Are you making New Year’s resolutions this year? If so, trying yoga or getting back to your mat if it’s been a while certainly deserves a spot on your list.
While many people put generic goals like “getting fit” or “losing weight” on their list of resolutions, yoga is different. It’s much more than just a workout, and the benefits go far beyond getting fit.
Keep reading to learn 7 reasons why you should try yoga in 2022, then book your next class at Sun Rock Yoga Studio and start your new year off on the right foot!
1. Anyone Can Do Yoga
Perhaps one of the best reasons why everyone should give yoga a try is that it’s accessible to everyone. Thanks to the wide range of styles of yoga and poses, it can be easily modified to account for physical limitations. Beginners can reap the benefits of poses that stretch and strengthen their muscles, even if they can’t do the same poses that an experienced yogi does just yet.
If you’re new to yoga, it’s a good idea to plan to take a class rather than trying to learn on your own. In a structured class, an experienced instructor will help you perfect your poses and attempt new ones safely, to avoid injuring yourself.
At Sun Rock Yoga, we believe that Yoga is for Every Body. Our experienced instructors ensure that every student gets personalized help with their practice, regardless of their experience level.
2. It’s a Low Impact Way to Get Your Sweat On
If one of your other New Year’s resolutions is to get in shape or tone your body, you’re likely looking for the right workouts. While running or even jogging on a treadmill might be a good way to get your heart rate up, these high-impact workouts can put added stress on your joints and muscles. If you already suffer from pain in your knees or joints or want to mix in some low-impact workouts to give your body a break, yoga is a great choice.
While some yoga practices are slow and relaxing, others are designed to work your muscles and get your heart rate up. For a great workout, try a Power Yoga class. Our Mat Pilates and Barre classes are also great for toning your muscles and helping you get a workout without having to pound the pavement.
3. Yoga is the Ultimate Stress Reliever
Yoga is designed to help you release both physical and mental barriers. As you move through various poses, you’ll be relieving tight, sore muscles. Breathing in and out and focusing on your body and its movements will also help you to release emotional blocks and relieve tension.
This adds up to less stress. Squeeze in a few quick poses on your lunch break, or set aside time for an early morning or late afternoon class to start your day on the right foot or let go of any pent-up stress from your day.
4. You’ll Sleep Better
Another side effect of less stress and more exercise is better sleep. In one study by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, over half of participants reported that regular yoga practice helped them to achieve better sleep. With regular practice, you’ll fall asleep more easily and enjoy more restorative sleep.
5. Your Concentration Will Improve
If you ever find yourself struggling to stay concentrated at work or motivated to finish projects that you start at home, yoga may be able to help. Researchers at the University of Illinois found that 8 weeks of yoga helped elderly individuals improve their cognitive functions. After those 8 weeks, participants were able to score higher on tests that were designed to simulate everyday tasks that they might complete.
This benefit isn’t reserved for the elderly. During a yoga class, you’ll stay focused on your breathing and movements while letting go of stress and tension. This focus will linger after your daily practice is over, and, over time, you’ll no doubt notice that you have more focus than you did before.
6. Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety May Lessen
The many mental and emotional benefits of yoga may have another healthy effect; fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. Less stress, more relaxation, more focus, and a reduction in tension may have a positive impact on individuals suffering from anxiety and depression.
While yoga shouldn’t replace talking to a doctor about any symptoms of mental illness that you may be experiencing, it can be a great addition to other treatments for these and other conditions.
7. You’ll Reap Other Health Benefits
While many of the benefits of yoga are mental, there are other physical benefits beyond just getting in shape. Yoga has been proven to provide relief for back pain. It may help to ease arthritis symptoms in your joints. There’s even a proven connection between yoga and a healthier heart.
Other health benefits of yoga include:
- Less inflammation
- A reduction in chronic pain
- Better breathing, including improved lung function in individuals suffering from asthma
- More mindful eating
- A healthier body image
Try Yoga for Yourself at Sun Rock Yoga Studio
Whether you plan to dive in and start practicing yoga daily or add a practice or two to your weekly schedule, there are a number of healthy mental and physical benefits you’ll reap as a result. Besides feeling better in your own skin, you’ll sleep better, have less stress and anxiety, and enjoy more concentration. There are also long-lasting health benefits, like improved cardiovascular health, lung function, and relief from depression symptoms.
Nearly two-thirds of people give up on their New Year’s resolutions before January is over. Yoga is one resolution that’s easy to keep. After just a class or two, you’ll feel the benefits for yourself. Stick with your practice, and you’ll be amazed at the difference you feel.
Ready to try yoga for yourself? TrySun Rock Yoga Studio! Check out our class schedule to find the right option for you, and book today to start off your New Year with a healthy resolution your future self will thank you for!