Benefits Yoga

Why Yoga Exercise is Good for You

Yoga books tell us that Yoga as we all know is the goal of uniting the mind, body and spirit. Yogis view that the mind and the body are one and that if given the right yoga kit and tools and in the right environment, it can find harmony and heal itself. Yoga is therefore considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment. This is one of the main reasons why people want to start practicing yoga to feel fitter, more energetic, happier and peaceful.

Yoga is a science that has been practiced for thousands of years. It consists of ancient theories, observations and principles about the mind and body connection which is now proven by modern medicine. Extensive research was conducted to look at the health benefits of yoga, the yoga postures (asanas), yogic breathing (pranayama) and meditation. The information on Yoga Poses & Benefits are grouped into three categories physiological, psychological, biochemical effects. In addition scientists have laid these results against the benefits of regular exercise.

Physiological Benefits of Yoga

Stable autonomic nervous system equilibrium

Pulse rate drops

Respiratory rate decreases

Blood pressure decreases (of special significance for hyporeactors)

Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) increases

EEG alpha waves increase (theta, delta and beta waves also increase during various stages of meditation)

EMG activity decreases

Cardiovascular efficiency increases

Respiratory efficiency increases

Gastrointestinal function normalizes

Normal endocrine function

Excretory functions improve

Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase

Breath holding time increases

Increase joint mobility

Grip strength increases

Eye hand coordination improves

improve skill

Reaction time improves

Improves posture

Strength and elasticity increase

Endurance increases

Energy level increases

weight normalized

sleep improves

increased immunity

reduces pain

improved steadily

Improved depth perception

balance improves

Integrated function of body parts improves

Biochemical Benefits of Yoga

reduced glucose

Sodium falls

Total cholesterol decreases

triglycerides decline

HDL cholesterol increases

LDL cholesterol lowering

VLDL cholesterol lowering

cholinesterase increases

catecholamines decrease

increased ATPase

hematocrit rises

hemoglobin increased

Lymphocyte count increased

Total number of white blood cells decreases

thyroxine increases

Increasing vitamin C

Total serum protein increases

Yoga Health Benefits versus Exercise Benefits

parasympathetic nervous system dominates

Subcortical regions of the brain dominate

Slow dynamic and static movements

Normalization of muscle tone

Low risk of injury muscles and ligaments

Low caloric intake

Effort is minimized, relaxed

Energizing (breathing natural or controlled)

Balanced activity of opposing muscle groups

Competitive, process oriented

Awareness is internal (focus is on breath and the infinite)

Limitless possibilities for growth in self-awareness

Exercise Benefits

Sympathetic nervous system dominates

Cortical regions of the brain dominate

Rapid forceful movements

Increased muscle tension

Higher risk of injury

Moderate to high caloric intake

Effort is maximized

Tiring (breathing is taxed)

Imbalance activity of opposing groups

Competitive goal-oriented,

Awareness is external (focus is on reaching the toes, reaching the finish line etc.)

Boredom factors