Thursday, January 13, 2011

Know About the Physical Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is a word of Sanskrit language that means union. It is a practice which uses posture and breathing techniques inducing relaxation and improving strength. Different types of yoga help in giving physical, mental, and spiritual benefits for individuals. Let us know about the physical benefits of yoga.

Flexibility:
The body becomes more flexible by stretching it in new ways. A greater range of motion to muscles and joints is brought through stretching. A gain in flexibility in hamstrings, back, shoulders, and hips can be expected through yoga.

Strength:
Support of the weight of the body by themselves is done by many yoga poses. This may include balancing on one leg or supporting with arms. Movement of oneself slowly in and out of poses through yoga may increase strength.

Muscle Tone:
As the strength of the body increases, muscle tone is also increased. Shape of long and lean muscles can be maintained by yoga.

Pain Prevention:
With increase in flexibility and strength of the body, several causes of some types of pain can be prevented. Tightness and spinal compression may be caused in people who spend a lot of time sitting at a computer or driving a car. The alignment of body can be improved through yoga, in and out of the class, preventing many types of pain.

Better Breathing:
Focus on the attention of breathing is given through yoga breathing exercises called as Pranayama. Nasal passages can be cleared and the central nervous system gets calmed due to yoga breathing exercises. This helps in bringing physical and mental benefits.

Yoga can be taught at many institutions. Yoga teacher training and yoga certification has gained a lot of importance these days.


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