Chances are you have walked by a yoga studio, boutique or stood behind someone with a yoga mat in hand while waiting in line for a latte at your local coffee shop. It seems everyone and their dog is doing downward facing dog. This ancient form of exercise is renowned for its numerous health benefits. Could one of these health benefits be the key to a longer life, less medications, or overall increased quality of life for you?
Yoga is a form of exercise that originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. According to Holistic Life Foundation Incorporated, yoga was initially introduced to the US by Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. Hatha Yoga was the most popularized form of yoga in the US and was still only on the fringe as far as a form of exercise- that is until the turn of 21st century when there was a spike in Americans practicing yoga from an estimated 6 million in 1994 to an estimated 18 million in 2000.
Many of these people are seeking the numerous health benefits that yoga provides. Undoubtedly people think of increased flexibility, and weight loss but yoga can also increases balance, improve concentration, boost digestion, regulate hormones and prevent incontinence. One Harvard study also found many psychological benefits to yoga such as anxiety reduction, lowered stress, enhanced mood and possible help for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
This year Colorado is hosting the prestigious Yoga Journal Conference in Estes Park. The Yoga Journal Conference attracts yoga students and teachers alike and has something for everyone from beginning to advanced practice. If you are looking for something more local yoga studios have become increasingly available throughout Arapahoe County. There are Core Power Yoga, Yoga Veda, and Kosha Yoga Center, and Motion on Mainstreet just to name a few. In addition it is strongly advised that you begin your yoga practice in the hands of a yoga teacher that can inform you of any modifications you should take as a newcomer to the practice or in the event of a previous injury or congenital issue.
If you are interested in learning more about the health benefits of yoga click SUBSCRIBE for an upcoming five part series on specific health topics and yoga.
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