It’s a new year and many of us are ready for a “new you.” While many have some type of fitness goal, it is important to remember that you can incorporate physical activity into your everyday life without having to drastically change your habits and lifestyle. Power yoga classes are a perfect example of a physical activity you can start at any level and reap benefits from. Let’s check out some of the physical and mental benefits of power yoga.
Physical Benefits
1.) Power yoga incorporates flexibility, stamina, and strength. Even if you partake in other physical activities or sports, power yoga will prepare you for them and reduce the chance of injury.
2.) It reduces back pain and fortifies bones. The Spine Journal cites that a study of people with back pain who did yoga twice a week for six months alleviated their soreness significantly. Power yoga also wards off osteoporosis by strengthening bones without strenuous weight lifting.
3.) Power yoga promotes weight loss through shedding calories and building lean muscle mass. In addition, yoga also boosts your metabolism, so the calories continue to melt off even when you are doing sedative activities later on in the day.
4.) Anyone can do yoga. It is a low-impact exercise, so unlike weight lifting or running, it is conducive to all ages and fitness levels. With proper precautions and not overexerting yourself, even those with arthritis, osteoporosis, and other conditions can participate.
5.) Power yoga thins the blood and makes platelets less susceptible to clotting. This can also decrease the risk of strokes and heart attacks since those life-threatening instances are often caused by blood clotting.
Mental Benefits
1.) Yoga eases stress and improves your mood. According to a poll in Self magazine, 70% of women cite that they are happier and more at ease after doing yoga at least once a week consistently for a year. Additionally, yoga helps your body release less Cytokine, which is a tension-triggered hormone that makes you feel irritable and moody.
2.) Doing power yoga can help you sleep better. Even after a quick 45-minute session, multiple studies have shown that you sleep deeper and with less interruption after yoga.
3.) Power yoga boosts confidence and body image. A study conducted by the Adler School of Professional Psychology reported that women who did yoga consistently were more satisfied with their bodies than those who did aerobics classes.
4.) Yoga can boost your memory. With the focus and concentration levels that go into remembering poses and breathing, power yoga will keep you more centered than vigorous cardio workouts or aerobics.