6 benefits of doing yoga

Yoga is an activity that has many followers because it involves more than a series of physical exercises. In the Indian tradition, it is essentially a philosophical way of life that includes several principles, from behavior towards oneself and others to a certain way of life, meditation, breathing exercises, a certain diet. All of them are aimed at physical and mental well-being. Apart from the lifestyle aspect, yoga can be a good choice as a physical activity. Below are a number of benefits that practicing yoga can have on your health.

Strengthening joints

Yoga exercises mobilize and activate all joints (tendons and ligaments) and surrounding muscles. Holding the poses for a few minutes helps to relax the joints, which become more flexible and also strengthen. People who practice yoga have a lower risk of injury because strong joints can better withstand the shock and stress of walking, climbing stairs, and playing certain sports such as running. Those who suffer from joint pain can choose yoga as a physical activity because it can help relieve them. Yoga can complement your maintenance routine, along with your doctor's prescription and joint supplements.

Improved breathing abilities

In yoga, it is very important to know how to breathe correctly, because the breath is coordinated with the movements. There are also special courses that teach specific breathing exercises. This can help you learn to better control your breathing. Breathing exercises are beneficial because blood circulation improves, which leads to better oxygenation of the brain, tissues, muscles, etc. It also helps in induce a state of calm and relaxation.

Strengthening your back

People who have more sedentary jobs that involve sitting at a desk for long hours can get many benefits by doing yoga because this physical activity helps strengthen the back. Many yoga poses relax and stretch the spine and tone the muscles that support it. When performed regularly, yoga exercises help relieve tension in the upper body, neck and shoulders, and strengthen the lumbosacral and abdominal region.

Posture correction

Yoga exercises help correct your posture, improving your balance. The brain naturally adjusts body position and movements in space, which become more accurate, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. This is especially beneficial for older people, for whom this risk is higher. The condition is that these physical exercises are practiced regularly.

Improved digestion

Less known is that yoga can improve digestion, being helpful in combating constipation and bloating. Certain postures and breathing exercises are useful for massaging the internal organs, helping to relieve digestive discomfort. Several studies have shown that yoga is beneficial for the digestive system and reduces stress, which can be a cause of abdominal discomfort.

Improved ability to concentrate

Aligning your body, synchronizing your breathing with your movements, rest periods between poses, and contracting certain parts of your body during exercise are all elements that can help you improve your ability to concentrate. And this skill can be applied to many aspects of life, not only in terms of physical activity, but also in the work that you do.

Yoga offers a wide range of health benefits, from relaxing muscles and strengthening bones and joints to reducing stress and anxiety, increasing concentration and maintaining balance. These are sufficient reasons to practice it regularly. In general, there are no risks associated with these exercises, but some people, such as pregnant women, people with back and neck injuries, and people with high blood pressure, should consult a doctor first.

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