The Benefits of Yoga

Yoga aids you in awakening your inner body and enlivening your outer body! As you unburden your mind to give your complete attention to each pose, you stimulate your “inner body” awareness of the present moment. Consistent yoga practice fosters a healthy body through proper breathing for more oxygenation, greater flexibility for ease of motion, added muscle strength for confident movement, and perfect alignment for enhanced energy flow. The goal of yoga practice is to create a union between the body, mind and spirit.

You’ll need time and commitment, as well as a whole lot of patience, to master a yoga pose. Do not expect perfect poses in the beginning. But, slowly over time, as you practice and make an effort to perform each pose correctly, without pushing yourself too far physically or beating yourself up mentally, you will notice that you are developing flexibility, strength, and energy physically and feeling more peaceful and clear mentally.

Choose an uncluttered, graceful space for your practice area, preferably with a bare floor and an accessible wall. Remember to turn off your cell phone while practicing your yoga routines to avoid any distraction. Preferably, you should not eat for at least 2 hours before practicing. If this is not possible, then try to eat something light, such as a piece of fruit, but no more than 1 hour before you start your yoga practice.

Always be mindful with your movements, and if you encounter pain or discomfort as you undertake a pose, pause or stop, and then try again.

Yoga props and accessories, such as yoga mats, yoga bolsters, yoga straps, yoga blocks, yoga mat bags, and even a yoga towel are perfect for aiding you in moving deeper into a pose, in performing an impeccable pose, and in practicing in a healthful way.

Good reasons to consider using yoga props:

• Relieve pain and discomfort

• Prevent injury

• Release tension and provide support

• Encourage appropriate alignment

• Enhance movement

• Open up the joints

• Develop awareness and understanding

Yoga Blocks

Unfortunately, often before a beginner can start to know the benefits to mind and body that yoga supplies, discomfort in trying to do a few of the yoga poses will make them turn away from a beneficial yoga practice. Yoga blocks can assist anyone, but expressly novices, to feel more comfortable during yoga practice because yoga blocks help to improve alignment. For instance, when a standing pose includes one hand being on the floor, flexibility issues arise. For a novice, the floor can seem a long way down. A yoga block can supply the difference. Think of a yoga block as elongating your arm. While a newbie is in the process of developing flexibility, he or she will still be able to do the standing poses properly by positioning a hand on a block that’s been set appropriately on the floor. A yoga block is a wonderful transitional aid.  In addition, some sitting poses specifically require a yoga block.  A yoga block aids you in going a lot farther in your practice, and maybe even in your life. Who could ask for more from something so “square.”

Yoga blocks come in a fairly wide range of materials. To name a few: Foam blocks are durable and lightweight, an manageable add to your yoga mat bag! Wooden blocks are also lightweight and hollow, yet basically indestructible (even Fido would find one hard to destroy!). And, then there is the eco-friendly cork block.  An extra bonus is that the natural texture of the cork gives a little extra traction.

Yoga blocks are more often than not sold singly but, for adaptability, you’ll likely want to buy more than one.

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