Top 10 Benefits of Yoga Backed By Science

It’s been practiced for centuries - but can yoga really offer you a healthier, longer life? 

Yoga is a complementary therapy and effective exercise involving the whole body. If you are looking for exercises that will improve your flexibility, yoga might just be the perfect option. Here’s why...

1. Improved Muscle Strength

Yoga actively involves your muscles and mind, and this results in a holistic physiological effect. As you stretch your muscles, the muscle fibers become compact, leaving your muscles stronger and healthier. Repeated yoga poses also improve your muscle stamina, making you stronger.

2. Enhanced Body Flexibility

One of the major and notable benefits of yoga is improved flexibility. Consistent yoga sessions make your muscles and the connective tissues loose. In addition, yoga helps in strengthening your joints, reducing the pain and discomfort associated with a sedentary lifestyle. As a result, you become more flexible and can easily engage in more vigorous activities. Most importantly, wearing the right yoga outfit during your practices plays a major role in enhancing the required body movements and posture.

3. Enhanced Cardiovascular Functions

According to research published by the American Heart Association, yoga has been associated with lowering cardiovascular risk factors. In addition to improving your blood pressure, yoga helps in the reduction of your cholesterol and triglycerides levels, which in turn improves your overall cardiovascular functions. Reduced risk of heart attack and high blood pressure (which can cause stroke) are just two of the amazing benefits of better heart health.

4. Improved Respiratory Functions

As you breathe in and out during your yoga practices, your respiratory system is actively engaged. The vertical breathing ensures an even opening of the lungs, leading to proper oxygen circulation. Continued practice eventually leads to stronger respiratory muscles. As a result, there is improved oxygen saturation and better tissue perfusion.

5. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

According to The International Journal of Yoga, the therapeutic technique used in yoga allows you to concentrate on the present. In the process, your hypothalamus is actively engaged. This leads to an inhibition of the hypothalamus’ sympathetic region, which in turn helps the body manage the stress stimuli. The automatic regulatory reflex that causes stress is restored. In addition, yoga has been associated with the inhibition of the part of the brain responsible for fear, giving you a rewarding pleasure that eliminates stress and anxiety. 

6. Treating Chronic Joint Pain and Inflammation

Chronic joint pain associated with conditions such as arthritis and Carpel Tunnel syndrome is effectively managed through yoga. With continuous yoga practices, your muscles and joints gradually loosen, and this reduces the stress exerted on the affected body part. The connective tissues around your joints and muscles also loosen, and this relieves the pain around your joints. Yoga demands that you stretch your joints fully. This allows your body to experience fresh oxygen and blood flow, and other nutrients that could not be easily absorbed prior to the exercises.

7. Improved Sleep Patterns

Sleep apnea is associated with low oxygen saturation. Yoga, on the other hand, improves oxygen saturation, which in turn improves your mental relaxation, giving you peace of mind. As a result, you experience reduced sleep latency and disturbances. It is this effect that lets you enjoy improved sleep quality. 

8. Management and Treatment of Depression and Panic Disorder

According to the American Family Physician, more than 19% of U.S. adults experience depression and panic disorders in the course of their lifetime. With consistent yoga sessions coupled with the meditation therapy, your body experiences an increased level of serotonin, which results in a reduction in the monoamine oxidase responsible for conditioned fear and stress. This lowers stress levels, helping you effectively manage depression.

9. Improved Your Body Posture

In addition to improving your flexibility, yoga enhances your body balance. As you stretch, the exercises balance your muscles, while also strengthening any weak points. Regular exercises tend to stretch your chest and back muscles, giving you an upright posture. It is also important to consider your yoga outfit, as this also plays an important role in maintaining the right posture as you exercise. 

10. Improved Breathing

The breathing techniques applied in yoga are usually controlled, giving you a more relaxed feeling. Your lung capacity is equally improved, and can also be a great remedy if you suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma. Slow, focused breathing is also central to good mental health.  

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