If you’re already engaging in strength training and cardiovascular exercise, it’s time to take your fitness routine to the next level. How? Add yoga! Here are some good reasons to integrate one or two yoga classes into your weekly regimen.
Improve flexibility and balance.
Lifting weights can make you stronger, but it can also make you feel tight in certain areas. The dynamic and static stretching in yoga will keep your muscles supple and improve the range of motion in your joints. Certain yoga poses also test your balance and coordination. Good balance is key in preventing falls and maintaining healthy movement.
Find stress relief and relaxation.
Pursuing a career and caring for a family can take its toll on your health. Even working out to stay fit can feel like a lot of pressure at times. Remember, you are a “human being” and not a “human doing.” We need to hit the pause button and let go of the compulsion to constantly accomplish tasks and achieve goals. Yoga lets you slow down and teaches you to move and breathe mindfully. A good yoga practice allows you to “just be.” Even just a few minutes of yoga can relieve stress and give your body and mind much needed rest.
Yoga provides variety.
When it comes to fitness, we need to mix things up! Adding some yoga sessions to your workouts will challenge you in a whole new way. You will discover different movements and maybe even feel muscles you didn’t know existed! You will also reap additional benefits such as improved focus, a calmer disposition, and a more positive attitude.
Try to incorporate a few minutes of yoga after you exercise, or you can do a separate session on your non-workout days. The combination of a well-designed fitness regimen and an intelligent yoga practice will help you maintain good health in the long run.
