The word yoga means “union” in Sanksrit; the union of the mind, body, and spirit. There are a ton of great yoga places around Calgary which offer this stimulating activity! Group yoga, hot yoga, outdoor yoga… you name it, there’s probably a studio within 10 minutes of your home that offers unique classes. Yoga, an exerice which originated in ancient India, offers physical and emotional healing as well as a range of other benefits. Not convinced? Read on to find some of the other great benefits of yoga. You could be surprised at how much you’re helping your own body.
1. Stress Relief
Yoga can help reduce the effects of stress on your body. One of the benefits of yoga is that it encourages relaxation and can lower the amount of cortisol in your body. Not only that, it eases the sympathetic nervous system so that you immediatley feel relief from the demands of everyday life.
2. Pain Relief
Daily exercises of yoga can help ease the aches and pains of the body. Many people with very serious diseases have reported less pain after these daily exercises, such as asanas or meditation. This is even beneficial for athletes, who are more prone to injuries and post-activity aches and pains.
3. Better Breathing
You will learn to take deeper, slower breaths with daily exercises of yoga. It can also increase your lunch functions. Better breathing also leads to better sleep and a reduced risk of certain airway infections.
4. Flexibility
You will notice your level of flexibility will increase, which will help with your range of motion. Sometimes in the yoga daily exercises, people cannot even touch their toes. The benefits of yoga will include lengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your body to help you become more flexible. Pretty soon, you’ll teach your body to flex and touch your toes, maybe even do a headstand.
5. Increased Strength
Yoga poses use all the muscles in your body and help you increase your strength level from head to toe. The support of your skeletal system will be increased as well as your core strength, leading to better balance as well. By now you’ve probably realized that yoga sets off a domino effect of benefits!
6. Weight Management
Yoga is proven to help reduce the level of cortisol which also leads to weight loss, increased metabolism, and healthier eating stemming from a healthier outlook on life.
7. Improved Circulation
Yoga is proven to also help maintain the strength of the cardiovascular system. Improved circulation and intake of oxygen can have a range of great benefits: clearer thinking, improved memory, and even a better ability to endure higher intellectual activities. (You’ll feel smarter!)
What more could you ask for? There is no better exercise than yoga that will offer peace and as many benefits. Try it out! Actually, why not tomorrow?
Join Lululemon Athletica (4th Street) for a complimentary class at a beautifully renovated studio every Sunday from 2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. There are mats available to use as well as all required yoga props. All levels of practitioners are welcome!
It’s recommended to arrive at least 10 mins before the start of class. Out of respect for all practitioners, studio doors will be locked at 2 p.m. For the complete calendar including instructors and styles of yoga offered, go to the event page on the Yoga Santosha Facebook page.
Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian complete a waver prior to attending a class. Download it here:
http://youthcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/studio-yoga-waver.pdf
Namaste!
ADDRESS AND CONTACT INFO:
Yoga Santosha (newly renovated!) 1800 4 St SW – 2nd Floor Calgary AB, T2S 2S4 Canada
lululemon.instoreyoga@gmail.com