More than 11 million Americans currently practice this 5,000-year-old form of exercise. Many have already discovered the mental and emotional benefits of sun salutations and other series of poses. According to a Boston University School of Medicine study, those who perform an hour-long series of yoga poses have higher levels of GABA, a brain chemical that strongly correlates with mood regulation and stress relief. Women who regularly practice yoga tend to experience higher levels of body satisfaction compared to women who engage in running, biking and other popular forms of aerobic exercise.
Weekly sessions of yoga can be beneficial for low back pain. The improved balance and coordination associated with regularly participating in the various poses can help protect the elderly from the falls that can be so devastating later in life. The stretching, toning and coordinated breathing of each pose or series of poses can even help manage chronic conditions as they give you a break from a stressful world.
Yoga is easy, requires no special skills and can even be performed in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Whether you participate in group classes or use DVDs, you can benefit from this peaceful exercise and enjoy renewed energy, improved fitness and enhanced peace of mind. Start today if you are ready to enjoy some healthy, indulgent me time.