Benefits of Yoga

yestobeingfit
Jul 14
3 min read

With the increase in heat, many people are nervous about moving (understandably), I'll talk a lot about consistency and how exercise is important, even in hot weather (done safely). However, this post is about the benefits that a yoga practice can bring, which is unrelated to strong movements. This can show the many other benefits that yoga can bring you, with or without the heat and sometimes in life's challenges.

I'll caveat this post by saying that we are discussing certain elements of yoga. There are many elements of yoga that won't be mentioned but also provide benefits and are important.

The majority of people come to yoga for core strength or to improve flexibility. I'm a big believer that you can do yoga for whatever reason you want! But your teacher is doing you, and the practice a disservice if they do not teach you some of the other elements yoga can bring to you. So, please see below how some elements and poses from yoga and the benefits they bring.

Pranayama

Pranayama refers to the different breathing exercises within yoga. It is referred to as breath control and is almost like an umbrella branch, from where hundreds of different breathing exercises come under. A regular pranayama practice can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, calm the mind, and improve focus. But they also go deeper than this; some can cool you (Sitali breath), some can boost energy and mood (lion's breath), and some can literally strengthen the core. I have received really positive feedback from students over the years with regards to pranayama. It has helped some during pregnancy, hot weather, and feeling calm during overwhelming life changes. It is an immensely powerful practice and can be practiced on its own, aiding in mental, emotional, and physical benefits.

*Important to note that not all pranayama's are safe for everyone. Some are not suitable if you have high blood pressure, are asthmatic, or pregnant. They can be immensely powerful and strong, so always start the practice with a qualified instructor, and if in doubt, speak to a doctor.

Meditation

Well, for anyone who has been taught by me, you will know of the immense benefits that I bang on about with regards to meditating. Meditating is a huge pillar of yoga and is arguably the most important element of yoga. But it is also hard, with no instant gratification, and does require patience and discipline. A main benefit of meditation is that in theory—over time—you will reach your higher self (combined with other elements). But, meditation can improve patience, gratitude, problem-solving, presence, sleep, ease anxiety, and generally make you more at peace.

Asana

The asanas or physical postures, aside from the obvious—improved mobility, strength, and flexibility in certain parts of your body and body awareness. When used successfully, these poses tell stories and will bring you more self-awareness and teach you more about yourself than you would think.

The warrior poses, when done with the right amount, boost energy, confidence, and bring a sense of power and calm to the practitioner. Tree pose is brilliant for focus, grounding yourself, and finding your centre amidst chaos. Big backbends, such as wheel or locust, if only done once or twice, can bring a big sense of lightness and energy for the rest of the day, giving a bigger energy boost than any caffeine hit. The crow pose is an immensely challenging balance that asks you to take a risk, quite literally tipping into the unknown. This pose asks you to learn to continue or trust even if the outcome is not clear. It also teaches you to trust yourself, learning to balance on a very fine centre point, using coordination, strength, and practice.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have enjoyed adapting our yoga classes to soften in the heat. But we have also used it to help us continue in the heat, learning to surrender into uncomfortable situations that are out of our control, whilst using the tools of yoga to look after ourselves. As BKS Iyengar states, "Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured." A yoga practice is a useful tool to use during a heatwave or life's challenges, for peace, compassion, rest, coolness, and discipline when necessary.

We'd love to know what you have learned or been helped by from your yoga practice, whether it was a movement, breath, or quote.