While we’re bombarded with commercials telling us about products to help us lose weight, get great abs and tone our muscles, we very seldom hear about yoga – an exercise that can do all of that and more.

Seen as many just as a way to maintain flexibility – something your everyday muscle building won’t do – yoga’s benefits extend far beyond that to a wide range of physical and psychological benefits.

Known as the single biggest benefit of yoga is flexibility. If you’ve ever seen a yoga class or checked out a yoga clothing site, you will be amazed by all the twisting and folding that a yoga practitioner can do. Practicing yoga brings a greater range of motion, particularly to your hamstrings, back, shoulders and hips.

The yoga poses, some of which may be held for prolonged periods, also help you build strength and muscle tone. While learning the poses you will also improve your balance.

Increased flexibility and strength also help in prevention of some types of pain. After a long drive, imagine how good it would feel when you go for a stretch. Back pains, shoulder pain and even carpal tunnel pain are some of the pains relieved by yoga, these are just some of the benefits yoga extends to your body.

During yoga you also focus extensively on breathing. As you move through a pose, learning to take slower and deeper breaths benefits your whole body. Be prepared for some light-headedness while your are still learning how to breathe properly during yoga as your blood is carrying a better supply of oxygen. This will happen during your first few attempts but don’t worry, it will pass. Controlling your breathing helps in reducing stress and managing pain.

While any exercise carries mental benefits as well as physical, the benefits of yoga come not from endorphins but from concentration and calmness. To calm your thoughts and to reduce stress, yoga encourages you to focus on your breathing as you move in to each position. You may find that yoga in the evening helps relax your mind and body for sleep.

You may need help beginning yoga, but that is as easy as enrolling in a class, buying a video, or even tuning in a television program. A carpeted area or a yoga mat and loose or flexible clothes are also needed. Whether in a class or alone, pay attention to your body. If a pose hurts, then use a modification or do not attempt it until you get stronger or more flexible. If you continue to do yoga, the poses will become easier and you might find that yoga is one of the best “you” times you can have.

About the author: Sheryl Sandidge writes as a hobby and maintains websites for St Louis featuring Yoga St Louis.

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