Did you know that September is National Yoga Month?

In the last couple of weeks you may have noticed the yoga studio in your neighborhood offering free classes or pop-up events in the local park. Despite a history dating back thousands of years, it wasn’t until 2008 when the Department of Health and Human Services named September National Yoga Month as a way to spread awareness about the many positive health benefits of yoga practice. If you’ve never tried yoga before, maybe it’s because you thought it wasn’t for you, or there was something that held you back. I’m not that flexible! I’d be bored! I remember back when I was in high school, my wrestling coach signed our team up for a yoga class one weekend. It’s not so easy to get a group of teenage boys to put their pride aside and actively participate in something like yoga, but when your coach tells you to do something you do it. So, we did. It’s safe to say, we were humbled quickly. There’s a reason so many athletes and celebrities alike have been raving about yoga’s benefits - both physical and mental - for years. It’s a wonderful balance of the mind and body. Yoga allows you to find strength amid softness. Fall is the perfect time for a fresh start! Why not add a bit of yoga to your fitness routine? You’ll be so glad you did!

 

Why Not Give Yoga A Try?

First, there’s the physical benefits. If you’ve been to a yoga class before, I’m sure it wasn’t long before you realized, Wow, this is a lot harder than it looks! Yoga is a great test of balance and flexibility but also helps build strength in your arms, legs, back, core - basically your whole body! It’s also proven effective for improvement in a number of heart disease factors like blood pressure, BMI and cholesterol levels. Just as important as challenging yourself with difficult poses and pushing the limits of your strength, though, yoga is about looking inward. It’s important to remain conscious of how you feel as you move your body through each exercise. One of the ways that’s done is through concentrated breathwork. Breathing is one of the main pillars of yoga practice. This focus on correct breathing helps to ease stress and promote mindfulness. Others have found improved body image, anxiety relief, and even a more positive sex life as a result of consistent yoga practice.

 

It's For Everyone!

So, why wouldn’t you start TODAY?! You don’t even need a mat! There’s nothing quite like being outside on a beautiful day with your feet grounded in the earth beneath you. So go ahead and put your toes in the grass. Like all things, there isn’t just one way to do yoga. If the basic studio setting isn’t quite for you, maybe another type of yoga is...

Some Different Types Of Yoga Practices

Hot yoga - Extra challenging. Hot yoga takes place in a room of at least 105-degrees so you sweat out all the BS!

Acro yoga - Recommended for partners looking to deepen their connection or explore intimacy. Prenatal yoga - Great for pregnant women but also new moms. Includes a lot of squats and pelvic floor work. Goat yoga - Yup, you heard that right! Practice the sacred art of yoga alongside living, breathing goats. Sign up with some friends and make it a fun afternoon! If you’re a bit intimidated to just dive right into a class on your own , try watching an instructional video on YouTube or sign up with a friend for added support! Above all, be patient. One thing you’ll learn quickly, is that yoga is a true challenge both physically and mentally. That’s what makes it so rewarding. Sure, some of the poses are difficult but practice makes perfect! Remember, Yoga is for everybody. If you have to start slow and ease your way in...that’s OKAY! Here are a few basic poses if you’re a beginner looking to get started! Give them a try today.

 

Upward/Downward Facing Dog

Lengthens spine and strengthens abdominal and pelvic muscles

Warrior

Strengthens legs and improves balance.

Triangle

 

Lengthens spine and promotes posture and balance

 

 

By: Brendan S. September 14, 2021 Recovery