The Benefits of Fitness Yoga

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Though many practitioners of yoga might claim it’s not exercise, if one identifies bodily exertion that develops strength and endurance then fitness yoga definitely fits that definition. Depending on class type and intensity level it could even qualify as aerobic or anaerobic workouts!

One study at Ball State University showed that 15 weeks of twice-weekly yoga classes increased lung capacity. Other research indicates improvements to balance, body composition and muscular strength/endurance.

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Improved Flexibility

Yoga can help increase flexibility by stretching major muscle groups – including those deep-seated stealth ones you might not even be aware of, such as psoas and piriformis). Yoga also increases range of motion so it becomes easier to move without strain.

Flexibility is one of the cornerstones of fitness; lacking it could result in injuries, chronic pain and decreased mobility.

Yoga poses can help improve your flexibility gradually over time, but in order to see results you must commit. A class taught by an experienced instructor may reduce injury risks. Also be sure to get enough rest each night so your body has all of its energy needs fulfilled by your efforts in yoga class.

Increased Strength

Yoga can build your strength by forcing you to support your weight in unfamiliar ways – for instance balancing on one leg or holding up arms during handstand poses. Many poses also require you to hold positions for long periods of time which helps develop muscle endurance.

Yoga practice differs according to your chosen form; classes focusing on relaxation and recovery may not raise your heart rate enough for aerobic fitness; other styles will provide more athletic benefits.

Studies published in 2001 compared the flexibility and balance of college athletes who practiced yoga regularly with those of nonyoga participants, and found that those practicing yoga outshone nonyogis in both flexibility and balance measurements. Researchers attribute this outperformance to yoga’s incorporation of many core training techniques that were also present in other forms of physical fitness programs.

Reduced Stress

Exercise of any sort releases feel-good endorphins and reduces stress, but fitness yoga offers unique physical and psychological health benefits.

At times, yoga requires physical exertion in the form of hot yoga sessions where poses are performed quickly to increase heart rate and burn calories; other styles emphasize restorative or hatha style classes for relaxation and healing purposes.

research indicates that low-intensity yoga can help ease stress. Researchers from the Beckman Institute found that an eight-week moderate intensity yoga program led to significant decreases in stress and anxiety for full-time working adults who reported these symptoms. And new formats like HIIT yoga combine traditional asanas with high intensity interval training for a complete mind and body workout; it has grown increasingly popular and can be found at select Crunch locations. Consistency is key when it comes to fitness yoga: participate 2-3 times each week!

Better Sleep

Sleep is essential to your physical and mental wellbeing. Poor quality rest can contribute to weight gain, depression, memory loss and immune suppression. Exercise has proven helpful in improving restfulness; yoga combines this form of fitness with mindful breathing practices and meditation techniques that promote better sleeping patterns.

Studies have demonstrated the benefits of adding yoga into your bedtime routine as a means of sleeping faster, easier, and for longer – as well as feeling more rested upon awakening.

Many experts advise against working out within two to three hours before planned bedtime, as doing so may increase core temperature and interfere with restful slumber. But some individuals have reported that time of day doesn’t make a difference in terms of their quality of sleep – exercising at any point throughout the day helps improve sleeping patterns at nighttime.