Benefits of Yoga

There are so many benefits of a consistent yoga practice! I’ve highlighted a few below as a general overview. Happy reading!
~ Jenn

Freeing the mind of clutter
This is the principle on which all of our adult classes are based. By freeing the mind of clutter through various physical poses (āsanas) and controlled breathing techniques (prāṇāyāmas), we are able to relax our body and mind, reduce our stress, and be present in the moment.

Will we still gain the physical benefits of yoga?
Absolutely. Yoga postures focus on building strength, balance, and flexibility. Practicing yoga encourages long, lean, strong bodies. Nearly every yoga pose builds core strength in the deep abdominal muscles. Many poses, such as downward dog and plank, build upper body strength. Standing poses build strength in your hamstrings, quadriceps, and abs while upward dog and chair pose strengthen the lower back. Practicing yoga regularly encourages weight loss and fat reduction. It helps to maintain a balanced metabolism while increasing muscle mass.

What are the health benefits of yoga?
Yoga has long been known to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate. A slower heart rate can benefit people with high blood pressure or heart disease, and people who have had a stroke. Yoga has also been linked to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, lower blood sugar, and increase immune system function. Yoga increases blood flow and circulation, prevents cartilage and joint breakdown, supports your connective tissue, and offers you better bone health. Yoga also encourages deeper sleep, which affects your overall well being.

Why early morning yoga?
Early morning yoga:
* regulates your sleep rhythm and balances your hormones
* helps build a healthy, consistent routine
* creates a more peaceful, calm, and grounded day
* increases your metabolism
* is a great alternative to caffeine
* AND…. no matter what the day brings, you get to say, “I already did yoga today – I’m awesome!”

Why Yoga for Teens?
“Aside from the physical benefits, yoga teaches teens techniques for coping with the unique issues they’re faced with everyday—insecurity about their changing bodies, the enormous pressure to fit in, stressful schedules, and uncertainty about their beliefs and their futures.” ~ Erica Rodefer, Yoga Journal

Physical Benefits
* Strength
* Flexibility
* Improved Posture
* Greater Balance
* Equalizes Energy (high and low)

Mental Benefits
* Teaches stress management techniques
* Improves decision making skills.
* Increases concentration
* Helps to develop a healthy body image
* Acceptance and gratitude (letting go of competition and judgement)

Spiritual Benefits
* Cultivates compassion and kindness
* Develops self awareness
* Encourages self-trust

Why yoga for kids?
*Builds self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-awareness
*Supports character development
*Promotes thinking and memory
*Stimulates auditory processing and responsiveness
*Relieves tension and stress
*Reduces anxiety (high or low)
*Develops discipline and self-control
*Expands imagination and creativity
*Supports individuality and self-expression while enhancing team skills and social interaction
*Improves focus, concentration, breathing, listening, and relaxation skills
*Improves ability to be less reactive; more mindful of thoughts, words and actions
*Relaxes the body, promoting better sleep
*Inspires respect for self and others
*Teaches valuable life tools that help kids deal with challenges with an open mind
*Yoga is fun, engaging and playful!

General benefits of yoga:
*Improves balance and coordination, posture and alignment, digestion and circulation
*Develops core strength, strengthens the immune system, and encourages a fit and healthy lifestyle
*Promotes an overall sense of well-being and encourages social awareness and responsibility