Sometimes it can be challenging to find a good exercise routine that is right for you. Some people might like cardio better than weightlifting, or swimming rather than running. But one exercise that most people forget about due to its simplicity is yoga. With yoga, you can exercise in various places, create different routines, and be active with family or friends too. Not only is yoga good for you but it will change the way you think exercise is supposed to be. Here are the pros and cons of yoga:
Pros:
Relieves stress
If you have a stressful job or have anxiety, you should look into yoga. The in-depth breathing activities, the motion of new positions, and positive statements calm the body. Therefore, yoga can be used as a relaxation technique to rid the body of unwanted pressures or thoughts. In fact, in yoga, there are certain poses directly related to relaxation. Poses like the knees to chest pose, legs up the wall, and corpse poses all help a person feel at ease.
Enhances brain capability
Yoga has many benefits; however one that is hardly noticed is an increase in brain power. Some people might be skeptical as the leap from exercise to improving your brain’s function could seem like quite a jump. But, performing a daily yoga routine not only enhances your recollection but tests your strength too. Challenging one’s strength will allow blood to move to the brain and increase your level of thinking. In fact, there are even yoga poses that are known to boost brain power. Some of these yoga poses include diamond pose, lotus pose, and headstand.
A good workout
Most people think yoga is a simple exercise that can be done with friends. While yoga can be a social activity if you want it to be it can also be a strenuous activity. Due to yoga’s various poses yoga can be a good workout. Poses like upward and downward facing dog, airplane, and lizard enhance flexibility, strength, and even tone your muscles. With yoga, you can skip the gym and receive a good workout in the comfort of your own home!
Detoxifies the body
Due to yoga’s various poses, the whole body can be worked out. In fact, allowing your whole body to be exercised enables waste by-products and toxic substances to be removed from the body through the breathing process or by sweating. Naturally, eliminating waste or toxic substances decreases the chances of getting sick and prevents your body from becoming unhealthy.
Not time-consuming
A significant benefit of yoga is that it can be done anywhere and for as long as you want. All you need is a mat and a simple water bottle, and you’re ready to go. If you have a meeting, you can decide to do some yoga for five minutes to relax before the meeting. Or do some yoga for fifteen minutes while gabbing with friends. However, it is suggested that twenty to thirty minutes of daily yoga practice is the time goal that most people should aim for. Twenty to thirty minutes will allow the body to be exercised appropriately and in time keep your body fit.
Cons:
Studios are costly
If you want to go to a yoga studio for lessons on how to do a yoga pose, then you might have to pay a high price for instructions. Most studios will not only teach you how to do a particular pose, but they’ll also let you in on the secret advantages of each pose too. Therefore, you’re not only paying for lessons but information about the requested exercise. However, while studios may seem helpful for the instructions, it does come at a high price. There are a lot of other ways to get around the cost. For example, you can look up instructional videos on YouTube, buy a yoga DVD, or look up tips on yoga websites.
Can cause cramps
Since yoga’s bodily postures are meant to work out the body, it’s good to know your limits, especially when increasing strength or flexibility. Instead of pushing your body, allow yourself time to adjust to a given pose and practice it. It’s good to have a plan in place and practice a posture for at least one week before moving towards a pose that is tougher. If you move to quick with an intense pose, you run the risk of getting a cramp or a severe injury. Therefore, it’s better to slowly increase the intensity of your posture to meet your enhancing strength.
It may be hard to fit into your schedule
Everyone is different, and everyone has different schedules. While some people like to try new things other people might find new things as a nuisance. Whether you’re the latter or not making time for yoga is just the same as making time for any exercise, you have to make it a priority. Therefore, if you want to go to class make sure you sign up or call in if you don’t like the whole classroom vibe then try a DVD or a YouTube video. However, try not to decide to watch a movie instead or go out with friends. If you want to do yoga then do yoga there are a thousand ways to make it fun for yourself and enjoy it.
You might feel shy
Admitting you don’t know how to do something can be hard for some people. But that’s what a beginners class if for. Beginner’s classes are great for people who want to dip their toe into the yoga pool. In a beginner’s class, you will be able to understand basic knowledge of yoga and be able to perform some of the easy-to-do poses that yoga offers. However, as a beginner, you might feel shy about increasing your strength or trying a more intense pose when you’re ready to move on. But don’t worry you’ll find your balance soon enough.
