Yin Yang Yoga – Yoga was developed nearly 5,000 years ago, and millions today are reaping the health benefits of regular yoga practice such as yin yang yoga, vera yoga, reiki yoga and haute yoga. Those who perform yin yang yoga exercises daily experience improved muscle flexibility, core strength, stamina and vitality, along with improved emotional health. There are many resources available for those interested in this beneficial daily practice.
Yin Yang Yoga For Muscle Flexibility
Many people are put off to the idea of yin yang yoga because they think they need a gymnast’s strength and a dancer’s flexibility to practice it. The truth is, it’s never too late to improve flexibility. The repetition of stretches done in yoga will help release any build up of lactic acid that causes pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints. The result is a relaxed, fluid feeling as one continues yoga exercises. Many participants experience improved flexibility within weeks of beginning their yin yang yoga exercises.
Improved flexibility means a number of health benefits for those who achieve it. Flexibility reduces the risk of back problems, improves range of motion in the joints, provides better circulation and concentration and can relieve chronic pain.
Yin Yang Yoga For Core Strength
Dancers are often envied for their lean bodies and perfect posture. The same effect can be achieved through regular yoga practice. Most of the sitting and standing yoga poses and exercises build core strength, and a strong core means a better awareness of posture. With a strong core and good abdominals, a person is more likely to sit and walk straight and tall. A good posture prevents back pain.
Some yoga exercises are more intense than others and were developed by professionals to build strength. Power Yoga Total Body Workout by Rodney Yee is one such instructional video that provides complete strength and flexibility training for the whole body, but it is not for the yoga beginner. Luckily, Yee provides instructional videos for yoga practitioners of all levels: beginners to the avid, experienced practitioner. Local YMCAs also frequently offer yoga classes, for those interested who are more social.
Yoga for Heart Health
The deep breathing involved in yoga exercises has been proven to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate. A slower heart rate can benefit people with hypertension, heart disease and stroke. Yoga exercise has also been linked to a decrease in cholesterol levels, and can boost the immune system.
Yoga For Emotional Health
The emotional effects of yoga are felt almost instantly. The relaxed atmosphere and meditation bring a feeling of serenity and releases stress and anxiety. This is because the relaxation involved in doing yoga results in a decrease of catecholamines, which are hormones produced in response to stress. A decrease in these hormones creates a feeling of calm. Patients of depression have also found that this helps in treating their disease.
The practice of daily yoga exercises provides millions of people with beneficial, healthy results, and getting started is so easy. The purchase of a yoga mat is all that’s need, though later some increase the difficulty of their workouts by adding weights to the wrists and ankles. Find a local class, purchase an instructional video and begin reaping the many benefits of daily yoga exercise!
Weightless Exercises
“I don’t possess the equipment or the space for a home gym!” “I can’t afford to join a gym!” “I don’t like weight lifting!” Motives for not exercising? Perhaps the following suggested activities will provoke submission. Yoga, pilates, bodyweight exercises, tai chi and qigong (chi kung) are all modes of exercise that don’t require a gym membership, equipment or much space, to practice.
Yoga
The ancient practice of yoga helps to facilitate a union of the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions bringing balance and harmony. As you practice yoga asanas or poses you gain strength, flexibility and a more toned body. Yoga also helps to stabilize and balance metabolism, which helps control weight. Fat is eliminated around the cells as a result of stretching and muscle elongation during yoga. Yoga also promotes focused breathing while doing asanas. Focused breathing produces calming effects essential to dissolving stress and anxiety. Consciousness is also elevated through yoga, making yoga a discipline that enriches the total being.
Pilates
Pilates is a form of exercise that incorporates body and mind using controlled movements and dynamic tension. Dynamic tension is the process of muscle working against muscle. Pilates exercises focus on core, lower back and glutes but like yoga build total body strength, increases flexibility and encouraging mind and body control.
Bodyweight Exercises
Bodyweight exercises or calisthenics as they are sometimes called, consist of simple movements which do not require weights or equipment. Increased body strength and flexibility are developed using one’s own body for resistance. Grouping various movements together can produce toning, strength, endurance and flexibility. Bodyweight exercises include squats, push-up, dips, sit-ups, crunches, good mornings and pelvic thrust just to name a few. Customize your workout to include all major muscle groups or address areas of weakness.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is an eastern discipline sometime called a soft martial art. Tai chi involves slow controlled movement aligned with proper breathing techniques. These slow gentle movements make tai chi ideal for all ages. Although tai chi can be used as a martial art, today many practitioners utilize it for its physical and mental benefits. Researchers say there is evidence tai chi promotes better balance, reducing the risk of falling in older adults, improved flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Tai chi’s movements and breath control are also ideal for stress management and promoting a tranquel mind.
Qigong (Chi Kung)
Qigong, another Eastern discipline focusing on the mind and body, has martial as well as health applications. Qigong can be practiced as ‘still qigong’ or ‘moving qigong’. Still qigong emphasizes quiet meditation and breathing while moving qigong incorporates the principles of still qigong with movement of the limbs and body. Health benefits associated with qigong. Practicing qigong strengthens the body and heightens its ability to abbreviate illness.
It is important to incorporate some form of physical activity into your lifestyle. There is a plethora of physical activities to choose from; above suggestions represent a small sampling. Make a commitment to become physically active today; the benefit you’ll receive can dramatically improve the quality of your life. Remember a well-rounded fitness program includes healthy eating, aerobic activity and resistance training. Strive to exercise 30 minutes a day 5 times per week.
