The benefits of yoga and yoga retreats
by Sylvia on 13/03/09 at 6:07 am
I like to talk to you about yoga today. I’m sure you know what yoga is but for those who don’t, here is a definition from Wikipedia.
Yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. The word is associated with meditative practices in both Buddhism and Hinduism. In Hinduism, it also refers to one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, and to the goal toward which that school directs its practices.
image by myyogaonline
The definition refers to the purest form of yoga where meditation plays an important part. However, many people today use yoga as a form of exercize and the meditation part is usually very short (if at all existing) in a lesson. Although this is a pity, it has also helped yoga become more popular and nowadays there are many yoga schools to be found everywhere.
I love doing yoga and feel that my body needs it. I find that it is incredibly good for stretching out your body and becoming more flexible. This helps to prevent (sport) injuries and I’m less prone to injuries in other (sport) activities. However, as I get busier with work, yoga usually suffers and I now don’t go nearly as often as would like or should do.
In order to still get my yoga practice in, I have now put a yoga mat on the floor of my office so I can do my stretches and poses every time I need to take a computer break. Let’s highlight the benefits of yoga to remind you and me of why we really should be practicing yoga on a regular basis.
Increase flexibility
Yoga’s various positions all work to increase the flexibility in your body.
Internal massage and lubrication
You exercize, lubricate and massage your internal organs, joints, ligaments and tendons which helps to fight of desease and increase flexibility all over your body.
You will get healthier
You become aware of any inbalances quicker and yoga also helps to improve your immune system.
You detoxify
The stretching exercises help to clear toxins from your body, which in turn helps you to stay healthier and more energetic.
You look better
By toning your muscles you will start to look stronger and more toned. Practicing yoga on a regular basis will also help to lose weight.
You will become stronger
Although you will build up slowly, many yoga positions require a lot of strength and therefore you will definitly get stronger and steady on your feet. You will also gain a better sense of balance.
You become more relaxed
Yoga will help to decrease your pulse rate, stabilise your nervous system and lower your blood pressure. You will also become more proficient in breathing.
Your energy level and endurance increases
Yoga is not as easy as you may think and you will build up stamina as you go into more challenging poses.
Reasons enough to step up that yoga regime!
Yoga retreats
However, if you do have trouble finding the time to schedule yoga in your week, why not consider going for a yoga holiday? There are some fantastic yoga retreats around the world and you will come home completely refreshed. I have already planned my yoga retreat for this year and if you can afford it I would encourage you to do the same.
Here is a website of some wonderful yoga retreats around the world.
I’d like to know about your yoga experiences. Has it benefited you? Have you ever attended a yoga retreat?
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