A Gentle Journey into Wellbeing
Hello, fitness friends! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you feel like a pretzel trying to tie your shoes, or a time or two you may have wobbled while standing on one leg (and who hasn’t?). The good news is yoga can support you in your journey to be more flexibility and balance! Also, I’m here to explain why this practice isn’t just about posing and can have real bodily and mental changes!
Why Flexibility and Balance are Important
Let’s take a brief detour and talk about the importance of flexibility and balance, not just for yogis, but for everybody. Flexibility increases your range of motion so that whether you are simply reaching for that last slice of pizza or moving through life, those movements are going to feel so much easier. When you’re flexible, all of the muscles in your body are working together, decreasing the chances of injury.
Now let’s talk about balance. And before you say you have good balance because you were able to impress your friends and stand on one foot at a picnic last month, no, having good balance is more about your stability and coordination through the course of your life—from childhood through your later years. This means having good balance while you are on the stairs, walking on uneven terrains, or noticing how your balance impacts chasing down your children (or grandchildren)!
Yoga: Your Next New Best Friend
Now, let’s get into the ways yoga will add a little magic dust to your flexibility and balance. Yoga is not just a series of poses—it’s a experience that brings together the body, mind, and spirit! And it’s made for everyone whether you’re a lifelong yogi, or someone who has never considered setting foot on a mat!
1. Flexibility: The Essence of Yoga
If your body is stiff (you can thank your desk job later!), yoga will help to gently lengthen your muscles. Poses like Downward Dog and Pigeon pose are great for relieving stiffness in the hamstrings and hips. I can remember the first time I did Pigeon pose; I thought I was going to somehow pull every muscle in my body, but after a few good tries, I not only felt like a new version of my flexible self, but I could finally sit cross legged instead of feeling like rubber band man!
2. Balance: Finding Your Center
And remember, balance. Ever try Tree Pose? It can feel like you’re walking a tightrope, but it’s a great way to build strength and stability. Just take your time; begin by pressing your foot into your inner thigh and find a steady gaze at a fixed point (this truly helps!). And I guarantee that whatever time you hold that position without falling, you will have a huge smile on your face -you might even hear the imaginary clapping sounds in your head!
Why You Should Give it a Try
Here a few reasons why you should roll out that yoga mat:
- Stress Relief: Yoga supports mindfulness and breath work. Mindful breathing not only eases your mind, but also creates space for better awareness of your body. It’s like a mini-vacay for your brain!
- Community and Camaraderie: Being part of a yoga class or community can connect you with other like-minded people. No matter if you’re in a tiny studio with two other classmates or 30 people in a larger class, there is something to be said for laughing (and possibly falling over a bit!) with others!
- Adaptability: No matter your age or fitness level, there is a type of yoga that will meet your needs. From Yin yoga (a gentle yoga practice) to a challenging Vinyasa flow, you can find the practice that is in your best interest.
Getting Started: Recommendations to Get You Started
Are you ready to get your feet wet in the beautiful waters of yoga? Here are my recommendations yoga for flexibility and balance tips to get you up and running:
- Be Kind to Yourself: It is easy to want to go beyond your limits, but remember— it takes time to build flexibility and balance. Recognize your progress no matter how small!
- Find Your Rhythm: Try out different styles of yoga and see what works best for you. You might feel like Hatha yoga makes you feel calm and eased, while Ashtanga yoga pushes your body. Listen to your body!
- Use Props: Use blocks or straps. Do not be afraid to use them. These props can help and offer the additional support you need to reach your goals. Use your props freely.
- Be Consistent: See if you can get in for a few sessions each week, try to set aside 10-15, i.e. a little each week can = a lot. That’s the beauty of hitting the mat and doing some yoga, little moments can add to big moments!
Final Thoughts
That’s all there is to it! If you’re going to embark on a yoga journey to help you reach flexibility and balance, it does not take special equipment or correct poses, it is about enjoy the movement and listening to your body; embracing the process. So roll that mat out, breathe and enjoy the journey! Who knows, you just might surprise yourself with what you can do!
Namaste my friends!
Know more about Yoga and Flexibility :- Finding Flexibility: Before and After Your Yoga Practice