Yoga is not just sitting around doing some gentle stretches – it is strengthing (try holding down-dig for 5 minutes), it is challenging mentally (when did you last balance on your arms or head) and it is challenging physically (holding the standing poses works muscles of the whole body and core in a functional way).
Strength as well as flexibility – Strength training helps you live longer. Scientific research has recently shown that strength training is more effective than aerobic training for improving long term health. The many arm and leg balances in yoga build strength in deep core muscles as well as the limbs.
High intensity exercise can make you fat – Repetitve high stress exercise, especially if it lasts longer than 45 minutes, has been shown to increase the body’s levels of the stress hormone cortisol – one of the actions of cortisol is to increase water and fat retention – so high stress long duration exercise can actually make you fatter.
Challenge without stress – Yoga classes can be very challenging physically, but the deep breathing techniques and variety of movements ensure you burn calories without increasing levels of damaging stress hormones.
Progressive asana development – You never peak in yoga – the progressive balances, back bends and inversions as well as standing and seated stretches mean there is always a new challenge to aim for, you really learn to enjoy the journey not just the destination.
Improved aerobic fitness – Vinyasa Flow styles of Yoga class keep you moving throughout the class using a variety of postures so you burn more calories without stressing the joints with repetitive movements.
Complete health system – Yoga asana with Vinyasa flows massage the internal organs and balance the nervous system so the entire body’s functioning is improved –
all the internal organs get fresh blood flow;
the cardiovascular system is strengthened and the hearts ability to pump more blood with each beat in improved;
the respiratory system is improved by learning to use the entire lung effectively;
the breathing techniques used improved the heart function as well as calming and focusing the mind;
the activity of the autonomic nervous system (your fight or flight stress response) is calmed and balanced.
Take your practice home – If you want to develop your own daily practice, spending some time in a class with an experienced teacher initially will give you the techniques to do so safely without injury (poor technique can damage joints and only face to face training lets the teacher see what your body needs to work on). Once you have the basics you don’t need any special equipment to practice – you can take your workout literally anywhere.
It’s like taking a short break from daily life – the focus encouraged in class gives your mind a rest from all the other thoughts it carries around so you can take a break your daily life and recharge you energy levels in a fun and challenging way.