By visiting this site you have already taken the first step to some major changes in your life!

10 OF THE MANY BENEFITS OF PRACTISING YOGA

1. STRESS RELIEF - Yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the body by encouraging relaxation and lowering the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Related benefits include lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion and boosting the immune system, as well as easing symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, asthma and insomnia

2. PAIN RELIEF - Yoga can ease pain. Studies have demonstrated that practising yoga asanas, meditation or a combination of the two, reduced pain for people with conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, auto-immune diseases and hypertension as well as arthritis, back and neck pain and other chronic conditions

3. BETTER BREATHING - Yoga teaches people to take slower, deeper breaths. This helps to improve lung function and trigger the body's relaxation response

4. FLEXIBILITY - Yoga helps to improve flexibility and mobility, increasing range of movement and reducing aches and pains

5. INCREASED STRENGTH - Yoga asanas (postures) use every muscle in the body, helping to increase strength, literally from head to toe. Yoga can also relieve muscular tension

6. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT - Yoga (even less vigorous style) can aid weight control efforts by reducing the cortisol levels, as well as by burning excess calories and reducing stress. Yoga also encourages healthy eating habits and provides a heightened sense of well-being and self-esteem

7. IMPROVED CIRCULATION - Yoga helps to improve the circulation and, as a result of various poses, more efficiently moves oxygenated blood to the body's cells

8. CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONING - Even gentle yoga practice can provide cardiovascular benefits by lowering heart rate, increasing endurance and improving oxygen uptake during exercise

9. BETTER BODY ALIGNMENT - Yoga helps to improve alignment, resulting in better posture and helping to relieve back, neck joint and muscle problems

10. FOCUS ON THE PRESENT - Yoga helps us to focus on the present, to become more aware and to help create mind-body health. It opens the way to improved co-ordination, reaction time and memory

(Taken from Yoga Alliance - 10 reasons to try yoga)

The above show how yoga can help your mind, body and spirit. There are a few more reasons why you should consider yoga:-

1. It is safe - Yoga is taught with awareness and respect for the body's ability

2. You don't need any special equipment or clothing to practice. Props are available but not essential

3. You can practice anytime and anywhere

4. It helps you identify negative energy and turn it into positive energy and enthusiasm

5. It will improve your sleep patterns by teaching you how to relax better. Quality of sleep is improved and vitality is restored

6. Yoga has no limits. It can be practised at any age or ability or equally by either sex, at any time, because it is adaptable

7. It's simply the best gift you can give to your body, mind and spirit

8. It's fun!