Health & Wellbeing Benefits of Yoga
Curious how starting a yoga practice may benefit you? Learn about the physical and mental benefits of yoga!
September is Yoga Awareness Month! No matter our age, fitness level, ethnicity, shape or size - we can all feel better & gain the health & wellness benefits from physical activities like yoga. Co-Founder of Inspired Health Group, Jennifer Erickson, DO, is a long time yoga practitioner and instructor of Hatha Yoga. Her main goal in guiding students though yoga is to, "help people move more and understand that they can move no matter what their limitations are." Get inspired to start a regular yoga practice by learning about the physical and mental benefits!
Yoga improves balance, flexibility and strength
Slow movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles, while holding a pose can build strength
Improves mobility and can relieve back pain
Yoga provides basic stretching for easing pain and improving mobility in people with lower back pain.
Yoga helps you manage stress
According to the National Institutes of Health, scientific evidence shows that yoga supports stress management, mental health, mindfulness, healthy eating, weight loss and quality sleep.
Can ease arthritis symptoms
The discomfort of tender, swollen joints for people with arthritis may be able to be eased by gentle yoga
Brighten your mood and increase energy
After practicing yoga, you may feel increased mental and physical energy, and feel lighter. Yoga can boost our awareness and enthusiasm, and contribute to fewer negative feelings.
Yoga benefits heart health
A regular yoga practice can reduce levels of stress and body-wide inflammation, leading to to healthier hearts. Contributing factors to heart disease, such as high blood pressure and excess weight, can also be addressed through yoga.
Improve your sleep
Research shows that a consistent bedtime yoga routine can help prepare your mind and body to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Learn more about the benefits of yoga from John Hopkin's Health
Where to find a Yoga Class:
Online: Various online yoga offerings can be found on YouTube. Many practitioners and studios also offer yoga through Zoom as a way to practice at home and in community. Establishing a home practice, for some, may be a way to reliably create a routine of practicing yoga no matter the weather and your schedule.
In Person: Does your community have a yoga studio? Practicing in person with others gives you the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of yoga with others, ask questions, and get guidance from an instructor.
Community Centers: Many community centers, such as the Orchard Park Senior Center, offer regular yoga classes.
Yoga Events: Yoga events happen throughout the year and are a fun way to connect with other practitioners at all levels. An upcoming yoga event in Buffalo is Independent Health's Yoga Fest at Terminal B