No longer a workout seemingly reserved for zen masters and flexible fitness buffs, yoga is becoming more popular than ever. In fact, industry statistics from Loud Cloud Health predict that more than 55 million people will start practicing yoga by this year, around the world. Indeed, yoga knows no age, gender, or fitness level. Almost anyone can reap its many benefits—whether it’s a clearer mental space or a healthier body you’re after. With the new year in full swing, there’s no better time than now to try this life-enriching activity. Here are more reasons why you should join the yoga craze.
It’s the perfect time to detoxify—both your body and spirit.
The beginning of the year is always the best time to let go of last year’s woes and start with a clean slate. Previous research here at Yogacara reveals how yoga is an excellent way to detoxify yourself, both of negative feelings and actual body toxins. Poses such as twists and inversions are good for increasing blood circulation and stimulating the lymphatic system. Meanwhile, focusing on your breathing helps you exhale the negativity.
There are new options for every pace.
One common misconception about yoga is that it’s all slow movements and steady breaths. But for those looking for a more intense burn, there’s now the option of high-intensity training (HIIT) yoga. Similar to other “fusion” fitness classes like yoga-lates (yoga and pilates) and barre (ballet and pilates), HIIT yoga combines the sharp bursts of HIIT and the dynamic stretching of yoga. The result is a great workout that will leave you feeling both energized and empowered.
It’ll help you reach your weight goals.
If one of your new year’s resolutions is to lose weight, then yoga can definitely help. Yoga instructor Mandy Ingber explains that yoga is equal parts strength training, flexibility, balance, and endurance. As such, you can expect to torch at least 180 to 600 calories per hour, depending on your body weight and the type of yoga that you do. Generally, you’ll burn more in a Bikram or Vinyasa session than you would in a restorative yoga class.
It relieves pain.
According to studies on Medical News Today, the older you get, the more likely it is for your body to experience random bouts of pain. These can be triggered by anything, be it from sitting at your desk too long, or climbing too many steps. Fortunately, Pain Free Working details that yoga is an activity you can perform anywhere—from your home to your office desks. Poses such as chin lifts and eagle arms, for example, can work through the kinks around your neck. On the other hand, the extended triangle and a cobra pose can help alleviate back pain. Doing yoga regularly can even prevent the aches from occurring all together. The start of every new year is a great time to start a new hobby, begin a workout, and achieve health goals. If you’ve never tried yoga before, then it’s definitely an experience worth diving into.
Article produced for: whistleryogacara.com
Writer: Jenner Baxendale
Image Credit: pixabay.com