When many think of yoga, images of zoned-out new-agers in pretzel-like positions chanting mantras may come to mind, but consider this: Yoga is an ancient practice that can help you deal with the stress of modern life and improve your fitness goals.
Yoga: Far More Than a 5,000-Year Old Trend
By Merilee Kern
Yoga Preconceptions
When many think of yoga, images of zoned-out new-agers in
pretzel-like positions chanting mantras, may come to mind, but consider this:
Yoga is an ancient practice that can help you deal with the stress of modern
life. It has been reported that more than six million Americans are now practicing
some form of yoga to increase stamina and endurance among other physical and
emotional health benefits. And, it’s far more than just a trend. After
all, yoga is over 5,000 years old and still going strong.
Yoga Statistics
According to findings by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) that looked
at 34 non-active women in their thirties doing Hatha yoga,
which is considered one of the easiest forms of yoga to learn, they discovered
the women vastly improved their flexibility, balance, and aerobic fitness level
as well as their muscular strength and physical endurance after just eight weeks
of 55-minute yoga classes taken three times a week.
Yoga & Fitness
Apparently, a Hatha yoga session of 50 minutes burns 144 calories
which is similar to taking a slow walk. Not a bad extra benefit considering
yoga is often perceived as simply a form of relaxation. ACE also discovered
that their test group showed significant improvement in their shoulder and
body flexibility, with the ability to do more push-ups and curl-ups
as part of the outcome. Posture also improved in all of the subjects.
Yoga Benefits
So, if you ever find yourself in a heated debate over whether or not yoga offers
any true health and fitness benefits, arm yourself with this verbal ammo:
Some benefits of yoga include:
• Improved physical balance, joint movement, muscular strengthening
and coordination.
• Improvement of joint range of motion, flexibility and extensibility
of connective tissue.
• Improved posture which allows internal organs to function properly and
improves breathing.
• Stimulation of the nervous system.
• Improved circulation and pulmonary function.
• Enhanced immune system.
• Enhanced self awareness.
• Decreased the risk of injury.
• Promotion of relaxation and stress reduction.
As mind/body exercise continues to take hold in the present, the practice of
yoga has moved from the alternative to the mainstream. So don't let anyone’s
preconceived notions of yoga keep you from practicing it and
enjoying the benefits of this dynamic mind/body exercise.
Former bodybuilding champion and health advocate Merilee A. Kern, MBA, is the
author of the fictional children’s book “It’s Not Your Fault
That You’re Overweight - A Story of Enlightenment, Empowerment and Accomplishment
for Overweight and Obese Kids”. She can be reached through her Web site
at http://www.notfault.com.
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