I recently started practicing yoga and while I haven't made it part of my daily practice, it definitely has become a bigger part of my wellness routine than ever before.
My initial misconceptions about yoga were that
- the poses were very difficult
- you have to be SUPER flexible
- it's only about stretching and not a real workout
- there are only 2 types of yoga - "regular" yoga and hot yoga š¤¦š¾āāļø
It's embarrassing to even vocalize my ignorance at this point...
But now that I have learned more about it, I am in love and view it as essential, not only for me but my family as well.
I have practiced yoga while on vacation, at home, on zooms with friends... I have even done AERIAL YOGA - Go figure!!
Over the years I have come to appreciate some of the poses and have even found a few favorites based on their benefits.
Warrior pose:
Strengthens your shoulders, arms, legs, ankles and back.
Opens yours hips, chest and lungs.
Improves focus, balance and stability.
Encourages good circulation and respiration.
Stretches your arms, legs, shoulders, neck, belly, groins and ankles.
Energizes the entire body
Tree pose
Improves balance and stability in the legs
On a metaphysical level, helps one to achieve balance in other aspects of life
Strengthens the ligaments and tendon of the feet
Strengthens and tones the entire standing leg, up to the buttocks
Assists the body in establishing pelvic stability
Strengthen the bones of the hips and legs due to the weight-bearing nature of the pose
Builds self-confidence and esteem
Downward Dog
Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression.
Energizes the body.
Stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands.
Strengthens the arms and legs.
Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause.
Relieves menstrual discomfort when done with head supported.
Helps prevent osteoporosis.
Child's Pose
Releases tension in the back, shoulders and chest
Recommended if you have dizziness or fatigue
Helps alleviate stress and anxiety
Flexes the bodyās internal organs and keeps them supple
It lengthens and stretches the spine
Relieves neck and lower back pain when performed with the head and torso supported
It gently stretches the hips, thighs and ankles
Normalizes circulation throughout the body
It stretches muscles, tendons and ligaments in the knee
Calms the mind and body
Encourages strong and steady breathing
When you look at it, yoga has SO many benefits and that's why I'll continue to practice until I can do headstands and what not š
Any other experienced yogis out there? How long will it take before I am doing headstands? š
XO,
Ayanna
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