By: Macaila Britton

Many people are aware of the fact that yoga is great for the body. Magazines say so, celebrities rave about it and doctors suggest it. But what exactly is special about yoga? There is more to this ancient practice than touching your toes. Yoga helps with many things. Plus, it’s a great way to keep in shape. This is why yoga is beneficial for the mind and body.

1. Improves Sleep

The regular practicing of yoga improves sleeping habits. Yoga helps to relax the mind, allowing the body to fall asleep faster and easier. Plus, the breathing exercises practiced in class can be used at night when needing to relax from a busy day.

2. Decreases Stress and Anxiety

It is also a great way to de stress and be in the moment. Yoga is a mind-body practice, meaning that it is both a physical and mental workout/ challenge. Haha yoga is one style that is particularly great for this need. Haha focuses on breathing/ breath control.

3. Improves Flexibility

Practicing yoga will release tension in the body. It gently stretches and lengthens the muscles, while helping to relieve aches and pains. Yoga also improves posture. Yoga Journal has a great article about the science of flexibility. Read it here!

4. prevents the body from breaking down

Yoga takes the joints through their full range of motion when practiced. This will help prevent arthritis, and other muscle or joint issues. When practicing, we are using the cartilage that is not normally used. If we do not make it a habit to work this part of our bodies, the cartilage can eventually wear out.

5. Boosts confidence

Yoga allows us to become more aware of ourselves. When we master a once difficult pose or take the advanced class, something happens. We begin to feel stronger and proud of ourselves for accomplishing something we once dreamed of or thought could never happen.

6. Aids in weight loss

Yoga transforms the body from the inside out. Detoxing from the foods we eat, helping us rewire our minds for more positivity and success. This is known for leading those who practice to live healthier lifestyles and food choices. Yoga is also beneficial for weight loss because of the variety of classes. Hot yoga, vinyasa flow, barre yoga, etc. all focus on moving the body. The different intensities and instructors allow for various fitness goals to become feasible.

7. Health Benefits

Yoga has many health benefits. From decreasing stress and anxiety, to easing physical pains. A few of the most popular health conditions that yoga is beneficial for are: asthma, arthritis, cancer and spinal issues. Yoga is gentle on the body, allowing it to move at a comfortable speed, preventing strain.

8. Brain booster

Yoga boosts the ability to recall facts and allows for the mind to have clarity. The time set aside for meditation and stillness in class/ an at home practice allows for the mind to relax.

9. Fitness

Yoga is great for everyone of all fitness levels. There are multiple ways to incorporate yoga into your fitness routine. It is great to sweat and rid the body of toxins. There are a variety of classes that target different parts of the body, burning fat and toning the muscles.

10. Great For Digestion

If our organs are full of toxins (processed foods, too much sugar, etc.), detoxing is a great way to help break down foods allowing for our body to fully function and function correctly. Yoga Journal is famous for saying "when your gut is off, your whole day can follow suit". Yoga helps regulate bowels and help with bloating.