End the Debate: Wiping Down Your Yoga Mat

 

Lately, it seems that yoga has been embraced by all types of people. Scientists have done so much research proving yoga's effectiveness that it is time to end the debate about whether or not yoga is worthwhile. Nowadays, most people have moved on to debating various ways to optimize and improve yogic practice. At some point or another, almost every group of yoga enthusiasts will discuss yoga mat etiquette. It is unfortunate that in this day and age, there are people out there who don't clean their yoga mats after use. When you are coming out of a blissful, relaxing yoga session, your mind may be far from earthly matters like wiping down your mat. One must remember that if yoga is important for your health and well-being, so is cleanliness. 

From an economic standpoint, cleaning your mat could extend the life of the item. This is particularly important if you have invested in a high-quality mat. If you let sweat on your mat build up, this could deteriorate the sticky texture that keeps you from slipping while you work out. If you give your mat a quick wipe-down after every session, you won't have to engage in any hard scrubbing down the road. If you are like many yoga enthusiasts, you love doing yoga in a group setting. People with high standards of cleanliness and hygiene are always welcome at their favorite local yoga studios. Obviously, cleanliness has positive implications for your health. Like any other taxing physical activity, yoga exposes your mat to a variety of fungi and bacteria. Though we are mentally hardwired to particularly despise the germs of others, your sweat really isn't any less filthy than anyone else's. If you're a firm believer in showering regularly, you've already got the right mindset for keeping your exercise equipment germ-free and clean. 

While it might cost you a couple of minutes per day to wipe down your mat, this time investment is a small price to pay for the tremendous benefits of your daily yoga habit. The benefits of yoga are broad-based and comprehensive. Physically, this practice can help you stay flexible and limber through all stages of life. If practiced properly, yoga is associated with feelings of mental and spiritual wellness. People who enjoy yoga classes experience all the benefits of consistent social engagement. Although regular yoga aids practitioners of all ages, yoga can prove particularly crucial for people over 45. During this phase of your life, it is only natural for your body to lose some of its natural flexibility. You may also find it harder to keep off extra weight. Yoga addresses both of these issues and prepares you to remain healthy as you age. 

You may have noticed that some people walk rigidly and awkwardly at age 60. In contrast, some 75-year-olds can move around with perfect gracefulness and agility. The people in the latter category are far less prone to suffer debilitating injuries. Despite what you may think, most of these people do not have superhuman genes or intensely athletic lifestyles. To remain strong and dexterous as you age, you simply need to perform moderate exercise regularly. If you're considering doing yoga but haven't made up your mind, end the debate and purchase a yoga mat today. It won't take long before working out and wiping down your area becomes an ingrained routine.

How Yoga Fights High Blood Pressure

Yoga is an easy form of exercise that offers physical and mental benefits. There are numerous yoga poses that are appropriate for you when you need a gentle routine or when you are able to perform vigorous movements. If you have high blood pressure, then performing yoga can prevent additional damage to your heart, arteries or blood vessels. There are several ways that yoga fights your high blood pressure. 

1: Maintaining Your Weight

One of the best ways to reduce high blood pressure is by losing weight. Losing only a few pounds can make a big difference, and by having a daily yoga routine, you can lose weight without worrying about straining a muscle or breaking a bone. To lose the most weight with yoga exercise, perform a rigorous routine at least once a day, or use a milder routine several times a day. 

2: Protecting Your Heart

Yoga can protect your heart by increasing your blood circulation. With better blood circulation, you are less likely to develop plaque in your blood vessels that can create blockages that lead to a heart attack or stroke. You can perform a yoga routine to protect your heart by using a floor or chair routine multiple times each week.

3: Improving Your Breathing

A professional yoga practitioner can teach you how to control your breath while performing poses. Certain types of breathing techniques that include shallow or deep breaths can reduce your high blood pressure within a few minutes. When you are in a situation that is leading to a rapid heartbeat, you can begin a yoga routine to improve your breathing immediately. 

4: Reducing Your Stress

If you have problems coping with stress, then learning yoga can help with eliminating your high blood pressure. A great benefit from yoga is the relaxing poses that are suitable for meditation. When you meditate each day, you are able to focus your mind for several minutes in order to stop thinking about stressful events. Regular meditation is an excellent way to fight your high blood pressure. 

5: Preventing Diabetes Mellitus 

If you have diabetes mellitus, then there is a 60 percent chance of you also developing high blood pressure. To avoid developing diabetes mellitus, you must consume a healthy diet to avoid gaining weight. In addition, experts want you to exercise with yoga routines so that you won’t have high blood sugar levels. When you have high blood sugar levels, you are at risk for also having high blood pressure. 

6: Avoiding Kidney Disease

Protecting your kidneys can help you to fight high blood pressure. Your kidneys are responsible for helping to remove toxins from your body. In a yoga class, you can learn a few poses that can improve your kidney functions. If your kidneys are healthy, then your body’s blood flow improves, helping to prevent high blood pressure.