Good life? Add yoga!


When I talk to people who haven’t tried yoga, I always hear the same…

“I’ve always wanted to try yoga”
“I’m not flexible enough to do yoga”
“Yoga’s not enough of a workout for me”

…but my response is always the same – “You should give it a go and let me share why..

It doesn’t matter if you can’t touch your toes – I’m still working on my flexibility, my problem hamstrings and tight hips. It doesn’t matter if you’re not strong, not patient or not able to sit still. We all start somewhere – at the beginning. Most people who have a regular yoga practice are not dancers, not gymnasts, and not “yogis.” They’re just people who wanted to give yoga a try. They wanted to control their breathing, move their bodies and find even a few moments of peace in this crazy life.

There are many reasons why you should try yoga. For me, life is just much better, much happier and more positive with yoga playing its part. It helps me clear the cobwebs of the day and connect the dots when parts of life feel like they’re drifting.

Each morning my vinyasa practice rips me to pieces and rebuilds me stronger than ever. It’s hard, mentally and physically, combining strength, cardio, and flexibility and by the end, I’ve given everything I have. My muscles are exhausted, my mind pushed to the limit, and my body drenched in sweat. I’m also energised, rejuvenated, clear headed and motivated to take on the day.

When I first started this practice in my twenties, I was anxious. I was unhappy. I was strong but not flexible. I had never turned upside down. I couldn’t balance on one foot. I couldn’t even do a single “chaturanga” (yoga pushup). Today I’m stronger than ever inside and out. If I can do it, so can you.

You don’t have to do yoga my way. You don’t have to practice daily, and if you do, you don’t have to stay on your mat for a set amount of time. All you have to do is show up and breathe. That’s all. Movement is optional!

No matter your age, your physical capabilities, your current weight or your fitness goals, life is good with yoga! Whether you’re taking one yoga class a week, spending five minutes mindfully stretching each morning, or doing something more, your body and mind will thank you for it.

So let’s talk about why you need yoga in your life…

Less anxiety and a better mood. Practicing yoga increases levels of chemicals in the brain that help combat anxiety and depression, high blood pressure and cardiac disease.

Less stress. Long-term yoga practice help you recovery from stressful events more quickly.

Better management of rheumatoid arthritis. Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis report significant improvements in their quality of life after starting a gentle yoga practice.

Better balance. Clearing the mind and bringing your focus on the body helps to find balance. Medically, Yoga is used in the treatment of stroke patients to improve balance, decrease fear of falling, and improve quality of life.

Less back pain. The UK’s largest ever study into the benefits of yoga for low back pain has proved what yoga practitioners have known anecdotally for years: that yoga works.

Whatever ails you, yoga can help. Other studies have linked yoga with improvements in the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, migraines, and more.

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