When most people think of yoga, they think of contortionists twisting their bodies into uncomfortable pretzel-like postures. In reality, yoga is gentle enough to be practice by anyone. The great aspect of yoga is you don’t have to do all the positions, and you can work within your own physical limitations. Yoga students can modify their yoga practice to meet their own physical needs. The difference between yoga and other types of fitness programs is the process involves the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga is a good introductory program for anyone who is considering starting a fitness routine. Yoga’s gentle, mindful and controlled movements can provide a non-impact workout for people in almost any physical condition. Yoga postures (asana) can ease tense muscles, improve flexibility, build strength, balance, and endurance.
It has become common knowledge that yoga is good for you. Yoga is most obvious benefit relates to stress reduction, flexibility, and relaxation. Medical science tells us yoga is beneficial for correcting a number of ailments: breathing problems, cancer relief, epileptic control, weight problems, circulation, and general longevity. Yoga promotes relaxation, improves circulation, and reduces stress and anxiety. The key to yoga therapy is the relationship between stress, yoga, and disease. Medical research estimates as much as 90 percent of illness and disease is stress related. Many diseases and conditions have been linked to over active stress responses including: cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, some types of diabetes mellitus, some autoimmune diseases, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, reproductive problems, and suppression of the immune system. Short term stress such as the “fight or flight” response prepares us to respond to any environmental threat, but long term stress takes excess wear and tear on the body’s systems and limits the body’s natural maintenance and healing abilities.
Yoga’s emphasis on long, deep breathing and conscious relaxation activates the nervous system and promotes its “rest and renew” functions. Recent study has shown yoga to decrease the level of the stress hormone called “cortisol” in the blood. The meditative practices of yoga help to reduce the stresses of the mind and to lessen the intensity of the “fight or flight” response. The practice of yoga also improves the body’s inherent healing abilities. The inverting, twisting, and stretching that occurs in yoga postures enhances the circulation of blood and body fluids. Yoga poses improve muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion that are all very important for the healing and prevention of different diseases. Practicing yoga encourages one to lead a healthier lifestyle, through developing the self-awareness and discipline required for positive behavior modification. While yoga possesses such a strong support to the body’s healing mechanisms, it is important to view yoga as a complementary therapy, and not relied on as the only therapy for healing disease.
The best part about yoga is that it can be practiced virtually anywhere and by anyone. Seniors, children, male, and female can enjoy the benefits of yoga . Yoga must be practiced regularly for optimal health and fitness benefits. Consistent practice of yoga will help an individual in all aspects of their life. Beginning your yoga practice is easy, it only requires wearing comfortable clothing and practicing on an empty stomach. Yoga is done with bare feet and yoga “sticky” mat. It is important to remember to work at your own pace, and never compare yourself with others. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain by starting your yoga practice today.
Vicki Forman has been an ACE Certificated Exercise Instructor for 9 years, and has a certification in AFAA for Senior Fitness. She has certifications for Yoga Fit Level I and Level II. She is currently teaching yoga for the Lompoc Parks and Recreation Department on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:15 to 6:30pm. If you are interested in learning how to do yoga call the Lompoc Parks and Recreation Department at 736-6565.
