Yoga can be a great way to improve our health and can be done by pretty much everyone. There are many benefits to yoga.

• It benefits mobility

Flexibility and mobility will help us move easier and more efficiently. Often times we are intimidated by yoga classes as we think flexibility is a prerequisite. Truth is, yoga is for anyone. Yoga will help us get more flexible and mobile. This equates to your workouts being easier.2

• It helps strength

When you hold some of the longer poses, it can help not only strength but also joints. Slowing down and making sure we get good time under tension can help strength.

• It is a great option for an off day

Movement helps reduce soreness, especially low impact exercise such as yoga. Stretching muscles used during more intense training sessions.

• Avoid injuries and burnout

We all feel fatigued at some point during our fitness journey, mentally and physically. Trying to exercise through this burnout might lead to injury. Taking a yoga class might just be the thing to relax your muscles as well as calm you down.

• It helps breathing

One important part of yoga is the breathing. There are different techniques to help calm you down through breathing alone. Using these breathing techniques during regular exercise can only help.

• Helps develop body awareness

Alignment and posture are very important not just for fitness but for everyday life. When holding poses, your instructor will help with alignment and make you more aware of how your body works.

• Improves mindset

Focus, mindfulness, contentment, and non-harming are philosophical teachings taught by practitioners of yoga. Keeping these things in mind when outside of the yoga studio will lead to better mental health.

• It makes you the expert on your own body

We all have a favorite exercise in the gym. We also have our favorite yoga poses. If you don’t feel it’s safe, an instructor will help you find a modification. Being aware of what you can and cannot do means you are more likely to make better decisions in other areas of your life.

• It’s fun

Yoga classes can be fun. It will challenge you but the benefits will be plentiful.

https://www.girlsgonestrong.com/blog/yoga-2/9-reasons-yoga-can-be-a-great-cross-training-practice/

Sean Willitts is an ACE certified personal trainer. He graduated from Kutztown University in 2015 with a bachelor’s is sport management and a minor in fitness. Including training at Body Elite, he is also a record holding powerlifter. He uses his practical experience and knowledge to help his clients achieve their strength and fitness goals.