Yoga has gained much popularity in the last few years, and it’s no wonder! There are so many benefits to a yoga practice, so let’s take a look at some of the biggest benefits of a yoga practice.

1. Improve Flexibility 

The postures and stretches can help you to improve your flexibility. As we age, we tend to become less flexible. Losing flexibility can cause issues with our muscles and joints, meaning that we are more prone to injury. Yoga is also complementary to high-intensity fitness. If you’re a runner or on a sports team, a yoga practice can help you to soothe aching muscles. Stretching is useful for people who are recovering from muscle injuries. You can also aid your recovery with the help of a Chiropractor.

2. Build Core strength 

Practicing yoga is a great way to improve your core strength. After a month or so of classes, you’ll feel stronger and more toned. When your core is strong you’ll be more fit, mobile, and less likely to become injured. Hatha yoga classes are suitable for beginners, while Ashtanga is aimed at advanced practitioners. Your instructor can help you to choose the right class, depending on your level. With the right type of yoga class you can achieve your fitness goals.

3 . Reduce Stress

Yoga is one of the best ways to reduce stress levels and relax. Studies show that our cortisol levels decrease, after just a few weeks of yoga. Cortisol is the stress hormone that causes us to feel tense and anxious. When stress is left unchecked it can severely affect your physical and mental health. We must have adequate techniques to ease our stress levels.

4. Improve Balance 

Yoga is also helpful to improve balance, throughout a yoga class you’ll practice balances as well as static poses. There are many different balances you might try including wild thing, tree poses, or firefly. Yoga balances can help you to focus on the present moment, which is a great way to practice mindfulness. Most yoga classes will also incorporate elements of both mindfulness and mediation. Each time you practice your balances, you’ll make a little improvement.

5. Improve Sleep

Lastly, yoga is a great way to improve sleep. After a yoga class, you’ll find that you feel relaxed and calm. Yoga focuses on breathing techniques that are useful to feel at peace and ease tension. If you suffer from insomnia yoga is one of the best exercises that you can do. Yin Yoga is one of the best styles to promote sleep. The style involves holding deep stretches, and mainly floor poses. You’ll hold each posture for 5-8 minutes, with the help of props. Hatha is also a gentle style that can be useful to improve your sleep.

The best thing to do is to book into a yoga class, your instructor will talk to you about your level, and help you to achieve your goals. To improve your home yoga practice, you might like to try a yoga application.