1. Improves Your Flexibility
Improved flexibility is
one of the first and most obvious benefits of yoga. During your first class,
you probably won’t be able to touch your toes, never mind do a back bend. But if
you stick with it, you’ll notice a gradual loosening, and eventually, seemingly
impossible poses will become possible. You’ll also probably notice that aches
and pains start to disappear. That’s no coincidence. Tight hips can strain the
knee joint due to improper alignment of the thigh and shin bones. Tight hamstrings can
lead to a flattening of the lumbar spine, which can cause back pain. And
inflexibility in muscles and connective tissue, such as fascia and ligaments,
can cause poor posture.
2. Builds Muscle Strength
Strong muscles do more than look good. They also protect us
from conditions like arthritis and back
pain, and help prevent falls in elderly people. And when you build strength
through yoga, you balance it with flexibility. If you just went to the gym and
lifted weights, you might build strength at the expense of flexibility.
3. Perfects Your Posture
Your head is like a bowling ball—big, round, and heavy. When
it’s balanced directly over an erect spine, it takes much less work for your
neck and back muscles to support it. Move it several inches forward, however,
and you start to strain those muscles. Hold up that forward-leaning bowling
ball for eight or 12 hours a day and it’s no wonder you’re tired. And fatigue
might not be your only problem. Poor
posture can cause back, neck, and other muscle and joint problems. As you
slump, your body may compensate by flattening the normal inward curves in your
neck and lower back. This can cause pain and degenerative arthritis of the
spine.
4. Prevents Cartilage & Joint Breakdown
Each time you practice yoga, you take your joints through
their full range of motion. This can help prevent degenerative arthritis or
mitigate disability by “squeezing and soaking” areas of cartilage that normally
aren't used. Joint cartilage is like a sponge; it receives fresh nutrients only
when its fluid is squeezed out and a new supply can be soaked up. Without
proper sustenance, neglected areas of cartilage can eventually wear out,
exposing the underlying bone like worn-out brake pads.
5. Protects Your Spine
Spinal disks—the shock absorbers between the vertebrae that
can herniate and compress nerves—crave movement. That’s the only way they get
their nutrients. If you’ve got a well-balanced asana practice with plenty of back bends, forward
bends, and twists,
you’ll help keep your disks supple.
