. Therefore, it’s moving meditation which engages focus to reduce anxiety and stress. Since stress increases the response of our sympathetic nervous system, it makes it harder for our bodies to alleviate the cause. Garrett Sarley, president and CEO of the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Lenox, Mass., explains that "The muscles tense, the heart beats faster, breathing patterns change, and if the cause of stress isn 't discontinued, the body secretes more hormones that increase blood sugar levels, raising blood pressure. Yoga is one of the few stress-relief tools that has a positive effect on all the body systems involved."
The results appear promising for those that suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure, too. While most exercise programs can help lower resting heart rate, cholesterol and blood pressure (all risk factors for heart disease), the integration of meditation with yoga helps to stabilize the lining of blood vessels that are irritated in times of stress. Since yoga can reduce stress, it may have an effect on reducing heart disease which improves long term …show more content…
According to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, yoga helps to improve mood and productivity. GABA (gamma amino-butyric acid), a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, anxiety, and stress, is often low in people who suffer from depression. GABA levels were increased by the end of a 12 week study in participants who suffered from depression. Final thoughts. Many opponents to yoga think that yoga is a fad workout popularized by celebrities. It’s been around for thousands of years and didn’t become known to western society until the 1980’s and only within the past 10 years has become a trending workout. Some may say that it’s exclusive to a certain lifestyle, when really, yoga accepts anyone with open arms and is encouraged by many healthcare professionals. Just like a workout video you can watch in the comfort of your own home, you can do the same with yoga. Individual instruction is also available for those that feel they need a little more guidance.
While there are many options available such as medications, self-care books, various workout regimens, and support groups to relieve numerous health and lifestyle problems, yoga appears to be a multi-beneficial practice for a variety of people with little