How Yoga Changes Your Body - 10 Ways

10 Ways Yoga Actually Change Your Body 

 

Yoga is a practice that has been used for thousands of years to improve both physical and mental well-being. It is a form of exercise that involves a series of poses, or asanas, which are designed to increase flexibility, strength, and balance. In addition to the physical benefits of yoga, it is also believed to have a positive impact on the mind and spirit. 

Here are 10 ways that yoga can change your body: 

1- Increases Flexibility:

Yoga poses are designed to stretch and lengthen the muscles, which can help to improve overall flexibility and range of motion. 

2- Builds Strength:

Many yoga poses call for you to use your own weight as resistance, which can aid in constructing stronger muscles.

3- Improves Balance:

Yoga poses such as Tree Pose and Warrior III require a high level of balance and concentration, which can help to improve overall balance and stability. 

4- Enhances Cardiovascular Health:

Certain styles of yoga, such as vinyasa yoga, can have cardiovascular benefits, as they involve a continuous series of movements, that makes you breathe deeper and heart rate increase. 

5- Enhances Lung Capacity:

Yoga includes deep breathing exercises, as well as poses that open the chest, which can help to increase lung capacity and improve overall breathing. 

6- Lowers Stress:

Yoga has been shown to lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress and anxiety, which helps in the long term in reducing the effects of mental and emotional stress on the body. 

7- Increases Muscle Tone:

Yoga poses such as plank or chaturanga can tone and strengthen the muscles, especially in the core and upper body. 

8- Improves digestion:

Certain yoga poses such as twists can help to massage the internal organs, which can improve digestion and eliminate toxins from the body. 

9- Improves Sleep:

Practicing yoga can help to relax the mind and reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve the quality of sleep. 

10- Improves Overall Well-Being:

Yoga is not only a physical practice but also a spiritual and mental one, by practicing yoga regularly, you can find peace of mind and balance in the body, which leads to overall well-being. 

It's important to note that these benefits can vary based on the type and frequency of yoga you practice, as well as your overall health and fitness level. It's always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any health conditions or injuries. 

 

Your Immune System May Improve If You Do Yoga Every Day 

 

Yes, there is some evidence to suggest that regular yoga practice may help to improve the function of the immune system. 

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from infection and disease. Stress, lack of physical activity, and poor diet can all have a negative impact on the immune system, making it less able to fight off illness and disease. 

Yoga, on the other hand, has been shown to have a positive impact on the immune system in a number of ways. By reducing stress levels, yoga can help to decrease the amount of the hormone cortisol in the body, which can suppress the immune system. Additionally, regular yoga practice may also increase the number of immune cells in the body, such as T-cells, which are important for fighting off infections. 

Yoga also improves your overall health and well-being, which in turn can positively impact the function of the immune system. However, it is important to note that it’s not a miracle cure for all illnesses. It is just a way to improve the overall function of the body, and it works best in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, and enough sleep. 

It's always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any health conditions or injuries. 

Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap and Yoga Blocks

 

Find Out What Type Of Yoga Is Best For You? 

There are many different types of yoga, each with its own focus and emphasis. Here are a few of the most popular styles and what they're best known for: 

1- Hatha yoga:

Hatha yoga is a general category that includes many different sub-styles of yoga. It is a slow-paced style of yoga that focuses on breath control and relaxation, making it a good choice for beginners. 

2- Vinyasa Yoga:

Vinyasa yoga, also known as flow yoga, is a more vigorous style of yoga that focuses on movement and breath. It typically includes a series of poses that are performed in sequence and synchronized with the breath. This style of yoga is good for people who are looking for a more active and aerobic workout. 

3- Iyengar Yoga:

Iyengar yoga is a style of yoga that emphasizes the correct alignment of the body in each pose. It's good for people who are looking to improve their balance and stability and great for those who are recovering from injuries. 

4- Ashtanga Yoga:

Ashtanga yoga is a fast-paced, physically demanding style of yoga that follows a set series of poses. It is good for people who are looking for a challenging workout, but this style is not recommended for beginners. 

5- Restorative Yoga:

Restorative yoga is a gentle style of yoga that emphasizes relaxation and rejuvenation. It uses props such as blankets and bolsters to help the body relax into each pose, making it a good option for people who are looking to reduce stress and promote healing. 

6- Bikram Yoga:

Bikram yoga is a style of hot yoga that is practiced in a room heated to 105°F (40.5°C) with a humidity of 40%. It consists of a set series of 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises, which is a good option for people who are looking to detoxify the body and improve their flexibility. 

It's important to note that it is not always necessary to commit to one particular style, you can try different styles, and pick the one that best suits your needs and preferences. It's a good idea to try a few different classes with different teachers to see which style and teacher you like best. And remember that you can always adapt the practice according to your own limits and body condition.