10 of the Best Reasons to Start a Yoga Practice

Why yoga, I have asked myself that same question? First of all what full time nurse and Mom doesn’t need yoga these days? Second how did I ever live without it before. The answer to that is I have no clue! Yoga has not only helped me as a runner, but has personally transformed me. I am more focused and relaxed. There are so many benefits to starting a yoga practice, but here are a few top reasons to get you on your mat!

Yoga Can Be Done Anywhere

It’s an amazing workout that anyone can do. Yoga is a perfect form of exercise that you can literally take anywhere. Are you traveling? Last time I drove to Texas, I popped my yoga mat in my car. I did yoga each day of my vacation.

Don’t have time to attend an in person class? Many studios now offer online classes. My schedule is very busy and I live about 30 minutes from the nearest studio. I have found that virtual has become my go to. I love taking online classes at My Vinyasa Practice, which is where I completed my yoga teacher training. They have tons of variety from vinyasa to restorative. I like that I can try out a variety of different classes all in the comfort of my home!

Yoga Provides Increased Mobility and Flexibility

The more you practice yoga the more flexible you become. I sit all day at work, which equals tight hips. This affect my running gate and has lead to multiple running injuries through the years. To combat this, I started a regular yoga practice. In addition to practicing yoga at home, I will take a quick break at work sometimes to add a little more yoga to my day. Lucky for me my office has a door, so I can take a quick yoga break and move. I will do some forward bends, halfway lift and up to mountain pose just to get moving a little.

Yoga Decreases Stress

Numerous studies have shown that a regular yoga practice will help reduce stress. The mind body connection is real. This is not only my go to help with stress, but as a nurse yoga has kept me focused and present during a never ending pandemic. Yoga combines physical movement, breathing and meditation for the perfect combination thus reducing stress.

I never could find anything that would compare to a long run. The endorphins soaring is hard to beat. Then came yoga. After an hour of vinyasa you will leave feeling just as good if not better. Yoga is not only physically challenging, but provides you with a sense of inner peace that is hard to beat.

Yoga Helps You to Remain Present

With a multitude of electronic devices at the tips of our fingers, it’s challenging to stay in the moment and just be. Yoga helps you to be aware of what is happening now without judgement. It gives you time to let go of the past and just be in the moment.

Yoga Helps to Build Full Body Strength

Yoga poses builds strength in your whole body. This is especially helpful for runners. Poses like planks help with arm and shoulder strength, while strengthening your core. Yoga helps to build allover strength including the smaller supportive muscles. It helps with endurance as the poses are held longer. Yoga is a great start to the day as the movements not only help build strength and flexibility but provide you with a sense of calmness that will carry you through the day.

Reduces Your Risk of Injury

Yoga uses all muscle groups even some of the smaller supporting ones. With years of running and overuse, it is easy to get injured. This is a big reason why yoga makes for a great low impact form of cross training for runners. A regular yoga practice enhances strength and range of motion.

Regular yoga practice helps build balance thus reducing fall risk. Yoga works the entire body. For runners it is not just about running. To be an injury free runner you need overall strength, balance and flexibility.

Yoga Helps with Balance and Stability

Many simple yoga poses like planks help build core strength, which is needed to help you maintain balance while running down an uneven trail. Poses like tree pose help you not only with leg strength but focus on balance and stability.

Yoga helps you to keep a steady focus by using a drishti to allow your mind to focus concentration. By utilizing this during yoga practice you can focus and improve on balance poses.

Yoga Improves Your Posture

Do you sit all day at work hunched over your desk? Regular yoga practice will help with that. Poses like cobra help strengthen and open your back. Back bends like camel open up your shoulders.

Yoga helps to strengthen your core and back muscles. This keeps your body standing tall and in better alignment.

Yoga Helps You Sleep Better

Studies have shown that a consistent yoga practice will help you sleep better. Yoga helps with overall feelings of wellness and decreased stress. Yoga has been shown to help prevent and stop insomnia. Who doesn’t need better quality sleep?

Yoga Can Help Relieve Chronic Pain

Yoga is not just about physical movement. Studies have shown that a consistent yoga practice will help improve pain tolerance. With practice you can become. Relaxation can help with your response to stress. Pain is a stressor response. By implementing yoga, you can train you mind to apply relaxation and healing in response to pain thus reducing pain.

The benefits of yoga are endless. One of the most important benefits is the change you find with yourself and an overall improved quality of life.