WHY YOGA?
Background: I grew up playing competitive soccer; traveling around the country, spending all week practicing and competing, and conditioning on the weekends (high intensity workouts like cardio, short sprints, heavy lifting). Once I stopped playing, I wanted to still stay fit and active but cardio was all I knew. Up until last year, I would only hit the treadmill, cycling classes, long runs, and HIIT classes. It started to effect my body in a negative way and I knew there had to be something else that could help me balance out my workout routine… YOGA (preferably sculpt). After being consistent for a whole year with yoga, here are some of the changes I’ve felt mentally and physically:
1) IMPROVED MOOD: yoga can bring a sense of peace and makes time for you to get out of your own head and focus on your mind and body. the inhale and exhale throughout your practice is what calms the mind and body down, and since I’ve been consistent with it, I find myself breathing more fluently outside of the studio and finding myself at a more restful state of mind throughout my day.
2) CLEAR SKIN: moving your body through a yoga flow increases your circulation. This has helped me promote healthier and glowy skin! Since it’s considered a lower impact workout, it puts less stress on my body which means my body can function and work better throughout my day while not being in a fight or flight mode.
3) BETTER DIGESTION: Yoga flows can ease bloating by increasing the circulation in your digestive tract. While doing various postures (oblique twists, downward dog, hip bridges), the internal organs are stimulated and your digestion is optimized!
4) MORE ENERGY (less mid-day crashes): With consistency in yoga, it will bring more optimization of breath work and metabolism efficiency. After HIIT classes, the post workout high is there of course, but only for a couple hours after, then I slump. With yoga, it’s almost as if my body recharges for the day ahead and is good to go for the rest of the day along with being at a calmer and less stressed mental state!!
There are SO many more amazing benefits to yoga that could help you as well, these are just a few of the big changes I’ve noticed within myself with incorporating yoga into my routine every week!
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After reading about my personal journey and the incredible benefits I've experienced, you might be wondering, 'Okay, but what kind of yoga or which poses specifically helped me achieve this glow-up?' It's true that while the general practice of yoga is transformative, certain poses really stand out for their impact on my mind and body. When I first started, I wasn't thinking about 'WHY YOGA?' beyond just moving my body differently, but then I started to notice how each pose contributed to my overall well-being. And yes, sometimes it's fun to capture those moments – a little 'yoga pose selfie' can be a great way to mark your progress or just share your newfound strength! Let me share a few of my go-to poses that really helped me with the things I mentioned: Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): This one is a staple for a reason! Initially, it was just a stretch, but now I feel it lengthen my spine, calm my mind, and even help with digestion by gently compressing and releasing my abdominal organs. It’s fantastic for improving circulation, which I believe contributes to my clearer skin. Plus, it's such a grounding pose, perfect for recentering myself after a busy day. It feels amazing to just hang out here and breathe. Twists (like Revolved Chair Pose or Simple Seated Twist): Oh, these are magic for digestion! My article briefly mentioned oblique twists, and I can't stress enough how much these have helped with bloating. Twists literally wring out your internal organs, stimulating detoxification and improving blood flow to the digestive system. I always feel lighter and more energetic after a good twisting sequence. When I started incorporating these consistently, my digestion felt so much better, which definitely played a part in my overall energy levels. Tree Pose (Vrksasana): This pose isn't just about balance; it's a mental game-changer. When I'm wobbling, it forces me to focus my breath and gaze, pulling me completely into the present moment. This kind of concentration is exactly what helps improve my mood and keeps me out of my head during the day. It builds strength in my legs and core, but the mental benefits are truly profound for cultivating that inner peace. It reminds me that even when things feel unstable, I can find my center. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): This is one of my favorites for opening up the chest and shoulders, which often get hunched from daily activities. It’s a gentle backbend that invigorates the body, boosts circulation, and can even stimulate the thyroid. I find it incredibly uplifting and energizing, especially when I need a little pick-me-up without the intensity of a HIIT class. It's a wonderful way to recharge and feel expansive. Beyond the physical benefits, capturing yourself in a pose, whether it's a quick snap for personal reflection or sharing with friends, can be a really powerful motivator. It’s about celebrating your journey, showing yourself how far you've come, and inspiring others. It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up on your mat, breathing, and finding what feels good in your body. So go ahead, find a pose that resonates with you, breathe into it, and if it feels right, maybe even snap a 'yoga pose selfie' to remember the moment! It’s all part of discovering your own 'WHY YOGA?' and embracing the incredible changes that come with it.