In 2008, September was officially designated as National Yoga Month. Now is a great time to learn about the mental and physical health benefits of yoga; and to also try a class if you haven’t already.
With all the current emphasis of staying healthy and maintaining a healthy immune system, what better time than now to try out a yoga class?
There’s a belief that we need to live a certain way or be a certain way in order to practice yoga, but this isn’t true. Yoga is for everyone. Remember, we all start somewhere. Yoga helps to not only build physical strength, it also brings awareness to the mind and body.
Besides the increased flexibility, yoga has been proven to increase the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This is a chemical that helps to regulate nerve activity, and may be particularly helpful for one who may deal with anxiety.
Yoga also has been known to help with the mood, behavior, and mindfulness of high school students and to help improve health and resilience in the workplace.
Other benefits of yoga:
- increased flexibility
- increased muscle strength and tone
- improved respiration, energy and vitality
- maintaining a balanced metabolism
- weight reduction
- cardio and circulatory health
- improved athletic performance
- protection from injury
So why not try one of our classes?
- Photo Contribution from YMCA Member Jasmine Miller