Yoga is an increasingly popular practice that both the young and the old enjoy. Meant to help individuals link the mind, spirit and body, it is an ancient art that involves both mental and physical aspects.
It can also be learned online through videos on YouTube or other sites, instructional books or in-person or virtual sessions with a professional instructor like Gale Tobin. If you are considering pursuing yoga as a hobby, you probably have questions about it. Here are three questions commonly posed by individuals expressing an interest in it, ones you may share.
1. Does Yoga Help You Lose Weight?
This is a commonly asked question, not just about yoga, but about practically any physical endeavor touted as a good pastime. There is actually more than one type of yoga, and the type determines how effective it may contribute to weight loss as part of a weight-loss regimen. One that is more focused on mindfulness and meditation will not be as good for burning calories. High-intensity yoga designed to develop strength and endurance will naturally be better in this regard. As a part of a regular weight loss routine, yoga can help you drop pounds. It can also help you sleep better, which has been shown to also aid in weight loss.
2. Does Yoga Really Boost Mental Health?
The practice is often associated with and recommended for its mental health benefits, and for good reason. It incorporates meditation and breathing techniques that help individuals find calm and mindfulness. Besides strengthening the body, yoga has also been shown to sharpen the brain. It also aids in stress relief and the physical benefits of exercise and more sleep boost overall health, which in turn is good for mental health.
3. Does Yoga Require Flexibility?
When individuals think about yoga, they probably envision people in complicated poses and stretches, with their limbs contorted into complex positions. Because of this, it is normal for people to worry that they don’t have the necessary flexibility to do it. However, many beginners are not flexible; in fact, yoga helps develop flexibility, another common reason people take it up. Many of the starter exercises are easy in terms of flexibility as well, and even if they aren’t, there is no need to worry because a learning curve is natural.
Yoga comes with many advantages, physical, mental and spiritual. It can aid in weight loss, stress and anxiety relief and more and is beginner-friendly.