The impact of Yoga, A 3,000 year old tradition is regarded in the Western world as a holistic approach to health, has been tremendous. The word “yoga” comes from a Sanskrit root “yuj”. It means union, or yoke, to join, and direct and concentrate one’s attention.
Research is still ongoing, but the results are promising. They confirm what yoga practitioners have been touting for thousands of years. Yoga is beneficial for our overall health.
Why is that the case? Well, here are some interesting findings:
- Better posture: yoga’s focus on mobility and flexibility can contribute to better alignment by releasing muscles that are often tight. These include the hamstrings, and improving mobility of the spine
- Improved flexibility: studies show, that yoga can help improve flexibility in adults, even seniors above the age of 65
- Increased strength: we can consider some types of yoga classes as strength exercise. It all depends on the level and intensity of the class.
- Improved balance: According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, falls are incredibly common among older adults in nursing facilities. Even the simplest ones can lead to an increased risk of death. Newer research suggests it can improve balance in older populations
If you have not tried yoga before, this is a good day to start, therefore you can use various free resources such as these. There are various types that you can try out. Some of the most famous tapes include:
- Hatha
- Ashtanga
- Bikram
- Iyengar
- Kundalini
- Restorative
- Yin
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