“Yoga is a healing system of theory and practice. The purpose of yoga is to create strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body,” says Natalie Nevins, D.O., a board-certified osteopathic family physician and certified Kundalini Yoga instructor in Hollywood, California.(AOA, 2015).
Yoga has many mental and physical benefits – including cutting down your risk of injury – some of which include:
- Increased flexibility, balance, and range of motion
- Increased muscle strength and tone
- Reduced stress levels and anxiety leading to an improved quality of life
- Management of chronic conditions such has high blood pressure and heart disease (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015)
Yoga can be incorporated into any fitness regimen, and there are classes available for all fitness and skill levels. There are many different types of yoga and depending on what benefits you are interested in will dictate which one is best for you. For example, Hatha yoga is good for beginners and stress management. It’s a slower moving stretching class with some simple breathing exercises incorporated in (Pizer, 2015). So, if you’re looking to gain a little muscle or lose a little stress look into going to a yoga class at your local gym or yoga studio. If you’re looking to progress your activity and exercise levels at the most appropriate pace for you, give us a call to set up an appointment! Mathis Physical Therapy & Hand Center785.539.9669www.mathispt.comhttps://www.facebook.com/MathisPTTwitter: @Mathis_PT ResourcesAmerican Osteopathic Association (AOA). “The Benefits of Yoga.” American Osteopathic Association. N.p., 2015. Web. 10 June 2015.Mayo Clinic Staff. “Stress Management.” Yoga: Fight Stress and Find Serenity. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Feb. 2015. Web. 10 June 2015.Pizer, Ann. “What Is Hatha Yoga?” About Health. N.p., 8 Sept. 2014. Web. 10 June 2015.http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/about-your-health/health-conditions-library/general-health/Pages/yoga.aspxhttp://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/yoga/art-20044733http://yoga.about.com/od/typesofyoga/a/hatha.htm