I’ve been doing yoga for a long time. It’s a part of my workout routine. Even the fact that I’m able to complete it in 15 minutes of practice, I can feel the difference in my mental and physical well-being.
With June 21 celebrated as International Yoga Day, I decided to find out more about why this ancient spiritual-practice-turned-fitness craze became so popular, looking to Trevor Cassidy, group fitness manager and fitness instructor at the CU Anschutz Medical and Wellness Center, for insight.
Below, Cassidy, who teaches different styles of yoga with other classes in exercise discusses the broad array of advantages yoga has to provide – from calming minds to more flexible feet.
Flexibility and mobility
The advantages that immediately spring to the mind are flexibility and mobility. Two things that are important to perform. If you’re a marathon runner or you enjoy hiking in the summer months or sit on your computer for several hours every day, these tasks can be very demanding the body. Engaging in the practice of engaging your body fully will allow you to improve your performance and overall Medical in all your activities beyond yoga.
Balance
Balance is a crucial aspect and is more difficult to train since the balance of your body isn’t the same as muscles, so you aren’t able to train it in the same manner however, it becomes important, particularly as you age. Yoga can help balance more than any other form of group fitness. Balance is a functional activity that connects your body to your brain. It literally rewires your neuro pathways.
Mindfulness
There is a ton of new studies that show how mindfulness can be a highly beneficial tool to boost your mental well-being. The phrase that has been around since I started practicing yoga in the past that’s still true is that yoga is a meditative practice that moves. The way that yoga integrates moving and mindfulness can make the practice of mindfulness “click” for a lot of people.
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A body connection
Yoga is a way to connect with your body, in a manner which, according to my own personal experience, has led to healing for my relationship to my body. It is a feeling that comes out as time passes – an inner knowing, a sense of self-compassion. If you can really be quiet and observe your body moving and you begin to develop an impression of a deep personal confidence in your body as well as in your self. As time passes, you begin to feel the stretch when it develops, and you can feel it more relaxed when you take your next breath or the next yoga session.
For me, it has been truly unique and beautiful. It has brought me lots of contentment with my body. There was a time when I was struggling over my image of myself. Most people experience this. Yoga changed this for me. The body and the person you’re with is the most intimate relationship, and the longest one, you’ll ever experience throughout your life. It’s essential to spend time in order to fully be within your body and experience the sensation of being alive. It’s an amazing feeling.
Community feeling
Another benefit to mental Medical, in a studio is the social aspect.
I have a fitness group background and this is something that I observe in all of our classes and studios. There is a sense of belonging. This could be lost in the mix of all the other wonderful advantages of yoga, however it’s one I believe is vital, particularly when you are coming out from the pandemic. I was shocked by how many people were missing that aspect of it: being part of a community with one others. Making friends with your instructor as well as the other people present in the room make yoga classes seem less like something to be added to your list of things to do, and more like a time spent with your friends. In no time you’ve got a regular yoga routine and are experiencing the advantages , physical, mental and social.
A wide range of styles
I was trained in a more physical form of yoga which is called a vinyasa power-flow. Vinyasa refers to linking breath and movements. However, as I’ve been practicing it, and getting older and more creaky I’ve found a love for more restorative forms of yoga and the ones that provide a sense of support. At present I’m teaching a vinyasa flow yoga class as well as a slow-flow class where we’ll stretch out in a fun way as well as some restorative postures as well as some great meditation.
Numerous online sources
I enjoy being within a studio environment However, I don’t think there’s any wrong starting point. My personal journey with yoga, I began from the private space of my home via YouTube. There are many websites online, and more after the outbreak. I watched videos on YouTube and it was a great way to master some fundamentals. It also helped me feel more confident when I walked into the studio as it’s a bit intimidating when you’re taking classes you’ve never taken before. It’s also the reason that we live stream the yoga classes in Anschutz Medical and Wellness Center. Anschutz Medical and Wellness Center.
Beginners are welcome
My top beginner poses are those that can be performed on the ground. However, we’re going for a more relaxing approach here: happy baby pose and child’s pose every for five breaths. If you’ve got an extra pillow or yoga bolster in your home in the morning my favorite pose is a fish-supported pose in which you lie face-up on the bolster, then into the child’s posture supported by the bolster. you lie down and hug the bolster. The two-pose series in this little book is the best thing ever.
Exercise routine is rounded out
I believe the recommended amount is to do at least 60 minutes each week of movement routine or flexibility. This is something that I’m familiar with as I teach a variety of different fitness styles that I’m taking part in a significant portion of the classes. I’ve learned from personal experiences that yoga being part of the mix helps protect the body as well as keeps it in motion. It’s for me, an essential part of cross-training.
The excess of something can be excessive. If you’re only running or is sitting at a desk for 8 hours every day, without moving much even if it is a rigorous training program for weightlifting, you’ll need to incorporate some form of mobility, stretching and recovery. In the long run you could end up with injuries.
It’s essential to have an assortment of things: fitness, strength and mobility, as well as something that will get your heart moving a little too. Yoga for me is the most effective mobility program since its advantages extend beyond the cross-training. It’s not necessary to take the word of my mouth. There are thousands of years of yoga instructors that I’m certain will agree!
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