Benefits of Yoga

[OnyxFemme]

Physiological Benefits of Yoga

* Stable autonomic nervous system equilibrium
* Pulse rate decreases
* Respiratory rate decreases
* Blood Pressure decreases (of special significance for hyporeactors)
* Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) increases
* EEG - alpha waves increase (theta, delta, and beta waves also increase during various stages of meditation)
* EMG activity decreases
* Cardiovascular efficiency increases
* Respiratory efficiency increases
* Gastrointestinal function normalizes
* Endocrine function normalizes
* Excretory functions improve
* Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase
* Breath-holding time increases
* Joint range of motion increase
* Grip strength increases
* Eye-hand coordination improves
* Dexterity skills improve
* Reaction time improves
* Posture improves
* Strength and resiliency increase
* Endurance increases
* Energy level increases
* Weight normalizes
* Sleep improves
* Immunity increases
* Pain decreases
* Steadiness improves
* Depth perception improves
* Balance improves
* Integrated functioning of body parts improves

Psychological Benefits of Yoga

* Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase
* Mood improves and subjective well-being increases
* Self-acceptance and self-actualization increase
* Social adjustment increases
* Anxiety and Depression decrease
* Hostility decreases
* Concentration improves
* Memory improves
* Attention improves
* Learning efficiency improves
* Mood improves
* Self-actualization increase
* Social skills increases
* Well-being increases
* Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase
* Self-acceptance increase
* Attention improves
* Concentration improves
* Memory improves
* Learning efficiency improves
* Symbol coding improves
* Depth perception improves
* Flicker fusion frequency improves

Biochemical Benefits of Yoga

* Glucose decreases
* Sodium decreases
* Total cholesterol decreases
* Triglycerides decrease
* HDL cholesterol increases
* LDL cholesterol decreases
* VLDL cholesterol decreases
* Cholinesterase increases
* Catecholamines decrease
* ATPase increases
* Hematocrit increases
* Hemoglobin increases
* Lymphocyte count increases
* Total white blood cell count decreases
* Thyroxin increases
* Vitamin C increases
* Total serum protein increases

Yoga Health Benefits versus Exercise Benefits

Yoga versus Exercise

* Yoga Benefits
o Parasympathetic Nervous System dominates
o Sub cortical regions of brain dominate
o Slow dynamic and static movements
o Normalization of muscle tone
o Low risk of injuring muscles and ligaments
o Low caloric consumption
o Effort is minimized, relaxed
o Energizing (breathing is natural or controlled)
o Balanced activity of opposing muscle groups
o Noncompetitive, process-oriented
o Awareness is internal (focus is on breath and the infinite)
o Limitless possibilities for growth in self-awareness

* Exercise Benefits
o Sympathetic Nervous System dominates
o Cortical regions of brain dominate
o Rapid forceful movements
o Increased muscle tension
o Higher risk of injury
o Moderate to high caloric consumption
o Effort is maximized
o Fatiguing (breathing is taxed)
o Imbalance activity of opposing groups
o Competitive, goal-oriented
o Awareness is external
o Boredom factor

[izayoi]

Onyx there is a style of yoga called Kemetic yoga but I havent decided yet whether it is fact or fiction. Need more investigation.

Stretching, relaxation, and meditation are things you can't go wrong with. :)

[ladyscorpio]

Iz I still can't find a spot that will work around my schedule....ughhh...its pissing me off. I need to get my flexibility on :cool: I NEED to find a class soon.

[izayoi]

Iz I still can't find a spot that will work around my schedule....ughhh...its pissing me off. I need to get my flexibility on :cool: I NEED to find a class soon.

Got to get on that- it's going to help you tremendously. Even the breathing techniques alone are good for relaxing. There should be early morning and after work classes :confused:. These are the times it sucks when you don't live in a big city.I bet in NY you can find a yoga class for every hour.

[OnyxFemme]

Hmmm what is Kemetic yoga? Goes to google now!
Onyx there is a style of yoga called Kemetic yoga but I havent decided yet whether it is fact or fiction. Need more investigation.

Stretching, relaxation, and meditation are things you can't go wrong with. :)

Also why do I fall asleep while meditating?????????

[izayoi]

Hmmm what is Kemetic yoga? Goes to google now!

Also why do I fall asleep while meditating?????????

OF the kemetic yoga looks interesting but I'm not sure if the premise is real or created so i have been hesitant. Anybody know the real deal please educate me. :) The basics mirror poses that appear in egyptian and african writings. I'm all for people getting any kind of movement that they love and enjoy regardless of origin.

Meditation is tricky since you are supposed to relax your mind but not fall asleep. Focus on maintaining posture and following your in and out breath. Hope that helps.

[Entrepronegro]

Good tips I need to do some yoga someday. :cool:

[assonfurlerne]

Well you will never find me arguing against yoga for any reason

For every posture there are always modifications to account for people of all shapes and sizes and ability levels. If you mention your concerns to your instructor before class they can often discretely suggest them along the way in their verbal cues and guidance. And a flow class incorporating those components may be more cardio oriented than you imagine. But if it isnt, get in some additional cardio after or another day. or before once you get used to the level of effort in the class and whether that makes sense to you or not

There are a lot of supplementary benefits with a regular practice as well that I think help with the whole lifestyle change and process orientation of a long term weight loss, weight maintenance and wellness program. Its really more than simply "exercise" if you remain open to all its possibilities and benefits.

Give it a try You never know what you might find

P.S. We have a yoga thread around here somewhere. just doesnt get used much as the few of us that used to contribute semi-regularly do so now in a similar yoga thread on nessas board instead.

[Franklin]

Wow this information is really interesting. Thanks for sharing this information with our community.

[essayyweb1]

I wondered to see the benefit of yoga...:)

[Brogan]

I do Yoga everyday and its relaxing my mind and body, Yoga can also help to improve your posture, strength and flexibility. But the thing that many people forget these days is that Yoga is not just a form of exercise but a Spiritual practice and is actually a way of life.

[Pole11]

Yoga helps you to relax and handle stressful situations more easily. It creates a toned, flexible, and strong body. Also it greatly helps you with maintaining your energy throughout the day.

[MelinaJosh]

Yoga is the process of gaining control of your mind and body. I am doing yoga since few years and maintaining a good and proper body posture, improving the ability to focus and concentrate are some main benefits that I achieved from Yoga and I thank you for the informative information which you have shared with the community.

[KellySmith]

Yea that’s true even for me, it is really good when I’m in so stressful mind and to relax.