6 Benefits of Yoga for Men & Women

If you haven’t already tried yoga perhaps it’s time to start! Absolutely everyone can (and should) try yoga. Our guest contributor Anne Bridges chatted with the experts at Jivamukti Yoga London to find out six of the massive health and wellness benefits of yoga for men and women below!

by Anne Bridges

#1. It’s a Workout

Yoga is a form of exercise, and particularly the faster flowing yoga techniques can leave you catching your breath by the end of a session. But cardio isn’t the be all and end all – remember you’re not going to feel like you’ve been on a 10k run when you’ve finished. Yoga is brilliant for toning your muscles as you hold postures in positions that your body probably isn’t used to.

#2. Encourages Healthy Weight Loss

You’ll naturally lose weight when you start yoga, simply because you’ve taken up a new exercise. But also, you’ll find you’ll start eating more mindfully as you get used to the meditative practice of yoga. Being aware of the present will lead you to focus on each food and avoid mindlessly eating your meals – especially post-workout when you’re most hungry.

#3. Aids in Digestion

Yoga is fantastic for working your internal organs as well as your muscles. Specifically, twists are designed to massage your digestive system. Couple this with the healthy diet yogis advise you to follow, such as high-fiber and lots of vegetables, and you’re guaranteed to get that food moving along.

#4. Boosts Immunity

Your immune system also benefits from yoga. Yoga has been found to boost immunity at a cellular level through changes in gene expression.

#5. Boosts Your Brain Power

Yoga and meditation go hand in hand, so the benefits of quietening your mind and giving you head space that are associated with meditation and applies to yoga too. This head space increases your ability to think creatively and solve problems, plus it gives you energy.

#6. Reduces Stress

And on a physical level, yoga helps to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. So, not only do you feel more relaxed, but your body’s reactions to stress, like increased blood pressure and lower immunity, will decrease.

If you’re in the London area, stop by Jivamukti Yoga London and start enjoying the benefits of yoga practice today!