BASICSImproving Balance
Many poses in the practice work on balance, but one of the
major components of every pose is engaging the core mus-
cles. Doing so teaches you to center your body and achieve
physical balance with ease. This balance sometimes starts to
transfer into our daily lives as well. So, you might also create
a better work-life balance, too.
Easing Stress
Yoga gives you the tools to relax, either through asana,
breath work, or meditation. Breathing in a deep mindful
manner calms the nervous system. The physical practice
produces endorphins, and meditation brings clarity. (Endor-
phins are hormones that produce a feeling of well-being.)
Perfecting Your Posture
Yoga strengthens the muscles of the core (generally, the
abdomen and lower back), which causes your body to seek
out a more proper upright position. It also keeps the spine
supple and its surrounding muscles flexible.
Improving Circulation
Yoga has many proven benefits for the heart, including
lowering blood pressure and lowering heart rate. Also, the
movement associated with yoga encourages the body’s
lymph fluid to drain more properly. Lymph contains the
white blood cells in the human immune system.