5 Reasons You Should Try Yoga

Okay, I will admit that there was a time that I thought yoga was kind of silly. Granted, I didn't know much about it, but I certainly didn't consider it a workout. I thought it was slow and boring and a waste of time. Kinda harsh, but you might be thinking the same thing. I thought I would never try yoga, but if there is one thing I love, it's finding new ways to get fit and feel better about my body and my health. So, I started with a simple beginner video on YouTube, and have been doing daily yoga for almost a month now. Suffice to say, I've fallen in love. To the naysayers, check out this list. I hope it inspires you to try it even once!

1. It IS a workout.
I used to think that the only type of workout that was worth anything was the type that left you panting, sweating, and feeling like you were going to die. Untrue. I have done yoga sequences specifically designed for weight loss. It does raise your heart rate, it does burn fat, and it does strengthen your muscles. Sounds like a workout to me. Plus the low impact can be perfect for those who are just getting started with exercise or those with injuries.

2. Increased flexibility
I am about as flexible as a wooden rod. Before I started yoga, I couldn't even touch my toes. I can now, but more importantly I've remembered how good it feels to just stretch. It gets your blood flowing, and it's a wonderful way to loosen up in the morning.

3. Relaxation 
We all know that in this day and age we can get a bit carried away with our busy schedules. We're always running, and barely have a moment to ourselves. This stress contributes to all kinds of health problems. Yoga is the perfect opportunity to connect with yourself, and push all distractions out of your mind. The deep breathing alone can be enough to quell the anxiety of a busy schedule. Give yourself the opportunity to unwind.

4. Overall health
Weight-baring exercise (like yoga), is awesome for healthy bones. We tend to reach our maximum bone mass at around 30, and then it all goes downhill from there. During yoga, you spend most of your time resisting gravity, which puts a strain on your bones and muscles, and forces new growth. The deep breathing is great for your lungs, the overall practice is great for your mental and emotional well-being, and the increased blood circulation improves your organ function.

5. Easily accessible 
Pretty sure one of my favorite parts of yoga is how easy the set-up is. I don't have to put on my socks, or sneakers, or even a sports bra if I'm not feeling it. I usually just wear whatever I woke up in, roll my mat out, and get going. There are tons of videos available on YouTube that will walk you through the poses in a beginner friendly way. So, what are you waiting for? Go improve your health, flexibility, muscle mass, bone strength, and mental-well being already!