Who wouldn’t want to feel flexible and relaxed? That’s exactly what yoga can help you achieve. It’s a centuries-old practice that aims to bring wellness to both the mind and the body.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, you can benefit from adding sessions to your workout routine. The best thing about yoga is that you don’t really need tons of equipment to do it. You only need a comfortable mat and a few basics!
In this article, we’ll show you the benefits of yoga for flexibility and relaxation. We’ll also guide you through some poses that will help you find zen on the mat.
Yoga for flexibility
Flexibility and suppleness are essential to keep our joints, tendons, and muscles healthy. Regular yoga practice can help you improve your flexibility and mobility. The yoga stretches help to lengthen the muscles and decrease the stiffness in the joints.
Here are some yoga poses that you can do to increase your flexibility:
1. Downward Dog
This pose stretches your hamstrings, calves, and back. Begin on your hands and knees with hands aligned with the shoulders and knees under the hips. Then lift your hips up towards the ceiling, making an inverted V-shape with your body. Press your hands and feet into the mat, lengthening your spine and stretching your hamstrings.
2. Forward Fold
This pose stretches the hamstrings, hips, and lower back. Start with your feet hip-width apart, then hinge forward from your hips, keeping your spine long. Try to touch your toes or the mat with your fingertips.
3. Pigeon Pose
This pose stretches your hips, glutes, and lower back. Start in a downward dog pose, then bring your right knee forward towards your right hand, lower it to the mat, and stretch out your left leg behind you. Bring your hands to the mat and fold down to the floor. Repeat with the left leg forward.
Yoga for Relaxation
Yoga can also help you relax and find a sense of calm. Yoga poses can help you relieve stress and tension, which in turn, can improve your mental and emotional wellbeing. Practicing yoga regularly can help you enhance your sleep and improve your mood, too.
Here are some yoga poses that can help you relax:
1. Child’s Pose
This pose can help you relax your entire body. Start on all fours, then sit back on your heels with arms stretched out in front of you. Rest your forehead on the mat and breathe deeply.
2. Corpse Pose
This pose can help you rest and find a sense of calm. Lie down on your back with arms at your side, palms facing up. Relax your entire body and breathe deeply.
3. Legs up the Wall Pose
This pose can help reduce stress and tension in your legs while promoting relaxation. Sit with your back against the wall and your legs straight up against the wall. Relax and breathe deeply.
Conclusion
Yoga is a fantastic practice that can help you improve your flexibility, reduce stress and tension, and achieve a sense of calm in your daily life. If you’re a beginner, start with basic poses and work your way up to more advanced ones.
You can practice yoga in the comfort of your own home or attend a class at a studio. Either way, you’ll find that incorporating yoga into your workout routine will have a positive effect on your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
