Yoga unifies the body, mind, and spirit. Here are just a few of the MANY physical and mental benefits of yoga.

Yoga strengthens muscles and bones.

  • stretching lengthens and tones muscles and proper alignment improves posture and balances the muscular system, lessening wear and tear on your body as you age
  • yoga stimulates synovial fluid in joints to keep healthy joints health
  •  weight bearing postures (asanas) build bone density and deep relaxation balances endocrine system, helping to form strong healthy bones

Yoga increases flexibility and range of motion.

  • yoga increases mobility, decreases stiffness and discomfort, and aligns the skeletal and muscular system which decreases risk of injury

Yoga reduces pain and can be therapeutic.

  • stretches and twists release tension and tightness, decreasing soreness
  • proper alignment prevents wear and tear on ligaments/tendons and promotes healing

Yoga improves circulation and the various systems of the body.

  • rotating, extending, flexing, and pressing body parts into one another and into the ground stimulates glands and organs, which has a massaging effect on the body
  • these actions increase circulation, detoxifies, and rejuvenates the glands and organs by delivering all the cells of the body with a rich supply of nutrients and oxygen, balancing and improving the respiratory, digestive, nervous, circulatory, hormonal, reproductive, immune, and elimination systems

Yoga improves lung function.

  • deep yogic breathing strengthens inspiratory and expiratory muscles, improving pulmonary function while profoundly soothing the nervous system

Yoga creates peace of mind and improves intellectual abilities.

  • equilibrium of the body creates balance of the mind
  • yoga faciliates hormonal secretions, which improves mood
  • dedicated practice enables the body and mind to rise to higher levels of functioning, including improved memory, concentration, dexterity, reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills

Yoga develops body intelligence.

  • detailed alignment instructions and encouragement helps students ‘feel’ postures
  • awareness of the body improves attentiveness to the body on and off the mat

Yoga is for all ages and all walks of life.

  • postures (asanas) can be modified and practiced to suit any age and any level of physical condition without straining the body and the systems within
  • yoga helps resist illness in elderly students whose healing abilities decrease with age
  • for athletes, yoga shapes the body, increases range of motion, poise, ability to focus, hand-eye coordination, and decreases performance anxiety
  • yoga improves adolescents concentration and memory for studying, keeps them physically active, and reduces stress and anxiety
  • yoga engages children physically, balances their energy level, and boosts their immune system for a healthy future

Weatherson, Carolyn. Maha Pura YTT Manual – Level I (2009)